Elkhorn Outfitters devoted it's 4th week of October to hunting with the youth. Hosted by Jim Zumbo and the Outdoor Channel, these kids were required to write an essay to Elkhorn based on what hunting means to them and their families. Upon review, Dick and Cheryl Dodds (Owners of Elkhorn) invited 8 of the essay contestants to come hunt over 100,000 acres near Craig Colorado on Management tags, ranging from Antelope to Elk.

My excitement to be apart of this week was unmeasurable; partly because I was a youth hunter during the same youth week at Elkhorn 10 years ago and now was apart of the same week except on the other side of the fence as a guide. I knew how cool of an experience I had sharing my first big game hunt with my father and now had a chance to be with and share that same experience with two youth hunters and their fathers!

After meeting my two youth hunters, Casey and Ty I knew I was in for a treat! Both kids were GREAT, and astatic about the week ahead (Not sure anyone or thing could wipe the smiles off their faces). Our week started off looking for mule deer as Casey drew the first shot. Beginning our first sneak, miked and followed by a camera man I knew 12 year old Casey had to be nervous! Getting just within 300 yards of our buck, I decided I had to get him closer so we backed out and came at the buck from a different angle. Bedded down now the buck had us all caught off guard when he suddenly stood up. Leaving Casey with a rushed shot that ultimately turned into a clean miss, I seen his confidence plummet! Trying to boost his confidence I guaranteed Casey that every hunter no matter how good has missed and that I'd find him another buck!

After the first day of hunting both tags remained open. Day two was much of the same; weather this time didn't allow us very pleasant hunting. Deciding to go up the Mt. to see if we couldn't find some elk for Ty we glassed for a couple hours. As some elk appeared in a small meadow a couple miles out, just before dark I knew we wouldn't be able to get on them in time and decided we would come back the following morning.

Wednesday we started our climb up towards the meadow we had watched the elk in the night before. Once on top the fog took over allowing us with no visibility. Disappointed I told Ty and his father that we were doing no good and had better back out. Hoping the elk would stick around that area we descended back to the truck. Seeking for a quick back up plan I decided on taking Casey back out deer hunting for a couple hours then heading back up after the elk. Getting lucky Casey and I spotted a nice management deer for him to set up on. This time at 177 yards and the camera rolling, Casey got his redemption - With 2 shots he put the buck down! Our excitement filled the valley as we hooted an hollered - High fives and hugs all the way around!

Knowing it was now 2:30 pm and not long till "Prime Time" elk hunting, I hustled back to camp with Casey and his buck, picked up Ty and his Dad and headed back up the Mt. in hopes of finding those elk we had spotted the night before. Slipping North down a high ridge towards the meadow I spotted movement to our right. 20 - 30 elk moved out on a finger in front of us 700 yards away. Checking our wind I decided to stay high and continue on past the herd. Setting up above them we watched as they milled around below us in a small aspen pocket. Ranging two spike bulls at 230 yards, I set Ty up for his shot. Taking his time Ty made sure he was good and solid before he squeezed off the shot dropping the bull into a deep ditch. We watched and watched for the bull to come out the other side, but he never did. Deciding to start down the steep face towards the last place we seen him, I looked ahead and could see Ty's bull laying motionless! Calling Ty over pointing in the bulls direction, he dropped to his knees in shock as he had just harvested his first big game animal!

For years, I didn't understand it when my Dad told me he'd just as soon watch me hunt or fish when I was a kid as do it himself. I thought he was nuts! Why stand & watch when its so much fun to do? Now, I thoroughly understand what he meant and how he felt! Nothing in hunting is more important than the future. No hunter should value his "Serious" hunting higher than that done with a kid. There is a GREAT satisfaction in beating the odds and accomplishing a successful harvest with a youth hunter. Give it a try and you'll see what I mean!