We just returned from my daughters' cow elk hunt a couple of days ago. This was another year where none of us drew out for big game, but I was able to grab a couple of youth encouragement tags in Unit 15 for cow elk with muzzleloader. This was the same hunt we did last year.

This year was a bit more challenging because of the weather. Last year we were spoiled by sunny days and cold nights with no moisture...not so this year. It was muddy when we showed up on the day before Thanksgiving, and it kept coming with rain/snow/wind/etc. for the first couple of days. This kept us out of some of the really remote areas we like but provided some nice scenery.



We never had to chain up and there was a little respite from the wet for a couple of days which helped. It came back towards the end of the hunt and I had to stay a couple of extra days to wait for a hard freeze so I could get the camper out. Last year the girls were both able to take their elk on day 3 of the 5-day hunt. This year proved to be a bit more challenging with the elk being more scarce and quite a bit more skittish. We had more time to work at it, and both of them kept their spirits up. Sure, there was a little frustration, but they never considered quitting and both redoubled their efforts. This was especially nice to see with my 15-year-old as she was sick the entire hunt, and even required a rush trip to Springerville to the ER on Thanksgiving night. All turned out well though she missed the opening morning but soldiered through.


It wasn't until the final hour of the 5th day that both girls were able to get it done. My 13-year-old struck first at about 4:30 while hunting with my Dad. Once again it was a one-shot proposition but at 142 yards this year:


My 15 year old finally had an opportunity within the last 15 minutes of legal hunting hours. I didn't have time to range the shot, but estimate it was around 120 yards. After a quick reload and hustling across a brush filled clearing and up a steep hill, we found her elk. Only one shot was required, but the exertion left her absolutely spent. You can see it all over her face in the pic:


This left us doing both elk in one night after dark. Everyone chipped in and we knocked it out pretty quickly. I'm extremely proud of both of them and was pleased to watch them work through the struggles. Both girls did exactly what they needed to do when the time came. Now it's on to butchering and planning for next year. Both have made it clear they expect to draw for Bull Elk next year....

Outstanding!

Supper Cool----I love threads like this.

Awesome. As a dad and elk hunter, I love it!

Way cool...love seeing kids getting it done...

Congrats to your daughters,SockPuppet!

Excellent!!

That’s great!

That's a lot of good eating right there - congrats!

Thanks, all, much appreciate the comments!

Congratulations. These are the best of the stories.

Yep and a good grocery shoppin trip to boot!

Excellent!

Most excellent and keep them at it. Some serious grub for the table there. One should be proud to be a member of that party.

Man that’s is absolutely fantastic what an amazing experience for your girls & yer dad that’s is amazing congratulations to you all!

Dang, congrats brother! Great hunt and way to get the ladies on elk!

Sock,
Congrats on your exploits with your two girls. Even though things were not optimal, they forged ahead and both were rewarded. Years from now they will have many memories of which to reminisce about.

Fantastic. Thanks for sharing bud.

Dave

Congrats to the young ladies. Memories to relive later.

Congratulations I’ve been wondering how the hunt was with all the weather we’ve had the last week. Awesome they stuck it out and got it done!

Very impressive!

congrats to you and your girls & your dad

Congratulations to all of you. Way to raise those kids right.

I really hope to do that with my girls someday

Doesn’t get better than that.

Congrats to all.

Spectacular. Congrats to the gals.

You’ve got a lot to be proud of there Dad, great job on the elk and the kids!

Especially girls.

Awesome! Way to hang in there and get it done!! Sure looks like the bluffs overlooking spur lake basin, love that country!!

Hey Paul, it made it interesting and made day/evening hunting more of a challenge. On the mornings it actually froze we tried to cover as much as possible. The elk just weren't as active as in years past until the last couple of days.

Me too! I think that shot was zoomed from the main road, but one of the girls took it so I'm not entirely sure.

Super!! Congrats to both of them!

Great write-up. Congrats to your 2 girls, and to you, dad, They are indeed fortunate to have a dad that devotes so much time and effort to their success.

Sounds like you had a great trip with some excitement !
Congratulate the girls from me.
Well done.

Awesome!

Thanks again, all!

Great story & congrats to all involved.

out-freaking-standing!!

attagirls!

You said it.... great story there!

Congratulations to the successful hunters and all involved.

Wonderful! I'm jealous not having a daughter/daughters to share the outdoors with.
My youngest son took his first bear up here one evening a few years ago. I knew he wasn't well but he wouldn't say. Took the shot and 15 seconds later was out cold. Mono.
We roll our eyes sometimes at how much we do for our kids, not always realizing what they do to be with us.
You and your young ladies have my envy Sock..

Osky

Thanks, guys.

I dig your perspective, Osky, thanks for that.

Awesome!

Very cool, congrats to the two young ladies!

Same here. I tried to get my 2 boys into camping and hunting but failed. They never did like it. Then they discovered those killers of all things outdoors - soccer and daily hot showers.

I'm 71 and have a lot of knowledge I'd like to pass on. The last couple of years I've got involved with our church's Trail Life troop trying to teach 11 to 15 year old a few things I've learned before I'm to old to get out myself.

You know you're always welcome to come south a state or 2 and go with us.

Sock I’ve been a guide most of my life and one of the groups I handle in northern Canada fly ins is a group of great older guys. Three years ago one brought his granddaughter. Typically bored but polite 13 year old. I got her involved in everything to get her mind busy, taught her to handle a rod, fish, and run her own boat. She has boated 48” pike, countless trophy walleye, and last summer a 44lb lake trout. She is everywhere helping everyone in camp these days on top of becoming a very good guide. Getting to be a good cook as well.
She will be 16 this summer and I sure look forward to seeing her in her boat. If you message me your email I’d enjoy sending you her picture with the trout. Couldn’t be more proud if she were
My own.

Osky

Awesome. My daughter is 12 and took her antelope hunting this fall it was a blast! I have more fun taking the kids then I do myself anymore!

Yes sir, I feel the same way.

Awesome, love seeing youngsters hunting.

Most excellent post and achievement. Wish there was more of the same being shown here.

A hearty congratulations to beautiful young ladies and their father/grandfather. Great work with the muzzleloaders and great groceries for the freezer.

Thanks, gentlemen.