Nice When a Plan Comes Together

[Indian Summer]

Last fall I got a call from a hunter from the Midwest. His group are all in their 60s. Not the average call because most people considering my services are either rookies or people with a few unpunched elk tags who just can't seem to kill elk where they've been hunting. Not this guy though. He and his hunting partners have around thirty years of elk hunting (and killing) experience. They were looking for what I consider to be the main ingredient for a successful elk hunt: A good place to hunt. A plan.

He explained that over the years the area they had been hunting started seeing more and more hunters. It became hard to find a place to hunt undisturbed and the elk were getting educated and just plain hard to find. They came to the conclusion that it was time to relocate. But for them that is a pretty big decision. He said they didn't want to try to research areas and do some trial and error hunts because they have a limited number of years left to chase elk in the mountains. There was no time for trial and error hunts hoping to find a new place to call home. His requirements were very clear: A place with plenty of elk, minimal hunters, and lots of options. A place they could dive right into and find elk.... and hunt from now until they are forced to hang it up.

The guy was doing his homework I can tell you. He was one of the toughest customers I have had. Actually I love an educated potential client. One of his first statements was something like "This is the internet... how do I even know you're real let alone the real deal"

We exchanged many many emails. He asked for a copy of my outfitters license and some other things proff of my elk hunting experience. I sent that along with references etc. I sent him to Bowsite to read some reviews. Finally he said I want to talk to you on the phone and get to know you a bit better so I can let my gut decide. I called him and we had a great conversation. He decided to go for it.

On the phone I told him some things about the area I had in mind. I felt I had the perfect spot. They would start in their camper at the truck. There are elk in easy reach. Yes... the chances of seeing other hunters is better there but the hunting is great and the elk very vocal. I know a really consistent bedding area not very far and they could listen from above while sitting in a spot that's great to glass from. They could get an actual look at the south end of their hunting area from there before diving into it. They could also hunt in another direction and get into some steeper stuff if they wanted to. As always I provided them with a plan B. They could hike a camp in just a few miles and hunt some places off the beaten path.

As with all of my DIY elk hunt plans it came complete with topo maps marked with everything from where to camp and get water, where to get a cell signal, hand drawn hunting routes as well as highlighted pack trails to access the places I outlined as the places to spend time hunting. Places to glass from. Feeding areas. Bedding areas etc.

Also a set of hand written instructions that starts with directions to the parking spot and ends with where to get elk processed and dry ice for the ride home. In between is everything I can possibly think of to tell them about how to hunt the area and the routes marked on the map.

As usual once they looked the plan over they came up with some questions which I answered. He commented that the area was huge. I reminded him that I use horses so I can really cover some ground. Enough for them to chew on until they were in their 70s! So they decided to write down contact information for a guy I know who leases some really easy going horses in case they decide to use them for the week... or just to pack elk from hell holes or far away places. He even delivers. I was confident that these guys were really going to do the plan justice too by hunting hard and smart. I helped them out with the license application process since they were switching states and they were ready to roll.

A few days ago I got a text. It said: "Your area is definitely a good spot but I will need horses to save killing myself. My body is older than my mind thinks. We had rain & snow for 3 days that made hunting hard but we were into elk every day we were out. I shot this 6 by 6 on the 16th. He came in to cow calls. But I was 6.5 miles from camp. I ended up calling Chad and getting 2 horses for a day to get him out. Did see other hunters but found places they weren't."

Those kind of messages are like a paycheck to me. Not only did he kill a mature bull but he utilized all of the info I gave him including the horses. Most people aren't confident enough to give them a try. A couple guys can walk them like dogs to a kill site and back. The important thing to do when choosing a plan for hunters is that it fits them. Their physical abilities, their style of hunting, their goals etc. Don't get me wrong I love hooking up young and middle aged studs with hunting spots. But nothing is sweeter than giving a doable plan to older hunters, kids, and women who aren't built like pack mules. Likewise it's nice when new elk hunters tell me that the plan put the right into elk from day 1.... but also pretty darn cool when experienced elk hunters who know the value of a good elk hunting spot tell me their area kicked butt and they felt they got what they paid for.

If you or someone you know is in need of a place to call your elk hunting home give me a shout. Right now I'm waiting for gun season to come and go and then finding out who is & isn't going back to their spots next year. At that point I'll know what I have available in addition to what I already have. But my plans are limited so if you're interested now is the time to start telling me what you want and getting your questions answered.

Thanks for reading my long winded post. That's why I try not to make many!

Joe Ferraro
http://www.headinwest.net


Congratulations Dale!
And remember, a young mind can drive an old body a long way.......

[Ghost]

Something very heart warming about an older guy getting it done, especially with a bow! Congrats to Dale!!

[ElkNut1]

Hey Joe, way cool, yes the hunter hunted hard for his trophy no doubt, congrats to him! Thanks for sharing it!

ElkNut1

[southernelk]

I corresponded with indian summer for several weeks earlier in the year when we were trying to put together a hunt. I would be hunting with one of his plans this fall if 2 of my partners had not backed out. I can absolutely say he is very knowledgeable and willing work with you in putting together the perfect hunt. My brother and I will be taking our sons next fall on their first hunt. I am looking forward to talking with Joe again and getting this planned. Well done Joe and congrats on the bull Dale.