Autumn Ifland had an elk tag and a baby bump, with a little one about eight months in the oven. Since Wyoming elk tags don’t come easily and she had her family for support, Autumn kept things in perspective and stayed the course, even though it led five miles into the Teton Mountains. As a mother of twins, she knew the birthing ropes and figured she could handle the mountains even in her less athletic condition.
“She had to ride a horse five miles into the mountains,” said father-to-be Ken Byers, who kept an amazing calm through the entire hunt. “Autumn began getting labor pains as we reached camp, primarily due to the jostling of the horse ride. She lay down and rested and soon felt better about opening day.” Ifland’s adult sister Katie came along as well, just in case there was a midwife issue. As you might expect, Ifland hunted close to camp and got one shot at a bull elk and proved there were no flaws in her accuracy, downing the 2×3 on the spot. Dad and sister boned out the bull, and then the trio walked the five miles back to the trailhead with the elk meat and all of their gear on the horse. A frustrated stork soared overhead, destined to keep its original delivery date and no doubt marveling at this young woman’s hunting skills and determination.
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