Lacey Swope Goes Elk Hunting In Colorado

I recently had an amazing opportunity to go on an elk hunt in Colorado. This has been a dream of my husband's for years and we decided about 9 months ago that this would be the year we make it happen. The original plan was for Tyler to go with a buddy of his. We knew nothing about elk hunting or hunting in Colorado. The plan was for Tyler to go learn the ropes this season and for us to go together next year. Long story short his friend had a family emergency and they had to come back home a few days into their trip. Good news, everything is fine now. Tyler was determined to get back to use his tag. We decided on a Tuesday that I would go with him that Saturday. I had done zero training, didn't own a pair of hiking boots and had no clue how the altitude would impact me. Those were small details, because I would never turn down a chance to get outdoors. 

I'll keep this short. Colorado in September is heavenly! The weather was amazing with frost in the mornings and highs in the upper 60s. The aspen were changing colors along with all of the underbrush. We hiked miles on top of miles on top of miles every day. We called, heard distant bugles and eventually found the elk's bedding area. Never got a shot, but the experience of camping miles away from civilization made this one of my favorite trips to date. Tracking the bears, elk, mule, deer and even chipmunks was so fun! Drinking water straight from the stream was also a first for me. I learned more than you can imagine and cannot wait until next season!

Click on the video to watch a montage of our adventures. Some parts don't have great audio because I was whispering. 

Make sure to send me your reports and pics this season!