The pursuit of one of our most alluring animals, the rocky mountain elk, has always thrilled me. This years hunt was extra special because it was the first year I packed in a spike camp to base my hunt from. Usually we rent a cabin from a ranch at the trailhead, which works great, but involves a early morning ride in the dark and a late night ride out each day. Setting up a camp is a lot of work, but allows you to start hunting right away and avoid the 3:30 alarm. 

Unfortunately the evening after setting up camp, I was riding out with the pack horses and stopped at a nice area to sit and watch for elk moving. A nice 6×6 bull stepped out and my hunt was over – that quick! 

One of my hunting partners wanted to experience camp for his hunt so we did still use it for a couple of days, but he was forced to leave for work. I ended up packing camp out shortly after.

Great horses make this kind of trip go smooth and easy.

Other members of our hunting party had yet to harvest a bull so I enjoyed days of riding the mountains and seeing the country. 

Lots of snow up Buffalo Horn this year, and beautiful views from Blizzard ridge

I always say harvesting an elk is just the bonus to a hunt like this. The  main reason for going is to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of these magnificent mountains. They do not disappoint.