Living in Oklahoma, I recently caught the bug to hunt more out west. I started trying to build points with the hope of hunting in 10 years. To my surprise, I drew my first late season elk tag in Arizona with one point. Not very familiar with hunting out west, I signed up with one of Huntin’ Fool’s competitors. They were friendly and knowledgeable, but after every call, I felt less adequate and less confident about going. They were always talking about the high score of animals and the expensive equipment I needed to purchase. I then heard one of Huntin’ Fool’s podcasts and about their Member Draw list. I decided to spend the money and give that a try. The list was hit and miss, so I gave the guys in the office a call. I talked to Austin Atkinson, and he explained what I was wanting out of the hunt. Some experience, to learn, and have a good time with the hopes of getting a bull. Austin quickly got on my level and walked me through the process of the hunt. If he used a term I was unfamiliar with, he would explain it. I never felt the call was rushed or just a bragging session. Austin went as far as getting out a map and walking me into particular glassing spots and elk bedding areas. After talking with him, I felt more confident and decided to go.
I took my father, who does not hunt at all, on the trip with me. We went out a few days early to look the area over. To my astonishment, a day or two from the hunt, I got a text out of the blue from Austin asking how it was going. Throughout the week and the hunt, Austin would do this, checking in, answering questions, and explaining things. My father and I were extremely impressed. My father thought he was just one of my buddies texting me, and to be honest, I guess he is. Austin is a great representation of what fellow hunters ought to be to one another. Thank you Huntin’ Fool, and thank you Austin for being a teacher and for helping create memories that will last a lifetime.
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