Hey everyone, Wanted to share a memorable experience from this past week—one of those rarer encounters that really sticks with you, even without taking a shot. My dad and I were sitting on a log pile at a landing in a logging cut, enjoying the evening and calling elk. I decided to go with calf and cow calls with the odd location bugle later into the evening—nothing serious, just seeing if anything might be nearby. After a little while, a single cow elk quietly came in from one end of the landing infront of us, moving cautiously but not alarmed. Moments later, two more cows appeared from the opposite end and behind us, also calm but alert. We stayed still as we watched them work their way toward the middle of the landing, where they met up, nose to nose, with an exchange of huffs, lips curled. From there, they began to move together through the new growth, heading down the logging road—directly toward us. They weren’t spooked, just curious and careful. All three of them came in to about 15 meters, and I had ample time to range them and think about shot angles—had it been 2 days prior in bow season, it would’ve been ideal. But of course, this was rifle season, and in our unit, you need an early draw tag for cows, which I didn’t have—I was there to take a bull with my bow. So we just sat and watched, hoping to learn something and enjoy the moment. As they closed the distance to walk past us, one of the cows must have caught our wind or caught some movement above her. Just like that, the mood changed—she spun and the whole group bolted back into the new growth, heading for the tree line. Thinking quick, I let out a series of frantic cow calls trying to sound like a distressed cow, and to my surprise, they all stopped. They stayed put for quite a while—within rifle distance, scanning and trying to figure out what they’d just seen or smelled. During that time, the biggest cow started barking—sharp, intense, and loud. It’s not a sound you get to hear up close very often, and it echoed through the timber. I managed to get a video of her barking before they move off, which I’ve linked below.

Hey everyone, That time of year has rolled around again—our annual elk hunting trip out on Alberta crown land is just about here—we leave Friday morning—and the excitement’s been building for weeks. I’ve been hitting the range regularly, dialling in my compound bow, and making sure the broadheads are razor sharp. I’ve packed my go-to elk calls—can’t head in without my favourite diaphragm calls and trusty bugle tube. With any luck (and a bit of wind in our favour), we’ll get into some action. We’ll be setting up camp by the river again—same spot we’ve returned to for years now. It’s got no cell service, no distractions, and an endless supply of river rocks, which my three kids take very seriously. Their rock collection efforts are relentless, and every “perfect” one gets proudly presented to me—usually while I’m trying to cook a meal. Honestly, it’s one of the best parts of the trip. As much as we’re out there for elk, there’s a lot more going on. We’ll spend some days hunting grouse and rabbit too—I'll be bringing along my reflex/deflex for that. It’s a great way to involve the kids and get them learning about ethical hunting, patience, and the responsibility that comes with pursuing game. We talk a lot about respect—for the animals, the land, and the process. No shortcuts, no egos—just doing it right and appreciating every part of it. And of course, I’ll be out there with my dad, husband, and a few old buddies—guys I’ve shared a campfire and a lot of missed shots with over the years. The jokes haven’t changed, but somehow they keep getting funnier. Wishing everyone a safe, respectful, and memorable season. May your arrows fly true and your coolers fill up—whether it’s with meat or just stories worth retelling.

Working on last light shoot. My distance at last light is nothing beyond 15 with shadows 20 if open. Last 2 shot at 30 since lighted nock for fun missed and low forward of aim. Having fun

One archers journey #2 Archery is good drug and I get my fix every day. The range runs between two rows of citrus trees, levelish to around ninety feet. I hang at round sixty feet and fling from there. Since I’ve only been at it for a few months there is a tendency to stick to basics. Form, posture, draw, aim, release and follow through. It’s a lot to put together. For what seems like the longest time I was aiming, using the tip of the arrow as a guide and holding the fully drawn bow for many seconds until releasing when it felt right. From time to time the arrows hit the mark, but it was rare to be consistent In finding the center of the target. One morning, shooting with a friend that’s exactly what we were doing. The arrows hit all over the place. We were talking in between shots and Don brought up the idea about doing quicker shots. The idea was to release almost immediately after the full draw. I’m sure we’ve all seen videos of this method and I wondered why did I wait so long to give it a go. Well chalk it up to inexperience. Since that morning I’ve been working the quick shot, releasing almost immediately after the full draw is anchored . Is this what is meant by instinctive shooting? This archer thinks so now after months of aiming. Waiting five to fifteen seconds it became obvious that the bow hand began to waiver before the arrow was released. Even wavering a little caused a greater error in the arrows at the end of the flight. For myself, I am taking my time learning archery. It’s the journey, not the destination, that’s fascinating. Grant and Jenn are always spot on in their opinions and answers. I love candid people in general. Ah, I drift from the the point. What was it again??? Oh yeah the quick shot, the instinctive shot. To be honest it proved better than aiming, when the quiver went empty and I went to pull the arrows. Nice clusters, a few closer to center and fewer all over the place. Basically beginners luck and it turned on the light in this archers head, a moment of clarity.

And.. what are you going to chase together this fall? We have grouse- pheasant- wild turkey and whitetails on the list! Leave a Comment below! - Grant