Contributors to this thread:
50 days left to exercise...to lose a few extra pounds. Days left to build a dozen new (prettier than I need) doug fir arrows. Days left to get used to a new TD longbow. Days left to assemble gear and get organized. Days left to accomplish as much business stuff as possible.
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50 days until I begin the next journey to remote moose camp, and get to rejoin 'my' favorite unnamed river for 14 days. I can hear the sounds in my mind and see the images. Tent stakes going in. Splitting wood. Arrows into the quiver. Boots crossing the creek. The anticipation occupies my mind. I'm older now, but I crave and appreciate wild places more than ever. It's not just about moose...not about bows and arrows exactly. Both are what bring me there, but my reward is the time spent reconnecting with the land, the backcountry and the feelings I get from doing this. If a kill results, it makes me work harder but I don't go this far just to take it easy. You understand.
This is nothing more than a mind-ramble. It's a cool 57 degrees outside at 6:00 am. Alaska is on my mind. Any of you feeling this way...beginning to anticipate and finalize plans?
When I was working I’d always count the days backwards until “trip day”. Hmmm, not working now but still counting the days. Anticipation is a powerful tool in living our lives. I hope we all have great trips planned but always stay in the present moment.
Best always Kevin!
Looking forward to hunting on a lowly cow elk tag almost as much as if I drew unit 9 AZ. Looking forward to meeting another Bowsite friend and, hopefully, help him pack out a big old bull. Looking forward to meeting some old Bowsite friends next week to further prime the elk hunt anticipation.
Especially, looking forward to reading about Kevin Dill's next moose hunt adventure!
For me, the anticipation/expectation and planning are almost as enthralling as the actual adventure. My imagination takes flight with all manner of scenarios. I really enjoy that.
I'm in the camp of people that value having something to look forward to at all times. Hopefully, more than just one thing!
Always felt preparing for the hunt was almost as good as the hunt. Much to do, much to enjoy. Good luck Kevin. Keep us posted.
What I really want to now is how many days until Kevin's moose hunt recap??
Have a great trip Kevin. I'll be looking forward to your recap too.
Man I wish I was going back to Alaska moose hunting again! Have a safe, great trip
It’s true. The actual hunt is over too soon so to spread it out a little, the planning phase starts As soon as one hunt ends and the next slowly builds until departure date. I thought last year was my last AK drop camp moose hunt. I already want to go back. I sure don’t need to kill another moose. I would like to help some 1st timers have a successful trip. So my next one will be to tag along and help someone with thier hunt.
Kevin is a great moose hunter and storyteller. I can hardly wait to return from my own moose hunt, and listen to Kevin's experiences and check out the photos he usually shares. Mike
Good luck on the hunt. I just tapered up some PO cedar arrows for the Zwickeys, nothing like that aroma to get me ready for fall deer and elk. Bowhunting at it's best.
Well said. Good luck I to will be breathing in some of that fresh Alaskan air in 30 days for Caribou.
Looking forward to you pictures and story. Good luck!
Kevin,
Thanks for the "mind-ramble"
All the right reasons to hunt. The adventure begins the moment you commit to the dream. Even if it's a re-occurring dream. Happy hunting Kevin.
Absolutely. The anticipation is consuming. Cant wait to hear about your adventure. Good luck Kevin. Have a great trip.
Your moose threads have been some of the best ever on bowsite! Thanks and good luck Kevin!
I hope you have a great trip! Your recap is my favorite thread of the year. Looking forward to your 2018 installment.
Hope you have a great hunt, Kevin...looking forward to the story and pics!
Best of Luck, Jeff
Good luck and feel free to ramble more to us. Always enjoy your posts
Cant wait to see your thread on this hunt Kevin. Successful is in the mind of the beholder and you have a way with how you tell your story of being successful even if you didn't kill a moose. Your solo adventure alone is truly inspiring.
Waiting, impatiently, for the pics & stories.
Waiting impatiently is right...For the story and another 415 days until I back north chasing them again.
Best of luck Kevin. Like everyone, I am looking forward to the hunt recap and photos.
I hear you. I recently changed my sheep hunting plans to get away from any possible interaction with anyone. Even if I don't arrow a sheep, the anticipation of being out in the wilderness without a soul, hiking over mountains, and the quiet time - it'll be a great hunt even if I don't see a legal ram. I'm so looking forward to just putting miles behind me.
Good luck on your trip. Pretty arrows just seem to fly better like a clean car drives better.
Some guys don't ramble enough ;) Can always use more Kevin Dill. Best of luck.
Best of luck to you! Look forward to the recap. 24 days until I leave for Russia. I don't feel very well prepared physically, and I need to get some more shooting in. But I have my Visa, and my plane tickets, and I'm dang near packed already. 4 flights over 2 days, just hoping I don't miss a plane in that string :)
Looking forward to your hunt Kevin. 51 days until I'm wheels up for our moose hunt. I hope the Widow continues to shoot straight.
Thanks for sharing Kevin. I wish you all the best on your trip and that you may find success in more ways than one. Stay safe
Kevin,
Have a great hunt! I hope to get back up there and do it again sooner than later.
Thanks guys. I don't seem to post much these days, but it's nice to touch base with people. I appreciate the comments and wishes. I like sharing the anticipation of the fall hunts. Good to see others are feeling it too.
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Somehow I never got around to doing any type of story or article on my hunt last year, 2017. Maybe I'll work in some time to do that soon. Thanks.
Ive had wet dreams that didnt get my blood flowing like that "mind ramble". Ummm, ive said too much, eh....
Kevin, you going solo this year?
Mark....I've had a reprieve from my antisocialism, and will hunt with a partner this year.
I too am counting the days to my 14 day drop hunt on a lonely lake in the north country to bowhunt moose from my inflatable kayak. I just returned from a conditioning hike out back with a loaded pack. Tuning up my back up bow, buying additional gear, planning, packing, studying topos- I frickin love it.
Kevin, You know.. you getting older is starting to worry me some. I’d hate for your tradition to stop when you do.. so I’ll tag along next year to ensure your legacy lives on.. by the way, what longbow u shooting? I’m building one now for my buddy..
Danny....Not to worry. I've got a map with an X on it which I plan to auction when I'm all done. You'll be in the running my friend. The bow I'm taking this year is a new Cari-bow Silver Fox. Right now I'm trying to convince that bow I'm in charge, but it's a daily contest... ;-)
Moose hunting is starting to creep into my mind as well, the cari-bow silver fox is a really nice bow, I have one, with I could shoot it!
I’m headed to Alberta on a moose archery hunt in October.. counting the days. Killed a Yukon moose in 16, Shirun in 17 in Wyoming, and going for the trifecta with Northern Alberta Outfitters.. can’t wait.. oh and Kevin please don’t be so lazy and post your hunt..
20 days to D-day. Nothing packed. Building a nice relationship with the new longbow. About time to mount broadheads.....
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Half the enjoyment of a hunt is the anticipation and preparation. I always look forward to your hunts too as they mean a very good story and pictures when you are back. Good luck and good hunting!
I have stuff laid out but not packed yet either Kevin. Taking two sets of six colorful arrows. 2219s with Tuffhead broadheads. Mike
Good luck gentlemen! Great first post Kevin:)
Great thread. Looking forward to hearing about this moose hunt. I was thinking this morning how few days are left to train and prep for Mid-Sept.