Idaho -- Elk Hunting & Country Music

Wow, what an awesome experience this past weekend at the Elk Hunting & Country Music event Corey Jacobsen of Elk 101 put together in Nampa, Idaho.

500 elk hunters descended on the Nampa Civic Center this past Saturday to listen to Corey give a great seminar on calling elk, then Nashville recording artist Andy Griggs entertained with some of his great music...then it was my turn on stage to close the show.

There is nothing I enjoy more than talking with bowhunters of my passion and having a room full, 500 strong, that share my love of the mountains and elk hunting is about as good as it gets. And, as has become a tradition for me when speaking I also took the opportunity to do a little bow shooting in front of a big crowd. I think this type of practice is valuable as I like shooting when trying to block out distractions and "focus" on a clean release while the crowd murmurs and rustles behind me. After shooting and discussing consistency and form, it was on to my spiel. I had fun talking bowhunting, sharing tips and tricks and taking time to showcase some new gear that will make western bowhunters like me that much better in the mountains.



I’ll be honest, I've never felt as welcomed in a city as I did this past weekend in Nampa. There were so many truly nice people at the event and Corey is as good as the come. I think his work in putting together a big event like this was impressive. It is hard to believe this was his first attempt at such a special get together. The future of the Elk Hunting & Country Music event is going to be something to see. (Also, keep your eye out for his new magazine, Extreme Elk. Should be a good one!). The venue is ideal, audio and visuals were top notch, there was lots of room and an amazing array of high quality raffle prizes for the attendees including guns, bows, guided elk hunts, high dollar scopes, etc.

After leaving the Elk Hunting & Country Music Event, I headed over the Boise Cabela’s for an hour long appearance. That too was memorable. I heard some great stories, met some more good people and even help a new bowhunter get dialed in with my own personal bow. He’ll be back to the store to buy his own bow soon. I am certain of that.


All in all, I was humbled by the response I received. I even had a nice little turn out for my new, city-to-city Train Hard. Hunt Easy. run the morning of the event. Thank you to Adam Haynes for setting this up. It was a blast and I really enjoyed running the trails of Idaho. I had some competition on this one. All the guys could run very well but eventually me and 14-year-old budding, running phenom, Oscar Williamson pulled away. Note: he’s going to be good if he sticks with it (remember the name) and as the ideal duel threat, he is already an accomplished hunter making the cover of a recent Trophy Hunter Magazine. Plus, he’s a nice kid. After easing into the run, we ended up getting locked in at about a 6 minute per mile pace for a while before doubling back and running with the group again. It was an awesome morning. We didn't quite run ten miles as we had planned but it wasn't too far off.

Next up on my Train Hard. Hunt Easy. tour, Denver Colorado....what's the good word Denver? Who wants to run Friday night after my Bass Pro Shop appearance @ 8? I have a headlamp and would love to bust out a few late night miles with a handful of other runners in the name of bowhunting. Saturday morning, I have to fly to L.A. early and would like to put together a run there to with some L.A. bowhunters. I have all Saturday afternoon off as I don't speak at the Rancho Cucamonga Bass Pro Shops until midday Sunday. Holla back! Dig deep baby….no one can do it for you!!!!

Moosie, thank you for the great photos from the Train Hard. Hunt Easy. run! And, lastly thank you Corey for the opportunity to spend some time in beautiful Idaho.

Cameron R. Hanes
www.cameronhanes.com