Last May when I was stationed in Japan, Don suggested that we apply for a few New Mexico elk hunts. Since I'd be back in the states for good I accepted the offer and by God's grace we both drew a Unit 15 1st ML season tag (roll with this, it's not a gun thread). My work schedule and move back to the states really inhibited my ability to do much planning for this trip so Don set up just about everything (in addition to planning AK caribou/moose, Vermont moose, and NM Ibex hunts).
The big day finally came and off we went. Overall the trip was great. Don took a 300+ bull and I missed one on the last day that was at least as big if not a bit larger than his. The trip was great, but if you are a faint of heart hunter please heed the following:
1. Be in shape! I'm US Marine and in above average shape. Don is part billy goat and left me in the dust. He packed out 120 pounds of elk meat just over a mile and down a near vertical and rocky drainage BY HIMSELF. I helped, but the 80 pounds on my back was something I wasn't used too. Don took roughly 30 of what I had and walked off the mountain like he was going out to pick up the Sunday paper!
2. Camp...... Camp for Don is not a comfortable outfitter tent or trailer with hot breakfast and fresh cooked dinner is something your not gonna get. You better like spike camp accommodations, solar showers, cold nights, mountain house or MRE's for meals.
3. Intensity..... WOW! I have never met anyone so focused. Don is a hunting machine and the amount of planning and effort he puts into a hunting trip is unreal. He treats everyday like his survival depends on it. He definitely knows what he is doing. If you aren't prepared you'll be left in the dust!
4. I think I already mentioned being in shape, but I have to bring it up again.
5. No Quitters..... Don doesn't know the meaning of quitting either. If you are wishy washy and someone who is more likely to wake up tired and sleep in vise sucking it up and going hunting you might want to hunt with someone else.
6. If you are looking for a hunting vacation then don't hunt with Don. What I mean by this is if you want to come back, sit around a camp fire, drink beer, and BS all night then you aren't gong to have much fun with Don. Don spends all his non hunting time preparing for the next day. Literally, he accounts for every second of the day so that it counts to either actual hunting or preparing for the next. When you hunt with Don plan on coming home tired and ready for bed.
7. BE IN SHAPE!
I had a great time and Don taught me a lot about hunting elk hunting, spike camping, and equipment prep. After Don got his bull his intensity and dedication was quickly directed towards getting me on a bull elk. I was having a tough time (I had only elk hunted once before) and was only seeing cattle, cow elk, black bears, coyotes, and turkeys. If it hadn't been for Don I honestly don't think Id have ever had my one chance.
Thanks Don, I had a great time and I appreciate everything you taught me. I look forward to our next adventure.
Don is like me and the very few guys I will hunt with. We are not there for a camping trip and a great meal:) Sounds like a pretty cushy camp solar shower and all.
Glad it went well and post some pics guys.
Rick M
Heck the guy I knew, took the best bed in camp, required three full course meals a day, fell to sleep in the blind everyday he hunted and got so homesick he left after only a few days.
Other than that, he was pretty much like you said. Ha Ha
He does like to hunt and he is not afraid to try different things that most people would be hesitant to try.
Its good to hear you guys had a great time.
Have a great bow hunt. And as I recall, I will see you next year. But don't expect me to pamper you like Don did, cause I don't do that!
Have a great bowhunt. BB
easier said than done. plus the cattle fence is a normal feature in Elk country, it looks fine to me.
Good luck on the moose!
Now Chuck, Did Don get to see your wig??
lets hear his side!!!
Good luck, Robb
So, after the first day Don comes up to me and says "Hey, if I don't come back at night don't worry about it and don't come looking for me and in fact go ahead and go hunting the next day too".
He then went on to tell me that he's got enough stuff in his day pack to last two days in the wilderness, but if he wasn't back at the end of the second day that I should probably start looking for him then......
The look on my faces had to have been priceless and my reply was "OK, but if I don't come back you sure as hell better come looking for me!" 8*)
DJ
OFFHNTN
Chuck you enjoyin those undies I bought for you?
MRE's were great IMO, mnt house better but I could live off MRE's for 10 days. To bulky to pack but they worked. Dinners a little small need a snack with them.
Chuck I are the one you gave me in VT thanks!
Chuck had some crap luck there, he sat water 4 times saw 4 bears and no bulls! Cow elk often, what are the odds!!!!!!!!
