Two Trophy Hunters Fill Tags Just Hours After Receiving Them
By Toby Trigger

Posted: December 21, 2014

In the early hours of December just prior to heading out deep into the Bitterroot Valley two hunters purchased their tags and headed into the National Forest in pursuit of the most symmetrical and massive trophies they could find.

Hunter Hoppy searched for a tall trophy while Hunter Trigger looked for one that was thick and wide. The weather was perfect for such an endeavor; 30 degrees and overcast with a slight south west wind. After driving several roads with no sightings of the one they were looking for they decided to explore deeper into the Bitterroot National Forest.

Harry Glassing

Hunter Hoppy closely looked over dozens of trophies like this one before deciding.

As Hunter Trigger’s truck slowly rounded a corner a fresh set of lion tracks appeared amidst beautiful evergreens.  Douglas Firs, Englum Spruce and lodge pole pines were seemingly behind every elk, deer, moose and wolverine unveiling a hunter’s true dream location. It became quickly apparent that the decision to venture deeper into the forest was a good one as opportunities presented themselves all over the hillsides.

Trees dfoidfoisdjt

The two hunters were amazed at the sheer number of trophies seemingly everywhere in the Bitterroot National Forest!

The hunt went from a frustrating search to that of looking over numerous trophies with hopes of isolating the perfect one. In these rare occasions when hunters are forced to decide quickly before the opportunities vanish, panic can quickly set in. Worries that you’ll harvest one only to find a better specimen shortly afterwards can wring nerves like a freshly rinsed buckskin.

Finally, after scaling a dangerously steep hillside, Hunter Hoppy and made a surgeon like incision through the vitals with a sharp weapon and quickly put his quarry down. He was ecstatic as he laid his hands on the perfect trophy.

Hunter Hoppy with his trophy taken just hours after purchasing his tag.

Hunter Hoppy with his trophy harvested just hours after purchasing his tag.

Hunter Trigger decided he didn’t want to hoof it up into the hills and amazingly found the perfect trophy right on the side of the road about ten feet from his truck.

Toby cutting tree

Triggers Trophy was found standing just a few feet from the road.

After an intense hunting experience the two hunters realized all that they had accomplished in just one day. The opportunities to hunt on Montana’s public lands are simply amazing for those who work hard, put in the time and are selective about the trophies they harvest.

Immediately upon harvesting their trophies (and we mean immediately) the two successful hunters attached tags to the base of their trophies before loading them on Turbid’s truck. Good hunter’s ethics govern appropriate actions and it was a difficult decision whether or not to put their harvest on top of the truck where it would be visible by the general public.

Tagging Trees

Immediately upon Harvest the two hunter’s trophies were tagged.

After some discussion they decided that they were just too tired to unload all the traps, bait and guns from the bed of the truck and put them on top of the truck. Instead, they tied their harvested trophies on top and hoped that no non-consumptive users would harass them as they drove through town.

Trees on Top of Truck

In spite of the reaction of non-consumptive users the hunters decided to place their trophies on top of their vehicle in full view of the public.

Back at home the two hunters carried their trophies into their houses and their families oohhed and ahhhed as the Christmas Trees were mounted and decorated for the enjoyment of all.

Montana’s hunting traditions are cherished by many, but perhaps the best traditions are those we can share with our whole family. Merry Christmas, may your harvests be shared with good friends and family and all your trophies be close to the road!

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