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Today was our last hunting day here at Mikes. We were to spend all day Saturday at Yellowstone Park again. So we made a decision that if we got into elk this morning we would hunt all day. If we didn’t then we’d leave at noon and get a jump on Yellowstone Park. We went back to the property line where all the action has been. Far away from the ATVs. We did hear some bugles but they were once again on that private sanctuary. We hunted till 9:00 AM and headed back to the cabin. My hunt was over. It was a disappointing hunt for everyone, especially Mike. He knows how good his place is and this was the "perfect storm" of things that could, and did, go wrong. First, the drought had wiped out his alfalfa - and that is what usually draws the elk onto his pristine property. Secondly, the neighbors property had nobody hunting it (during archery) where there is usually at least a couple groups there. And third, the surrounding forest service properties, especially the high meadow where the ATV camp was located - had been messed up the last two weeks by OHV activity. I just had to laugh. It's no longer an elk curse, now it's a full-blown freaking nightmare. The elk are around, but they did what elk do – find security areas where they were safe. As we said goodbye to Mike on Friday morning he said “I guess you’ll never hunt here again” and my answer surprised him. “I would like to hunt here again, maybe in two years.” The land was obviously crawling with elk just two weeks ago and his network of meadows; alfalfa and water sources are the reason. There was no doubt in my mind that this was a fluke, especially judging by Mike’s reaction to the hunting. So look for another go at it in the next couple of years. I'm sure you are thinking that this hunt has been a waste. I don't see it that way. The cabin, Mike's property, and just being in those hills was worth it. The trips to Yellowstone were spectacular and that's just a short drive from Mike's. And even having the opportunity to call back and forth to a herd bull was better than sitting in a traffic jam back home. But most importantly, I had the opportunity to see first hand the abuse that is occurring on our most treasured lands. Sure catching those abusers was certainly a positive first step, but the exposure this hunt will bring to this problem will open many eyes. You can be sure that you have not heard the last from us on this important issue.
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For this hunt we are hunting on Rhynard Ranch
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