Excitement. Disappointment. Controversy. Pain. Success. These are just a few of the myriad of emotions that are continually competing for our attention during an archery elk hunt. We all dream of “success” being the ultimate winner of this emotional tug-of-war, but it rarely comes out on top without a fight.
Two seasons ago, my hunting partner, Dirk Durham, and I both returned home from our Wyoming elk hunt with unfilled elk tags. On the drive to Wyoming this season, insecurities and fears were lurking in the shadows, perhaps overshadowed only by our anticipation for redemption. The full spectrum of emotions were already starting to fight for attention. Coming home with an unfilled tag a second time though, was something neither of us wanted to consider or discuss…