Part II – Keys to Building Hunting Bonds
By Adam and Brenda Weatherby
In 2015, we went on an outfitted elk hunt in Idaho’s Selway Wilderness. This was a public land hunt: on horseback, complete with a wall tent and the whole experience. It was the first hunt we did like this together. Adam had done many hunts like this, both outfitted, and DIY but Brenda hadn’t. It was a chance to let her experience the next step of hunting. This was a challenging hunt, but also it provided assistance. Our guide was experienced, and we had hot food and a fire waiting for us when we returned each night. The packers got all the gear we wanted to camp, and we knew we would have help getting our elk out as well. This provided enough reassurance for Brenda to take this next step. The hunt was a complete success, with both of us tagging bull elk. It was full of adventure as well, with a night lost in the woods and a pitch-black ride on mules. These experiences may have been no big deal to Adam, but these were big moments of growth for Brenda. For Brenda, exposure to this type of situation and the optimistic outcome was vital. It logged in Brenda’s mind as part of the adventure and part of her growth in trusting Adam in less than ideal circumstances. The takeaway here is that sometimes to hunt together as a couple, you have to take baby steps and make sure both people are ready for the experience.
Fast forward five years, we are at camp five miles from the trailhead with six llamas packed with food and gear. We had limited space and limited expertise with llamas. Our camera guy was with us, but we were basically on our own. Everything was up to us. We had to set up camp, cook all meals, gather water, saddle animals, and pack out two elk. We have no guides, just OnX Maps. We had no packers, only our own brute strength, and six llamas. We had no cook, but Brenda makes a mean breakfast sandwich, and the box wine is definitely a must! Adam packs the smallest titanium foldable wood stove he can find because he knows this will make it a bit more doable for Brenda. She is typically cold, and the forecast doesn’t look ideal. The importance of knowing your limits and the limits of your spouse cannot be overstated. Again, this hunt was unforgettable, and we tagged two bull elk.
At one point in the hunt, Adam suggested that we split up to double our chances. This sounded like a good idea. We had a meeting point and instructions in case someone didn’t show up. Of course, that happened because hunting usually doesn’t go as planned. Brenda and Mack, our camera guy, were waiting for Adam well beyond dark. Brenda started getting worried, and they went looking for Adam. Well, he had shot a beautiful elk right before night and had a hard time locating it after it had rolled into brush down a steep hill. He was determined to find it and, at the same time, knew Brenda would be worried as a snowstorm was coming in and were several miles from camp. When we found each other, we were both relieved and decided that it wasn’t a good idea for us. It was just too much for Brenda to handle. At this point, we committed to just sticking together. Of course, Adam reminded us that he probably wouldn’t have shot an elk, but we would remember this night in the future.
We cannot overestimate the challenge of this hunt, but we both smiled as we headed back to civilization, tired and happy that we were together with one more memory to tell. To be honest, this hunt was probably more enjoyable than the outfitted hunt, but it would have been a mistake if Adam would have planned this one five years earlier. Brenda wouldn’t have been ready for this adventure, but with time she was. This is a tip to remember. A hunting trip can be unpredictable and out of your comfort zone, but don’t make it impossible for someone to wrap their minds around…that would be too much. Discerning, this is sometimes difficult, and it takes patience. Hunting as a couple takes time to evolve. Don’t rush this, and we believe that it will develop nicely.
