I went with Mystic Saddle Ranch on a Elk hunt last October. I had never been on a guided hunt before and was a little apprehensive about spending a week with people I didn't know. After arriving at the trail head and meeting Matt, Shelby, Jace and Joshua we went headed to the hunting camp.

The first night in camp my apprehension was dispelled. I figured out pretty quick that this was a fun group of people. Their goal was to insure I enjoyed my hunt and to try to make it a successful hunt. At this point I knew I was going to enjoy the rest of the week. The next day we were fogged in and did not go out until later in the day but that was fine with me. I was enjoying the company. Jace and I went out later in the day. Jace asked me what I was looking for in a successful Elk hunt. I explained that I had never shot a Elk before and that if it was a spike or record setting Elk it would be a trophy for me either way. We didn't spot anything that day but I still enjoyed the day and the company.

The next morning Shelby brought Joe (the other hunter) and myself our morning coffee and turned our heat on so it would be warm in our tent before we got up. She cooked us an awesome breakfast. Jace and I set out up the mountain in hopes of finding my elk. It was not long before Jace spotted a nice elk at about 65 yards. I took my shot and he ran about 85 yards before dropping. I truly believe Jace was more excited for me than I was. It was a awesome 5 X 5, we cut it up and bagged it to retrieve the next morning.

Upon returning to camp I discovered everybody was just as excited for me as I was. Spending time with this group of people was amazing. I would have enjoyed it even if I had not managed to get an elk. The first two weeks after coming home my children constantly reminded me their names weren't Shelby and they were not going to bring me coffee. I am definitely going back! All this being said, any hunt is what the hunter makes of it. This group will be awesome no matter what.