Here's the only thing that was killed on this morning's elk hunt. Easy to sneak up on, but not much good eating.
I made this shot at 30 yards. I can only practice instinctive shooting out to 20, but I figured out that my bow is point on at 30 yards. So that expands my range a bit.
Elk hunting in a boot cast is not for the faint of heart. (I've been in a cast for over a month for tendonitis of the foot, or something like that)
I did call in a bull today, which was exciting. I heard a bugle a ways off, and responded with "Hey, big boy, looking for some company?" or squeaks to that effect. About 20 minutes later I smelled elk and heard a couple branches breaking. By then it was getting hot and the wind was swirly, and I think he caught my scent. Never saw him but it's good to know he was there. My buddy, the member of our party who can walk like a normal person, get into a couple of them too, and found lots of fresh beds and other sign. They're in here! We just need to weather to cool down enough that they'll quit being nocturnal. Our local elk really don't like hot weather.
One cool thing about sitting tight instead of covering country is the bird watching. Today I enjoyed the company of some Clark's Nutcrackers (really obnoxious but amusing birds), red-breasted nuthatches, some sort of yellow flycatcher, and mountain chickadees, which are among my favorite birds. They are fun to hang out with--tiny, fearless, ready-for-anything attitude. And their little CHEESE-burger call is adorable.
I'm bummed about not being able to cover country and explore, but sure am thankful that I'm able to get out at all. Just a warning: If I kill an elk while wearing a foot cast, I plan on bragging. Quite a lot.
