2010 1st Season Rifle Success

“WOW”, incrediBULL year… nothing better than spending “quality time” with “quality guys” hunting bull elk. I was blessed with the priviledge of guiding two fine hunters this past season. Both were in search of mature branch bulls hunting a secluded area just after peak estrous. The hunt began scouting a herd of over sixty elk with multiple branch bulls.  We caught the herd on the move at sunrise heading for a saddle enroute to their bedding area. We played the wind and moved quickly to cut them off. Lucky for us the elk were still feeding slowly allowing us to sneak into the middle of them as they bedded on the ridge top. Keith pulled the first trigger as a 6×6 presented himself at approx. 300 yards. After being hit by a .300 Mag, the bull dropped instantly allowing our first kill of the day!

First Bull Down

As most of you know, shooting an elk is just the beginning! We had to figure out if we should gut, quarter and pack or… drive the Razor with a trailer to the bull and haul to camp for final cleaning. You guessed it, we chose to go with the Razor however as you can see below, a picture is worth… well, we won’t go there!

OOPS - Good Times!!!

Morning arrived early blessing us with GREAT success…. then came time to head out for another attempt before dark. I took the guys deeper into the timber where BIG bulls tend to lounge. As we approached the water hole, we caught a large bull drinking that realized he had just been caught in the open with little escape. I dropped Joey and his father in hopes that the bull would watch the Razor drive off while the shooters set up on him. Minutes later…  “BANG”! Joey was able to dope the scope and focus on the bull placing a shot to the upper neck severing the spinal cord. It’s amazing how fast it all happens!

Joey's First Bull

Congratulations to Joey on harvesting a beautiful 7×7 at 15 years of age. What a way to finish the day. I can honestly say that killing two branch mature bulls in one day is an accomplishment we may never experience again… What a treat to recall such an event – oh, it’s time to wake up and wipe the drool from my chin!

God Bless!

“Yesterday is the tomb of time, and tomorrow is the womb of time.

Only now is yours!”  – R.G. Lee

Outdoor Callings

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Ready for Action!

Opening morning arrived as we loaded up the Jeep and headed for the highest point in the area for a spotting opportunity. Elk had been all throughout the area so we did not want to walk around leaving human scent or spook them. We glassed the valley floor filled with Juniper and scoped the canyon draws for elk feeding or bedding down.

After about two hours we finally saw what looked like a branch bull bedded down so I zoomed in (sorry about the poor focus) for a closer look.

Bedded Bull

“Sure enough,” we found a shooter if we could just close the gap for a shot. We grabbed our gear, played the wind and walked towards the bull. My thoughts were that we get closer and try some seductive estrous to see if the bull would engage before pushing him out of his bed.

Closing the Gap...

We set up in a triangle placing two shooters in different directions depending on what the bull would do. Ends up the bull did not want to respond to calls. We lost sight of the bull once we dropped off the peak. Walking in, we payed close attention looking for the bull to be close by. As we walked around the corner we spotted the bull approx. 115 yards laying down looking the other direction. Both hunters dropped to the ground and set their crosshairs for a better look.

In the Crosshairs

Since the bull had no idea we were there, we decided to look very close at the antlers to identify if either hunter would shoot the bull. Hunter #1 chose to pass and felt since it was the first day, we would see lots of other mature bulls. Hunter #2 felt the same till the bull turned his head while I “Neimannated them”! I told them the bull looked like a 6X6 which got everybody excited, then I noticed the far side only had five points so I warned them.

"I'll Pass"

I must say, these guys were very patient while trying to make the right decision. Realize, this is Oregon public lands with a branch bull 115 yards bedded just waiting to be shot! Both hunters ask, “what would you do”? I explained, “if I had my 7mm Mag., that bull would be done”! This fired up the other hunter as he got back in shooting position about to pull the trigger. “Nope he says, I don’t have a great shot”.

About forty five minutes had passed and the bull still had no idea we were there. I decided to see if we could get the bull up by making some cow calls. “No luck”… We were starting to think this bull may be gay! He would not respond or move to anything so we started talking, barking, etc. – still no luck! Finally Jubal decides he’s going to take the bull so we prepare for the blast of his 340 Ultra Mag.

Nice Smile....

You guessed it – one shot below the head and “praise the Lord” – no tracking! Great shot Jubal and thanks guys for the memory as I have never seen a bull just lay down without ever spooking knowing a bunch of hunters are moving in for the kill.

We gave a few cow calls followed by a bugle to settle the woods while we worked our way over to see what the bull looked like up close.

Congrats Jubal!

Lucky for us we were able to clean the bull out and slide him to a position where we could winch the bull up to a landing for trailer loading.

Once we had the bull loaded, we took it to a barn where we could hoist the whole animal up in the air for skinning. Not everyday we get to hang a whole elk!

The cool thing about this hunt had to do with the fact we were able to skin and hang the whole bull without harming any meat. I’m use to cleaning, de-boning and packing meat at least a mile up 1,000 feet of elevation over blow down. How’d we get so lucky this time???

Day two arrived when weather, freezing temperatures and fog settled in. Juan and I decided to venture out on foot in search of the illusive monster bull! As we moved slowly into the prime area, we noticed fresh sign.

The wind had been blowing so we could not hear a thing. We covered all the main bedding areas and looked high and low for movement however no luck! Day three arrived when we were able to get out nd spot again since the weather had lifted. After two hours of spotting, we decided to go in the high country for a look along the national forest fence line. Sure enough, elk were out feeding in the sun so we remained still and watched with binoclulars. The herd had about thirty or forty cows with a couple bulls laying down under some thick cover. We made a stalk that afternoon attempting to ambush the herd bull once they began to feed and move on.

No luck this year for Juan however we had a great time laying down in the herd as the elk fed past us at about five yards while we waited patiently for the herd bull that never showed. Better luck next time Juan, we’ll gettem bro… Just think, there’s a nice big 6X6 living in the area so maybe next year the bull will become an imperial.

Juan & Jubal 2009

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Elk in the Area...

Wallow's Hit...

Zack and I set up early in the morning hoping to lure a bull to our call set using fresh scent near heavily used elk beds. We placed ourselves about eighty yards apart playing the wind. We started out raking followed by soft grunts mixed with cow talk.

From there we paused and introduced soft cow and calf chirps with mews. Once again we paused for a few minutes in anticipation of a bugle or locate. After thirty minutes we added estrous calls followed by locate bugles mixed with increased raking. Sure enough when we least expected it, a beautiful 6X6 herd bull walked in silent approx. ten feet behind me. The bull had shifted with the wind and came in directly downwind from the estrous scent. Of course I didn’t have my bow ready so I thought to myself “I wonder how this will play out”? Right then I slowly reach for my Bow Tech “General” realizing the bull was looking directly through me with a tree in the way. As I pulled the bow to my side, the bull began to trot left crossing in front of us about thirty yards away. I barked causing him to abruptly stop offering a shot. Once I drew and settled the pin, I realized there were two small tree limbs in the way of the vitals. I decided the distance was good so I released.

My 440 grain Axis arrow with 4 blade Muzzy hit as the bull rose off the ground and spun turning back the direction he came. The bull did not look injured so I gave him some time followed by soft cow calls while continuing to rake. We walked up where the bull stood and found my arrow laying in the grass with a broken shaft missing the broadhead. We looked for blood and followed the tracks back where the bull came from to find little sign. The picture began to unfold – I had hit the shoulder blade with no penetration. Lucky for the bull he gets to live another day! As we headed back to camp all I could do is replay the scenario over and over trying to figure out how I missed the pocket.

Needless to say opening weekend offered great opportunities with lots of elk roaming the area. Nothing like the “silent season” when we build the excitement and the elk come in silent – happens every year!

Week two arrived quickly after spending a few days back in the office anxiously awaiting another opportunity to get back in the wild for another chance. This time I decided to head East 30 miles out of Prineville where a good friend allows us to hunt his ranch that holds elk when public lands pressure forces elk down for cover, water, food and most of all “protection”.

Private Land Hide Out

After talking with friends who couldn’t hunt the 2nd weekend, I chose to take my ATV and ride the ranch looking for fresh sign. Ended up everywhere I scouted down low provided little to no sign so I headed for the high country to see what may be hiding on top. As I rode up the road I began to see fresh rubs. I stopped to see if there were any other sign. When I got to the top of the hill near National Forest I began to observe trails worn like cattle. “Ah ha,” I found where elk were traveling so I parked my quad, grabbed my pack and walked about 200 yards through deep Mahogany where a lush grassy bench appeared. I decided I’d better check the wind, release fresh cow scent and introduce soft cow calls as elk should be close.

“Low and behold” a nice 6X6 walked right to me without making a single sound. As I saw the legs running through the grass I dropped my call and drew my bow thinking the bull would cross about 19 yards broadside for a shot. Sure enough the bull ran across me while I waited patiently for the shot! I settled the pin right behind his shoulder blade and released to witness the moment when he felt the arrow travel right threw him. He turned and walked down the trail about thirty yards where he started to limp struggling with his front left leg. I waited about an hour while continuing to produce cow calls from time to time in an effort to settle the bull.

When I walked over where the bull was I could not find blood so I looked for the arrow which never presented itself. Since it was almost nighfall I decided to get on the tracks to see what happened come to find a heavy blood trail on rocks, grass, branches, etc. I ended up following the bull about 150 yards where he proceeded over a steep ledge headed downhill . I backed off to come back in the morning with friends. On this hunt I forgot my camera so no pictures (sorry). We arrived early the next day to trail the bull. Once we got started the blood began to become scattered however the tracks were pretty easy to follow till the bull crossed over a saddle in the direction towards a massive bowl filled with wallows, aspen and other cover. “Ughh” – we lossed blood and tracks as we continued to search for over eight hours with four guys. “MAJOR BUMMER” as the bull should not have traveled more than 100 yards with the bright red blood trail we started with! At this point I couldn’t believe another branch bull got away. Determined to find him, I came back the next day and spent eight more hours using every tactic I knew to re-discover blood or to be blessed with a mature bull. Ended up I found three cow elk dead in the aspen grove for no reason other than they may have over eaten in the alfalfa fields below causing bloating – who knows??? I had to face the facts – another beautiful bull got away!

Week three arrived for our big trip scheduled in the wilderness. We had over eight guys headed to elk camp for serious fun… We arrived a few days early with the RV, trailer, quads and all the fixins! Lucky for us we got to get out and hunt a couple “hot spots” where elk traditionally hang out. My buddy Ed and I got up early in the morning to head to the top of the ridge where we could hear bulls bugling at sunrise.

Bugle Thirty...

We arrived just in time when we got off our quads to hear multiple bulls bugling right below us. We grabbed our packs, bows and fresh scent in order to get down the hill quickly for a chance at sneaking into the herd. I ended up bugling to keep the bulls located with the possibility of attracting another bull since we knew there were multiple satellite bulls working the area.

Locate Bugles

The morning air was filled with bugles and cow calls while harems moved with smaller bulls pecking on herd bulls. We were able to focus on the herd bulls by listening to their voices. The herd bulls were busy bellowing out herding bugles which sound like that of a large angus bull. The other bulls were screaming for challenges and some were locating with high notes that would carry for longer periods of time. As we glassed the hills we found multiple herds cross canyon and below.

Glassing the Herds

Elk in the Burn...

Once we located the herd, Ed and I closed in acting like a group of cows with a smaller bull challenging. We ended up dropping right into the herd as they bedded down around 10:30 am. The bulls bugled from 5:45 till 10:30 with occasional excited cow calls in estrous. We knew the big bulls were looking to breed! As we got close to the herd bull, we decided to take a break near a spring just above the timber line where we observed what we call a “bedroom” full of recently used beds about 800 feet below.

Once the bulls calmed down we figured we would drive them crazy with estrous calls coupled with fresh estrous scent. We didn’t want to sneak into the herd since there were so many cows. The plan turned into a strategy to attract a smaller bull looking to breed. After forty five minutes of calling we got another bugle which sounded close. The bugle was a “love groan” followed by slow deep “gutteral” chuckles. Just after the bugle I saw a nice rack traveling through the timber headed right for us when I told Ed, “grab your bow, there’s a bull approaching fast”. Ed laughed looking at me and responded “very funny – nice joke”! I then stated “draw your bow NOW! The bull’s about fifty yards and closing”. Ed began to realize I was serious so he grabbed his bow and began to draw as the bull came to a slow pace walking across our shooting lane. Ed set the pin when I gave a couple cow calls to stop the bull at thirty yards.

Steady...

Right then I heard Ed release as we witnessed the arrow hit. The energy knocked the bull off his feet causing him to land in a hole below with antlers lodged against a tree.

Stuck in the Hole...

We realized the bull wasn’t dead so I told Ed “shoot again before he gets up,” that’s when we watched the second arrow pass right through the heart. I knew at that point the bull had lost his life! Our plan worked… we were able to lure a smaller bull from the herd greedy to breed without busting cows… What a thrill! We felt blessed to enjoy such a wonderful morning listening to the variety of bugles. Ed and I agree, we must have bugled over thirty times since sunrise to keep them vocal. Time for the real work to begin once you have a 900 lb. Wapiti on the ground. Nothing but blow down and elevation back up over 700 feet to the road above!

I Called In Ed's Bull With Deep Timber Sound's Elk Bugle

Ed's 5x5 Bull Elk

Time to go Boys....

Back up the steep climb…

Once back at camp the time for serious celebration arrived!!! It took us two days to pack the bull out. Ed took the meat to a nearby cooler for storage and caped the head. The days that followed were filled with more excitement than we could handle as the bulls were really starting to light up. It seemed like each place we ventured, bulls responded. We were blessed with multiple close encounters however unable to get a fatal shot. The bulls we challenged began to rush, scream, and surround us. Wallows started getting hit hard and the harems were showing cows dropping into heat. On the last weekend we found ourselves in the middle of multiple herds with younger bulls on the move looking to pick off a cow while the herd bulls were tending to other cows. Thanks to Jeremy from PTO we were able to film most of the activity all week so we will have lots to share with next years seminars. What a great year filled with friends, elk and most of all the Lords presence!

Here are more pictures of serious elk hunting fun – enjoy! Thanks to everyone for such a memory filled adventure. Watch out elk… here comes rifle season!!!

Ed & Troy 09'

Bulls Bugling Just Below...

To Drop or Not To Drop???

Bugles at Sunrise

Bulls in the House

Locating "BIG DOG"!

Drums Coming....

Checking In...

Pursue The Outdoors

"Raghorn"

We'll Find Em....

"Close Encounter"

Love You Man!

Glunking...

Where The Heck Are We???

Maka Da Bullz Go Crazy....

Till we meet again next year – good hunting….

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Sportsman's Warehouse

Gary and I share a passion for mentoring non-bias elk hunting information passing on what others have been so kind to teach us. Through seminars combined with over twenty years hunting experience and studying private elk herds we’ve been able to fine tune our skills while helping others become successful in elk country. Here’s a few photos showing success applying techniques that work! 

Gary's 1st Cow

James's 1st Bull

Todd's 1st Bull

James's 2nd Bull

Todd's 2nd Bull

James's 3rd Bull

Gary and I discovered that as we traveled and spent time meeting folks, we learned a lot more through other people’s experiences while comparing their information with what we observed studying elk in the field.

Once the seminars came to a close in late August and the temperatures started to climb, Gary and I would spend time at the elk ranch observing behavior while recording elk language associated with activity and responses. Observing this proved to be a great way to learn more about elk language with an understanding of where elk are during the season of change as their antlers begin shedding velvet while they tune their voices for the upcoming breeding season. 

Aggressive Rubbing

Seeking Water

Conducting over eight seminars and studying private elk herds, the day had finally come when the spirit of preperation really kicked in and drove us to venture back to elk country for some early season scouting. I remember packing the Jeep and feeling the excitement to re-visit some of our favorite spots. As you can see through early season scouting and staging the elk were up to their usual behavior leaving various elk sign for us to journal.

Sign at the Wallow

Early Rubs

Bull Sign

Checking the Stand

Based on what we saw, the elk were back in their usual summer migration habitat. Bulls were starting to break up marking territory challenging other bulls for rights to earn a canyon and herd cows once the full moon approached. This grouping effect can cause cows to estrus through feremone exchange driving bulls into breeding behavior. Typically bulls will break up in the “pre-rut” stage of the season (usually late Aug. thru the first couple weeks of Sept.) then once they have established their territory, move into harem gathering to earn cows for the “rut” or breeding season (mid. Sept. thru late Nov.). Since cows can estrus anytime, the dominant bull will remain nearby checking the herd for scent of a “hot cow” and fight off other challenging bulls.

Since tuning our skills and conducting pre-season scouting, we were ready to load gear and head to elk country in pursuit of “Wapiti” – The Great White Rump as native indians use to call them. It was time to monitor the “awareness factors” (wind, moon, temperature, barrometer, pressure, sign, etc.) when planning our strategy. Opening morning came as Lyn, Jeff & I executed our game plan to approach a stationary herd located in a small isolated pocket far from human access.

Strategy & Approach

We moved in slowly at first light utilizing scent control while monitoring wind direction to maintain concealment. The weather remained stable with a high pressure air mass running mid-day temperatures into the low 80’s. Knowing the elk would be feeding up from lower meadows and water sources, we attempted to place ourselves in their path cutting them off to bed.

Naturally as many of you have experienced, other hunters beat us to the spot where elk were enroute about to be “spooked” by other hunter pressure creating unfamiliar human scent. Bummer for us as we had snuck over three miles to access the “honey hole” come to witness “dust and butts” as the elk checked out running across the front of us from pressure. I remember feeling the ground thump as I drew my bow for a possible quick shot however no chance.

“Dang” – the elk were right where we expected them. From there the season offered multiple opportunities where one thing or another occured creating low percentage shots. Bulls proved to be in their regular haunts with cows holding in deep NW timber during the days bedding by springs where air was humid about ten degrees cooler than the open slopes with direct sunlight.

Third week of the season came when I got the opportunity to hunt a bull I had scoped out the year before. This was no ordinary bull, this was a beautiful 7X6 herd bull that’s been living in a particular area for about six years. The bull offered a shot last year at 22 yards head on where I held and chose not to release and wound him. I told myself… if the bull showed himself this year I would commit the rest of my season pursuing him as I had not seen any bulls this class anywhere on public lands. Word came that the bull had been spotted back in his normal rutting area so I rushed right to the area and set up for a chance to ambush.

Now here’s where the story gets exciting. Knowing my wife and I were expecting our third child to be born some time around October 5th as a due date, I drove home from wilderness hunting to be close in case of early labor. September 17th we visited the Dr. who conducted an exam and stated the baby was close however, should be born in about a week or so. Knowing how much I love to hunt elk, my wife granted me permission to head out and hunt close to town in case something happened. Guess what???? Yep, 7:30 pm rolled around and the bull came right to us after we made a few soft cow calls with estrus. The bull came in hot moaning all the way as if to breed. My partner Lyn was on my side watching as the large herd bull ran down the hill at dusk looking for us hidden in a ditch. The 7X6 presented a close shot quartering away at approx. 22 yards. I drew back and landed the pin on his vitals near the  center of the shoulder since the light was low and my peep sight made it hard to see. Lyn asked if I was going to shoot when I released hearing the “whoomp” sound as the arrow penetrated the bull’s deep cavity. After the shot, the bull walked off as if he had been stung or hit by a sharp branch. He walked halfway up the hill leaving blood spray on the ground, trees and brush allowing us to track easily. Lyn and I decided to give the bull 45 minutes before tracking as we knew he was hit solid.

Once we got up to track and confirmed heavy blood, we decided to let the bull rest and come back in the morning for discovery. On the way out we visited a friend who had told us the bull was in the area come to hear my wife went into labor and delivered a 7lb. baby girl at approx. 6 pm. Hearing this, I was in shock and denial as I could not believe what had taken place with the bull and our newborn that evening. Emotions were high to say the least! We rushed to the hospital where I was blessed to see my family and hold our new gift from the Lord – “MAN… WHAT A NIGHT”!

Ok – so I know your wondering…. what about the bull? The next morning we were back at the site and on the trail to discover where the bull was come to find blood all over the place. Lyn hung green tape in the trees to mark where the elk had walked. After about 200 yards, we began to loose the blood trail however, could see tracks where the bull went to gather with cows. The blood would be coughed in half circle patterns wherever he would stop to catch his breath and swing his neck. Where the blood was steady on the trail, we confirmed blood was only coming out his left side and there was no arrow at the site where we shot him. At this point we knew the shot did not pass through and that he was bleeding heavy in his mouth. By noon that day, we started to lose the trail towards a fence line going onto private property where a thick Mahogany patch existed with Aspen in the bottom near water about 500 yards away.

This is where the story gets tough since my camera bounced out of the razor on the way to the hunt so I was unable to current photos of the evidence. We tracked the bull to the fence line area and spent four days searching bedding areas, water holes and other places the bull went while watching for birds. “No luck” as the next weekend approached causing us to notify the State Police that the bull may have died on the private property over the fence line.

Similar Bull

Tracking

Sorry to say, the season came to an end and we were unable to recover the bull however, had feelers out everywhere that the bull may be found or picked by somebody honest that would notify the Fish and Game or State Police. Not a great feeling as I knew the shot was solid at 22 yards with a strong blood trail coming out of the bull’s mouth. I could not believe the bull did not go down in a few hundred yards. To obtain the bull now would be such great closure to such a wonderful story with my daughter Brooklyn’s birth at the same evening the large bull was shot. I know the bull is out there and rumors have been floating around about its recovery, so I know a “certain” person may have the bull!!! For now I’ll wait patiently as official discovery and investigation conclude allowing us to bring this chapter to a close. I have the blood and hair samples so testing is not out of the question… 

On another not, friends and family experienced a great year as well so I thought I would share a few notes with photos for all you elk hunters out there. The first story is about my two brothers who hunted familiar areas where we’ve had numerous success. Opening morning rifle season came when their excitement had them deep into a favorite “honey hole” come to find other hunter pressure once again. Elk were in the area however, escaped! The second morning came and due to sore legs and fatigue my brothers chose to hunt a much flatter area on the top of a ridge where elk frequent quite often as a travel route from morning feeding. Sure enough two bulls with a herd were on the move at light offering vocalizations that allowed my brothers to ambush and cut them off.

Tree Line Crossing

1st Bull Down

5X5

Scott's Bull

2nd Bull Down

6X5

Chris's Bull

Headed Home

Congatulations guys on a great year! Enjoy that elk meat and don’t forget to share some jerky out on the river fishing…

Now my buddy Phillippe who is a great long range shooter had the opportunity to harvest a great bull from over 750 yards which he practices at regulalry. Not something hunters should attempt unless comfortable with long range shooting and wind – elevation adjustment.

Scouting the Bull

Phillippe's Bull

725 Yard Shot

Congrats. Phillippe and all other hunters that sealed the deal hunting in elk country this year… Here’s to another great year full of memories that fill the soul till next July when we begin to observe elk through their summer behavior for another opportunity to “pursue the outdoors”!

You can pick up a copy of Northwest Elk Academy in our online store.

The post Northwest Elk 2008 appeared first on Outdoor Callings.

Rubbing Velvet

Once the bulls become much more aggressive and their velvet starts to dry, the Simpsons provide trees for the bulls to rub their velvet off accomplishing two things… leaving scent and polishing their antlers.

As we watched bulls “rub” we noticed a few extremely large genetic bulls off in the distance. Steve explained they have some very large blood line bulls that produce incredible offspring. Older mature bulls seem to breed earlier with mature cows to produce higher calf birth weights and improved calf survival. Younger bulls tend to breed later with younger cows and have poor birth weights at times causing less chance of calf survival.

I remember asking Steve if I could try a few calls to see how the elk respond. Steve said “go ahead and give it a try”. I used a mouth diaphram call to produce a very quiet “mew” right in front of a huge bull. The bull responded right in my face with the exact same call. Later I walked off in the distance and tried some different bugles to see if the bulls would respond. They did and the older mature bulls started to really become vocal creating a frenzy of activity right near dusk. Since then we have visited the ranch on many occasions to continue to learn more about private elk. One day Steve walked us to one of his bulls and asked if we could take a picture with my son on the bull??? He assured me the bull would be fine and that the bulls were “non-aggressive”. So… Eli got the pleasure of sitting on a beautiful 350 class bull.

Eli & "KONG"

Just after Eli got to sit on one of the bulls, we had friends with us that decided they wanted to get close and personal as you can see…

How about a Kiss?

Through observation we realized these elk are very well cared for and eat a very well balanced diet. The Simpsons herd has been a real joy to watch and learn from as these elk are all tested and very healthy proving the potential of what elk can become. I kept thinking how incredible it would be to have robust genetics like these in our public lands. The rest are pictures to enjoy as elk are such incredible animals to pursue!

500 class Bull

Thank you Simpson’s for your friendship, hospitality and education about your private elk herd. These animals are beautiful and remind me of how majestical they are to hunt while climbing thousands of feet in elevation and weathering all climates just to fill the freezer with the best tasting meat on earth!

The post Private Elk Tour appeared first on Outdoor Callings.

Scouting

On this particular trip I had invited Gary Lewis along who had always wanted to travel and hunt with our family after hearing of so many great adventures while hunting elk.

Gary Lewis

Gary and I go way back knowing each other through church and business relations. Gary shares a passion for the great outdoors along with a desire to mentor children. Gary and I spent the first few days getting up early and hunting lots of favorite little secret spots we call “honey holes”.

"Honey Hole"

Of course lots of hunters name areas with funny titles like – PBJ Creek or Snickers Ridge, TP Flats and others like Wheelbarrel Knob or Ruttin Wallow, etc. – you get the idea…

Wheelbarrel Knob

As Gary & I used concealment, elk scent and played the wind, we encountered many close calls using our two man drive strategy. The idea was to work areas we thought would hold elk and then push them into each other for a shot. Working this tactic, we observed lots of wallows, rubs and bedding areas with fresh sign that hightened our sense of urgency to kill a bull.

This last photo is one of our annual “honey holes” where elk tend to bed and live all season.

Bulls in the Area!

Notice the fresh rubs from elk acting up establishing territorial rights while leaving scent as the breeding season moves into full swing. Gary & I would use calls from time to time while trying to locate or entice elk to move closer to us and see what they were missing. Here is a young bull that worked in using some soft cow calling techniques while maintaining concealment with scent control.

Calling All Elk????

Since we had tried multiple methods and hiked thousands of feet in elevation, our bodies were starting to breakdown and plea for “Advil” to relieve the pain. Mornings were becoming much harder to get out of bed and the weather began to turn for the worse. As we went to bed on the fouth night of the season with only one day left, the rain set in. I remember the rain pinging on the roof all night as we tossed and turned trying to sleep. Morning came and the others at camp who still layed in their warm sleeping bags said, “the heck with this” and rolled over as they went back to sleep. Gary & I looked at each other and agreed to head out for another try. We had to do a little “4-wheelin” and navigate the road to another secret “honey hole” before first light.

Driving up the trail, the rain continued to fall causing Gary & I concern since we did not have much for rain gear and started to miss the warm sleeping bag and hot chocolate.

Morning Rain

Once we arrived at our destination, the skies began to part as the early morning fog started to lift from convection and thermals. Gary and I made a plan to drive a thicket on the back of a spring area where elk like to go after morning feeding. Gary walked the fence line road as I walked tip toe through some lower cover before entering a small funnel with meadow grass. I looked to the horizon and saw a nice mature bull walking slowly through some christmas trees with a herd of cows almost as if they were sneaking from Gary above. A small window of opportunity appeared so I placed the scope and centered it on the bull’s spine at approx. 250 yards. I took the shot and saw lots of elk scramble running right down the draw right at me! One after another, cows ran through headed for who knows where??? My heart was racing and I wondered if I hit the bull. It seemed like forever to wait, then all of the sudden I saw a pair of dark legs walking through the thicket very cautious looking to see where the cows had gone knowing danger was in the path. Yes – the bull stepped out at about twenty yards and looked right at me as I proceeded to fire another shot with my father’s 30-06 model 70. The bull just stood there and looked at me as if I had missed so….. I fired another shot – “BANG” and down the bull went as he took his last breath. I performed the famous victory shout – “Wahoo” as Gary came walking down asking what I had shot. I told him it was a little spike! Gary walked up and realized we had shot a nice 6X6 mature bull. We thanked the Lord and enjoyed quartering the bull and packing it out with a Polaris 6X6 about 500 yards back to the rig.

In conclusion, Gary and I learned… never let another person’s attitude ruin your hunt and praise the Lord for blessing us with this beautiful animal that now hangs in the entry way. Thanks Gary for the memory and let’s hunt again while blessing others “Pursue The Outdoors”!

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