Went out searching for elk.. but no luck of course.  Seen lots of fresh sign- heard of guys walkin out with bulls, but not us... not me.  One more weekend to go.  Last weekend we were stupid & went up in the mtns w/o tire chains, and tires that aren't great for mountain terrain- BAD idea.  It started to snow pretty hard & we had to hustle out of there.  I had a great cover story if we got stuck & someone had to pull us out:  our tire chains broke & we had to leave them up the hill.. broke to pieces..  nothing left of em.  HA!  Yeah, well, in a pinch it works!  Next weekend- TIRE CHAINS.  Supposed to be heavy snow up there, so we may not be able to get up there at all anyway :(.  Someday, somewhere, somehow- there's a big ol bull elk up there with my name on him.  I think I'll call him Looie.

 Either way, the scenery was BREATHTAKING.. if all I get out of elk hunting is the experience of the spectacular mountain panoramic scenery, the fresh scent of the pine forests, and the soft glistening snow, AND the thrill of almost getting stuck in the snow.. I'm game.  Oh, and men look great in camo- that too.  I took some great photos that I will post later.  ENJOY!

he he he HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

HA!  My son's friend's father works for FWP.. and is giving me hints/tips on where to hunt elk!!  I will be going to get a detailed topo map today for the 'area'!!!

I was gone for a bit - had my appendix out!  What a surprise that was.  RIGHT on the day of the cowboy shoot!  My custom-made leather holsters were finished ahead of schedule- and I couldn't even wear them!  He did a beautiful job.  I will post a pic soon.  No matter how painful appendicitis was though, child labor was a lot worse!  I wasn't even going to go to the Dr.

Finally was able to talk to the FWP biologist.  He gave me some great tips to start my elk hunting plan.  Since I live right in the heart of elk country, he said it would be great to plan to start in the local area- choose an area like the Bridgers or Hyalite and identify an area that is convenient, then worry about permits/license.  He said learn the areat- take frequent drives there in all weather.  So, I think somewhere in the upper Gallatin is where I'll start.  Lots of grizzlies he says, too- so wouldn't it be exciting to see one.  I think my next step will be to get maps - topo & other- of the area.  Also, maybe I'll pick up a short easy to read manual... HMMM do they have 'Elk Hunting for Dummies?" LOL!!! I know there are things I have to consider- like how to get the animal out - and that depends on the area & weather.. PHEW.. thought coding had a lot of twists!

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I've visited the MT FWP website; lots of info there. Great site. The first thing they ask you though is where do you want to hunt? Well, gee, I don't know- Where are the elk at? That's where I want to go! I was put in contact with a wildlife Biologist at FWP. You'd figure they outta know where they're at. Then I can figure out what kind of land, public or private, I'll be on and whose permission I need to obtain. Onward!

That's what I've decided.  Goal:  Elk.  I've hunted once for whitetail deer, before 2 kids and a lifetime of programming.  Then everything came to a screeching halt.  SOOO, Back to my hunting dream.  I have to come up witha  plan.  Went to hunter's safety before.. might have to do that again, or, just practice at the shooting range.

My first goal:  an Elk.  May take years, I  know.  Need a rifle, I believe.  Not sure what kind.  I am just getting into cowboy action shooting with my husband where we have to use pistols, a shotgun and a rifle.  I'm becoming more comfortable with all of them.  Whodda thunk:  Annie Oakley was born on the same day as me (no, not same year ;), and, she was exactly my height!  Maybe there's hope for me yet.

Anyway, first plan of action:  visit the local FWP Department to get a copy of the regs and get some hints & tips.  I might have to wait till next year, but, that's my goal.

My Dad passed away many years ago who I used to go on hunting outings with, my husband has lost interest in hunting lately, and isn't as driven as I am.  Anyway, guess I can't wait for others.  I just need to pull myself up by the bootstraps and kick myself in the right direction if I ever want to pursue my real dreams.