I get asked a lot whether I worry about running into a bear while I’m wandering the backcountry. 

Next person who asks will get to hear ALL about my experiences bear hunting…

Scheduled 6 days for this hunt. However, it doesn’t take that long to identify that the elk have moved on in their migration. 

Good times. 

Good lessons. 

On to the bear hunts. 

Setting out into the wilderness to hunt elk. 

Success might truly be more painful than failure…

Check your equipment, kids, or you too may find yourself with no way to make coffee at 5:30 am on a camping trip. 

A failed stove shortened the trip, but didn’t dampen spirits. Good times. A wet dog. Mountains and fall colors. 

Hitting the back roads with a buddy who couldn’t backpack this year. Got him into the Bob. He fished. I didn’t. 

Brought the dog. 

Had a cot. 

What is this luxury?

Wait, this was supposed to take a week?

Also, strange bedfellows and late night visitors. 

Scouting for elk, in preparation for hunting season. 

Short day finishes the trip. Time to start planning next time out.