Are we having fun yet?  This was the question posed to John as we headed up the Elkhorn trail in search of the elusive big bull elk. But of course we were. It is always a fun time at elk camp. Traipsing all over the mtns, riding horse and hiking in Montana is an experience that can’t be beat. The days can change from snowstorms that make hunting very difficult to a blue bird day with mild temps.

We also experienced days were it was -20 when we hit the trail in the dark of the morning. This picture shows John on a high ridge overlook glassing for elk. Those clear cold days are just breathtakingly beautiful.

The wolves have taken a heavy toll on the elk that move through and live in the Gallatin. We’ve hunted this area for many years and have witnessed the decline in elk population. There does seem to be some stabilization taking place now though. Wolf numbers are now being addressed and hopefully will become controlled.

We only havested one elk this trip. It was a nice little 5×5 brush head that Jeff found. Of course every elk hunter knows the work really starts after the shot, as this picture depicts.Every big game hunter should take the opportunity to go on a back country elk hunt at some time. It’s not about killing an elk, it’s more about enduring the elements in beautiful scenery with the comradery of hunting buddies. It’s about being alone at times, just you and your horse on top of a mtn, and having a 5+ mile ride back after dark. Experiences like this make the thrill of chasing the elusive elk, harvesting one is just the cherry on top.

We’ve returned to Teakettle Mtn. now that harvest and fieldwork is over back in North Dakota. The horses love getting back to their pasture on the mountain. We purchased another big sorrel gelding late last summer and were supposed to pick him up the first week of November. He was a beautiful horse with a great temperment. Unfortunately he had a bad accident and broke a hind leg prior to us taking possession. We worked with the sellers as they wanted to try to replace Big Red for us. We first tried a big grulla gelding we called Shadow Shadow had a super nice build, but he was a very timid spooky horse. The type of riding we do in the mtns. requires a confident stable horse and we just didn’t feel he would work out. So we traded him for a super pretty little bay that is the total opposite. We call him BanjoWe have had rain and snow to beautiful sunshine days the last couple weeks. Working the horses has been the main focus because they will be heading to elk camp next week. Connie has also been able to ride a little bit again after her back surgery. It definately helps lift her spirits when she climbed back in the saddleTanner is the leader of our herd. He has matured into a very special guy that is just a joy to be around. Looking forward to elk hunting with this big boy.