My 12 year old son had an epic Christmas this year, receiving a new Rem. SPS in 708, and a late season cow elk hunt. It just about killed me to not tell him about both the rifle and the hunt, hardest Christmas secret EVER!
Christmas day arrives and my son just couldn't wait to get to the range, matter of fact, he refused to even change clothes after church.. Here is a pic of a very happy kid!
The week between Christmas day, and New Years day when we left, he went through about 200 rounds shooting from field positions. It has been super to see him get really serious.
New Years day we drove to Raton, NM super excited and with one very happy, but nervous 12 year old boy. Sleep came really difficult for him last night, but once the 4:30am alarm went off he was up and ready in a flash!
I booked this hunt with Kiowa Hunting Services based upon other references, but primarily to hunt the Vermejo. Awesome country and I must say very professional guide.
Our morning began with a quick drive out to the ranch, and a nice 350 class bull as soon as we turned off the highway. Some glassing and a quick game plan had us parked and working on a herd of about 100 elk. Obviously I wanted my son to shoot first and we got him into position at about 200 yards, he obviously made contact, but was too far back. The cow worked her way up towards the timber but not before I rushed Brayden ahead, got him prone off the bipod and he dropped her at 312 yards. He got up smiling and saying "Dad, I have never shook like that in my life"!
Working our way up to the herd-
I didn't get a pic of him shooting off the bipod as I was busy ranging and glassing.
Approaching his first elk-
I got her!!!!!!!
Hero shot and a very proud Dad!-
Another pic-
Quick bit of thanks to Splattermatic for lending my son a nice pair of bino's for the hunt. Thanks Splatt!
Quick load facts for the looney's, I loaded 140gr Accubonds in my son's 708 with MR 2000. Super accurate.
Finally, my cow from shortly after we made sure my son's wasn't going anywhere, an easy 388 yard shot from my LH SS M70 in 30-06 using 155gr. Scenars. High shoulder shot and she dropped right there.
[img]
http://i331.photobucket.com/albums/l463/Huntr7X57/Elkhunt022.jpg[/img]
Super fun hunt, and so exciting to see a young man kill his first elk. A day that he won't ever forget, and I day that I know I will NEVER forget.