Dirk Durham Every season we look back and reflect upon what we could have done differently on a particular elk hunt. The scenario goes like this - ” I called back and forth with a bull for at least an hour. He charged in, only to hang up just out of archery range. Sound familiar? Especially those of us who hunt solo, we have all been there, plagued by this dilemma in the past. I will highlight some of the tactics that have helped me draw in stubborn bulls those final yards. Read the rest of this entry »
Dirk DurhamThe year was 1989, I was fifteen and wanted to hunt elk with a bow. My Dad had long since lost his drive to “beat the brush” as he called it. So I was on my own. Being an avid hunter I wanted to take advantage of the early season that archery hunting offered. I knew nothing about calling elk. My best friend Randy Wise (now my brother in-law) also wanted to get involved. We made a pact. We would learn to call elk no matter what the obstacles…we would learn. Read the rest of this entry »
Dirk DurhamScreaming bulls all around. This can’t be really happening. Your every heart beat is felt as it tries to burst from your chest. You cant breath. Off in the very near distance brush is breaking, and hooves are pounding the ground, closer, and closer. The intense, up close and personal challenge bugle makes you close your eyes take a deep breath, and gather your composure.
Now, much more calm, you can see antler tips coming toward you. He is a monster, the one you’ve waited your whole life to take. At this very moment you feel very small and defenseless holding a bow. All the practice and preparation pays off when your brain kicks into auto pilot, forcing you to draw the bow, aim, and shoot, all just at the right time. Big bull down, high fives all around, and then , just then, with a small tear in your eye, you wonder where exactly that giant set of horns are going to fit inside your house………..None of this can happen if you don’t hit the books and find a unit or two to submit your applications for special hunts!
Dirk DurhamSomething is wrong. The elk wont bugle. It’s too hot, the moon is full, too many people, too many wolves……….
I think I am as guilty as the next guy for using one of those lame excuses about why I haven’t tagged out yet. But let’s get real, real quick. You are ultimately in charge of your own success. Instead of packing up camp and heading home to your cozy wife and list of honey-do’s, lets try a different approach . Just think back to all those days in the off-season when you couldn’t wait until next season. This next season was going to be different. Its hard to justify all the money spent on gear and fuel to your wife if you come home empty-handed. You hunt because of the chase, and……the kill! If it was just the allure of the outdoors you would just be a hiker, not a hunter. Read the rest of this entry »
