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| About
three years ago I was wandering through the aisles of
one of my home state's many Hunting and Fishing shows, seriously pondering
the idea of going on an elk hunt - something I'd always dreamed of doing.
My search did not take long as I came upon Tim Doud and Doris Roesch with
Bliss Creek Outfitters. I'd always had visions of what an ideal outfitter
should be, and Tim met all my criteria. There was the huge elk rack hanging
in his booth, and he was both a woodsman who lived and breathed elk hunting,
and a cowboy who seemed genuine and honest. The clincher came with the
numerous photo albums spread across his booth, filled with trophy elk
photos, and the many flyers and magazine articles written about him. They
convinced me that if I was going to go on an elk hunt, it would be with
Tim. Time passed by and this past summer I got a call from Tim - he had
a cancellation and I was in. I immediately started a heavy duty training
schedule to prepare for the 22-mile pack-in to the wilderness base camp.
Every day, I shot my bow at a homemade life-size target (yes, it had a
big rack). Varying the distances and positions gave me the confidence
I hoped to call upon later. Suddenly, September was here, and my dream
elk adventure finally began... |
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| The
day before a hunt at Bliss Creek Ranch includes a lot
of preparing for the departure from the trailhead. I lent a hand as best
I could as the guides were busy re-shoeing horses, and packing the many
panniers with necessary food and provisions. They weighed each one to
make sure the load is evenly distributed on the horses' backs. Next came
the separating of the horses and mules; also necessary was the trimming
of manes, to prevent chafing after attaching the bridles. The dust flew
and the horses kicked as they were loaded up for the next day's long ride. |
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| At
the trailhead, 43 miles south of Cody, Wyoming,
is where everything finally came together. All our gear was placed at
the center of the corral where the wranglers selected and packed it in
the panniers. Piece by piece, everything seemed to have its place and
order. Tim's 19 years of experience was certainly showing. As the final
knots and cinches were being tightened, a brief lesson was given on how
to ride the horses, which basically amounted to getting on, and holding
the reins of the well-trained steeds. We were off! |
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| Our
base camp was located in the Washakie Wilderness of the
Shoshone National Forest, southeast of Yellowstone National Park, in northwest
Wyoming. From the trailhead it was an 8-hour, 22-mile horseback ride in.
The scenery was like a postcard; waterfalls graced the sides of mountains,
eagles soared above, and streams sprawled everywhere, with the Shoshone
River as our guide into Bliss Creek. We crossed many streams and traveled
along some very narrow trails atop our trusty mounts, which knew exactly
where to go and, at times, how fast. We rested about halfway there, at
an old trapper's cabin. Packed in our knap sacks was a wonderful lunch
that Doris prepared that morning, which we washed down with water from
our canteens. After we got fueled up and were able to stretch our legs,
it was back in the saddle for the last long push to camp. The packstring
travels at the same pace you can walk, and Tim advised earlier to get
off your horse and walk some if you get a little sore, which I did - twice
as a matter a fact. As we got closer, a weathered sign read Bliss Creek
Meadows, and none too soon. Now it was only a few miles to camp. |
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| As
we approached our camp — nestled into the edge of
the timber next to a clear, sparkling stream - one of the guides, Jay,
welcomed us. Tim always has someone stay in camp to keep things up - cutting
wood, taking care of horses, fixing odds and ends, and keeping bears out.
This time and effort shows in a neat and orderly camp. Maybe that's a
good part of the reason why Tim has twice been awarded the Wyoming Outfitter
of the Year. Hunters included (from left to right) myself, Gary, Kevin,
and Morris. We were helped off the horses and shown to our tents where
we quickly unpacked. Our sturdy wall tents each held two log-style beds
with a thick, comfy mattress, a lantern, lots of hooks to hang clothes,
a wood stove, and fresh water. Outside the tent was a wood pile, and a
short distance away, an outhouse with a roof. |
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| As
the guides (left to right) Jay, Mike, BJ, Al, and Tim, were busy preparing
things for the next day's hunt, I decided to practice shooting for a while,
to make sure everything was dialed-in. Just then, a bull moose happened
to stroll by as if he was greeting me. A good sign, I thought. As evening
fell, the aroma from the mess tent filtered through camp, making the dinner
bell unnecessary. In the glowing lantern-lit tent lay a feast featuring
thick T-bone steaks cooked on an open fire, along with fresh trout, potatoes,
corn, fresh rolls, and a homemade cake with whipped cream. |
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| After
dinner Tim went over the hunter/personal guide pairings, offering valuable
insight about all of the guides and their individual hunting styles. Tim
also advised what to pack in the morning, what time breakfast is served,
and general rules of the camp. Night fell quickly. As we headed back to
our tents to catch some rest, the guides could be heard practicing a little
bugling and cow talk outside. Could there be sweeter music to fall asleep
to? |
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| The
tent door unzipped and in stepped Mike, the wrangler.
He lit the wood stove and hissed, "Half-hour till breakfast."
At breakfast I wolfed down bacon, eggs, and toast to help ward off the
morning chill; minutes later I grabbed my lunch bag and got onto my horse,
which was saddled and ready to go. Off we went! A typical morning we were
crossing a creek when we encountered a young 4x4. Tim coaxed him to within
40 yards - broadside - but I passed. On the third day we spent the night
in the meadow at the pass, trying to get in position to ambush a large
bull we'd seen there the day before. Sleeping under the stars we were
awakened by a loud bugle on the side of the mountain. Waiting for first
light before we got started, we approached the area where we'd heard the
bull. Tim bugled and the large bull appeared; a majestic 6x6, broadside,
100 yards straight uphill. The bull turned slowly and walked away. Tim
grabbed me, and we ran ahead to try and cut him off. Soon, we could tell
we were close, and Tim and I set up. I moved up, while Tim stayed back,
bugling and challenging the bull. Anxious, I decided to close the distance
even more, for a broadside 20-yard shot. But the bull hung up in the brush
and would not step forward. It turned and went back up the mountain -
game over. Tim and I cat-and-moused many more bulls over the remainder
of the hunt, but could not quite close the gap. |
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| The
last morning in camp I sat by Bliss Creek reflecting on
the hunt. It was the first time in my hunting career I truly realized
that harvesting game wasn't everything, it was the experiences had along
the way that make each adventure special. I thought about how close I
came to harvesting my dream bull and how my heart raced uncontrollably
waiting for it to step forward, about the early morning and late evening
rides to and from camp, the homemade meals, the friendships made, and
the sheer beauty of the land. I realized I'd had the greatest hunt of
my life, and I owe it all to Tim and Doris. Thanks. I will be back. Thanks
to photographersÝ Steve Umland & Tim Christie, who contributed to this
article. |
 To
book your own elk adventure call Tim Doud or Doris Roesch of Bliss Creek
Outfitters at (307) 527-6103 or write them at 326 Diamond Basin Road,
Cody, WY Ý82414. They also guide for sheep, moose, bear, and deer. |
