Now that the wife and kids are back in AZ, I decided I was in no hurry to get back to the RV and spent saturday night scouting for Elk since the Bow hunt starts soon. I Pulled up to this spot and told myself "THIS is where I'll be hunting!" 
I hadn't really found any evidence yet that it would be a good spot so I parked and began hiking down the canyon. I took wildlife trails, many of which ended in thick brush that I could not get through so I'd double back and find a new route. At one point I came within about 20 feet of a Coyote (he was not like the mangy desert Coyotes that most people usually see, he was big & healthy looking), he must have been moving up the trail as I was moving down it and only hesitated for a split second before turning and running out of sight...no time to get the camera out for a pic. As I continueed to hike the trails, I begin to catch whiffs of the distinct musky Elk scent (you hunters know what I'm talking about)....so I knew I was very close to at least one.....I could feel my heart start to beat faster....was it a Cow Elk or possibly a Bull?? I had to concentrate to control my breathing and avoid making too much noise as I hiked through the thick brush. Then I saw one....not a monster, but a nice rack. 
I was close enough to hit with a rock (or kill with my bow if I had it and the season had started)!! I took out my camera and started taking pictures, when it decided I wasn't a threat it casually walked off.....but I wasn't done....could I get even closer or were there more close by? I moved off the trail in the direction it was walking, still making sure to be as quiet as possible. When something else caught my eye....more antlers...bigger than the first and MAN was I CLOSE! 
It was hard to see...I needed a better view, so further into the brush I went. I was able to stay low enough behind the brush to get into a better position...when I emerged from behind it I was incredibly close but I had it's attention so I didn't hesitate to start taking pictures.
At first I didn't realize how much bigger he was than the first....and neither one of them is done growing this year, will I have the patience to wait until later in the bow season to take him? I hope so but I'd be devistated if I missed my chance.
I hadn't really found any evidence yet that it would be a good spot so I parked and began hiking down the canyon. I took wildlife trails, many of which ended in thick brush that I could not get through so I'd double back and find a new route. At one point I came within about 20 feet of a Coyote (he was not like the mangy desert Coyotes that most people usually see, he was big & healthy looking), he must have been moving up the trail as I was moving down it and only hesitated for a split second before turning and running out of sight...no time to get the camera out for a pic. As I continueed to hike the trails, I begin to catch whiffs of the distinct musky Elk scent (you hunters know what I'm talking about)....so I knew I was very close to at least one.....I could feel my heart start to beat faster....was it a Cow Elk or possibly a Bull?? I had to concentrate to control my breathing and avoid making too much noise as I hiked through the thick brush. Then I saw one....not a monster, but a nice rack. 
I was close enough to hit with a rock (or kill with my bow if I had it and the season had started)!! I took out my camera and started taking pictures, when it decided I wasn't a threat it casually walked off.....but I wasn't done....could I get even closer or were there more close by? I moved off the trail in the direction it was walking, still making sure to be as quiet as possible. When something else caught my eye....more antlers...bigger than the first and MAN was I CLOSE! 
It was hard to see...I needed a better view, so further into the brush I went. I was able to stay low enough behind the brush to get into a better position...when I emerged from behind it I was incredibly close but I had it's attention so I didn't hesitate to start taking pictures. At first I didn't realize how much bigger he was than the first....and neither one of them is done growing this year, will I have the patience to wait until later in the bow season to take him? I hope so but I'd be devistated if I missed my chance.
Before too long, the first Elk I saw appeared so I continued to take pictures and some video of the both of them.
(video wouldn't upload, maybe I can put it on my Facebook instead)
As it began to get dark they moved on to the other side of the ridge so I tried to follow but never saw where they went. As I began my hike back to the truck, I stopped a few times to process what I had just experienced and take in the beauty of the area I was in, when I noticed some movement on the next ridge....lo and behold, another Bull!
It's hard to see very well so I have no idea how big it is (I need a good spotting scope...hint hint)but I am confident that my initial impression was correct.....that this WILL BE a good spot to hunt....I CAN'T WAIT!
(video wouldn't upload, maybe I can put it on my Facebook instead)As it began to get dark they moved on to the other side of the ridge so I tried to follow but never saw where they went. As I began my hike back to the truck, I stopped a few times to process what I had just experienced and take in the beauty of the area I was in, when I noticed some movement on the next ridge....lo and behold, another Bull!
It's hard to see very well so I have no idea how big it is (I need a good spotting scope...hint hint)but I am confident that my initial impression was correct.....that this WILL BE a good spot to hunt....I CAN'T WAIT!
