Elk Hunt

Often times I've referred to living at Negrito Fire Base as Boyscout camp for adults. I still feel this to be a fair statement. Case in point. Typical afternoon activity: searching the forest (Crystal Canyon or maybe Creek) for Elk horns. Elk lose their horns in the fall and regrow them every year in the spring. These "sheds" are a prised possessions when found still brown and velvety. Over time if not located they bleach white in the suns fiery rays. In order to be prepared for this hike Matt thought it prudent to bring a short barrel 45 long bullet rifle. I know I'm describing the rife incorrectly. Let me say this. Its the kind of thing you want to have in the face of a grizzly bear. The Gila National Forest does not have grizzly bears. Fortunately for me I'm confident Matt has no intention of burying me in the woods. Together we walked for several hours. Matt packs for hunting guides in the off fire fighting season. His tracking skills didn't lead to any elk sheds. However, we did discover a bear skull and some freshly chewed up elk parts. Lots of old rubbings and droppings. Next time I'll bring a camera. All in all a great search and the gun is pretty accurate too! Kumbayah fellow scouts!