Montana Woods N Water June 2016 Print Edition | Page 35

FATHER’S DAY TRIBUTE CONTINUED
I placed the scope and crosshairs directly on the body behind the front shoulder and gently pulled the trigger. The loud report of
the gun shook the trees as I watched the large bull run off along the mountain below me. I lowered the rifle in time to see more elk turn
and crash into the trees running back along the trail they had come. "How could I have missed?" I asked myself, as I visualized the big bull
running down the trail. I hurried down the hillside to follow the trail where I saw no sign of the bull except the impressions left by his
hooves. As I walked quietly along the trail the large dark trees blocked out the sun and it seemed once again I had just missed. As I walked
along the dark trail another large fir tree stood out and I looked off the trail toward the swampy pools filled with elk tracks. As I rounded
the large tree, up came a large set of horns nearly, hitting my face and I jumped back to avoid being hit. There he was! The bull had run
almost 50 yards down along the trail turning completely around in order to watch me before collapsing. He tried to get up again as I met
him behind the tree and I nearly had a heart attack when his large six point rack raised to within a foot of my face. I jumped quickly to one
side of the trail and yelled, "Oh no you don't…you sucker!" I quickly pointed the rifle at his neck as he raised to his feet and attempted to
run. At point blank range I squeezed the trigger again. The gun's report echoed through the trees and there lay an elk with a four foot
spread and six white tipped ivory points on each side. There behind the front shoulder a small bullet hole just where I aimed. "What a
beautiful elk," I screamed as I jumped on top of it hugging it and grabbing the large set of horns.
So much excitement in two days, and the pressure of the bet had been relieved. At 9AM as I walked back to get Hal, I laughed and
screamed out loud, running my fingers through my hair. I realized how lucky I really was and thanked God for my success, and being able
to keep my hair.

From The Ryan Family
Thanks Everyone For Their Support
During The Plains Day Dance
Welcome Home Jake!

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Congratulations…
to all the 2016 Graduates from
Montana Woods N Water