A Look Back at 2020: Thanks for a Great Season

Before we chuck 2020 into the trim bucket like a piece of bloodshot meat, there are a couple things I’d like to acknowledge that are positive and important to address…

First and foremost is a sincere thank you to all of our hunters who ventured from near and far to hunt elk with Timber to Table Guide Service and Dark Timber Outfitters.  Most of these hunters were brand new to hunting, or first-time elk hunters. They all did really well, dealing with adverse weather and handling the mental and physical challenges that elk hunting on public lands can throw at you.   

As a guide and outfitter, believe me when I say the attitude that your hunters exude makes a big difference to us.  We kept the virus out of the picture, had a lot of much-needed laughter with new friends, ate fabulous meals and had consistent high-test elk hunting on the public lands we’re all lucky enough to own. 

Second, a big thank you goes to the Timber to Table and Dark Timber staff.  I don’t mind talking up our guides and cooks because I think they represent our small business so well.  Brandon, Eli, Josh, Marshall, Todd, Rick and Jake…you guys made this a phenomenal year.  To Aunt Debie, Deanna and Matt, thank you for keeping great attitudes at 3, 4 or 5 in the morning or 10 at night and when the pipes froze up or when the generator seized and it’s 2 degrees. Thank you for making sure all of us came away a few pounds heavier at the end of the hunt with your delicious meals.

Third, if this year showed me anything, it’s how much more I’ve come to love our public lands.  Where would we be without public lands and public waters? For those of you who are now new members of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, I hope you’ll become engaged with something locally, regionally or nationally.  There’s no shortage of issues to speak up on, lend a hand with or simply educate yourself about. The importance of this cannot be overstated.

Fourth, is my continuously growing, unwavering fascination with elk.  Not just hunting them or guiding hunters to them, but the actual elk itself.  Getting to watch them, hear them, smell them, track them and yes, ultimately at times, kill them and break them down in order to eat them…all of it I’m extremely grateful for. 

I hope some of that fascination, love and respect was engrained into our hunters.  Elk are as beautiful as they are strong.  As cagey as they are brazen.  And as peaceful as they are wild.  How lucky are we to get to spend some time among them in the places they inhabit?  Especially in the increasingly gonzo times that continue to pervade our everyday lives. 

Lastly and most importantly, my wife Anastacia makes all of this possible.  Whether you met her on your hunt with us or not, she’s supermom, superwife and super business partner on a daily basis.  She is living breathing grace and beauty and will break down an elk and bust out Elk Vindaloo in the same day.  Our outfit wouldn’t be much without her.

While we’re definitely looking forward to 2021 and more adventures in the elk woods, we hope you can find a few silver linings in your 2020.Wishing a relaxing and peaceful New Year to you and yours.