Confessions of a tree stand convert

[ABQ_Chica]

This past season, some friends gave me the opportunity to try tree stand hunting elk in an area they\'ve hunted for decades and know like the back of their hand. Stand hunting had never even remotely appealed to me, but I couldn\'t pass up the chance to learn from life-long hunters. If you\'re interested in the recap (with just a few pics), I\'ve posted it in parts at the links below:

<!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://callsofthewild.wordpress.com/2014/09/04/how-far-is-heaven-as-close-as-elk-camp/\" onclick=\"window.open(this.href);return false;\">http://callsofthewild.wordpress.com/201 ... -elk-camp/</a><!-- m -->
<!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://callsofthewild.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/almost-5x5/\" onclick=\"window.open(this.href);return false;\">http://callsofthewild.wordpress.com/201 ... lmost-5x5/</a><!-- m -->
<!-- m --><a class=\"postlink\" href=\"http://callsofthewild.wordpress.com/2014/09/17/leaving-las-vacas/\" onclick=\"window.open(this.href);return false;\">http://callsofthewild.wordpress.com/201 ... las-vacas/</a><!-- m -->

But in a nutshell:
--I almost had a shot at a little 5x5 (and some turkey and mule deer).
--When another hunter got a cow elk, I finally got a hands-on course in field dressing, skinning, and packing out.
--We saw or heard elk, deer, turkey, or grouse every day. And bulls serenaded us most nights.
--Although I usually prefer to hunt solo, I discovered that elk camp with good friends is heaven on earth.
--I still feel that almost painful tug, as if part of me is still out there in the elk woods, a wisp of spirit that may never leave.

Thanks for the great stories and photos, everyone. Good luck to those of you with upcoming hunts.

 

[JohnFitzgerald]

I\'m definately going to hunt from a tree stand more next season. Still can\'t give up the bugle chasing so it will just be early season.

jf

 

[Swede]

Yes, tree stand hunting can be addictive. I started off trying it a little during the season, and now that is the way I hunt except for an occasional ground adventure.

 

[JohnFitzgerald]

Yes, tree stand hunting can be addictive. I started off trying it a little during the season, and now that is the way I hunt except for an occasional ground adventure.

Hooties don\'t take ground adventures!

 

[OldMan]

I wouldn\'t mind trying a tree stand at my old age, and gimpy knee.

Swede would have to set it up, and install an elevator. Otherwise i\'m sure i\'d fall out.

 

[Deertick]

Very nice write-up ...

That\'s the thing about elk hunting ... even unsuccessful hunts are better than any other kind of hunting ... there\'s \"tug\" to that place (September in the mountains) that is intense enough to last all year. It\'s good to have a \"that place\" to keep you sane the rest of the year. Christmas does it for some, or a special time in the summer, or whatever. For me, it\'s September.

And, as for treestands ... I\'m purchasing a few this spring, as soon as the sales start after Christmas.

 

[F M]

Nice write up ABQ glad to here your new experience\'s worked out for you.

 

[Swede]

Tick, I hear ya. I spent 34 days out hunting and preparing for the hunt, in addition to a week long scouting trip, and I miss it a lot now. Building the deck took my mind off hunting temporarily.
Still hunter, build yourself a good ladder to climb, and attach a safety line to your tree. Climbing will be safe and easy. Best wishes on your hunt.

 

[Billy Goat]

excellent writeups ma\'am. I applaud you for holding the shot on that 5x5. many are the fools who\'d have shot anyhow.

well done.

 

[ABQ_Chica]

Thanks for all the kind responses. If you haven\'t tried hunting elk from a stand, I highly recommend it, even if only to mix things up a little on a hunt.

Please always use a harness and a lifeline so you\'re always attached! I also had a lineman\'s rope and an extra tree strap in my pack. They turned out to be deadweight for most of the hunt, but you never know when a critter will chew through stuff.

 

[elkmtngear]

Nice write up, Chica!

Going into the trees paid off for me this Season. I\'ve pretty much committed to making it my \"go to\" evening strategy.

I highly recommend Swede\'s book \"Treestand Hunting Rocky Mountain Elk\"...it was a great resource even for me, and I have
stand hunted elk for many years now.

I have the book available in our online store.