![]() ![]() And I knew he had been chasing his hunting and filming dreams for much of his young life. Being from Oregon I figured he’d be tough. He’s had a passion for hunting and shared many of great adventures with his dad and brother over the years. ![]() I’d been acquainted with him since he was a teenager as he is from the same town as me…Eugene, Oregon. I knew Justin and knew what I was getting with him…a seasoned bowhunter and good guy who I enjoy hunting with. So this year, just a couple days ago in fact, I was again teamed up with Justin and a new cameraman for RMEF’s Team Elk, a young man by the name of Ty Cary. I loved where I killed that bull, it was high up on the mountain off a remote pack trail in country that seldom sees other hunters. Finally, towards the end of my week long hunt I caught a break and with Justin Adkisson cow calling behind me and Adam Moffat running the camera for Under Armour and Team Elk TV, an old 6圆 emerged from the dark timber out into a secluded meadow and gave me a 45 yard opportunity that I made good on. I’d hunted this country before, last season in fact. I know that well and then throw in the fact that I’d be hunting at over 11,000 feet in elevation, with a Team Elk cameraman in tow with the late arriving rut not yet kicked in to high gear and all the elements were in place for the classic ground and pound marathon. No 6, 7 or 8-year-old bull is going to stand there and commit suicide as I send my arrow towards his chest. Yes, the country was rugged and yes, I was after wild country bull elk, which by the time they reach trophy class status are really, really good at staying alive. My recently concluded elk hunt in the high country of Colorado was not like my typical bust your butt, testing of wills bow hunt. The blood, sweat and tears pushed them over the top and it was their hand that was raised. As trained fighting machines, when they strap that championship belt on after going toe-to-toe with their opponent the victor must take great pleasure in knowing that all their training was worth it. That hasn’t happened yet, but that is what I strive for. My goal is to train so hard that even the toughest hunts seem easy. To prepare for this challenge one must be dedicated. I don’t know any successful mountain hunters who aren’t hard as nails tough. Bowhunting rugged and remote country is not for the meek. Back at the trailhead, sometimes I shrug off my pack weary on the heels of success, sometimes just weary.Īfter hauling a big buck or bull out of the mountains I am always thankful I’ve dedicated so much time and effort to physically and mentally preparing. I’ve come off the mountain many times very much feeling beat up and broke down. I have been on some long, tough epic mountain hunts that to me seemed similar to what a brutal five round UFC title fight must feel like. ![]()
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