The Elk Hunt

Clarence “Ponka” Hart

Stubbs Nelson Hart Pickett Home Tervort Wride Davis Bradshaw

Then there was an elk-hunting incident, which provoked exciting moments.  G. A. Waters and my self were invited to go elk hunting by Ernest (Earn) Edwards, who was ranching in Grand Valley, above where the Palisades Dam now is.  He had saddle and pack horses.  It was late October as I remember it.  We drove our car to the mouth of Big Elk Creek where it empties into the Snake River.  The planned hunt was in the higher levels on the Idaho side of the Wyoming-Idaho border, for we had only Idaho licenses.  Edwards met us and introduced us to Charley Booth, an experienced hunter in those parts, who had consented to guide us so we would be sure to get game.  Edwards had not told us that anyone else was going along.

We were on the horses, well packed, and on our way in good time.  There were the four saddle horses and three packhorses on which the bedding and food supplies were carried and on which we expected to bring out the game.  We took the trail up Elk Creek, as we were to hunt near the headwaters.  It was dark when we reached the top of the rather high and steep mountain.  The guide said we would drop down a distance to a stream of water where we made camp and cooked supper.  After dark, before going to sleep, we heard a number of bull elk bugles and we were encouraged, but early the next morning at breakfast the guide said we would proceed to the headwaters of Fall River where game was more plentiful.  We were not familiar with the country and followed along.  As we descended quite some distance we became suspicious that we were in Wyoming and finally got Booth to admit it.  We were nervous as we had no Wyoming licenses but he assured us we would ascend up the river to the top of the divide to the hunt.  We road most of the day and passed by a ranger camp; there was no one that we could locate, but we also knew when the rangers returned the fresh tracks made by seven horse would surely engage their attention.  It was about 5:00 P.M.  We had left the stream some distance back and were now one third of the distance to the top.  The ravine opened up into a park-like area with timber all around and grass was plentiful in the park.  The horses were tired and hungry.  We would make camp and go to the top in the morning.  While is was yet light we would scout around and look for game.  We were still on the Wyoming side and Waters and I were very nervous.  The horses were hobbled and turned to feed.

We had made camp up on a shelf-like flat above where the horses were grazing and the camp could not be readily observed from the open park.  We split up, Booth and I going in one direction and Waters and Edwards another.  The latter two got separated.  As darkness approached we returned to the camp.  Pretty soon Waters arrived.  No game had been seen by either of us.  We cooked and ate our supper and still Edwards had not shown up.  We were getting worried, something must have happened.  We did some yelling and finally shot the rifle a time or two and there was no answer.  This was serious and we were disturbed.  About 10:00 o’clock P.M. as we were standing around the fire wondering what to do, we thought we heard horses walking.  We were fearful it was the rangers, hearing our shots had come for us.  We were now very quiet as the sound of horses walking came nearer.  These were tense moments.  Finally the horses stopped just under us it seemed.  Then Edward’s voice came clear, “Hey, you fellows there?” “Yes,” we answered.  He asked if anyone was with us and upon being told no he came on in.  He was riding one workhorse with the other one tied to its tail.  Well, he was one excited and frightened man.  He had been in the timber area near the opening where the horses were grazing, only much higher up.  He heard sounds and horses moving and had come out into the opening and beheld these two workhorses walking briskly toward the mountaintop, evidently headed for home.  He was startled for they had been hobbled with rope then he noticed further down two horsemen were following the horses.  It was now quite clear the rangers had followed our trail and discovered the horses but had not found the camp.  They evidently cut the rope hobbles on the two horses, expecting that they would lead them to the camp; instead the horses were headed up the mountain toward home and away from the camp.  Edwards hustled to where the horses were, keeping himself under cover and finally as the horses moved near the timber he met them, was able to stop them, and with a piece of string from his pocket, led one horse in the timber hurriedly and reached out and caught the other.  The rope hobbles on both horses had been cut.  It was then just a matter of outwitting the rangers who came nearby several times but were unable to locate the horses.  When darkness came the chase was evidently given up but Edwards did not know and had to play safe, hence he did not dare reply when we yelled and the shots of the rifle were heard. Waters and I wanted to get going right now.  While Edwards got something to eat, we got the other horses packed and everything on them including saddles except the two beds, for it would be much too difficult attempting to move out in the darkness.  We then lay down to sleep.  I am sure the amount of sleep received that night was very skimpy.  By daybreak we were on our way straight up the steep mountainside through thick timber and at times it was so steep it was necessary to lead the horses in a sig-sag manner.  Shortly after sun-up we were on the top of the ridge and safe.  The climb was difficult and seemed impossible at times, but we made sure that we would not be found that morning in Wyoming.  As yet we had not killed any game.  We rode along the top for some time then a number of elk were spotted about one half mile below on the Wyoming side.  Booth said, "There is our opportunity," and began to plan how to get to them.  Waters and I wanted no part of it; we had had our fill and were anxious to get headed down the Idaho side.  They insisted on taking the chance.  The two of us stayed on the top with the horses with the understanding, however that after about twenty minutes had elapsed we would walk down the ridge toward the elk.  They by then would be below them.  As the elk heard us, they would move down.  Sure enough we had only walked a short distance until we heard shots.  Hours later they came up for the horses as they had killed and dressed out two elk.  It was late afternoon when the top was reached with the two dressed elk.  We were soon on the trail down, but we were due for another tense moment.  This man Booth was wanted by the rangers it developed for killing elk for their teeth and leaving the meat to waste.  About two miles down the winding trail, which followed down one fork of the headwaters of Elk Creek, a horseman was observed coming up, as he moved into the opening occasionally.  Booth stopped to watch and then he admitted the law was after him, but no knowing who was coming said he take no chances.  He dismounted, placed his horse across the trail, and laid his rifle across the saddle pointing toward the direction of the horseman.  All the logic and pleading we could do was of no avail.  He would not leave nor withdraw his gun.  These were tense moments for the other three of us.  The man came up, up, up, nearer and nearer.  When he was within about one eighth of a mile from us and as he crossed into view Booth lowered his rifle and said, "I know him.  It is my Dad " The rangers had been to their home that morning for their son and after they left the Father felt he should try to find and warn the boy and so here he was.  We were introduced, breathing a deep sigh of relief and then we proceeded down.  We made camp about one half the way out, where two forks of the creek come together.  Lots of green grass and clear, cold water was there.  We had gone all day without eating.  You can imagine how we relished the elk loin chops, which we cooked for supper.  The next morning in a few hours we were at the mouth of Elk Creek where our car was parked.  I never learned what happened to Booth.  We surely were mighty glad to be through and away from this man Booth.  I encountered Earn Edwards occasionally for a time thereafter.