A Minnesota Elk Hunting Story - Part 2

[Gissert]

Another scouting trip was in order. After a long stretch of 12 hour plus days at work, I was able to head out again at 3 am on August 26. This time I double checked and made sure I had my own contacts in. What a difference my own prescription made!

The weather on this trip was cloudy and it had rained a fair amount during the night. I hit Grygla a bit before 7 and headed north out of town. I made a beeline for the S curves on CR#54. The DNR had a great looking food plot on some land that was purchased in 1987 by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and then given to the state. This is one BIG plot, probably 60 to 80 acres. It looked great, but only had deer on it, no elk. This plot is known as the Kvilhaug complex.

Kudos to the RMEF for making this happen. Since Minnesota is officially an elk state now with two viable herds, 30 percent of the funds raised in Minnesota, stay in Minnesota. This benefits not only elk, but other critters such as ducks and sharp tail grouse.

As I rounded the last curve, I slowed down and carefully glassed the fields where I had seen the three bulls on my last trip. They were empty on this occasion. I was not too disappointed, as I had the good feeling that I had been granted permission to hunt this land where elk had been taken on previous hunts.

Through an email from the Bemidji RMEF chapter, I had made contact with the landowner’s son of this property where I had spotted the bulls. He had told me some other areas on where I should be looking. This contact would to prove to be very fruitful.

I slowly drove around the hunt zone areas west of CR#54 as this was where I had been told the rut takes place nearly every year. I did not see any fresh sign, but the rain had wiped out most of what had been there. I spotted too many deer to count, and a large number of sand hill cranes.

I headed over to the east side of the hunt boundary, and was rewarded with a nice fresh set of tracks along this gravel road. This road would prove to be a pivotal part of the upcoming hunt.

Here is what they looked like. It looked like a good animal, probably a bull. There were also fresh bear tracks along with the elk tracks.

I was pressed for time, so I headed back home, feeling excited about the hunt, but sad knowing this was my last scouting mission. I had found out a couple days prior that I had to go to Montreal for three weeks of training that would run me right up to the hunt date.

I had most of the gear I needed from hunting elk out west on several occasions, so that prep work was quickly taken care of by making lists and rounding up the items I needed from storage. I was to leave for Montreal on the morning of August 28. Before I left, I got up early and headed to the rifle range one more time.

My Savage 111 felt good on the bench this time, and I got a ¾ inch group at 100 yards, and a 1.5 inch at 200 yards. This rifle may be ugly, and inexpensive, but is shoots like no other rifle in my cabinet. I have great confidence in this gun, and have taken three elk and numerous deer with it since 1998. I had five rounds left, and decided I should try some off hand work. I set up five bowling pins at 200 yards, and nestled into my sling. I was able to get four of them to roll over. If I was to miss an elk, it would be my fault, not the equipment.

I went home, practiced with my bugle and cow call a bit, and set out for the airport.

While in Montreal, I continued to speak with landowners and lined up a camper to use for the hunt.

Things were firming up nicely.

Too be continued…..

[CodyDawg]

Ahhhhhh. This is like a slow form of torture. Excitement at seeing the next post is ready, only to be left hanging awaiting the next part. All I got to say is that if this story doesn't end with your sorry mug draped over a helluva nice bull, or at least a dang good reason why not, then ....well...then something...I just dont know what!

[Duffman]

I already know the outcome, and I still can't wait for the final chapter of this story. Cool beans Gissert! Don't worry, I won't spill any. I hope to hear more details straight from the Gissert jar come Saturday night.

[Dan Thiem]

This is just too much!

A very good story. Come on with part three!

[CodyDawg]

Maybe he misses!