Teton Mountain Pass

                        

On the third day we headed south to the Teton Mountain Pass area.  Just off of highway 22 was an access road that led into the mountains.  It looked like an old logging road that was blocked off and used now by the Forrest Service. It was an easy ride up the mountain and then it got really steep.  We tethered the horses and began climbing on foot.  I really got winded.

Then we heard a bull bugling.  Loud and clear, he let out a big roar.  Hustling as fast as we could, everyone scurried up to the top of the mountain.  Below us the bull bugled.  Across onto another mountain a bull bugled.  To the north of us and close by, a very big bull bugled.  We were surrounded on three sides with bull elk all talking away.  My guide began to respond by bugling on his own hoping to attract one of the bulls.  Hopefully one would come in a hurry to do battle and we would have the opportunity for a shot. 

Jason, my guide, moved further up the mountain. I moved down the mountain about 30 yards from Jason and got set up. Above me was Jason continually answering the bulls.  The ground sloped away steeply from me into the timber.  The thought racing through my mind was, "Yes, he is going to get it."   The bull moved to my right.  I could tell by his bugling where he was approximately located.  But still he did not come out of the timber. 



The first location

With the range finder a couple of different locations were sited to give me an idea of distance.  Everything would be less than 150 yards and fairly in the open.  Now all one had to do was come up out of the timber.

Facing down the mountain, another bull bugled to my left, and another behind me.  Jason continued to call, but the one we were waiting for did not come up out of the timber. 

This would have been a good shot and close if he had crested the hill.

After about 45 minutes, I moved  up to the top of the mountain with Jason.  A conference was held.  The one we thought was the prize did not finish and appeared to move up the valley below us.  The one on the opposite mountain was glimpsed by Jason.   He said the bull was out around 400 yards.  The glimpse he got was brief and no opportunity was available for a shot.  That left the one straight north of our location.

The conference

I moved down a different path and set up again.  Jason went back slightly above me.  The bull bugled, and Jason responded.  He sounded really really close, but he stayed down in the timber and would not come up to do battle.  The thought was that he was with a herd of cows and probably never really felt challenged enough to come up out of the timber and defend his stock.

This would have been a great shot and close if he had stepped out of the timber.

We then followed a very narrow and steep path down into the valley below, and went for several hundred yards into the valley.  We found nothing.  They had all moved on.

This was a really exciting morning and it was decided to come back again tomorrow.

Good hunting, good fishing, and good luck  Hank




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Bear and Elk Hunt in the Tetons

                       
                                    
The 3 AM wakeup call came really early at the Teton Mountain View Lodge.  The room and facilities at the Lodge were excellent.  Out my bedroom window was a view of the western side of the Grand Tetons.  The lodge was located in Tetonia, Idaho just north of Driggs.  There was a hot tub, picnic area, and for breakfast  fresh cinnamon rolls.  A small dining room with cereal, yogurt, and fresh coffee was available in the morning.  In the evening Bob brought in various dishes that were frozen. We then microwaved them.  Lunches were prepared by the guides, and we always had plenty to eat.  In addition, Bob supplied plenty of water, so there was no reason to get dehydrated. 

Having had altitude sickness before, there was no intention on my part to let it happen again.  Altitude sickness causes severe headache and low grade nausea.  This is not what a hunter on horseback needs during the hunt. If you are a flatlander like me, you need to drink plenty of water to avoid this problem.  On climbs up the mountains, getting winded was a problem for me, and it improved only slightly as time went along. 

We headed out to the Tetons on day two.  On this day it was just the guide and myself.  We left Tetonia and drove to the trail head in the mountains. The Grand Tetons were to my southeast. 

In the dark we moved up the mountain.  With the moon at about 1/3 full, visibility in the dark was not an issue.  We pushed up higher into the mountain and over some really rough country.  The horses we rode were part draft as evidenced by the big hooves and hair down the lower back of the leg.  They were very stout and sure- footed, and climbed easily over all the obstacles we came upon.

Toward the top of the mountain we moved along through trails and meadows looking for elk signs consisting of rubs on the small trees, droppings, and wallows.  We did see fresh bear scat, so remained very alert. We stopped along the top of a canyon, and sat for a long period using field glasses to study the terrain and meadows for elk and bear.



The two picture above give you an idea of what type of country I was looking at.  This is a study in motion looking for elk and bear that may be moving up from the valley below into the meadows.



The search went on all morning as we rode from meadow to meadow stopping to glass the area we were in and listen for the bulls to call.  We also were very observant of our surroundings and kept a close lookout for bears.

The three picture above show the type of country we were working. 



There was just no action in this area.  We ate lunch around 11 AM, and then started down the mountain.  Again as the morning moved along, it became really warm and even warmer as we descended.  Shedding clothing was the order of the day. 



The two pictures above are of a meadow used by campers and hikers.  This is wilderness country so nothing mechanized is allowed.  They gave me a different horse to ride.  Red Cloud was a little easier getting on and off.

We knocked off about 2 PM and headed back to Tetonia.  The plan was to go after bear in the evening.

Leaving the lodge after 4 PM, we drove into some scruffy looking country laced with dirt roads that weaved around on the tops of ridges.  The truck was parked.  We walked down a slight incline to a place where we could see almost to the bottom of the valley.  It was here we hunted bear.


To the right of the tall pines on the left is a large flat rock.   We moved up about 75 yards and waited. 

Darkness was almost upon us, so we pulled out and made our way back to the truck.  Neither one of us wanted to be stumbling around this area in the dark and come upon and unfriendly bear.

Good hunting, good fishing, and good luck.  Hank

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Into the Mountains of Wyoming

                         

Three in the morning came very early, but that was the time you got yourself ready to go.  The plan was to be on the road by 4 AM, at the trailhead unloaded and heading up the mountain by 5 AM.  I had planned before I came to do some horseback riding, but never found the time.  If you are going on this type of trip in the mountains, I recommend to do some riding at a local stable just to get the feel and prevent saddle soreness.  Comfort grew on me later in the trip. 

There was a quarter of a moon shining down. At the higher elevations it helped to light up the trail.  We wove around on the trail and I could hardly see the guide in front of me when we were in the timber.  What really amazed me was he initially walked up the mountain pulling his horse behind him.  Later on as the trail became steeper he mounted up.  The group consisted of three of us going up the mountain.  The guide in front, myself and a wrangler employed by the outfitter made up the party. 

Upon reaching a level area in the darkness, the sound of a bull elk could be heard as he bellowed below us in the timber.  The guide stopped, gave a thumbs up, pointed up higher, and we continued to ride up the mountain.  At this time it became a little lighter, and the ruggedness of the mountain could be seen along with the steep terrain we were climbing.  For me this was an outstanding experience and we had not even begun to hunt.  Just being there and doing what I was doing was thrilling. 


The first meadow we checked out.  The horses are to the left in the trees. 



Upon reaching an open area, the horses were tethered.  We started walking up the mountain into a meadow that extended upward to the top of the mountain.  It had gotten lighter and visibility was good.  Everyone hunkered down.  We waited and scanned the area below for elk moving out of the dark timber.  We also listened for bull elk, but heard nothing. 

After about 90 minutes we mounted up on the horses and rode higher up the mountain. 

Top of the mountain behind me.

At this point, I want to point something out that should be of vital interest to any flat lander like myself.  In my 60s, I still work out regularly, but the altitude really hit me hard the first two days.  I really got winded climbing up the mountain.  If I go again, which I probably will, I am going to try to get on an exercise program that will help with this problem.  I never got tired physically until the end of the day, but I got really winded on the climb.  I also drank about two liters of water daily to stay very very hydrated.  If you read any of the books published about climbing in the Himalayas, you will see that the climbers always force enough water until their urine is clear.  That was a goal I had set for myself.  Altitude sickness caused from dehydration is no fun and I did not want my trip ruined over that.


Checking out a meadow below us.  Our guide had killed a bull elk in this area.


We moved the rest of the morning along the ridges and top of the mountain, looking down into valleys in search of elk.  Around 11 AM we found an open area and tethered the horses.   Here we broke for lunch and a short nap. 


Later we moved down the mountain to the area where the bull elk had made his presence known.  In this area, cow calls were made, and we looked for elk sign such as droppings, rubs or wallows.  If you don't know what a wallow is, it is where a bull elk tears up the ground with his antlers, pees in the dirt and then rolls in it.  For him and her this is like expensive men's cologne. 
By 3 PM we were totally moving down out of the mountains.  The weather was unseasonably warm because of all the sunshine on the mountains.  In fact it could be almost described as hot, and everyone was shedding clothing. 

Grand Tetons in the background.  It can't get much better than this, but it does.

Many more days to go and this was starting out as an excellent adventure.


Angus and me.  This horse was really a big boy.



Riding along a mountain trail

Good fishing, good hunting, and good luck.  Hank




The outdoors suppliers have some great sales going on right now.  As we move into hunting season, I believe they are overstocked and now is the time to cash in on some great bargins.  You cannot own enough gear.  It's a status symbol.  Plus it goes hand in hand with bragging rights.

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Wyoming Elk Hunt (The Outfitter)

So you want to go on an adventure into the Rocky Mountains and hunt elk.  I have done it before and have not shot an animal yet, but the shoot is only a small part of the experience.  There is more to it than shooting an animal.  Packing in by horseback, living in the mountains, and riding through some of the most beautiful country you have ever seen is the best part of the experience.  You can drive through the mountains on the interstate, but you can never appreciate the beauty of the west until you are back in the dense forests, mountain meadows, and valleys 

This year I followed the advice of a previous guest writer Casey Schroeder.  Casey had recommended Bob Barlow owner of Barlow Outfitting.  The first thing I did was a check of references and they came back outstanding.  Next was to contact Bob and visit with him about how he operates and here was something new.  You have the choice of a tent camp back in the mountains or as Bob said, "I also operate as a day use outfitter."  That means you stay in a lodge every night with a private room, private bath, TV and all the luxuries of home.  In the early morning the horses are saddled and trailored to a trail head and you ride into the mountains with your guide.  I have always liked to camp out, and have done the wilderness camp outs before, but this sounded inviting.  I made it my choice. 


Teton Mountain View Lodge located in Tetonia, Idaho is where Bob puts his hunting guests. 

 Bob is a third generation Wyoming native. He grew up hunting and fishing in the mountains, prairies, and rivers of Wyoming. Bob's passion for the out of doors helps his clients enjoy the same. His businesses include horsepack fly fishing trips, river float trips during the summer, and guided snowmobile tours in Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas in the winter months. He looks forward to hunting season absolutely all year.


Having personally hunted North America from Alaska to Mexico, as well as several African countries, Bob knows what it takes to put on a good hunt.  He provides hunting trips for all the big game in the area he operates in.  This includes deer, elk, mountain goat, bear, big horn sheep, antelope, and moose. 

Typical scenery you will see on a hunt.  How much better can it get than this!

Bob Barlow

Bob Barlow with Big Horn Sheep



After all my research, I scheduled an elk and bear trip with Bob and made the trip to Wyoming for opening day September 20, 2011.  Read more of the adventure next week.

 

Good hunting, good fishing and good luck.   Hank.

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Fishing the Glacial Lakes

The next morning, we stopped for fresh bait, and visited with the people in the bait shop.  The action was on Bitter, a really nice big lake south of the town of Waubay and close to our motel.  I have fished it before and when the wind comes up, Bitter really rocks and rolls.  Boat control can become difficult.  Lake Waubay had a mediocre report, but having fished the lake for fifteen years, confidence overcame me.  This was where we headed the second day.

Winds were southerly around 15 to 20 mph, and Waubay will kick up a little in the open areas.  Kanago access on the west side of the lake just north of the town is where we put in.  The access is operated by the state.  The parking lot is big with two concrete access ramps on each side of a padded dock.  It is a good place to put in and you are out of the wind. 

I have never seen the lake so high as I have on this trip.  Just a couple of hundred yards out from the boat ramp was a pile of rocks.  They were completely submerged.  Beyond the rock pile is a reef that runs north and south about 50 to 75 yards.  I could not see it either.  My route out of the area was to south east until I reached a standing tree on the bank to the west. Then we headed out across the lake.  I avoided that area straight out from the dock.  On the north side of the lake just outside the boat ramp were additional shallow areas.  I also avoided that area.  Trying to avoid smacking props and taking out the lower unit was one of life's major goals.

The wind was up when we got on the lake around 8 AM, and we headed toward the south shore and then back southwest into a large bay.  When you see an island with pelicans on it and can see trailor houses at the end of the bay, you have arrived.  I have pictured the south shore below.

You can just make out the pelicans on the small island.  You are looking straight south.  Fish from this location southwest till you pass two trees on the bank.  Closer in 8 to 10 feet of water, there is some excellent small mouth bass fishing.  Out to the deeper water is the walleye.

South Dakota has a slot limit on the Smallmouth bass.  You can keep anything under 14 and over 18 inches.  We started smacking them early in the morning.  Moving out more to the center of the lake, the walleye were biting for us very slowly. We both began wondering if we should have
gone to Swan or Bitter.  It took a while but we picked up a couple.

Typica size of smallmouth bass for Waubay. What a fight on an ultralight.

By noon it was getting hot and we went in to take a break, clean the fish, grab something sweet, and take a nap.

Here it is.  The Purple Cow Ice Cream Parlor.  East of I- 29 in the town of Waubay. Here is where to take a small break and have some of the best ice cream I have ever eaten.  They also sell burgers and dogs there.

Here it is.  The Purple Cow.

Back on the lake by 6 PM, we headed up to school bus point.  The school bus is gone, but the point is still there.  We were told to fish the island opposite the point and follow it down to the next island.  There is a lot of timber if you get to close to shore, and my advice is to stay out in 14 to 18 feet of water. 

Here we picked up the rest of our walleyes for the trip and the highlight was a really nice small mouth bass.  What a warrior.  On an ultralight he or she, put up an outstanding fight.  Back and forth, under the boat, there was serious doubts as to whether this fish was going to be put in the boat.



22 inch smallmouth bass.



The next morning, we headed for home.  Walleyes, northern, and small mouth bass were all caught on one trip in two days of fishing. 

I leave for Wyoming on the 18th of September for an Elk hunt with Bob Barlow of Barlow Outfitting. The state of Wyoming has sent me information on Grizzley Bears and safety involved with being in the wilderness.  This should be an interesting trip.  Check out Bob's website at http://www.barlowoutfitting.com/.

There are some great sales going on right now at the outdoor suppliers.  Click on a banner and check out the prices.  Big sales on hunting equipment, and close outs on fishing equipment.  This is the time of the year to buy all you supplies for next year.  You cannot own enough gear. 

Good hunting, good fishing and good luck.  Hank

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Website: http://www.outdoorswithhank.com/. 

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