Back from the Kootenay

[BCbowhead]

Well that was the most enjoyable trip one could have without harvesting something..... For starters, it took us four days to finally find Elk in the archery season....about 17 cows and a spike + 5 point. At night we would bugle and the only reponse were yotes..dam dogs anyways. We had clear nights with rainy mornings, which had the still hunting great! I was 15 yds from a whitey doe before she had enough of me and blowing and flaggin she was gone. I came across a sow with two cubs, I thought that the sow was a cub herself until two little one went up a tree beside her. She sure was small. That was at about 30yds that all happened, arrow in bow, just very tense for a few minutes.
Now onto the Elk. Let mw just say that Elk in Canal Flat are educated or just plain smart! I was doing some still hunting in the early afternoon on the 8th and came across the herd feeding in the thickest $hit I could find. First I saw a rump patch about 75 yds away and stop. It went into a thick stand of lodgepole and I follewed. Next thing I know I'm in the middle of the herd as they feed. The closest cow was 35-40 yds away. No bull, I mean there was no bull in the herd.that I could see anyways. Had a arrow ready to go but as luck would have it cows. Talk about getting the blood flowing. Well tyhe herd kept feeding until they bedded down and that's when they found me. I cow came from the front of me to wind me behind and it was a good ole sampede after that. I learned alot about the area as we walked about 60 kms in the seven days that we were there. I plan on going back and try again with the Tikka . I have some pics of the country, just gotta resize them.. Dave

[~SteadyGirl~]

Excelent trip report, thanks for sharing Bowhunting Elk?! and in the middle of the herd Exciting!!

Steady

[Canuck2]

Nice trip, BCB. We certainly don't bring home the meat every outing, but you have plenty of great memories from this one.

[3/4 Slam]

Wow, sounds like you had a lot of fun. Anytime you get among em like that it makes it all worth while. Cant wait to see some photos.

[BCBairdo]

Hey Dave,

I hunted that area a couple of years ago during the bow season and also had a great time. Stalked in on a spike and a six-point over the week but never managed to close the gap under anything less than 80 yards and since I'm not Chuck Adams well you know the arrows stayed in the quiver. Let me know if you are going next year and need another hunter who has been in the area to tag along.

Ian

[BCbowhead]

BCBairdo(Ian) This was my first trip to Canal Flats area. We maining explore the Findlay ck and Fir Mt area.

I might take you up on that next year. Bow Only elk, whitetail,mule deer, black bear. Plenty of action. Dave