Elk Hunting With 6.8 RESULTS!!!
Don't get excited...I never pulled the trigger and neither did any of the other 21 hunters in camp... Three bull elk were seen by one hunter on the first morning. They were hanging together and had no cows with them. (We had tags for spikes and cows.) No cow elk were seen all week by anyone. We heard no shots fired. This area, just east of Lehi, UT off Hwy 92 has traditionally had LOTS of elk. This same group had half the hunters tag out last year and almost 3/4 tag out the previous year. None this year... A number of the hunters in camp feel that too many cow tags have been issued over the last several years and that numbers are dwindling. The area is quite accessible to runners, hikers, bike enthusiasts and motorcycles that area allowed on paths off-road.
I had 6 moose within 50 yards over the first 3 days. Moose tags are tough to draw and they are a once-in-a-lifetime tag. These were Shiras moose. We had one walk through camp one day. Some of the people in camp said it looked like he wanted to lay down but that one of the yippie dogs in camp kept him moving. On certain days in certain places, mule deer were everywhere you looked. I did not see any big bucks. One guy had a small bear walk past on the third day.
So, pretty disappointing trip overall.
Now for the 6.8.....
Everyone was interested in my rifle. Once I explained the caliber to them, a handful of the crusty elk hunters relegated the rifle to pea-shooter status. Several of them were using heirloom .30-30 Winchesters. Most of the rifles in camp were belted-magnum bolt rifles, as expected. Most had 7mm Rem mag or .300 Win Mags. There was a .30 WSM and a .30 Ultra Mag and others. All I can say is that on the first morning, as I was following 4 other hunters, they all shifted their heavy guns to the opposite shoulder multiple times within a half-mile hike from the truck. The lightweight 6.8 build (thanks for the ideas, BS!), was a joy to carry in the woods. Not having to stoop down to keep the barrel from catching branches and being able to keep the rifle close to my body were BIG bonuses over the course of the week. Most of the hunters in camp held the gun and were amazed by the light weight. I could hear what they were thinking!
In hunting over those 7 days, I learned that long shots out west are indeed possible and often the norm in that kind of country. I saw a lot of critters on hillsides from a long ways away. It depends on the situation, but I saw moose and deer at extreme ranges and at very close range. Had the elk participated, I feel I could have worked for any shot I wanted to take. The deer were pretty spooky but the moose were easy to get up on. I saw the bulk of animals at the edges of meadows, in thickets of aspens and in the thick, evergreen trees. As expected, most were seen early or just before dark. With the 6.8, there would be many shots possible within 200 yards but I would avoid the extended range shots.
I have been invited back by my embarrassed hosts and we will try to draw for a different area next year.
Maybe next year!
Garland
Here is my rifle! I took an old military sling and attached it to the handguard and to the bottom of the grip. It worked very well here and the strap was kept in place by my backpack strap. The lightweight, minimalist stock did not tend to snag on brush or clothing. I would like to fashion a sling that attached to the side of the hand guard and to the same side of the rear of the receiver so that I can carry the rifle in the ready position.
Here is me after a morning hunt. The rifle is carried with a minimal hassle. I found the butt of the stock a convenient and comfortable place to put my hand while walking, as shown.
Here is an example of some of the high-country in the neighborhood.
I found lots of deer and some elk sign in the quakies!