Murphys hit elk daily double
The Denver Post
Article Last Updated: 12/01/2007 11:40:10 PM MST


Twin brothers Robb, left, and Rick Murphy bagged bookend bulls on a family hunt near Steamboat Springs. (Special to The Denver Post )

When it comes to doubling the fun, hardly anyone comes close to the Murphy twins, Rick and Robb.

After years of hunting with their father, Dennis, a Parker resident, the 29-year-olds bagged their first bull elk during the second segment of the recently concluded big game season. The 5-pointers they bagged within five minutes and 350 yards of each other weren't exactly twins as well, but, hey, close enough.

Hunting in Unit 14 north of Steamboat Springs, Rick, also a Parker resident, made his shot first.

When Robb, of Fort Collins, found a bull in his sights, his first thought was that it may have been the same one his brother fired at.

Big game hunting long has been a Murphy family affair.

"The camp we were using was started by my father exactly 50 years ago," said Dennis, who posted a sign to declare the occasion.

Vic Murphy, now 93, can't join the group anymore. He bagged his last elk at age 80, shooting with one arm after losing the other to cancer.

"It was a really special trip," Dennis Murphy said. "When we showed Dad the photos of the boys with the two bulls, he got so excited."

Perhaps the elder Murphy thought he was seeing double