In case you didn't notice, hunting is very important to our family.
It's interesting that it actually started with me, not the Brick. I grew up, knowing that everyone (everyone, that is, that could be spared from farm and work) went hunting together. A large tent was put up, and men and women slept on pallets together (man/wife/woman/husband/man... and so on). After a hearty breakfast, people packed sandwiches and went out to their spots -- a few of the women knocked off early, to go back and make supper. And they did this into their 70s... I remember hearing about my grandma and great-aunt AE taking a thermos of tea, making themselves comfortable on a stump -- and waiting for the deer to wander by. (Invariably, they did.)
So when the Brick came into my life, it was just natural to go hunting. Over the years, we took our daughters, as well -- because that's what 'everyone' did. Right?
Now the girls are dedicated hunters. Daughter #2 married Son #1, an experienced sportsman in his own right. The Brick just finished his first day of hunting season:
And harvested a 5-point bull elk yesterday!
He and friend Tommy were on the Kiowa Creek ranch, one of the best local spots in the area. (They normally charge for clients, but give out three permits a year -- and the Brick cashed in nearly 30 years of preference points to get one.) An estimated 400 elk were wandering around the Greenland Ranch section, as well as antelope...and the elk were bugling. (rutting season) The guide who let them in texted updates now and then.
Weird, huh...But the Brick used his own initiative to find his target.
The Brick climbed Larkspur Butte -- and heard bugling, but the scrub oak was too dense. He couldn't see a thing.
He did notice a pond down below. (The guides call these "dirt tanks.") Animals often come down at dusk to drink, before they bed down for the night. And lo and behold, a bull elk and his harem of cows trotted down, about the time the Brick made it down, as well.
They drank, walked away...
And the Brick got his animal.
See the pond at top left?
One bullet dropped the bull at 250-plus yards. A very good shot. Dropped him right in his tracks, which is just how you want to do it. Don't make the animal suffer needlessly.
We have work to do, processing the meat. But we'll be eating naturally-lean elk meat all winter for supper, thanks to the Brick.
So proud of this guy.
2 comments:
Great job!! Elk sausage is the best!
We'll have to try that, Nadine! Thanks for writing.
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