12/15/2025
â Late Season Cow Elk Hunt â
đSouthern Alberta
Set off from the truck solo early in the morning at a crispy -23°, with a plan to get up to a vantage point to put my glass to work.
Along the way I bumped three mature coyotes out of range, who spotted me quick as I made my way to the ridge top. Once I made it up, I was surprised to find there wasnât any wind to speak of - a rare occurrence for Southern Alberta at this time of year.
It didnât take long to find the Elk, a healthy herd lay in the bottom across the valley, preparing to soak up the morning sunshine. After glassing, and coming up with a plan, I made my way down.
It took quite a while to get into range, without alerting the many watchful eyes which lay in the open. While closing the distance and getting into position however, I spooked the herd and they grouped together and trotted west. If youâve hunted Elk, you know that feeling of despair. They disappeared over a ridge, approaching the heavy timber. After getting within 400 yards of the herd, I was kicking myself for not being more careful in my stalk. Since I made it so far, I thought it would be worth it to see how far they made it over the ridge and maybe, they would still be within range.
Another 1000 yards or so, and I approached the ridge they disappeared over. It wasnât difficult to see where they went, a wide swath of tracks was giving their route away. I slowly peeked over the ridge, through the grass - and there was the herd, 120 yards away.
It doesnât always work out like this, more often than not, the Elk vanish. This time, I was given another opportunity and made it count. Being far from the truck at this point, I made the call for backup. Two Elk hunting buddies (read; saviors) responded to my call for help, and made the trek to haul meat out of the backcountry with me.
We hit the trucks at 11pm, split up the meat and pointed the headlights home. Incredibly fortunate in a lot of ways that day, but mostly in the friendship of my Elk hunting buddies.
I owe you boys one âď¸
