Back in Nov. (with the help of many here) I booked an elk hunt with Marty Lightburn and Rocky Mountain High Outfitters. At the time it seemed like an eternity away... Now it seems like I blinked and it is here.... Funny how having kids seems to make the years slip by like months.

This is my first hunting trip outside of Michigan US, so as you can imagine, I am incredibly excited. My first elk hunt, my first muley hunt, my first black bear hunt. So many unknowns... Totaly new experiences. CAN'T WAIT until Sun.

So, from you old salts, any last minute advice for a nube?

My hunt is from Sept. 9-16. I believe Marty's hunting ground consists mostly of the Bull river and Quinn creek area. How much cooler can I expect it to be in the mountains vs Cranbrook? Looks like Cranbrook is going to be in the 20's/8's (high/low), pretty warm.

I'm 32 yrs old and have prepared for this all summer and dreamt of it for as long as I can remember. I'm sure the mountain will tell me otherwise, but I think I'm in darned good shape. Stair Master, treadmill, and weights 3-4 times a week, and have been horse back riding for at least two hours every Monday.

I have put over 300 rounds through my .338 win this summer and countless through the .22lr. Shooting a 225gr Woodleigh Weldcore, I am 10 cm (4 inches) high at 100 yards, 9 cm (3.5") high at 200, 8 cm (3") low at 300 yrds, and 45 cm (18") low at 400 yds. I hope I don't have to, but if I must take a 400 yard shot (my self imposed max.) I feel confident that I can lay one in there.

Gave my rifle a good scrubing yesterday, fired a couple fouling shots and put her in the case. My gear is laid out, boots are oiled, ticket and passport by the door. Saturday at noon I board the big bird for BC.

Bringing home a nice 6 X would be the icing on the cake. If it doesn't happen though, the opportunity to just hunt them in the Rockies is success enough in my book.

So, any beginner mistakes that some of you have made that I could learn from?

Expect a full report upon my return.

Good Hunting!

Good luck hunting. You might not get every tag filled but you should have fun trying.

If you are flying anywhere, when you get there fire a couple of shots to make sure you are still on target.

Heck, I'll be happy to fill a single tag.

We do line our rifles in Sun morning at the base camp. Hopefully the Starlight case will keep everything nice and snug.

Thanks guys.

To be honest, after Talking to some of my guide buddies, I'd say you are better prepared than most.

One bit of advice? Listen to your guide.

Can't tell you how many times I have heard of missed opportunities because the hunter or nagler was ignoring his guides advice.

Also, make sure that nobody pepper sprays any of the horses in the face.

Personal, and painful experience.

Good advice Gatehouse. I think the fact that I'm so green might help in that regard. Being as this is my first elk hunt, I will be craving direction and advice.

I think I'm actually going to wear my hunting boots on the plane. Is this crazy? I just figure that might be the one piece of equipment that would be darned tough to borrow or buy out there.

Will it be much colder in the mountains than in Cranbrook?

NimrodRX
The weather will be a little cooler in the Mountains,I work up the bull river,were logging up van creek which is 32 km. on the bull,i know marty he's a good guy.he has some nice elk in his area.they should be bugling good.
Good luck
Steve

Good Luck on your great adventure. Sounds like you are really ready. Most of all...have fun...take it all in. And as Gatehouse said, Listen to what your guide says.

Post pics when you return.

NimrodRx

Well I guess you should be home by now. I was hoping to see you post some pictures of your elk. How did your hunt turn out?

quote:

Originally posted by euge:
NimrodRx

Well I guess you should be home by now. I was hoping to see you post some pictures of your elk. How did your hunt turn out?

+1

Cheers,
Canuck

BTT

BTT

quote:

Expect a full report upon my return.

I think Nimrod got lost in BC, and never returned....

That's what I was thinking.

Either:
a) got in a horse wreck and has lost the ability to type
b) had such a terrible hunt he doesn't want to share, or
c) forgot about us here the minute he got to Cranbrook!

Hope its none of the above, but I'm thinkin' maybe c)???

Cheers,
Canuck

Heyyano,
Sometimes fit hits the shan.....been there myself with fishing down in Central America but I share the trip, nonetheless. Pictures and an in detail description make the trip....good or not so good. I hope it was good but life is life.

btt

btt