Larry A. Smail's Blog

Fog in the hollers!

   Yesterday, on Tuesday morning, I had a sore throat. I went hunting deer anyway. This tends to my nature…avoid sickness whenever I can and hunt! I did see 9 or 10 deer including a small buck; couple of turkey flocks; red fox and a bunch of squirrels. However, I decided to quit early because I feared getting a deer and having to drag and butcher this evening. Also, I had plans to go to Elk County to see the elk. I knew I would need rest to try to beat this sickness.

My mother-in-law, Anne Craft had never been to the area and made comments she would like to see the elk. Thus the plans were made. This morning, I didn’t feel all that bad, so the plans were carried through despite my sniffles.

Nice bull!

   North of Dubois, Pennsylvania, I was quick to see the fog problems. Fog was present for the entire trip to Winslow Hill. Because of the fog, we went to the new Elk Center. Here we had time to look around, see a movie (where snow falls onto the viewers) play on interactive wildlife screens and walk some trails.  After the movie, I was surprised to see how much fog had lifted. We went onward to viewing sites.

    The elk were, by this time, nestled in their beds dreaming of whatever it is elk dream about. All told, we only saw around 10 elk. Most were cows, one bull and another that was screened behind brush. Size and actions of the others indicted that this elk was, probably, a bull too.

We did see the beautiful mountain range. I had always wished I settled in up in those parts. Those sights alone are worth the time. We saw two flocks of turkeys; two deer; a hen pheasant and this interesting little fellow in the photo. 

Anne felt blessed to see some elk and we enjoyed her company. She even bought our lunches!