Stalking Elk or Being Stalked!

It's amazing how every time we go out in Montana you never know what to expect. This fall we were headed out for a brisk fall morning elk hunt. We all have our spots but it is always fun to try something new. A friend and I figured we'd just get on a ridge top and listen to find out where to go as the elk were said to be in full rut.

As we were driving in, we didn't know the area and in Montana's mountains sometimes it's best to find out where you are before you start walking. So we patiently and slowly glassed the hills waiting for shooting light, and light enough to see into the woods.

Right at daybreak we caught a beautiful boar moseying through the tall grass. We turned and looked at each other and said, well maybe this is turning into a bear hunt?

We got out of the truck and watched whitetail running everywhere as this bear went up the exact trail I wanted to walk. So we cut down low up-wind and tried to get in front of him. As we peered around the hilltop the deer were their but they were not spooked. The next thing we knew the deer took off and the bear came running up the trail right at us, and with a long story cut short, you can see who won the battle!

Just another beautiful, unexpected day in the Montana Wilderness!