Utah Hunting Trip 2014- The Hunt is ON baby

Day 2- 9-2014

Big breakfast and yes bacon was included. Backpacks finalized and loaded then to store for roll of black plastic to protect the rental and misc. needs. Then off to shoot bows and check they didn't get knocked off from the 2000+ mile plane ride. All that done was then off to the Mountain for some serious Utah exercise. Parked car at approximately 7000ft in elevation then hiked for 2 Hours to 8500ft elevation. That like Hiking from  Caldwell County line to Blowing Rock.

Pin on map marks cars location then trail on right to top of ridge where the view was spectacular but required a lot of sweat and hard breathing by two old NC boys.

Then we met Cory and a friend on top from Utah who were bow hunting Moose on a once in a lifetime tag. They had spotted 4 Moose and had one at 5 yards but passed as it just didn't measure up for a once. Got some info on Elk and Deer areas to hunt tomorrow and a ride down the mountain in their UTV. Awesome guys !!!Much appreciated at that point. Back at trail head we spotted a fresh Mountain Lion Kill about 30 yards from the vehicle and it was a fascinating sight that close to people and a road. Thats a mules deers legs sticking out from under the leaf pile...its how Mtn Lions cache their next meal. Were off to hunt Cottonwood Canyon tomorrow ..more to follow

Utah Hunting Trip 2014

Day 1 - 9-12-2014
Tom is learning how to not hurry on vacation-yeah right(mah comment). Travel from two different locations was flawless, we landed within 5 mins of each other and the bows and gear survived the airlines. Upgrade to full size SUV a simple gift. We are loaded down. Toms condo at Canyons Resort Westgate in Park City UT for  first time visited since owning since 1999 was reflective for him. Most important was lunch and time with Jason and Mark Strickland of Camofire.com/ Black Ovis. Mark's story about how Camofire came to be was prophetic to both Mark H and I as we could smell but not yet see their future on the east coast and Jason has us pumped up about hunting and fishing. What was most impactful was the story of his five year old son's open heart surgery at two years of age. Pictures of first mule deer at dusk.

Buying groceries is always interesting with Tom to assist but super walmart did us right on massive bacon pack and diet mountain dew...nope they dont sell diet sundrop out here much to my dismay.

Will shoot bows early tomorrow then see what the country here holds for us to chase after.Packs ready to roll.
 

9-11-2014

13 years have passed since one of the most tragic days in my memory for our nation. I am reminded each day as I go to work of the importance the events of 9-11-2001 had on our nation and on each of us as individuals.  I am proud to serve the citizens of North Carolina and our nation as we strive to prevent and prepare to respond if needed. Please remember today those who paid the ultimate price to serve and protect and those caught in evils pathway 13 years today.

 On my way to Raleigh NC today to catch a flight to begin my hunting and fishing trip to
 Park City, Utah as I crossed the Yadkin River on I-40 and there on the bridge at tanglewood exit I was reminded of all those who protect us both foreign and domestic by the sight of old glory waving in the breeze. Thanks to the firefighters who did this as it brought a tear to my eye and joy to my heart. "Hoo-rah" Now on to Utah to celebrate in Gods natural cathedral and experience a renewal of mind, body, & spirit. Stay tuned as more to come in days ahead.

Montana Sunset over the Bridger Moumtains

Getting ready for Utah Elk & Deer hunt. 70 yards tonight. Pulled one a little low and right otherwise I think I'm darn near ready to go. 50 yards in should be a chip shot.

Another healthy outdoor pursuit.. No its not hunting but does go well with the hunting lifestyle. The 2014 Howell garden is doing well..squash, tomatoes, cucumbers, chard., basil, corn, green beans, bell peppers

Early June fly fishing with Tom & Andrew. Caught a few despite heavy pressure and little hatching.

 Cranberry Creek, Ashe County MC ..late June 2014

July 2014 fishing