White Mountain Apache Reservation Elk

The hunting crew shown in the photo is Ryan (left), Chris (center), and myself, Bill (right). It was a first-time elk hunt for Chris and myself. Ryan had hunted elk on one previous occasion, 2 years ago in the same area unsuccessfully).

We started the 17 hour drive from central Texas to the White Mountain Apache reservation seven days prior to Christmas and arrived with 4 1/2 days to hunt. Armed with our cow elk tags, topo maps, and a some advice from local friends, we started hiking through some truly beautiful terrain; a mix of shallow canyons and graded hills, trying to get far away from logging roads which were often occupied by truck hunters. Despite the shyness of the elk herds due to previous hunts, all three of us were fortunate enough to connect. Chris and Ryan knocked down their elk on evening prior to the day we were to leave, which left just enough time to pack out the animals before hitting the road back home.

It was one of those rare outings were everything just fell into place and the hunt effort was matched by the rewards in every possible way.

Thanks for the chance to share the hunt..

William Eslinger