Monthly Archives: October 2008

The Experiment

By Patrick Odenbeck | Published October 26, 2008

We decided to conduct an alpine experiment. How much ice would there be on the Beehive in late October?  Would we be able to climb it?  Could unseasonably warm days, cold nights, and an early storm, create the necessary ingredients for ice…or not? Not quite sure what was in store for us, we brought along crampons, ice tools, a couple screws, a small rack, and loads of optimism.

Despite our early start, the formation was already in the sun when we reached the base. The veined gneiss contrasted against a perfect splitter blue sky. What a day it was! As we began to rack our gear, an immature golden eagle spiraled overhead surfing the early morning thermals. My mind drifted to some Leonard Cohen lyrics, “I thought I saw an eagle but it might have been a vulture I never could decide…” The suggestion of a scavenger looming above was certainly not comforting, yet I felt calm. Matt hands me the rack and I sort the gear to my desire. As I begin the climb, thin ribbons of ice once attached to the rock shatter and create the eerie sound of wind chimes, fractals fall around us. The climb was … READ MORE >

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Falling Right Into Place

By Jeff Cook | Published October 26, 2008

No special tags had been drawn, so this year was going to start just like any other.  Before the rifle season started I was searching the mountains trying to find a bull.  I talked a couple of my friends into helping me glass around their work schedules.  One buddy had already killed a bull during archery season and the other had been lucky enough to draw a special tag for another area.  Both friends had also committed to going with me on opening day, but only if we had a good bull spotted! If I didn’t have a bull picked out, we’d all being going deer hunting instead!

The first night spent scouting ended with me locating a couple bulls, but nothing really got my full attention. The next morning, I got a look at a very nice bull, but only for a few minutes.  Later that evening, I saw him for the second time; he was bigger than the others so I focused my energy on staying with him until opening morning.  I watched him in the same spot for a few minutes each morning and night leading up to the opener. Everything was falling right into place.

Now … READ MORE >

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Seven Minute Elk

By Kurt Rued | Published October 26, 2008

An unusually warm October left the high country without one of my favorite hunting ingredients – tracking snow. And with no lead on a big bull from my scouting efforts, I was left crossing my fingers and praying for good luck. Even so, I was exited for the opening day search for a western Montana bull elk.

I began my solo backpacking adventure the day prior to the opener with 4 days worth of food. Halfway to my anticipated destination, I sat down to glass. It appeared that my prayers were answered as I spotted four bull elk feeding together on a steep south-facing hillside. The largest of the group had a wide and heavy rack with a unique flare to his left antler. Weird-looking – no doubt! I quickly changed my plans and set up camp within view of the elk, which were over a mile away. Although it was a restless night, I was confident.

I awoke well before daylight, cooked a warm breakfast and started my bushwhacking trek to the bulls by headlamp. Shortly before daylight, I was within shooting range of the hillside the elk fed the previous evening. I unhooked my spotter and tripod from … READ MORE >

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Close Doesn’t Count!

By Tyler Johnerson | Published October 9, 2008
Featuring: NICE Crewcab

Well, I can’t say I didn’t have my chances.  I hiked into a completely new area and spent a total of 2 days scouring for elk.  I saw 18 different bulls with only 2 being shooters.  I had an opportunity at a smaller 5 x 6 on the first evening but he wasn’t what I was after.  I had one of the shooters at full draw Wednesday morning at 50 yards before he winded me and wheeled out not giving me any shot.  Pushing on I relocated the herd bull, four satellites and 18 cows. They were 2 basins away and this was the last morning of my fall archery hunting season.

It was freezing cold throughout the night and into the next morning.  Above treeline, the wind was brutal….. but that is where the elk were.  I waited about an hour for my opportunity to develop.  Laying there freezing for about 30 minutes in one spot, I let at least 10 cows and three of the five bulls leak by me at 10 to 50 yards away. I was perched in the cliffs in what resembled more goat country than anything else!  I was wearing every piece of clothing I had … READ MORE >

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