Heartland Elk Hunt

Felt like being back in the early 1800s wild west. Some Friends & Family were able to experience rugged elk country close to home in Nebraska. Wasn't sure what to expect in the hunting preserve, since we met at a cabin on flat land. Once we got in the UTV and drove a couple miles, we entered a gate near the river and dipped down into deep canyons and thick ponderosa forest. I never knew Nebraska had this kind of terrain. Very similar to Black Hills or foothills of Colorado but soft sandy soil. We heard distant Elk bugling in all directions as the sun started to come up. Almost called one in but he wouldn't come out of the timber. *Also, a wild transient elk was just outside the preserve near the Niobrara. First time seeing one in Nebraska! One hunter was unable to hike any further so some of us spent the weekend hiking up and down the canyons glassing elk, but they have a bind and plenty of thick forest to sit and call from. You might get lucky day 1 if you are there for season opener, but be prepared for 3 - 4 days of intense hunting sunrise to sundown. The elk in the preserve are feral and live their life in the hunting area. Some even die from fighting or natural cause. I was surprised how much fair chase and effort was involved. If doing a spot and stalk the entire time, you will want to do some cardio leading up to the hunt. It was thrilling and exhausting. They can accommodate wounded warriors, handicapped people, elderly... but you need to be patient (probably shoot 150 - 200 yards for an ethical shot)...If hunting with a bow or something close range,, call the guide to see what your options are. Maybe plan a long weekend? These elk are very elusive & skiddish. They live each year through a hunting season. Overall this was quite a thrill. One of the older hunters simply cannot handle the high altitude anymore, so it was great to see him to hunt elk with his family-While these animals are in the rut, doing their thing in native habitat where they existed for thousand of years. Special thanks to the two guides getting the 2nd bull recovered and skinned so we could cool the meat asap. It tasted incredible!