Elk hunt/questions

We started early on Saturday morning driving out to the ranch at 4:30. It was unseasonably warm and I knew that would be bad for elk moving but good for the two kids I had with me! We started out hiking and before long had some elk spotted. We were able to make a decent stalk and get within about 350 yds. I was unable to get set up on the lone cow before they made a speedy exit! Oh well, on to the next herd. Again we started hiking. We moved towards a larger herd that we had spotted trying to keep the wind good. It was difficult and the wind was swirling all around us. We came to a small opening and spotted more elk. The trees were thick and there was no shot opportunity so we began crawling through the pine needles hoping to get a clear lane. About the time I was able to get a shot they began to get nervous. Soon the 4 elk that we saw turned into a herd of 20+! They all bunched together leaving me nothing but a flock shot! Again, they busted us and off they went. A few of the bulls were still bugling and that really made things exciting. I love to be around them and it was a great time for my kids. We were close enough to smell them but unfortunately they were smelling us also! Well after a lot of hiking and a few other close calls we went home with an empty truck bed. It was a great day and I really enjoyed being out walking the mountains looking for the right shot. My kids did great (most of the time) and really like being around the animals and hearing them bugle. All in all it was a good time and honestly I'm fine with not getting an elk. I still have my tag so the season isn't over and I didn't have to deal with taking care of another animal! It is a great ranch and I would love to hunt bulls out there at some point. I would definitely recommend this place.

I've noticed that there have been some people reading some of the posts but not commenting. Most of the views have come from some reviews. Please let me know if there is something different you would like to see or if you would like more information on where I am hunting, fishing, etc. I enjoy writing but would like to make this something that benefits people as well. Without some feedback I really don't know what to post more of.

Get out there and make some memories! The experiences and memories we are able to enjoy is all we really have at the end of it all!