Summer scouting for elk

[Greybeard]

Have been following the retreating snow line up the east and north sides of Mt. Hood. Snow now is well above treeline. This year, the bear grass is flowering. They do this here every 4 or 5 years as far as I can tell. I don't know what triggers it. And the elk are gorging on the new bear grass flower heads. Maybe I'll find out if this improves the meat flavor (which is darn fine anyways). Harvested a nice spike last season and a very good 6x6 the year before. Think I'll hold out for another heavy horned bull this year. That spike was serious work getting the quarters out and I had back surgery in January. Also am now 71 and my wife does not like me hunting alone anymore. So if I'm going to do heavy duty work this year, it might as well be for a good one. Greybeard/

[Smokey]

I was out this past Sunday and saw a good number of elk. I usually only see hunters in this area for the first three days of the season. It becomes a nice area to be in after everyone goes home. Most hunters in this area just ride around on four wheelers which pushes the elk back from the trrails.

I saw a couple nice bulls. One in particular has a stiff left front leg. This is the fifth year I've seen him and he has the best rack I have seen him with since the first year. Both sides are not uniform, probably due to the bad leg.

Saw some turkey and mule deer. Can't think of anything better to do on a day off.

[Hi Ball]

Greybeard sounds like your having fun anyway! Yeah, it gets real tuff to find hunting partners who want to go through all that pre-hunting work or that want to try walking up a mountain in the first place.:rolleyes: :eek:

Many of my past hunting friends are gone to the happy hunting ground! A part of life indeed but it sure makes it hard on those left behind sometimes. Well, don't forget your water and send me a picture to look at ok.:D :)

[Chuck S]

Wasn't really scouting for Elk but did sight a couple nice herds over on the south side of the Medicine Bows. Have heard from a couple that there seems to be a good supply this year roundabouts. :cool: