Later in the evening, Doug and I spotted a mule deer doe with some fawns on top of a grassy ridge above cow camp. A few minutes later we saw something trailing them in the grass and I could hardley believe my eyes. It was a mountain lion! A big tom too! My camera could not get zoomed in enough but the little bump at the top of the ridge is the big tom. I think Doug may have a better picture.

 

Here's a look down at cow camp from close to where that tom was stalking those deer.

 

Our search for the elk continued...

 

 

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

It's very hard to describe the scene of a forest fire and the damage it causes to those of you who have never witnessed it.

 

Walking through the burnt timber felt like I was viewing the world after Armageddon...

 

We called it a night, enjoyed some of Joseph's fine food and made plans for the next morning...

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

TTT

Gorgeous pics and great story so far. I know how difficult it is to get back in the swing of things and still tell the story....but we'll wait!    

For those of us still learning about western hunting, how about some feedback on the gear you took and what you would have purchased/taken differently?

QuoteOriginally posted by JC:
what you would have purchased/taken differently?

Lion tag?      

Brian, I understand how you feel about looking at burned timber.  It's pretty ugly now, but try to envision what it will look like in a few short seasons with all the new, lush growth.  If plants didn't return after fires, then the whole world would look like a wasteland -- a pile of ashes.  Fire is part of the cycle of things -- I'm sure you know that some plant seeds can't even germinate without going through a fire.  It's as natural as wind and rain, even though we tend to see only the destruction.

Looks like a great time and a great hunt already.  Look forward to hearing more of this story!!

Great thread and awesome pics!!! Looking forward to the rest of the story.

Thanks for sharing so far....always enjoy lots of pics!

Alright, looks like we generated a little more interest on this thread. You're right JC, it can be difficult trying to get caught up with all the work that piles up when you're gone, plus keep an active thread going with all the work of downloading, resizing and uploading pictures.

But, we'll press on...sorry for the delay.

I know, Knife, things will certainly come back strong after the fire. But it's still not a pretty sight when you only have a week there...

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

Really great pics from the trip! Glad you have taken the time to download and share everything. Thanks bud! CK

Brian, You got me pumped.  Great pictures and pretty darn special hunting one on one with Doug.  It's fun to recognize some of the terrain with just the one day I spent there this August...Doc

Great pictures!Can't wait to hunt in Montana.Keep the story coming!  Ben

The next day was just as spectacular. Started off with an incredible sunrise on a freshly snow covered mountain.

 

Montana already has the reputation for a game paradise, but the reputation for a predator paradise is is gaining steam. Doug saw wolves this week, plus the cat, now here's a coyote watching a group of deer.

 

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

One thing I never tire of looking at out west is the extremely unique pronghorn antelope. What an amazing critter. Doug's area seemed to support a healthy population of speed goats.

   

We spent the early part of the day glassing for elk around cow camp. Pretty awesome place to relax.

   

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

Here's a look inside:

 

 

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

This sounds like an amazing trip!  I still can't get past the cat!

The pronghorn were rutting pretty good. We were entertained by a few bucks trying their best.

 

Here's one running off a lesser buck...

 

And here's one of my favorite pictures from the trip. We glassed the rest of the day but did not locate any elk.

 

 

We did locate a decent muley buck later in the evening and I got within 12-15 yards of his bed. The sage brush was pretty thick when I got there and all I could see was antlers. I tried to wait him out but the wind swirled and he rocketed out of his bed, never presenting a shot.

We put a stalk on this big boy as well:

 

-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com

Awesome pics Brian. Keep them coming.

Man am I having a good cup of joe this AM.  

Thanks for taking the time to share these Brian...we really appreciate it. Looks like I gotta hit ol Doug up fer a visit....that sure is some pretty country.

  CK