This is fantastic! I can totally relate to the text message to your wife, also! I am always so excited to call her and let her know when I got one. Nothing beats sharing that excitement with her! Congrats!!
The family and I just finished off another Elk roast today......outstanding! Thanks again for the comments and PM's. There's a reason this is the only forum I belong to.
Congrats recon, Awesome job on the elk, way to set a goal, stick to it and follow through. I hope to be on the same path as you, the past two years I followed my young son (he's 14) antelope hunting and he was able to harvest his goats. He drew an elk tag this year (he didn't fill it on an archery hunt this past September). We're not done yet I will put him in again for an elk tag next season and use your story as motivation. Thanks for sharing!!!