Wapiti: Ghosts of the Rockies

As soon as I could leave work I was on my way to meet Brett in Georgetown. Our plan was to pack in Friday night to the drainage we had planned to hunt. After climbing for about an hour, we reached the point where we had to decide where we wanted to spend the night. We either could stay in the current drainage and hunt that basin Saturday or continue on more over into a slightly more remote area. Our decision was made in an instant. We had decided to continue to the next drainage, however as we crested a small ridge, there was an enormous herd of elk.

Brett climbing. Photo: Cory Arola

Photo: Cory Arola

                We snuck lower and began to glass, the herd was 49 elk with one monster bull. Too far to count, it appeared to be a 5x6. As we continued to watch, another satellite bull appeared in the brush with two more cows. 52 elk the night before opening, we were in business.

Photo: Cory Arola

Photo: Cory Arola

                The decision was to camp on the top of the ridge on the opposite side as to not bump the herd. We luckily stumbled upon a nice flat spot with a rock windbreak.

Photo: Cory Arola

Photo: Cory Arola

As soon as the tent was erected, it began to rain. A steady rain that lasted all night. Both of us were glad to have brought the tent instead of bivying.  While lying in our sleeping bags the plan was formulated to glass at first light, relocate the herd and figure how to sneak in and call a bull within range.

The alarm went off a 5:00 a.m., we quickly rose and ate breakfast. After packing our packs with our gear for the day, the sneak to our glassing location began. 

Photo: Cory Arola

After seeing 52 elk you would think there would be many animals around. Not a single animal was seen on Saturday, opening day of the season. Glassing for half the day, it was time to make something happen. The cirque we descended into had a tremendous amount of extremely fresh elk sign. 

Stalking and softly cow calling amounted to nothing. Towards the evening while sitting near a mud hole, a bugle broke the silence. Excitement and adrenaline coursed through our veins. The excitement that only a crisp clear bugle in through the autumn air brings. Brett cow called and conversed with the bull for around 15 min before it went quite. At this point we decided to return to camp.

Photo: Cory Arola

Sunday morning plans changed. 

Photo: Cory Arola

Camp was broken down and everything was in our packs again. We would glass at sun-up and if we didn’t see anything still-hunting was plan B. We would hunt in route to the next drainage climbing to tree line then descending back down because we eventually needed to end up at a vehicle. 

Photo; Cory Arola

Photo: Cory Arola

In the basin we were in we bumped some animal, from the heaviness of the hoofs we assumed it was elk, but never did we catch a glimpse. Slowly but surely we rounded into the next gulch and began to climb. Elk sign was fresh everywhere we walked.

Photo: Cory Arola

In the mid-morning we jumped bedded elk on a NE heavily timbered slope. Four ran off through the forest.  As we stood deciding what to do, two bulls came into site. The hunt was on. At nearer than 50 yards we needed to be careful. They started to run off but a quick cow call changed their minds. Young hormonal bulls sometimes gives hunter’s leeway with mistakes. One was a spike that appeared to be in velvet still. The other was a caribou bull, one antler had a scoop on the from similar to a caribou’s headgear. They circled downhill from us as we slipped our packs off. Brett nocked an arrow, and crawled forward to a tree. From there he used his rangefinder. If the bull would take three steps he would have a 31 yard shot, broadside.  Suddenly like a ghost the elk disappeared. Brett crawled back to me and we tried to figure out what to do. From the corner of his eye he saw movement; the caribou bull was still there. He snuck back down and I snuck away making cow calls. It was an attempt to make it appear that the cow was leaving to draw the bull past Brett. 

Photo: Cory Arola

After a suspenseful wait the ghosts had vanished for good. It was exciting, we were pumped to have had a chance. We climbed up to tree line enjoyed lunch with Torrey’s peak in site, and then began the long hike down. 

Photo: Cory Arola

Photo: Cory Arola

We ended up away from both of our trucks and called for a ride from a buddy to pick us up and drive us three miles back to my truck. From there we went to pick up Brett’s truck a few miles away. It was a great opening weekend of wilderness hunting for elk with a bow. Can’t wait to get back out there again! This weekend I am headed on my annual fall turkey hunt. I wonder what that will bring……..

OUTTAKES!

He found us a camp spot! Photo: Cory Arola

What happens to Brett when there are no elk... Photo: Cory Arola

The Lucky Bunny! Photo: Cory Arola

Wild strawberries we got to munch on! Photo: Cory Arola

Wilderness Hunting

I am all packed and ready to head out tomorrow after work. Scouting has revealed many animals. It appears that they are in pre-rut right now. The elk are still separated by sex, with rut approaching find where cows are hanging out and there will be bulls around. Wilderness hunting like we have planned for this weekend takes some special skills.

Photo: Cory Arola

Athlete: To effectively hunt the wilderness, you must be able to carry all of your camping and hunting supplies up and down ridges as you chase elk. If you are lucky enough to harvest an animal you must be prepare to carry out a few hundred pounds of meat, in numerous trips.



Biologist: Hunting any animal in their own habitat, it is necessary to understand how they live and what they need. This allows the hunter to key in on areas where animals will frequent.



Marksman: This really needn’t be said, the hunter must be practiced with their method of take to humanely and ethically make a killing shot in every field situation. This is out of respect for hunting and the animal one chooses to harvest.



Butcher: After the animal is harvested, a wilderness hunter must reduce their game to manageable bags of meet to be packed out. Not only must they cut the meat but it must remain cool and clean so when it becomes table fare it is delicious.



Story Teller: This is likely the most vital skill a wilderness hunter should possess. Regardless of luck with game and weather, the recount of each outing to family and friends is some of the most fun you will enjoy season.

Elk Season

Archery elk starts Saturday August 27th. A buddy of mine has a tag for unit 39. I will be going along to document the hunt. The excitement level is very high. Brett has been scouting all summer long and has seen large amounts of animals. Plenty of deer and elk with some monster bucks and bulls. I have spent the day preparing. Our plan is to backpack into the area and be able to stay mobile with the elk as we find them. When you backpack hunt they way you pack is a little different than when you just go backpacking. Many of the luxuries are left behind for weight management. Another thing the hunter must consider is that if an animal is harvested, meat will need to be carried out. The pack I selected to use is a 65 liter internal frame pack, the Gregory Baltoro. I chose it because it has a relatively low profile, which will not hinder my movements, and it carries its load extremely well. When stalking an animal and packing out meat, those functions can't be beaten. Our sleeping system is still being decided, weather dependent. Right now I am planning on using a bivy, to save weight and space, however if we have precipitation in the forecast a tent will be vital to having comfortable nights. A 30 degree ultralight down bag should be a great balance between weight, packability and warmth this time of the year. I also am electing for  thin foam pad versus an inflatable because for being on the go it is much more durable.

Photo: Cory Arola

Photo: Cory Arola

I have minimized everything else that I am going to carry, to the bare essentials for survival and hunting. Clothes are a moisture wicking base layer, 2x wool socks, durable pants, durable shirt, a fleece top, down vest, rain shell jacket and pants, wool cap, baseball cap, leather gloves and a neck gaiter. Waterproof, supportive leather boots are a must. I elected to leave behind the stove, fuel and cookware to save weight and space taking only Clif bars and a nut mixture. The rest of my gear consists of water filter, water bottle, headlamp, gps, compass,watch, tp, sunglasses, para cord, sunscreen, fixed and folding knives, multi-tool, saw, sharpener, blaze vest, bear protection (revolver a Ruger Super Redhawk Alaskan .454), binoculars, tarp, trash bags and camera gear. I always have my small emergency kit: lighter, matches, iodine tablets, whistle, space blanket, and trioxane (fire-starter).

My next update will be a couple of days talking about some tactics for hunting archery season elk.

Heart Lake

I drive through traffic heading out of the city to the mountains. Heading to meet Zaida at the designated rendezvous parking lot to load all of the backpacking gear in my truck and make our way to the trailhead. This is Zaida's first backpacking experience, I have selected a well know area only 1:15 min drive from town. The James Peak Wilderness is full of lakes, so lush the flowers were in full glory.

Friday night after arriving at the trailhead, we changed into some warmer clothes and then repacked Zaida's pack. As I said before this was her first trip and we were getting her squared away. I explained how to distribute weight, to keep the balance centered, and how to utilize all space available. With the packs packed, we cracked a couple beers and lounged to enjoy the evening. Enjoying the evening consisted of great weather, beautiful scenery and train driving by about every 30 min followed by the tunnel's venting system which ran for about 20 min a time. Did I mention that the James Peak Wilderness is at the east portal of the Moffat tunnel? The Moffat tunnel is a railroad and water tunnel that cuts through the Continental Divide connecting Rollinsville and Winter Park. We spent the night in the back of the truck at the trailhead with anticipation of getting an early start Saturday hiking. Soon the monotonousness of the trains and fans were easily ignored as we slept. Rising with the sun, we ate and dressed and began our journey up the South Boulder Creek Trail, destination Heart Lake. We began up the trail, stopping only to rest as I took pictures, making the 4 mile hike in about 3 hours.

By the time we reached Heart Lake Zaida was worn out, and I myself was ready to drop my pack.We circled the lake to the far side and got into the alpine brush, putting our packs down we searched for an appropriate campsite, sheltered and away from people. I mean who wants to go backpacking around other people, this isn't car camping! We found a great flat spot that gave us morning and afteroon sun, with a sheltered cooking area.

As we sent up the tent and began to unpack, we realized no more that 75 yards away was a marmot den. We got to watch them sun and eat and play the entire trip!

After setting up camp we grabbed our water filter and headed to the lake. With all the camp chores done we got to relax and play the rest of the day away!

 I put my pole together and fished Zaida decided that the water was warm enough to swim... there is no way I was getting in that water! Zaida swam, I didn't catch any fish, but saw some beautiful Greenback Cutthroat Trout swimming around. 

We had gorgeous weather that day! The night became windy and we woke up to clouds in the morning. After sleeping in and having a peaceful breakfast, we leisurely packed up. Heading dow the trail I was worried about the impending rain cloud building behind us.

We reached the trailhead, packed up, changed, and began to drive away as a light rain started. As we continued the drive home in the rain, which turned into a downpour, we reflected on how fun the trip was, and talked about how we are fortunate enough to live in this amazing state!

All Photos by Cory Arola

Chicken Strip

2:30 A.M. Sunday August 7^th I rolled over and pulled a second cover over me in bed. Two hours later I awoke to my alarm, I hopped in the shower. While making breakfast I was chilled, I thought it was nothing more than being wet from my shower. I dressed quickly, putting on soccer shorts and a t-shirt, and grabbed my pack, board and boot, which where all waiting by the door. 
I opened the door to go out and load my truck. To my surprise a brisk morning chill hit me. I turned around and grabbed a fleece to wear. In our planning to snowboard in August we anticipated warm to hot weather. 
One week before, while doing the Jones Pass “Lucky U” line I had worn the same and being comfortable, I planned to dress similarly. I mean it’s one week later and the beginning of August. 
After I met up with Paul in Idaho Spring, we headed to Breckenridge to get to Boreas Pass. As we drove we made a few comments about how cold it was. We found our line as we drove up the pass.

Our line from the Boreas Pass RD.  Photo: Paul Bourdon

Flowers along Boreas Pass RD.  Photo: Cory Arola

Of course a photo of the Lucky Bunny every trip.  Photo: Cory Arola

We four-wheeled up a side road to get as close as we could to shorten our approach.  By four-wheeled I mean we drove Paul’s Subaru over some pretty rough, rocky terrain. Once passing a lifted Jeep with large mudder tires. If you drive smart you can get those Subies through some rough terrain!


After we parked we immediately put the snowpants on. Both of us had planned to carry them in the packs to make hiking easier, however with the air temp being mid 40’s our minds were changed. The aspect we were choosing to ride was a SW facing slope so it was receiving shade throughout the morning, so our hike was receiving shade as well. After hiking we began to warm up, but as we began the climb a chilly, stiff breeze consistently blew. There was no chance of getting too hot on this August morning. We made the climb up the hillside parallel to the strip of snow we had chosen. 

Base of our line. Photo: Paul Bourdon

Starting the pain train up....  Photo: Paul Bourdon

Climbing with Breckenridge Ski Area in the background.  Photo: Paul Bourdon

One week before, at the top of our line, we lounged in shorts and T’s, however at the top of the “Chicken Strip” we immediately put on shells and hats to stay warm.  Paul made the comment, “At 13000’ summer doesn’t last long.” He was indeed correct. August 7^th and we were already starting to feel the chill in the air of our cold season making its way back. Winter is on its way back!

Sitting at the top of the "Chicken Strip".  Photo: Cory Arola

After snacking, snapping photos, and hydrating we decided that we had waited long enough for the snow to soften.
Boy, were we in for a surprise. Due to the aspect, the snow received sun for the latter part of the day, reaching its most softened/melted condition as the sun set. With the night cooling down so much, likely freezing some night, we were riding rock hard snow.  The “Chicken Strip” turned out to be the gnarliest line we had hit all summer. It was sun cupped, runnelled and choked pretty good at its mid-point. Every turn was a battle for control, edge hold was sufficient, however neither of us wanted to go for a slide into any rocks.

Above photos by Cory Arola and Paul Bourdon done by the person who is not in the photo, obviously...

We made the 1214’ descent, stoked just to be out on our boards. 

Paul's Malolo. Photo: Paul Bourdon

Cory's Supermodel.  Photo: Cory Arola

We walked back to the car changed and hung out in an old, collapsing wooden cabin near to where we parked. The view from the window was amazing.

Can you see Quandary? Photo: Paul Bourdon

Photo: Paul Bourdon

The Subie. Photo: Paul Bourdon

We are well into riding every month of 2011, already scouting lines out for September.  It sure feels great to be out on the snow, on my board so frequently year round.  As I write this, I am planning on a quick backpack trip this weekend into the James Peak Wilderness. Taking a friend on her first backpacking exploration. Trying to get off the grid every chance I get.

Our line, the "Chicken Strip" from Boreas Pass Rd. Photo: Cory Arola