Looking back at 2012!

Well 2012 is coming to a close and as I look back I realize once again how blessed I truly am.  It once again has been a year of more firsts for me.  From finding out I will be a new dad in either 2012 or 2013, he hasn't quite decided yet.  I also was able to take my first elk with my bow.  An accomplishment and hunt I will never forget.  I'm not sure what 2013 will bring, but very excited for it and can't wait until spring turkey season begins.  Before that begins I am trying to prepare myself for little sleep and many years of memories as my family grows by one.

Looking back on the 2012 hunting season, I started doing some spring turkey hunting around the Colstrip area.  Birds around home are still down on numbers, but I managed to find a couple around.  I did not have any luck filling my tag in MT, but headed to SD.  I went back once again to SD as numbers of birds there way out number the birds in MT.  Both myself and Stephen were successful in tagging a bird with our bows, and getting some good video footage of Stephen's at a whopping 6 yds.  The weather didn't cooperate as well as planned, but we still managed to get out and have a good time as always.  I'm looking forward to the upcoming spring and hopefully making another return trip back. 

The summer was pretty uneventful as far as hunting goes.  Archery antelope opened up in Aug. once again.  I spent quite a few days chasing them around, but by the end of the season came up empty handed.  Out of all of my stalks and patience I was allowed one opportunity, which fell short.  As always antelope is one of my favorite seasons as it gets me out early, and there isn't as many hunters out in the field.  This was the first time in the last three years I did not fill my archery tag.

During a portion of the antelope season deer and elk archery opened up.  It makes things nice when you have to decide to chase a big mule deer buck or antelope buck.  As in the blogs I was very successful filling both my elk and deer tags this year.  The elk hunting trip was short lived this year, which looking back I wouldn't want it any other way.  I was done after our first actual elk hunt on the first afternoon.  It was incredible how fast things can happen.  It was followed up a couple of days later with my brother Todd filling his tag as well.  I don't think it ever fully sunk in what had occurred.  My brothers and I spend most elk seasons chasing and getting into elk, but filling tags is another story.  Finally things came together fast and we fill two tags in three days.  It doesn't get much better.  This as many hunts I go on will be one I remember forever.

I was also able to fill my deer tag on the last day I had to hunt.  This again is a hunt I will never forget as the deer actually ran at me as if he knew it was his time.  I made a great shot and easy recovery.  This isn't the biggest buck I've killed, but only my 2nd with my bow and another unforgettable hunt.

I finished the year out by heading back to SD a couple of times and made some great memories with Stephen, and my in-laws.  I always forget how good I had it growing up in SD and very much miss the bird hunting I had in the past.  It is always nice to get back and hunt when I have the opportunity.  It also gave me new excitement to hunt with Colt as he did a superb job this year.  Like I had wrote before I regret not putting more time into him, but he is truly blessed with some great genes that make him the bird dog he is.

I was hoping to get out and chase some coyotes or possibly a wolf, but with Lane on the way it makes it a little more difficult.  I don't mind though as I'm very excited for his arrival.  Wishing everyone the best and thanks for following along as I continue to share my passion for the outdoors.  Hoping everyone had a successful year and even if tags went unfilled there were memories made with family and friends as well as enjoying the gift we are blessed with spending time outdoors.