2023 Elk Hunt Grand Prize winner: Gary Poe

Good morning Pat -

I hope you had a fantastic holiday. I know I had an amazing New Years this year and wanted to share. I was supposed to meet Carlos at the Ceilio Ranch on Friday the 31st but he called me on Thursday morning the 30th to see if I could come earlier to maybe get an evening hunt in. I immediately left to take him up on his offer. I got into San Luis around 1 pm and Carlos picked me up to start our hunt at around 3 pm. Within about 2 hours we saw a small herd but could not get a shot. Carlos said that if there is a small herd like that they have probably broke off from a larger herd. His expertise paid off and within an hour we were putting on a stalk for nearly 25 elk. He easily guided me in and I was able to pull a good clean ethical shot under 300 yards. With an animal down and waning light he called his crew to hoist and pick up my prize. I absolutely did nothing. Carlos field dressed and the crew hung my elk up at the main ranch office. The next day Carlos and I started to butcher and put the meat in a cooler for transport. So, all and all I had an amazing hunt that was smooth and easy. I truly appreciate winning the American Legion raffle and am so happy with my experience with Celio Ranch. I cannot wait until next year's raffle and would love to do it again.

Thank you to all. I truly appreciate what you do.

Best,

Michael Spetalieri