5th Prize
Weatherby Soft Side Gun Cases (10 awarded)
Alan Juhl, Oklahoma
“If I were a wealthy man, I’d hunt extensively, and I’m sure an African Safari would be on my agenda. But, I believe the foundation of any serious big game hunter is a Rocky Mountain elk hunt. I believe a serious hunter would measure all his future hunts against that elk hunt. While my exposure to the Rockies have been limited to the nearby Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Northern New Mexico, they hold a fascination for me that keeps me returning (mostly for trout fishing).
My favorite companion for this hunt would be my 31 year-old son, Clayton. He has been busy since he left high school…getting a couple of degrees in college and starting a family. He has just in the past few years started taking more of an interest in hunting. He just shot his first buck last year. I would really like to fan that little flame of hunting desire in him.
Since we are talking dream hunts here, I’d also like to share our campfire with the Dean of Rocky Mountain Elk hunting himself, Jim Zumbo. In my mind, I envision a ‘classic’ style of elk hunting that I grew up reading about writers like Jack O’Connor taking. A day starting out well before daylight heading up to a high meadow, probably by horseback, hunting hard all day, probably coming dragging back to camp after dark. At the same time, I also like my creature comforts. It would be nice to have a good meal waiting for me, finishing the evening off sitting around a campfire (or fireplace), sipping Sundowners, and either swapping hunting stories or listen to Mr. Zumbo regale us with his hunting adventures, as our sore muscles start beckoning us to bed for another early day.
Where would I hunt? Having absolutely no experience hunting elk, I wouldn’t begin to know the best place to go. I know the Valle Vidal, and Jicarillo Reservation in Northern New Mexico are good, and I’ve heard Table Mountain Outfitters in Wyoming have a very good operation. What I would prefer, even if Mr. Zumbo couldn’t accompany us, with all his extensive elk hunting experience in the Rockies, I’d like him to pick a place for us to hunt that is very special to him.
While I would do everything in my power to put a big bull on the ground, and I really hope I do, even if I don’t, the memories and new friends I make would last me the rest of my life.”