John Wootters

"Mr. Whitetail"

The Last Elk

At dusk in an enchanted alpine meadow, 10,000 feet high in Wyoming's great Washakie wilderness, I knelt alone beside the last bull elk I shall ever kill. As the sky darkened, a full moon floated over my shoulder like a yellow-gold balloon, bright enough for me to admire the wide, solid six-point rack and burly body out of which, at last light, I had let the life. Paying reverent last respects, I felt a strong sense of gratitude to this animal, for having been what he was and where he was.

Originally Published February 1st, 1988 in Petersen's Hunting

PDF Read Full Article (1.45 MB)

Tags

Elk, Wyoming, Hunting