Epic Week One of the 2020 Gun Season

 

For so many years, I've heard elk hunters complain about the temps being too high and no snow during the gun season that makes it hard to find elk. They get pushed up into the high country and don't come back down until the snow flies and they have to find food. Well...

Thursday evening, just a couple days before the opener, Mother Nature decided she'd give the hunters what they have always been asking for. It dumped about a foot of snow in the Helena Valley and at least twice that much in the surrounding mountains. Because of that, elk came down and couldn't head for the hills once those dedicated hunters went after them. It wasn't easy but definitely worth the effort. 

Barret, my buddy from Milwaukee and I headed out on Saturday around noon. It took that long to get my truck shoveled out and loaded up. The original plan was to head into an area that has an elevation of around 7,200 feet. That wasn't going to happen so we called an audible, guessing elk would be coming out of the mountains fast. On our way to plan B, we spotted about 100 elk, with 5 or 6 legal bulls out in the flats. We weren't the only ones. Three game wardens and about a dozen trucks were watching those elk as well. 

We talked to one of the wardens who informed us that those elk had come down from the side of the road we could hunt and that she suspected  they would head back soon. We didn't want to be any part of the blood bath so we headed into the area I was hoping to be able to get into. That area is known for being a good place for elk to hang out and feed once the snow flies. It didn't disappoint. 

We were only about a quarter of a mile from the trail head when we spotted three elk crest a ridge, coming out into the park. One was a bull. We looked hard for brow-tines, as that's the tag Barret holds but unfortunately--just a rag-horn and not legal. The focus turned to the cows. I do have a cow tag for that area. 

I got set up on a good rest and at 277 yards, thought it was well within my range. I blew it. I knocked a little hair off her and a couple drops of blood but not enough to get the job done. We tracked her for a couple miles before she crossed a creek, jumped a barbed wire fence without touching it, and headed up the next mountain. She'll be fine. Good for her, bummer for us.

Fortunately, I loaded up the tow-strap, come-along, chainsaw, and chains. This was us trying to get closer to where the elk ran to after the shot. I probably should have put the chains on sooner. 

This snow is certainly a pain in the butt. It makes hiking harder, driving harder, and even just getting motivated to pack up everything you might need and getting out there harder. It was Barret's first elk hunting trip. He's never really had to hike in the mountains and his first experience is this? Well, that's elk hunting in Montana and Barret was a trooper. 

We went back in on day two and saw another group of elk in that same spot as the day before. Unfortunately, we were on our way out when we spotted them and shooting hours had expired a few minutes before. We also saw elk tracks crossing through this area just about everywhere including on top of our tracks we left on the way in. The thing about the weather is yes, it is a pain in the butt and it limits the areas you can hunt but it also concentrates animals in places they might not be, early in the season. And listen; you don't have to be one of those hunters that drives around looking to coral a group of elk into an area where they are trapped either. That's the dirty part of hunting that has given hunters a bad name. 

Day three was an epic hike up the ridge to where we were spotting elk the first two days with no luck. Thirty mile an hour winds didn't help. 

Day three was a light day with us driving around and glassing an alternate area. Again, snow drifting definitely limited our access into some spots but we did see some sign of elk and thought we could put together a good plan for the next day. 

Incidentally, we were glassing a few elk in a piece of public land near town and almost decided to go in after them. We watched a nice bull with a couple cows side-hilling across a ridge about a mile away. We then watched as someone shot that bull. Congrats to whomever the hunter was. 

The older I get, the less I want to get up at 5 am to get all dressed up to go out into the cold and hike. I'm not gonna lie. But the elk are there and you just gotta get after them. The reality is, we're not the only ones chasing elk; and during the rifle season, you have to put yourself in a position to get lucky. People are pushing animals around and they are moving because of the weather and you ain't shooting nothin sitting on your couch. 

We hiked about five miles on day 4 before we saw a small group of elk in a park. Actually, I had dropped Barret off on a ridge and I took a little walk and located them. I grabbed Barret but by the time we got back to the ridge to were we could see them, they had fed off the park, into the timber. Had they still been in the park, they would have been about 900 yards out anyway, so we decided to go back to the truck and make a plan. 

We grabbed some food and water and drove the truck to a better access point, closer to the elk before heading back in. This never works for me, by the way. By the time you get to where they were, they are usually a drainage or two over. This day? This day was different. 

With a wind that was actually cooperating for once and soft, melting snow; we were able to locate the their beds and could tell they had just gotten up and were heading back out to the park. We put a sneak on them, not knowing how far they had gotten or if we may have even pushed them out of the area all together. 

Through the timber, I saw movement.

"Stop, stop, stop," I whispered back to Barret and grabbed my cow call. With a couple me'ews, they all stopped. 

I was able to get a good look at one of them and since I had the cow tag, I had to decide whether to take the shot or wait to see if there was a legal bull in the group.

Barret and I had already established that we wanted elk meat regardless of who shot it or what it was as long as it was legal, of course. The cow was 75 yards out and I had a clear shot through the trees. I put the .270 on my shoulder and locked in on her with the crosshairs just behind the front shoulder and squeezed. 

Chaos ensued as elk busted out of the timber and quickly got out of sight. Most took off to the right and side-hilled their way across the park. A couple turned and ran straight down-hill. I assumed the cow I was shooting at took off across the park. We followed the tracks and no blood. 

"Did I fricken miss, again?!!" That's all I could think.

 I was pissed but I also remembered seeing at least one elk heading down-hill so we went back to where they were standing when I shot and started following a set. Still no blood. 

We followed the tracks for about 30 yards before looking down to the cow piled up just another 50 yards away. The photo above shows the relief on my face knowing I wasn't going to have to make good on my internal threats to give up hunting all together. 

Just as a technical note, the .270 gets some flack for being too fast and too small to open up a big enough wound to produce a blood trail. I went to heavier rounds with a little more impact to get the job done. The first elk I shot at made me question whether I should move up to a bigger gun. The reality is, you just have to hit them in the right spot. 

I shot this elk just behind the front shoulder. The bullet went through both lungs. The reason we didn't find a blood trail right away is because I didn't take the time to go to the actual place where this cow was standing before following tracks. Had we done that, we would have seen blood immediately and would have found her piled up in just a few seconds. The .270 is fine.

The cow was a mile from the truck. It's a big, adult cow and I'm sure, if you've ever been hunting elk or read about it, you've either experienced or heard stories of epic pack-outs. Elk are big. This was not one of those pack-outs. 

We dragged the cow to a spot were she wouldn't slide down the hill and gutted her out. We then slid her the rest of the way down the hill to a road that had the perfect amount of ice and snow to drag a sled over. We were able to load her on the sled whole and because it was pretty much down-hill the entire way, easily slid her down to the truck--most of the way, with just one of us pulling. Truly the easiest pack-out I think I've ever had. Don't worry, Barret, we'll get you your bull and then you'll see an epic pack-out. 

Keep 'em where they live, don't forget to vote, and wear the damn mask!

Winter Weather in October

 

The bad news is all my trips for the remainder of the year got canceled due to the weather. If it's it's not Covid is Mother Nature. The good news is all this weather is making the hunting pretty damn amazing. So screw it. No point in fighting it. Let's grab the guns.

I was getting ready for the up-coming rifle season yesterday and noticed Cutter. He looked bored as hell and I was feeling a bit guilty. The front was moving in and there were a few snow-flakes already so I grabbed the old Remington 870, a bag of decoys and we jumped in the truck and headed to the river. 

I wasn't completely sold on the idea that there would be a bunch of ducks coming down already so I had a plan B, which was to hunt upland birds on the Hutterite colony near Cascade. If we didn't see birds on the river, we could call a quick audible and try to find some roosters. There were birds. Tons of birds so we chucked out a few decoys and shot a limit in about 2 hours. 

What kind of ducks, you might ask? I shot green and blue wing teal, gadwalls, a red head, a spoon bill, and a widgeon. Truly a mixed bag and although I saw a few mallards, they are far from making their way down yet. I also saw tons of Canada geese and the first wave of snows. We usually don't see snow geese until a couple weeks into November. 

Tomorrow is the first day of the gun season for big game out here. A buddy is suppose to get here tonight but with the weather, that may or may not happen. We will be hitting the mountains hard the next week or so. It should be a lot of fun with the cold and snow. You really couldn't ask for better weather for hunting. I'm hoping to make up for a pretty abysmal archery season.

Keep 'em where they live... 

Fort Ja Badanie--One Year Anniversary

Winter came this weekend out here in Montana. I still had a couple brave souls that wanted to fish so we did. It wasn't great but good enough. Cole and Brian were troopers and a ton of fun. Thanks for sticking it out boys. I have one more trip on the books but I'm holding out for  a few more. 

This weekend also was my one-year anniversary of being in the Fort! I posted this video on Facebook and had a lot of response to how much work I've done and I got to be honest, I'm pretty proud of it. It's not done but it is home and Cutter and I have a comfortable place to hang out and get warm after a day out on the water. Check out the video and tell me what you think. 

Here's a rundown of what all I've done so far:

Gutted and rebuilt the entire kitchen and bathroom including floor-joists, ceilings and walls. 

All brand new appliances including replacing the electric range with gas.

Added a laundry facility with washer and dryer.

Remodeled the bedroom, including patching walls, refurbishing original hardwood floors, and wainscoting.

Barn doors.

Fixed the wall around the bay window and re-built the shelf using reclaimed blue-pine.

100% new plumbing. (Contracted out.)

About 60% brand new wiring. (Contracted out.)

Brand new mini-split heat pump for heating and cooling. (Contracted out.)

New windows.

New patio with railroad tie wall. 

Killed off and replanted the entire back yard with grass.

Tore our countless trees.

Fire pit.

Horseshoe pits.

Flower beds.

New steps and re-furbished the floors in the porch, new pine trim, and painted.

New lights outside of porches. 

New ceiling fan in living room.

Painted outside trim and shutters.

Painted the front door orange.

I paid $60,000 for this house. My best estimate on how much I've put into it is right around $28,000. It's not done. There are still the unfinished floors in the work area and living room as well as the ceilings in both rooms and trim but I feel like this place is getting there.

A big decision I had to make was on the heating system. To install a forced air gas furnace would have been close to $8,000. I would have had to run ducts and air returns and I would have had to spend another grand or so on A/C. Seems like a lot but maybe worth it.

Another option was to have two Rinnai gas heaters that would have cost about $3,800. The problem is, no A/C options and the resell value wouldn't be very good. 

My heating guy suggested a mini-split heat pump. They heat in the winter and cool in the summer and they are super efficient for $4,750. The problem is they have to work very hard when the outside temps are below -13 degrees, which means the electrical bill will suffer during that time. They also don't run through ducts so my concern was that the entire house wouldn't get heat. I went with it anyway.

In the short time I've been using the heat pump, here's what I'm finding. With the combination of the new windows, the heat pump does really well. The outside temps have been in the twenties for the past few days and this place is nice and cozy and even in the back laundry room, it's fine. In fact, as you can see with the icicles hanging off the antlers in the above pic, I'm probably losing a ton of heat out the roof. That will also need to be addressed. I do need a new roof and will add insulation at that time. For now though, it's going to be WAY more efficient and cheaper than last year when all I had were single-pane windows and electric wall heaters. 

I'm not even going to guess what this house is worth now. I couldn't sell it yet, as it is so there's no point in speculating. What I will say is that I'm happy with the risk I took, especially in this year of Covid. I could still be paying rent in Helena at $1300 a month. 

There are a few people for who I owe a great deal of gratitude. The biggest thank you goes to Dan Antonia. This dude loaded me up with tools and helped with reframing floors and was a complete Godsend. I still owe him a few days on the river for all his help outside of the plumbing I paid him for. 

A big thanks to Paul Jenkins too for hooking me up with Dan and for coming out to look at the place before I signed the papers.

Amy Omang and Mark Stahly for finding me the house and working with the bank to make it happen so quickly.

Jeff Boyer from First Community Bank for working overtime to close on the house so quickly and for figuring our how to finance it giving my self-employment situation. 

Lewis and Clark Brewery and their patrons. Seriously. All the construction dudes that hang out there and gave me a ton of advise; it was gold. 

Ten Mile Creek and Blackfoot Breweries for the times I needed to get away from the construction guys...

Geoffrey Wyatt and Donny Keeton, AKA Donny Love for some muscle. 

I also want to thank Russ from Superior Heating and Cooling, Jim from Capital City Granite, Dallas from Pella Windows, and Zach and Anthony from Integrity Electric for getting me on the books short notice. 

 Also to my neighbor, Teddy, for helping with painting and picking out some colors. And for listening to me bitch while painting. I hate painting. Actually, all my neighbors that stopped by to thank me for all the work. Thanks for the support!

And thanks Cutter for providing a nudge with a wet nose when I throw f-bombs. That alone probably saved me a few hammers going through the walls. As a reward, you get to get out hunting ducks this year way more than we did last year. It's time to have some fun, Cutter. 

Keep 'em where they live and put on a damn mask!

Decoy and the Antelope

 

Earlier this season, I tried decoying antelope with almost zero success. The bucks weren't in rut yet and the goats were skittish, to say the least. The closest I got to a group of young bucks was about 120 yards, so my decoy turned into yard art...

While driving out to one of my elk hunting spots last week, I spotted a young antelope buck with a doe out on the edge of a sage flat. I thought that maybe I could sneak up to them and get a shot. I was able to get to about 70 yards before they bolted but they didn't go far. In fact, they turned back and looked at me with the curiosity these animals often display when they can't really figure out what you are. 

As an experiment, I turned my camo buff inside out so that the lighter color was showing and waved. The goats started walking towards me until again, they were about 80 yards and hung up. That got me thinking that maybe I should try the decoy again. 

I did go out there the next day with the decoy. This time there were about eight does with a more mature buck. I hid behind the decoy and walked straight towards the antelope and they didn't spook. In fact, I was able to get set up and the walked towards me to about 65 yards. I did get a shot but missed low by a couple inches. I'd say that was a success to get that close. 

I noticed the antelope were talking quite a bit so I went back to the house and did a little research on calls. I watched a couple videos and mimicked what the guy was doing in the video and went back to the well. (Back to the sage flat.) Those antelope wanted absolutely nothing to do with the call. I tried again on another group with the same result. 

Here's my conclusion. The right antelope will come to a decoy at the right time of the year when the bucks are trying to herd the does up. A young buck is much easier to decoy in than a mature one. Go figure...But still, getting close enough to get a shot with a bow is about a 10% proposition and if the animals you are going after have had any pressure, forget it.

As for the call...I'll try it again but I've had zero success with it and zero confidence. 

And the bottom line? I think decoys would work exceptionally well to get into rifle range as I've been able to get within 120 yards of numerous groups but here's the deal; there are a lot of people chasing these goats around during the rifle season and I'm not sure it's the safest thing to be hiding behind a decoy when shot are being fired. 

Keep 'em where they live and just put on the damn mask!

Come Prepared

I have a buddy coming out to do some hunting in a few weeks. He lives in Milwaukee and I doubt he's hiked through anything like this! Ha, ha, ha! You had better been getting in shape, Barrett. I'm going to work you.

The hunting has been tough. Elk aren't talking. Temps are too high. Winds are blowing 30 mph and swirling around so you can never get the advantage of being down wind from them. It's been kind of a bummer. But I keep getting out there just in case. One thing is for sure; you can't shoot one sitting on the couch but I'm starting to look forward to gun season and having a hunting partner. 

Never having been hunting out here in Montana, I figured I'd make a list for my buddy and I'll share that with you. Here's what you need to bring if you're going to make the most of your hunt and this takes into account that in a week-long period, there's a good chance you get weather ranging from dry and 65 degrees to 10 degrees and snowing like a mutha. 

Take care of your feet! Bring a couple pairs of boots. One that is lighter for hiking and one pair that is burly enough to handle snow. Both need to be water proof. DON'T skimp on your boots. And regardless of what boot you buy, I'd definitely pull out the insoles and get fitted for insoles that are right for you. 

Socks. Have a few pairs of good, thin, wicking socks and then wool socks on top. Bring wool socks for each boot. A couple pairs should be lighter, hiking socks and then some thicker socks to wear with your snow boots. 

Gaiters. They will help keep you dry while crossing creeks or bogs, in snow and keep the burs out.

Base layers. Don't skimp on the base. Make sure your first layer is of good wicking material. Breaking a sweat early in the morning sucks. Your base should be light enough to be able to get down to that layer and not sweat when it's 60 degrees out. Cotton kills. We grew up wearing the white cotton long underwear. Don't bring it unless it's just for hanging out in after the hunt. When it get's wet, it will suck the heat right out of you and it's heavy.

More layers...keeping warm and dry takes a system. Your next layer should be a little heavier but still relatively light made of wool or Smartwool or merino wool. You'll be hiking a lot in this. You next layer can be a fleece or wool jacket. Then I'd have a packable puffy jacket for when it get's really cold. I like down but there are a lot of synthetic options. Don't forget your legs. I use wool pants. They are quiet and keep you warm when they get wet. 

Rain gear. You need good rain gear that is light and breathable. If it's snowing, the puffy will be good but if it's 40 degrees and raining, you need to stay dry from the rain but also dry from sweat. Gore-Tex.

Gloves. Different weights for when the temps drop. It's always going to be cold in the morning. Make sure you can shoot with them.

Blaze orange is required but not to the degree that it is in the Midwest. A vest and hat will suffice. Bring a baseball cap and a wool hat or the equivalent.

A day-pack is a must. You have to be able to pack extra clothes you're not wearing while you're hiking as well as water, snacks, and your extra shells and knives, etc. 

Water bottle. 

Head lamp.

Shit tickets.

A lighter just in case. 

It's always good to be prepared with a medical kit. At least; I'd bring foot care. They make pads for hot-spots and such. That can be a life-saver. 

Personal care like tooth brush, etc. Just remember, most shampoos and soaps smell. And the smelliest is deodorant. Bring unscented. 

I use Scent Killer. 

You're going to bring your phone. Don't forget the charger. Also, you should have OnX maps on your phone with Montana maps. You can certainly get by with a hand-held GPS but the OnX app is cool as hell and super simple to read. You set your tracking tool on and you should be able to make it back to the truck if you get separated provided your phone is charged.

Bring a compass for back-up.

Hiking sticks. They really help in the snow and when you're packing. 

Your gun...I shoot a .270. Most folks out here like a little more oomf. A .300 win-mag is pretty standard for elk but that's kind of up to the shooter. I had a shot at an elk last year at 400 yards that I wouldn't take with the .270. I always figure I can get closer than 300 yards but...it didn't happen. Shooting over 300 yards is another topic of discussion. 

Two shells. If you need more than that, I don't want to hunt with you.

I'm kidding. Shit happens. You might need to sight your rifle in through-out the trip or once it's here. Bring a box or two. You never know when the local stores will run out of popular cartridges although it hasn't been too much of a problem. 

Shooting sticks. If you don't live in the mountains, you might not understand the importance of shooting sticks. You don't always have a tree to brace against and when you're shooting over a hundred yards, you should stabilize your shot. 

At least two knives. If you've quartered an elk, you'll understand. 

Field dressing gloves. I never used plastic field dressing gloves until the last couple years. It's kind of nice to wrap yourself up and then peal them off when you're done without having the mess on your hands to deal with. 

If you have a pack-frame and you have room, bring it.

Parachute cord. It's light and packable and when you start packing an animal, you never realize how much you need. 

Game bags. You can pick that up here if need-be but you need to be prepared for packing. Best to wait so you know you're getting the right sizes but it's a general rule of thumb to have a bag per quarter and then an extra for the back straps and tenderloins. These are big animals. It's a huge chore to get one out. I hope you get the chance to experience it. 

Snacks. You'd be amazed at what a candy bar can do for you while you're packing out.

As for sleep systems, that all comes down to your sleeping arrangements. I have that stuff for my buddy but be prepared. Good sleep is a must. You need to recover. Bring ear plugs just in case. You never know if someone you're sleeping next to snores. I can't tell you how many times I wish I would have remembered those little details. My house is a couple blocks from the train station. I'm kind of used to it but you might not be. 

A 12'ver of your favorite local craft beer. I like beer. I also like bourbon. Just sayin.

Keep 'em where they live...