I've caught the disease!

[Bullseye]

"Hello, my name is Tom, and I'm an addict." Yes, my friends ... I've caught the elk hunting disease. A bit about myself as this is my first post. I am active duty Air Force and moved from Japan to Colorado in 2010. Ever since hitting the ground, I set out to hunt the elusive Wapiti via DYI and on public land. Through lots of "boots on the ground," trial and error, and setting out trail cameras in late summer/early fall ... I'm finally starting to figure this game out. Last year, during the 1st week of Colorado's rifle elk season, I killed a 5x6 on the evening of opening day. He may not have been an elk you would see on the walls of Cabelas, but he was king of the mountain to me. This year, I arrived home from a 6-month stint in Afghanistan 1 week before Colorado's 1st rifle elk season. During my time overseas, I was planning a 1-week elk hunting trip with my 14-year old son. When I arrived home, we packed up the truck and headed to the Rockies. Myself, my son, and my buddy hiked in 5 miles and set up spike camp. On the 3rd day, from the exact seat I shot my elk the year before, my son killed an awesome 6x6 bull. The memory of laying side-by-side with my son at 10,000 feet elevation after he put an amazing 150 yard shot on this majestic bull is etched in my memory forever. And yes ... it is currently at the taxidermist becoming a lifetime wall mount. Well I'll quit rambling as I'm starting to right a book. I've long been reading this forum and I figured it's about time I joined the team.

[Ilikefire]

Congrats on the nice bulls! Thank you for serving and I'm glad you made it home safely from Afghanistan!

[six]

Thank you for your service sir. I love your pictures. . .

[ElkNut1]

Thanks for your service sir! Well done on your hunts & especially with your son & your side! Doesn't get much better than that! Congrats & may there be many more hunts with your son in the future!

ElkNut1

[Indian Summer]

My deepest sympathies to your wife now that you are an addict. It's not always easy supporting our habits.

So anyway too bad for her and welcome aboard!!

Those pics are awesome. If you think you like them now wait until you guys are older and you look back on those days. Congratulations.

And now back to our regular 12 step program. heehee

[Swede]

Welcome to the W.T. campfire Bullseye. I don't know of anyone here that will help you overcome your new addiction, but maybe we can help you manage it. Warning: The elk hunting addiction is contagious.

[WapitiTalk1]

Yes sir, welcome to the forum Tom! Please pull up a log by the fire, a beverage of choice, and chime in whenever you wish! Some great pics and the memories that go with them sir.....

[Bullseye]

Thanks all for the hospitality. My wife has accepted my addiction so I'm not really seeking a cure. Besides, I visit this forum once a day to quell the shakes until next fall when the bugling starts!

[Aggiejon]

Awesome!

[ishy]

Again thanks for your service, can't tell you guys enough. Congrats on your bulls, pretty special to pull it off and with the family is quite the cherry on top!

[Deanmac]

Great story, congrats to you both

[Kevrod3]

Congrats to both of you and Love seeing dads spending quality time with their kids! Thank you for your service to our Country!