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Last December I contacted Joe Farraro at Headin' West Hunt Consulting (http://www.headinwest.com) and told him what kind of hunt I was looking for. I had seen some of Joe's posts on Bowsite and by just reading between the lines I could tell he was a straight shooter and that he not only new what he was talking about but that his opinion was respected by some of the most passionate elk hunters out there. Speaking with him on the phone only further convinced me. Joe asked all the right questions about my expectations, physical ability, and determination. We talked about all aspects of a hunt, from the planning to the plate. I felt that I was really able to convey to him what I was looking for and, as BB King would say, "he was pickin' up what I was layin down". Before we even hung up I was sold and I couldn't wait to get him a check in the mail and get locked in. If you are wondering how detailed a plan he will provide let me tell you, it will be down to the "park here", "walk here", "expect to see elk here" kinda thing. Joe sent me 3 topo maps with areas highlighted and noted with not only bedding and feeding areas marked, but also best routes to access them depending on where I camped. He also sent a 4 page narrative that described the areas in such detail it was like google earth street view. He will absolutely lay it out for you to play it out. The weather for my trip was hot. Since I was solo I had to adjust some of my strategy because I was afraid that if I got one down too far back I just wouldn't be able to get it all out in time. After a couple of days getting the lay of the land I found elk, right where Joe said they would be. I had a close encounter with a raghorn 5x5 and also a brow tine bull that would have been legal. I wasn't being super aggressive at this point because I had plenty of time and I had a good 4 page plan in my back pocket. Joe and I had talked about the mental aspect of hunting hard and after 6 days of dark-to-dark hunting I took his advice and came off the hill and went into town for a beer, a bath, and a bed. Joe had even included some fishing tips for the area so I woke up early the next morning and, after eggs, bacon, and a couple of pancakes as big as wagon wheels at the café, I strung up the flyrod and drove to one of his "park here" arrows on the map. I had west slope cutthroat for lunch and was considering a nap but the mountain was already calling me back. I looked at the maps and saw that I was close to one of Joe's "worth checking out" spots so I headed in for an evening hunt. Due to the heat, and being solo, I had decided that my best bet was to try to hunt uphill from the trailhead as much as possible. Joe had given me some Plan A and Plan B type scenarios. So,rather than bombing off into a hole where I knew I'd need to take a skillet in with me, I followed a trail Joe had highlighted up to some saddles and ridges that looked promising. The further I got in the better it looked but the wind just wasn't right for an evening hunt and I decided to back out and not risk pushing any elk out. The thermals would be right in the morning. I was back in there at first light and a little further in than where I had turned around the evening before. It was an old burn and somewhat open so I didn't cow call a lot as I moved through preferring to hopefully see them first. Something told me to go ahead and nock an arrow. I hadn't gone far when I heard the most subtle chuckle or grunt or hiccup, I don't know, from the draw ahead of me. It was just enough that I knew it was a bull. I took two quick steps to get some cover behind me and threw a cow call up hill from where I was standing hoping he would take that route rather than passing below. Things happened pretty fast after that and it was almost like I was in a dream. He came over the rise about 60 yards out and was taking a perfect route to end up above me. I judged his path and picked out an opening that I thought he would hit at about 30 yds and drew. When he was about a step short I did the worst mouth cow call ever but he locked up in the opening like I had framed him and when the pin settled I turned it loose. Somehow I remembered to cow call and stop him when he bolted and I watched him drop about 50yds up the hill. I went to my knees and was thankful. The rest of that day was spent quartering and packing him out. The finest kind of misery there is. He was a big 5x5 and my first bull. I just have to say that it really was a dream hunt in every sense. Joe put together a plan for me that gave me plenty of options and really made it my game to win or lose. Having a plan with that much experience behind it is priceless...and worth every penny.

Thanks again Joe!

Outfitter's Response

It was a pleasure to help you out David. You're the kind of client I'm looking for. A couple years under your belt and haven't killed a bull but still coming back for more. To me that means that when you get into elk you'll really be happy and will hunt hard. I love it when guys put the plans to good use. I hope you can enjoy hunting your spot for many years. Thanks for the kind words but I have to disagree with one thing... my web address isn't headinwest.com. It's www.headinwest.net! :-) Take care, Joe aka Mule Power