PREPARATION, ADVENTURE AND THE UNKNOWN

The thing about hunting is that it starts long before you set foot in the field. From the moment the idea sparks, the planning and preparation begin—hours of research, building the perfect setup, and choosing the right tools for the job. For this year's elk hunt, my rifle setup was built around the new MDT CRBN Rifle Stock, a product I'd had the privilege to help test and develop. The stock combines a classic feel with modern features, like a full molded-in Arca rail—a perfect foundation for my 6.5 PRC build.

The system included a Lone Peak Fuzion Ti action, a 20" fluted steel Benchmark barrel chambered by Rubicon Precision, a Bix'n Andy trigger, and a Leupold Mark 5HD 5-25 scope with an FLO bubble. I paired it with a 5" Thunderbeast TBAC suppressor, shooting 156 Berger bullets at 2815 fps. For glassing and ballistic calculations, I relied on my Sig Kilo 10k Gen2 binoculars and a PRSTF four-section tripod with an Anvil head—the same setup I use for NRL Hunter competitions.

This year, we returned to Colorado for the third-season elk hunt, targeting over-the-counter elk tags and landowner deer tags. The unit was vast—mostly public land, with access to a few private areas thanks to a friend's family. Our hunting party included seasoned hunters Brian and Mike from Lone Peak, Mike's brother and nephew, his daughter Gracie, Ryan (our scout), and Hovey, a local hunter who also had tags for the area. With four elk and three deer to harvest in a week, we had our work cut out for us.

We arrived on Friday to buy tags, scout the area, and finalize our game plan. The week leading up to the hunt had seen a significant snowstorm, which initially helped move the animals but left the roads and mountains a muddy mess as it melted.

More: Hunting: Bad Weather and Survival Kits

Hovey and his brother BK put down an old bull Saturday morning, so the group rallied to help pack it out. By then, the mud and warming weather had already begun pushing animals back into higher elevations, private land, or inaccessible canyons. With fewer elk in the open, we spread out to cover more ground. Brian and Ryan scouted for deer while Mike, Gracie, and I returned to a valley I call "the arena," where elk migrate through at night. We glassed the area and spotted several decent 5x5 bulls, forming a plan to intercept them the next morning.

THE CHASE

The next day brought biting cold and fierce 30-40 mph winds. We waited on the hillside, ranging landmarks and calculating wind holds, but the elk didn't show. The same scenario played out the following day with no sign of movement. Frustration mounted as we scouted other areas, battling melting snow and muddy roads. Finally, we got a call from Brian—he'd spotted three good bulls in a remote canyon. We couldn't reach them that evening, but a plan was set: we'd go after them at first light.

We arrived in the dark, splitting up opposite sides of the canyon. As daylight broke, Ryan spotted the bulls slowly moving uphill. In typical hunting fashion, nothing went to plan. Mike was out of contact, so Ryan and I moved to regroup. The original plan was for Gracie to take the first bull, Ian the second, and me the third, but by the time we were all set up, the bulls were 650 yards away and climbing.

With low light and the elk on the move, the first bull didn't present a clear shot for Gracie. Watching through my reticle, it was tough not to take the shot, but we held off. When the second bull neared the ridge, I decided to act. At 725 yards, with Ryan calling dope, I fired—hitting the bull just before it disappeared over the rim. Meanwhile, the third bull turned back down the canyon, giving Ian a clean shot. He put it down quickly, but with no visual on my bull, uncertainty lingered.

SUCCESS AND REFLECTION

After finding Ian's elk, Mike and I climbed to search for mine. Cresting the ridge, I spotted it just 25 yards from where it had been hit—a perfect double-lung shot. Relief and excitement surged as we processed both animals, quartering, deboning, and packing them out in a single trip thanks to Mike and Ryan's sheer determination. The rest of the week was spent helping Brian and Hovey find a buck. While we saw countless does and smaller bucks, the big one eluded us. Still, the experience was fulfilling—proof that a successful hunt isn't defined by the harvest alone.

Hunting is about more than the shot. It's the preparation, the camaraderie, the journey into the unknown, and the stories shared around the campfire. Each hunt leaves a lasting impression, reminding us that the adventure is the ultimate reward.

AWESOME HUNTING VIDEOS FROM MDT!

• Modern Muzzle Loader Black Bear Hunt | British Columbia Interior

• Ryan's Redemption | British Columbia Black Bear Hunt

• Idaho Spring Bear Hunt Adventure with Long-Range Rifles

• Ethics of Long-Range Hunting - How Far Is Too Far?

• How To Hunt Long Range: A Guide for Beginners

• Pros & Cons Of Hunting With A Suppressor

• The North American Super Slammer - Inside MDT: Jon Pynch

• How PRS Will Make You A Better Hunter

• Maximize the Reliability of your Hunting Rifle

• Is Hunting Practice Overrated?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Team MDT Pro Shooter Dan Bertocchini has over 8 years of competitive shooting experience and numerous first-place finishes. A US Navy Veteran, Dan works in the firearm industry and spends his free time hunting, fishing, competing, and operating his vineyard in Roseville, California.