Originally uploaded by royal.outfitters
He and his father had spotted the elk from across the valley in the morning. That evening Rob crept into the meadow that the elk had been feeding on and did not have to wait long for action.
Greg’s Bull Originally uploaded by royal.outfittersGreg and his father Michael had hunted hard for 5 days and had been very close to closing the deal, agonizingly close on several occasions. It was 4th and goal on the 7 yard line with no timeouts remaining, and then it happened.
Originally uploaded by royal.outfitters
It was the second day of Ed’s hunt, he had seen and heard elk bugling the previous day, and had even been stalked by a mountain lion. But today was the magic day. Read the story in Ed’s own words.
We watched a belted kingfisher catching his breakfast this morning in the creek.
We have made a habit of spreading sunflower seeds out in strategic spots around the yard so we can watch the birds this winter and now spring. Well of course the winter brought the usual mix of nuthatches, chickadees, comon redpoll, Clark’s nutcrackers, and the cedar waxwings have been hanging out in the cedar trees of all things.
But over the last week or so the juncos have showed up. Then the first robin appeared a few days ago. Mountain bluebirds are back, and I have heard the calls of the sandhill cranes that nest in the area.
Other new ones this week.
Red crossbill, varied thrush, (new to our list), red winged blackbirds, song sparrow.
The kids are having fun with their new bird book trying to identify all of the new birds that are arriving.
Sunday afternoon I went for a long hike to stretch the legs and see what is going on in the hills. I saw severaly mule deer, and even found one of their shed antlers. It was spitting a rain and snow mix as I tromped up the hill, but eventually the precip’ quit and it turned out to be a pleasant hike. Somewhat to my surprise I happened upon some fresh bear sign. It seems a little early, but with the mild weather, I guess it makes sense that they are starting to poke their heads out of the den. A friend of mine, on a drive between here and Spokane, WA saw a large black bear along the highway. So, I will be keeping my eye out for the furry critters.
Bear Season opens on April 15th so if you are thinking of a last minute spring hunt, get online and buy that bear tag, and lets go hunting. The tag is $300 online and must be purchased before season opens to be valid for the spring hunt. I will be updating the weather and bear sightings regularly so stay tuned.