Adventures in Archery: Elk Hunting With My Boys
Taking my boys on their first archery elk hunt was an adventure I’ll never forget. Though we didn’t bag an elk, the trip was filled with unforgettable moments that made it special. Our journey kicked off with the awe-inspiring sight of a sunrise during the September Harvest Moon — a perfect start. As we wandered through the wilderness, signs of elk were everywhere. We found rubs on trees and fresh prints in the wallows, all under the cool early morning air that later warmed up nicely. I couldn’t be prouder of my boys and how they immersed themselves in the experience (even overcoming a fear of being in the woods in the dark). To keep spirits high, I used a little “Hansel and Gretel” trick my wife suggested — chocolate bribes, which worked like a charm. Something about munching on chocolate in the great outdoors just feels right. Along the way, we cranked up tunes from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, filling our drive to the hunting spot with just the right energy. Our prep work involved diving into educational content from experts like Cliff Grey and Cameron Hanes in the weeks prior.
My sons soaked up so much knowledge that by the time we hit the woods, I was thoroughly impressed with their understanding of elk behavior. The highlight of our trip was the moment we thought we heard an elk nearby. Everything stopped — the usual chatter about Minecraft paused — and we were all consumed by the hunt. We cow-called and waited in hushed anticipation. While we never saw the elk, the thrill of possibly being so close to one was electrifying. Reflecting on our trip, it’s clear the real joy came from the journey itself — the anticipation, the shared experiences, and the little lessons along the way. Watching my boys overcome their initial fears and grow more confident in the woods was incredibly rewarding. As we plan for next year, I’m already looking forward to our next outdoor adventure. There’s something magical about sharing your passions with your kids and watching them embrace them as their own. Here’s to more trips filled with laughter, learning, the great outdoors, and, hopefully, more elk.
HOOKED ON WINTER MASTER COLD-WEATHER FISHING
Just because the weather is getting frosty doesn’t mean you have to put away your fishing rod and tackle. Winter can be an excellent time to get nibbles on the line, especially from freshwater species that group up this time of year. Grab your warm gloves and gear because these cool tips will make your winter angling as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. Scope out a spot. Finding the right spot to cast your line is one of the most important steps to ensuring a tremendous cold-weather fishing experience. You can visit your state’s Department of Natural Resources website to discover up-to-date information on lakes in your area and what fish are there
at different times of year. When choosing a location, avoid high currents that are poor for fishing and dangerous. Areas near bridges are a safe bet as they trap in the warmth that attracts fish. Watch the weather. Cold weather can be less predictable and fluctuate, affecting fish activity. If a cold front is on the way, try to get to the lake right ahead of it to catch a large haul of fish. Otherwise, the best times of day to go fishing in the winter are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Make sure to wear layers of clothing like gloves and bring a hot beverage like coffee or hot chocolate. The cold water can be dangerous, so fishing with a friend during this season is best.
Play it safe and pack it up if the weather gets too severe.
Grab the right gear. Cold weather can wear out your fishing gear, so tune up your reels before you head out. Chilly temperatures can freeze the bearings in reels and thicken oil. Use a line conditioner to ensure water doesn’t freeze onto your line. You may also need to rethink your bait. Live bait like worms is a better option than lures in the winter, as lures move too quickly and spook the fish, which move slower when the waters are icy cold. Bundle up, follow these tips, and you’ll be reeling in impressive catches even when frost is on the ground.
2 • (303) 544-2125
Read It in Your Tru
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator