Elk Hunting

Beginning tomorrow, I get to participate in that millenia-old practice of hunting for food, the four legged, hard-to-find kind. Elk.

I love the challenge, the exposure to the elements, the physical ferocity and mental determination necessary to hunt at 7,000+ feet above sea level in knee deep snow and single digit cold. I love stalking and winning my own food.

I hate packing, cooking and preparing for the trip. It makes me realize how ill-prepared we humans are to face harsh environments. We must have adequate shelter, clothing, food, directional support, and rescue provisions.

I love to hunt, I love to brave less than perfect elements, but I am not a cave woman. I want to have a warm drink and soft bed when I come in for the night.