Episode 49: It’s Only Gotta Work Once, Part 2

Episode 49 — It’s Only Gotta Work Once, Part 2 Show Summary Storms, charcuterie, morale swings, and the relentless patience of a backcountry elk hunt. In Part 2, the crew recounts the second half of Caitlin’s season—highlighted by multiple bulls charging the wallow, tense full-draw standoffs, and finally, the encounter that brought it all together. From ethics and shot discipline to a gritty pack-out, this is a lesson in resilience, teamwork, and why elk hunting really is a community sport. Highlights Village support: again, gratitude to GT & Necie for holding down the fort. Wallow chess match: bulls charging in at full tilt, Caitlin at full draw multiple times, waiting for the right angle. Storm night: lightning directly overhead, tents nearly flooded, gear soaked—morale hits bottom. Backcountry hacks: The hose trick — short line pinned under a rock turns a trickle into a 3L/min fill station. Freeze-dry + bagels — calorie-dense food that packs small and keeps morale high. Battery strategy — headlamps and power banks rotated to stretch the week. The shot: mature 6x6 bull, huge thirds (~19"), Caitlin holds between pins and delivers a clean 30-yard arrow. Ethics on display: waiting for the right angle, ready for a follow-up, ensuring a quick, humane end. The pack-out: six heavy loads (quarters, trim, rack, gear) shuttled down in stages. Breakfast burritos = morale medicine. Score comparison: last year’s bull grossed 318; this one pushes the mark Tactics & Lessons Sit the extra 15 minutes — encounters often happen just as you’re ready to give up. Water is king — reliable hydration makes or breaks a backcountry camp. Shuttle system — shortening brutal sections by caching and returning makes the pack-out safer. Community over individual — every successful elk hunt rests on teamwork. People Caitlin — Archer, patient under pressure, makes the shot. Mike Ruhl — Caller, logistics, water-hack engineer. Hunter — Rookie turned workhorse, zingers and morale resets. Jeremy — Advisor, burrito hero, pack-out mule. GT & Necie — Enablers of adventure through childcare support. Quotables “Hunting is a community sport.” “Sit 15 more minutes.” “It only has to work once.” Links & Contact Website: OutdoorRuhls.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: @outdoorruhls