2019 Alberta Elk Hunt

[wiksmo]

Such an interesting question, Walkingeagle. I'd say up front that I think the name needs to be personal to you, whatever you choose that has special meaning. Still, I was so transported from "joining you on your hunt," I have a couple of name choices that would be meaningful to me.

26Paces would be one choice I'd consider. Simply a reminder of your rifle's excellent performance on harvesting this elk. Of course, without you prepping the rifle and being there as the shooter, it wouldn't have done the job.

Perch would be another choice. This was a special location in your hunting area that wove in and out of your 2019 chronicle. And it was also well-used in previous hunts you've made there over the last quarter of a century. It must carry along a lot of memories for you.


Okay, I've made my decision. I'd go with 26Paces.

Now it's your turn to make the very best name choice!

Have fun!
wiksmo

 

[Brokennock]

Patience is the 1st name that comes to mind. You stuck it out till the most of your friends had left and your time to hunt was getting down to the wire. You maintained good spirits and a good attitude throughout, focusing on the enjoyment of the experience. I knew a very sweet girl in high school named Patience.

 

[dragnetbill]

You know, I never did hang a handle on the rifle, which was one of the goals. Anybody have thoughts as to an appropriate name?
Walk

How about "Faith", or "Hope"; your story evokes thoughts of both for me. I really enjoyed it. May God bless you.
Bill

 

[Brokennock]

How about "Faith", or "Hope"; your story evokes thoughts of both for me. I really enjoyed it. May God bless you.
Bill

Faith is good. I had a idea for another name but was searching for the right word to express it, Faith is about right for what I was thinking.

 

[blushingmule]

You know, I never did hang a handle on the rifle, which was one of the goals. Anybody have thoughts as to an appropriate name?
Walk

Hi Walk,
Great question. How about Wapiti?
Then after a Moose hunt, you might consider Elg. ( Elg is Norwegian for Moose.)
Bob
p.s. Great write up on the hunt!

 

[Brokennock]

Hi Walk,
Great question. How about Wapiti?
Then after a Moose hunt, you might consider Elg. ( Elg is Norwegian for Moose.)
Bob
p.s. Great write up on the hunt!

Close but not quite right. My understanding is that the names got reversed crossing the atlantic.

 

[Walkingeagle]

You know I have been thinking, and “Faith” seems the most appropriate. There were a few fleeting moments when I questioned things, especially when I couldn’t see the antlers on that very first opening morning bull. My eyes are not good when lighting is poor and I have been having a lot of thoughts lately of being forced to install “unmentionable glass” on one of my muzzleloaders. Its a real internal struggle for sure! However it proved unnecessary when the shot presented itself, but only due to perfect conditions. Faith being what pulled me through these real struggles in this hunt. Future hunts might dictate other requirements, will have to see.
“Faith” my friends, please let me proudly introduce her to the group..
Walk

 

[dragnetbill]

You know I have been thinking, and “Faith” seems the most appropriate. There were a few fleeting moments when I questioned things, especially when I couldn’t see the antlers on that very first opening morning bull. My eyes are not good when lighting is poor and I have been having a lot of thoughts lately of being forced to install “unmentionable glass” on one of my muzzleloaders. Its a real internal struggle for sure! However it proved unnecessary when the shot presented itself, but only due to perfect conditions. Faith being what pulled me through these real struggles in this hunt. Future hunts might dictate other requirements, will have to see.
“Faith” my friends, please let me proudly introduce her to the group..
Walk

May your hunts together be crisp and refreshing; may Faith's sights be always clear (you may have to name her sights Hope) and her spark deserving. Thank you again friend for this stirring tale; many will pray to hunt like a Walkingeagle.
Bill

 

[Walkingeagle]

Just as an fyi, I did follow the requests of a few people and submitted this into Muzzleloader Magazine. Jason responded that it was too large for the publication. Oh well, was not written for that purpose in any event. I am looking forward to repeating in 2020 should the good Lord allow.
Best always.
Walk

 

[jdw276]

Just as an fyi, I did follow the requests of a few people and submitted this into Muzzleloader Magazine. Jason responded that it was too large for the publication. Oh well, was not written for that purpose in any event. I am looking forward to repeating in 2020 should the good Lord allow.
Best always.
Walk

So next year shoot it on day one or two? that might make the article a bit shorter....i am sure it will have the same high quality and enjoyment to me as this year's was. Good luck with all.

 

[wiksmo]

Ah, 'tis sad to hear that others will miss this hunt story.
:*(
wiksmo

 

[Two Feathers]

Just as an fyi, I did follow the requests of a few people and submitted this into Muzzleloader Magazine. Jason responded that it was too large for the publication. Oh well, was not written for that purpose in any event. I am looking forward to repeating in 2020 should the good Lord allow.
Best always.
Walk

Thank you for doing that and for letting us know about it. Your Journal story is the magazine's loss and our gain. I'm terribly sorry that it didn't work out. I (for one) think your story is well worth being printed. I'd look into Black Powder Mag. https://www.blackpowdermag.com/ They have an article about a Flint Elk hunt there already, they may love yours too. Another option would be Backwoodsman Magazine. They're always printing stories about hunts like yours.
In any event, good luck my friend.
God bless:
Two Feathers

 

[Big Rviers]

Walkingeagle. Don't give up. Yours is a great story that many black powder enthusiasts and hunters in general would enjoy reading and learn from it. My first shooting article was rejected by a dozen magazines before one was accepted it. Be prepared they will edit and change it for length and to fit advertising on the pages but that is the industry. Yours is a gripping story or perseverance, personal hardship and challenges overcome to be appreciated and will inspire by other outdoor readers from many camps. Your friends at the Muzzleloading forum salute you.

 

[Walkingeagle]

Walkingeagle. Don't give up. Yours is a great story that many black powder enthusiasts and hunters in general would enjoy reading and learn from it. My first shooting article was rejected by a dozen magazines before one was accepted it. Be prepared they will edit and change it for length and to fit advertising on the pages but that is the industry. Yours is a gripping story or perseverance, personal hardship and challenges overcome to be appreciated and will inspire by other outdoor readers from many camps. Your friends at the Muzzleloading forum salute you.

Thank you sir.
Walk

 

[7of7]

Walkingeagle thanks for taking me with you on your hunt. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I consider the magazine’s response, ‘their loss’.
I wish you well.

 

[McClura]

Great story and Im glad you were successful. The Muzzleloading Magazine could run it in two parts if they were really interested. I have seen this in our Primitive Archer magazine a few times. I used to do hunts like yours in the Gila of New Mexico with muzzleloader rifle and cap/ball revolvers on our side with a few good friends that I shot muzzleloader matches with. We found a place we could set up two canvas wall tents next to an old trapper cabin that we kept our food stored in when away from camp due to the bears around.
We hunted there a lot of years and had names somewhat like you have for areas we hunted. We could by a bear/deer/turkey tag over the counter in the 80's. Only took one bear from that area but got a few deer and turkey. Memories that I will have a life time. All my friends I hunted with are gone now for one reason or another. Have to draw now for that area using smoke poles so I started building Selfbows and hunting SW Colorado with over the counter cow elk tags.
Thank you for your story and will re-read it several times, pumping myself up for next year in the mountains of SW Colorado.
You are a great man after going through so much and still enjoying life. Take care.
Mike