Long Range Pursuit | S5 E18 High Country Elk with Danner Davidson

Published on April 6, 2020
Duration: 22:21

This episode follows Danner Davidson on a high-country elk hunt. The hunt is characterized by challenging weather conditions including snow and fog, which significantly impact visibility and hunting opportunities. Despite setbacks, the team perseveres, eventually harvesting a large bull elk after a challenging stalk and shot. The video highlights the physical demands of packing out large game from steep terrain and the importance of patience and adaptability in hunting.

Quick Summary

This high-country elk hunt faced significant challenges from fog and snow, impacting visibility and forcing hunters to adapt. The demanding pack-out of a large bull elk highlighted the physical toll of big game hunting in steep terrain.

Chapters

  1. 00:46Initial Scouting and Camp Setup
  2. 02:21Bear Sighting and Ridge Glassing
  3. 03:29Elk Herd Sighting
  4. 05:39Morning Weather Challenges: Snow and Fog
  5. 08:13Conditions Improve, Bull Bugles Heard
  6. 10:01Close Encounter with a 5x5 Bull
  7. 11:34Tracking Elk in Snow
  8. 12:37Early Morning Mountain Race
  9. 13:34Finding Elk Tracks
  10. 14:04Stalking Elk Herd
  11. 16:48The Shot: Bull Elk Down
  12. 18:31Assessing the Harvested Bull
  13. 20:00The Pack Out Begins
  14. 20:40Challenges of Packing Elk

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges faced during this high-country elk hunt?

The primary challenges encountered were adverse weather conditions, including heavy fog and snow, which significantly reduced visibility. Steep and difficult terrain also presented obstacles for both hunting and the subsequent pack-out of the harvested elk.

How did the weather impact the hunting strategy?

The fog and snow forced the hunters to pause their pursuit and wait for conditions to improve. They had to adapt by staying in camp, assessing the weather, and re-strategizing when visibility allowed them to continue the hunt.

What factors determine if an elk is a 'shooter' for the hunters?

Hunters assess elk for their 'shooter' potential based on antler size, spread, and overall body mass. The decision to take a shot also considers the distance, wind, cover, and the practicalities of recovering and packing out the animal.

What is involved in the pack-out process for a bull elk?

The pack-out is a labor-intensive process that involves quartering the elk, loading the heavy meat into packs, and transporting it over challenging terrain. This can take several hours, especially in steep or remote areas.

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