2014 Meatpole
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Teeton
21-Aug-14
Now that the 2014 elk season's will be upon us in just over a week from today 8/21/14.. I'm always looking forward to seeing/hearing about every ones elk hunts, whether you got one or not post a short store about your hunt... Everyone have a safe and fun season...
Ed
From: ChrisH.
21-Aug-14
Utah- My brother and I spotted this bull tearing up a tree across the canyon from us. I snuck over and got to 28 yards from him. My arrow hit perfectly and he only went about 50 yards
From: BoonROTO
21-Aug-14
Hell of a start, I will be breathing mountain air in three weeks.
From: IdyllwildArcher
21-Aug-14
Nice bull Chris!
My favorite thread of the year!
From: PTaft
21-Aug-14
Great bull!
From: DWarcher
21-Aug-14
Yea buddy...great bull!
From: Turk
21-Aug-14
Nice Bull, congratulations!
From: tcosmic
21-Aug-14
It pays to be a sneak. Way to go, nice job.
From: trkyslr
21-Aug-14
yes awesome bull to start this thread with! congrats chris!
From: tcosmic
21-Aug-14
It pays to be a sneak. Way to go, nice job.
From: LUNG$HOT
21-Aug-14
NICE!! Good shooting
From: BULELK1
21-Aug-14
Damn nice Chris!!
Not any velvet on him----
What unit ya in as I may be able to steer ya to a good butcher...
Good luck, Robb
From: ChrisH.
21-Aug-14
Thanks a ton guys! I'm thinkin I may post the story later. And Robb I sent you a pm.
From: Fulldraw1972
21-Aug-14
Great looking bull Chris. Congrats to you.
From: Gene
22-Aug-14
Great bull and a great photo! Super way to start the thread. Congrats!
From: Crockrj
22-Aug-14
Congrats on a great bull! Will be following this thread.
From: Carcajou
22-Aug-14
Fantastic start to the season, way to go!!!
From: Quinn007
22-Aug-14
Gratz!
From: hunt'n addict
22-Aug-14
Great bull Chris. Looking forward to reading the story.
From: elkbreath
22-Aug-14
Well done! Good start here.
From: TurkeyBowMaster
22-Aug-14
Great job on a outstanding bull Chris.
From: LINK
24-Aug-14
Nice
From: writer
25-Aug-14
Driving through Bozeman yesterday, a pick-up with coolers and a couple of nice elk racks in back passed us at a stoplight.
My silly wife was driving and wouldn't tail the guys so I could get a better look at the antlers and bug the guys for details.
Where all is open this early?
From: 'Ike'
26-Aug-14
Utah is one...
From: IdyllwildArcher
26-Aug-14
Nevada is open.
From: T-Rex
26-Aug-14
Awesome bull Chris! Congrats!!
From: LINK
28-Aug-14
^^^^
From: WillPower
28-Aug-14
really nice bull. congrats
From: DWarcher
28-Aug-14
Way to start it off Chris!
From: LINK
30-Aug-14
Ok fellas where's the meat?
From: Teeton
30-Aug-14
Chris that's a awesome bull..
From: Woodsman416
30-Aug-14
Great bull Chris! Congrats!
From: bsbowhunter
30-Aug-14
Nice bull! way to start things off!
From: bigbulls6
30-Aug-14
Great Bull Congrats!!
From: ryanrc
31-Aug-14
Saw some young bulls locking antlers today messing around playing. So an ok bull harassing cows and bugling. This guy was content to hang out by himself. Rocky mountain national park. Somehow i don't think it will be this easy when i head out Monday to hunt. But fun to see anyway.
From: mn_archer
01-Sep-14
spoke with a buddy who is hunting in my normal spot in Colorado. By 9 am opening day he seen 9 elk. 2 spikes, a 4x4, 5x6, and 5 cows and calves. He arrowed the 5x6 which is his second elk ever, first bull. his wife was in the blind with him sitting over a waterhole and the best part is it died within 50 yards of the road!
first the spikes and 2 cows and 2 calves came into the water right after daylight. didn't want to take the cows with 2 little calves so he let them go. 15 minutes after they left a big cow comes walking in and as he draws back on her his wife tells him she sees a bull. he lets down and the 4 and 5 pt bulls come in. The bigger one offered him a perfect 30 yard shot but he hit him a bit back taking out a lung and liver by the sounds of it. Elk runs 200 yards, crossing the atv trail and lays down 50 yards the other side of it, where it was dead when they found it 2 hours later.
anyone else having any luck out there???
From: elkocd
01-Sep-14
Opening morning Oregon OTC.
From: LUNG$HOT
01-Sep-14
Nice bull elkocd!
From: cervuselaphus
02-Sep-14
Opening Morning Colorado OTC. First Bull with a stickbow.
From: Quinn007
02-Sep-14
Gratz guys.
From: Well-Strung
02-Sep-14
My brother got a 4x4 opening night... we found it in the morning but, a bear had already found it and made quite a major mess of it. Unfortunately my nephew was with us and was not impressed seeing his first dead elk. Has anyone had success in getting a replacement tag from the state (Colorado) in this type of situation?
The elk laid overnight about 12 hours, the entire front quarter was eaten, entire tenderloin from one side was gone... the rib section meat/hide from one side was pealed off and completely gone, intestines and stomach was spilled on remaining meat. We packed down what meat we could salvage but got a call from the meat packer saying a good portion is tainted from the internals. Bad deal.
From: mn_archer
02-Sep-14
why would they give you another tag?
michael
From: Elkaddict
02-Sep-14
Congrats guys!
From: Striker@home
02-Sep-14
First time I've ever connected on opening day. Sorry no field photos. 20 yard shot with a 70 yard recovery!
From: Elkaddict
02-Sep-14
Congrats Tim!
From: midwest
02-Sep-14
I'm with Michael....why would you get a replacement tag???
From: midwest
02-Sep-14
Striker, you're one of the best photographers on here and no field pics? lol!
Nice bull...congrats!
From: cityhunter
02-Sep-14
hey striker is that a BH unit bull ?
From: Well-Strung
02-Sep-14
Nice work.
From: Striker@home
02-Sep-14
Midwest--My regular equipment is to big and bulky to carry hunting and I simply haven't picked up a point and shoot for such a purpose!!!
City--it is a BH bull. Unit 37 to be exact.
From: ohiohunter
02-Sep-14
WEll Strung... Where can one find this "list" you speak of?
From: BowCrossSkin
03-Sep-14
Had a great first 3 days, played games with a big 6x6 at 30 and 40 yds. Had a big bull tell me he was the biggest bull at 50 yds, and we played cat and mouse for about 5 min. Had cows moving up from the timber past me at 10 & 20 yds. After things not working out, I went to where i though there would be elk feeding before night and there was a heard. This guy and 25 cows, 5 satellites. Shot this guy at 43 yds, he went 40 more yds in 30 seconds and fell over. Not the biggest, but the opportunity presented and i took it, sorry for the bad photo. Its a nice 6x6.
From: flybyjohn
03-Sep-14
"I'm with Michael....why would you get a replacement tag??? "
It's because hunting was not so much a sport as it was a way of getting food for your family back when it all started. So in cases where a bear or animal would ruin your meat that you needed to get you through the year, a replacement tag would be given to give you another chance to get the meat you need for the year. The antlers of the animal that was ruined would however need to be forfeited to the fish and game.
From: Quinn007
03-Sep-14
Gratz Paul.
From: mn_archer
03-Sep-14
flyby,
don't bring out the "we hunt for food" mantra- I hunt more for food than I do antlers- always have always will. That said scenario 1) hunter kills a small 4pt bull. While packing meat the next day he sees a huge bull in a great location. He lets the 4 pt lay and goes to town for a new tag... you know the rest of the story.
if you don't track it till the next day and a bear gets it, well that's your fault if you ask me. some places out east or some areas of Kansas have so many coyotes you better get on your deer quick or they will. In those areas heck you could conceivably kill 3-4 bucks each year on the same license if you got a new one every time something got to it.
Sounds to me in this case there was more of an issue leaving it lay over night with spoilage than the bear issue. Should they give him another tag cause it spoiled on him?
michael
From: Well-Strung
03-Sep-14
Agree to disagree.. many elk have been let to lay down over night and been fine in the AM in those temps.
From: midwest
03-Sep-14
We need some more elk kills on here.
From: ghost30
03-Sep-14
well-strung that elk would have spoiled with his hide on and guts in overnight not quite sure why anybody would leave an animal til morning sorry about your luck though
From: Bogey
03-Sep-14
Someone should start a separate thread on the bear situation so it does not "spoil" all these great pics and stories.
From: Pass-thru
03-Sep-14
Nice elk boys! Can't wait to get into the elk woods this year
From: MATHEWSSHOOTER
03-Sep-14
opening morning colo
From: stringgunner
04-Sep-14
From: Emmaasher119
04-Sep-14
Looks like you put a dang good hot on that spike Stringgunner! Congratulations guys!
From: TurkeyBowMaster
04-Sep-14
Not as many elk showing up as I expected. Might not be time yet. That's good. I want be hunting for almost a week yet. I just hope to hear one gobble...err..bugle
From: Jaquomo
04-Sep-14
No hero pic from me yet. Came down for a quick resupply. I've been into elk every day but no shot at one I want to shoot. Lots of season left, and it's only going to get better.
Ghost30, we've left many elk overnight after an unsure shot and have never lost any meat. Only once lost some to a bear (in the 100+ elk bowkills I've been involved with), and that was to a bear that got on the blood trail during the hour we waited before tracking.
My big bull last year was recovered the next morning after the night temps stayed in the 50s, and it's one of the best eating elk we've ever had.
Better to err on the side of caution than to bump a wounded bull in the dark and lose it.
From: Jaquomo
04-Sep-14
BTW, I know Well-strung and his brother, and trust that they made the ethical decision in the situation
From: midwest
04-Sep-14
gettem Lou!
From: BowCrossSkin
05-Sep-14
No you do not get another tag, your brother did not shoot well enough to drop the elk in its tracks. Yes it happens and I'm sure it will happen to me, that is my greatest fear. However, i make every effort to not let that happen.
Theres no way would i ever expect to kill an elk and then because i made a poor shot, questionable shot, bad shot be able to get another tag and go and do it again? What if a bear gets the next elk cause you make a poor shot. i'll just keep going all archery season and then into rifle?
Nice Job Chris, elkocd, cervuselaphus, Striker@home, stringgunner. Great Job!!!!!
From: Emmaasher119
05-Sep-14
Sheesh....... Well hopefully the weekend brings more pics and less talk from everyone who knows best.......
From: Quinn007
05-Sep-14
Gratz, String.
From: arctichill
07-Sep-14
Seems like we've got a super slow elk meat pole this year??
From: deerslayer
07-Sep-14
I have a feeling it's about to pick up!
From: IdyllwildArcher
07-Sep-14
It always takes this long to get going. Lots of elk don't get posted till a week or more after they die.
From: 6x6 bull
07-Sep-14
Here is my CO bull taken on Sept 1.
From: adobe
07-Sep-14
Opening morning Colo. unit 61 I only saw 1 elk but I was done by 8:00
From: mrelite
07-Sep-14
Finally a couple more nice bulls, Congrats to all!
From: bowhntr
07-Sep-14
Keep em coming bowsiters, I leave n the am for second hunt in NM hopefully I'll be contributing to the meatpole.
From: Bar O H
07-Sep-14
9-2-14 CO Unit 10, Public land, DIY, 370"
From: ohiohunter
07-Sep-14
WOW.. awesome BAR OH
Some studs down in CO. nice!
From: yotehunter
07-Sep-14
Oregon Bull, 9/6/14.
From: Porcupine
08-Sep-14
CO 9/4/14
From: Tracker
09-Sep-14
CO bull 9/3/14 I called in for my buddy.
From: writer
09-Sep-14
Buddy owes you, big-time, tracker. :-)
We should all have friends like you.
Great elk on here so far...like God makes any other kind.
From: midwest
09-Sep-14
Things are looking up! Congrats guys!
From: Bigfoot
09-Sep-14
Called in this bull for my hunting partner (that's him in the picture) on September 6th. Alberta.
From: Mountain.Blade
09-Sep-14
Nice Alberta bull !
From: Tracker
09-Sep-14
Writer Thanks. I was pretty happy for him. We have hunted together since 1972. Buddy on the left is 67 and after a heart attack a few years ago we were wondering if we would get it done. Glad we got the chance.
From: Outdoordan
09-Sep-14
Some real nice bulls! Congrats!
From: bigbulls6
09-Sep-14
Nice Bull's guys!! Heading west in two hours! Good Huntin!!
Rob
From: IveGotGas
09-Sep-14
Mine from opening weekend. MT, public land. Now to help my son find one amidst his football game schedule.
From: Conner Parry
09-Sep-14
Meat hunt this year for me, spot and stalk, 16 yard shot.
From: KD
09-Sep-14
Should we start a pool? I'd put money TMB's bull is going to be waaaaaaay bigger than Gas's! Gas should have gone beast-mode for the photo too. Only way to pose with a dink like that!
From: IveGotGas
10-Sep-14
KD, if TBM does the big dan big blast, there's no telling what could happen.. My secret is the big kurt's back blast - which you know all too well.
From: Charlie Rehor
10-Sep-14
Utah "Spikey/Scouting" hunt. Got my shot on video. Should be good eating! Good Luck! C
From: Jaquomo
10-Sep-14
Great job Charlie! Spikers are my favorite eating elk, but we can't shoot them in CO these days.
Congrats!'
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
11-Sep-14
Charlie, sorry I missed you, but I was a bit busy...FishLake, UT 09/09
Story - http://forums.bowsite.com/tf/bgforums/thread.cfm?forum=5&threadid=435110&MESSAGES=75&FF=5
From: arctichill
11-Sep-14
Congrats Charlie and Ike!!! (And all the others who gave posted pics). I leave on Monday for my NM 3rd season 16b hunt. I can't wait!
From: 6x6 bull
11-Sep-14
Great Job Charlie and Ike!!! Ike how many points did you have to draw your Fishlake tag? I have 10 and am trying to decide what to do.
From: midwest
11-Sep-14
Way to get it done, Ike!
From: Franzen
11-Sep-14
Ike got it done. Nice bulls everyone! I looks like CO is the clear leader this year so far.
From: Wild Bill
11-Sep-14
Colorado, OTC, public land, 9/6. Got to watch him thrash a wallow with his antlers for a couple minutes at full draw before getting a quartering away shot as he left. Only went 20 yards. We were 5 miles in on a backpack hunt. We went 2 for 2, 2 trips per elk, so 20 miles of backpacking meat! At least they were 3 days apart for some recovery time. Still smiling.
From: midwest
11-Sep-14
Let's see your partner's elk W.Bill. Congrats!
From: midwest
11-Sep-14
"looks like CO is the clear leader this year so far."
It's a numbers thing.
From: Z Barebow
11-Sep-14
You might not be able to eat horns, but you might be able to use them to clean in between your teeth! Another beautiful bull Kurt.
KD- Quit running and go kill something! Don't you know running is bad for your knees. LOL!
From: destroyer
11-Sep-14
WY wilderness bull, Sept 1 9:00am, 29 yards.
From: Bullofthewoods
11-Sep-14
Utah 09/04/14 0720 am.
From: Bullofthewoods
11-Sep-14
Here he is three days prior, when we first spotted him.
From: Bullofthewoods
11-Sep-14
Another on the hoof...
From: ROUGHCOUNTRY
11-Sep-14
Montana public land, spot and stalk and crawl.........
From: trojan242002
12-Sep-14
Gila NM wilderness bull! Called in to 60 yards 9/4 at 7pm
From: Tracker
12-Sep-14
Another nice bull killed by a friend in Unit 2 Colorado.
From: ColoBowman
12-Sep-14
Tracker what part of unit 2 were you hunting in?
From: nmarchr
13-Sep-14
New Mexico bull September 12th 9 yards
From: BULELK1
13-Sep-14
You guys are doing great!
I spent last week in Wyo and have to go back...poor me..haha
Goo dluck, Robb
From: huntnmuleys
13-Sep-14
wy, general tag and public land. lovin it!!
From: SdDiamondArcher
13-Sep-14
It was a rough start to my first season of elk hunting. Went up to camp to meet my buddies on Friday the 5th. Showed up to rain and storms. Cleared up on Saturday, and while the bulls were bugling, nothing would respond or come to anything we tried. Bugling stopped about 9 Am. After the evening hunt, I was sitting on a log, waiting for my buddies to top the hill, when I looked down and noticed my top limb was cracked. I hunted Sunday, and had to go home for a couple days of work. The only option I had to continue hunting was to purchase a new bow during the 2 day period I would be at home, my friends were expecting me back and camp on Tuesday evening. Bought a new bow, and spent the next day shooting as much as I could during my lunch break and the couple of hours I had of light when I got up to camp. The next few days were the same as the weekend before, good bugling right at first light, and as soon as you blew a cow call, all bugling stopped. We were new to the area, so we didn't know where the elk were moving to and from, so it was really frustrating when they didn't talk. We actually spent two evening at camp because they didn't start bugling until about 6:45 pm. It all came together on Friday morning though. We ended up dropping in to a new valley, and I found an area where two different trails came together, so I just sat down by a tree, and my buddy walked around the point and did the same. After about 20 minutes, I gave a couple cow calls, and looked behind me, and this cow was running right to my calls. I drew when she was behind some trees at 15 yards, she turned and went down a trail, I stopped her at 30, and released. Upon the release of the arrow, my string caught my binocular harness, but fortunately I still made a lethal shot. She crashed down the hill about 150 yards and bedded down. My buddy and I sat up the hill and watched her. She was alive for about half an hour before she tried to get up, but her legs were wobbly, she crashed through some brush and it was all over. I really wanted to get a bull, but being 2 hours from our hunting spot, I didn't want to drive back and forth every weekend. Meat is on the table, and that's all I could ask for. Sorry for the long ramble. Here she is
From: jjs
13-Sep-14
huntmuley, it does't get better than that, congrats and doing it the hard way.
From: 'Ike'
13-Sep-14
More great Bull's guys, congrats...Just a matter of time and AZ will be on the board...
From: writer
13-Sep-14
Some great looking elk of both genders.
Thanks who've taken the time to post the pics, and share the stories.
From: BowKill
13-Sep-14
Spot and Stalk, blessed to have great friends after 2 days of packing!
From: dave kaden
13-Sep-14
sept 7th,NM, archery bull #19,had a great hunt
From: arctichill
13-Sep-14
Great bull Dave! Wow...#19! Very impressive.
From: buzz mc
13-Sep-14
Wow! The bulls are really starting to pile in.
From: LUNG$HOT
14-Sep-14
Took my 9 year old son up with me for a few days on his first hunt ever, so when I had a shot at this cow at 25 yrds broadside I decided to take her instead of holding out for a bull. We had a great time. Co diy public land sept 10, 2014
From: LUNG$HOT
14-Sep-14
Here's a pic of the boy with his trophy. He didn't shoot her but he hunted hard and earned it every bit as much as I did.
From: Deacon Dave
14-Sep-14
Congratulations! Great memories are better than antlers anyway.
From: 'Ike'
14-Sep-14
That's outstanding Joe, way to go...Awesome picture!
From: Cornpone
14-Sep-14
I got a nice 4X5 opening Saturday afternoon south of Pagosa Springs, CO. Sorry, no pics but I could post pic of antlers I guess.
From: bullelk
14-Sep-14
Idaho public land solo hunt. Called him in to 20 yards on my 9th day of hunting.
From: Hawkeye
14-Sep-14
First elk-Colorado 2014
From: Hawkeye
14-Sep-14
My good buddy and bowsiter Chris Durando's first and bigger bull as well:)
Colorado 2014
From: Mark Watkins
14-Sep-14
Eyad and Chris.......woooooooohoooooooooo! Two for two.....very well done guys! Congrats! Lets hear more of your adventure!
Mark
From: Ermine
14-Sep-14
From: Straight Shooter
15-Sep-14
Hawkeye- Congrats on your first. Not many people I know that shoot a buffalo before an elk!! Nice job to you both.
DJ
From: Nesser
15-Sep-14
OTC Colorado....this bull makes me very happy!
From: Chris Durando
15-Sep-14
Thanks guys. Some nice elk on here. I'm pretty sure there will be an article coming out of this hunt, let's just say Eyad had to work a little harder for his than I did although we both were putting in 10 miles a day on foot.
From: travis@work
15-Sep-14
Wow some great bulls guys..now that I've quit smoking maybe my archery elk days aren't over...I sure miss it...plan on moving to CO in 7 years..retire at 55 is the goal..NO its the mission...good job guys..
From: LUNG$HOT
15-Sep-14
Good work guys. That's one hell of a bull nesser.
From: Hawkeye
15-Sep-14
Thanks Mark and DJ :) Chris-it was great hunting with you buddy and had a great time. Memorable trip for sure.
Some GREAT elk here guys-congrats to all!
From: huntnmuleys
15-Sep-14
keep em coming guys, this is always my favorite thread of the year!
Nesser, that's a dandy!! and cervuselaphus, great job!!
From: Mad Trapper
15-Sep-14
Very nice guys! Congrats to all. Hope to post a picture of a rosie in another week!
From: idacurt
15-Sep-14
Nesser,Beautiful bull!
From: otcWill
16-Sep-14
Yesterday morning solo. This years semi-live will be awesome! 2 bulls down so far
From: PeteO
16-Sep-14
There are some beautiful bulls, but I think the pic of lung shots son and cow is the best!
From: Mt. man
16-Sep-14
Idaho Public land OTC tag. 9/13/14 18 yd. shot. Expired within eyesight. Solo hunt.
From: jayhawker
16-Sep-14
No chance at the bull and with time running out, took the lead cow. 27 yards, Black Widow Recurve, 80 yard recovery. Public land Colorado.
From: LUNG$HOT
16-Sep-14
Looks like another nice bull Will! Congrats.
From: 'Ike'
16-Sep-14
Atta baby Jay!
From: buzz mc
17-Sep-14
This thread keeps getting better and better
From: carcus
17-Sep-14
Got this guy on Saturday the 13th, 25 yard shot 20 yard recovery. Bowtech rpm 360, fmj, exodus BH
From: HockeyDad
17-Sep-14
Awesome! Congrats to the successful hunters!
From: jrb(CO)
17-Sep-14
Sons 1st bull. Complete pass through with short 60 yard blood trail. I got to watch it all!!!
From: Mark Watkins
17-Sep-14
jrb, congrats to you and your son....what a bull!!!
mark
From: Herdbull
17-Sep-14
Alaskan bull on a solo hunt. Taken Sept 8th.
From: bowcrazy
17-Sep-14
Sept 14. OTC in Colorado. My second in three years since moving to this awesome State.
From: buzz mc
17-Sep-14
"This years semi-live will be awesome!" - otcwill
You set the bar pretty high with your last one. We'll be looking towards to this one.
From: Herdbull
18-Sep-14
Sorry I didn't see this was an elk thread. Mike
From: Seminole
18-Sep-14
Herdbull: No apologies please....:) That is a fantastic trophy! Great job!
From: jdee
18-Sep-14
Herdbull if showing a nice bull like that "offends" anyone we have a problem.
From: jdee
18-Sep-14
Just found it on another thread.
From: LUNG$HOT
18-Sep-14
Thats a great moose herdbull. He's earned a spot on this thread for sure! Great job.
From: Hawkeye
18-Sep-14
Great bull Herd and those brutes are welcome on any thread :)
From: Buglemup
18-Sep-14
9/12/14 Solo MT hunt. Sorry guys not a great picture but it was a great hunt. 35 yard shot with a 20 yard recovery. You gotta love that. Keep up the good work guys.
From: stealthycat
18-Sep-14
Ermine man that's a GREAT bull - I don't think many people you noticed you killed it in Arkansas !
From: trkyslr
18-Sep-14
My 2014 Arizona bull... I'm jacked! Now onto Montana.
From: Beav
18-Sep-14
Arkansas is the new hot bed for big bulls! Congrats to everyone, great season so far.
From: INbowdude
18-Sep-14
Way to go Hawkeye!
From: Reflex
18-Sep-14
Nice job everyone. Keep them coming!
From: RuttinBull
19-Sep-14
From: abow4me
19-Sep-14
Colorado OTC 9/17
From: NMbowhunter
19-Sep-14
348 2/8. NM bull 9/12/14
From: tribute4811
20-Sep-14
08/30/2014 nevada DIY solo hunt. It took 11 days. Lots of blown stalks. The bulls were not responding to any calls. I missed a shot on a 350 ish bull. 15 minutes later this bull showed up. Did a ambush on him. Intersected him and was ready at full draw when he stopped broadside. 57 yards with a swhacker 125 grain. Double lunged him and he went 200 yards in the open and piled up. Easy find. 3/4 mile pack out. 5 trips and 6 hours later he was in the truck with the a/C keeping him nice and cool. First bull ever and what a awesome trip.
From: dapper
20-Sep-14
First off congrats to all who got their bull! And good luck to those still trying! Also thanks to those who post, from these posts I've picked up a lot of useful info. My son and I each purchased one lottery ticket for New Mexico's Valles Caldera. As a non-resident we knew our chance of drawing that one tag was slim. But miracles happen and the winner was me. My hunt was Sept 12-16. The bulls were fired up and on the second day my son had called a huge bull to within 50-60 yards of me. Just out of the my effective range when the adrenaline is pumping. On the third evening we were waiting for the thermals to switch as a number of bulls kept sounding off the ridge above us. I decided to put an arrow on my Matthews Drenalin and draw it back to see if the peep lined up. As I drew back, there was a loud crack. My son and I each looked at each other and said what was that. Then I noticed the lower limb had collapsed/splintered. We quickly went back to the truck to retrieve my back up bow (an Oregon Deschutes that must be nearly twenty years old. I had only shot it once all summer to see where the single pin was sighted in. I put a piece of duct tape on the back of the limb stating 35 yards so an old fart like me wouldn't forget). We then went after some bulls that were bugling without any luck. The fourth morning of the five day hunt was uneventful as well, we heard the bulls but couldn't get close. Thoughts of tag soup started to creep in. We decided that I would sit a remote pond. Every afternoon we had spent time watching different ponds or wallows. We figured we weren't going to kill one at the truck. Brandon would stay at the truck, since one can hide better than two. I grabbed my bow, a hang on treestand and a few hangon steps and headed off the mile to the pond. I only went up the tree five feet since it was dead from a fire a couple years earlier and I didn't know how stabe it was. But that five feet would put my head near its lower limbs, also provide a flat platform on the steep terrain. When I tied a pull up cord to my bow, I noticed I forgot my quiver. My Matthews always fit in its case with the quiver attached and my back up bow needed the quiver to be removed. So the quiver was in the back seat of the truck. So off I went the mile back to get my quiver. By the time I was settled in the tree with arrows it was 1pm. At 2pm I heard then seen a huge bull moving towards the little pond. At 100 yards he stopped, put his nose in the air, then turned and trotted away. The disappointment didn't last long as a second bull(a bit smaller) came to the pond fifteen minutes later from a different angle that wouldn't offer up my scent. I remember praying dear lord help me shoot a good arrow. The bull stopped at the pond 37 yards away and began to drink. I slowly moved into position, drew back and aimed tight to his near shoulder(since he was slightly quartering towards me). When the arrow hit, the bull spun and I noticed the arrow cartwheeling into the air. I thought did it bounce off his shoulder? The bull ran up the opposite slope, stopping at 45-50 yards to glance back. Once he tried to get going again I knew it was over, he couldn't keep his legs under him. He went down. The arrow had actually been snapped in half and the fletched end was what I saw. Quickly I bailed out of the tree to go tell my son and retrieve the packs/kill gear. The bull was later scored at 329 5/8's. As we boned him out, five other bulls came to the pond. When we heard them coming we just kneeled near my bulls carcass, kept quiet to see what they were. Below is a picture of my bull. By 9:30 we had him boned out and packed back to the truck. Fifth elk hunt, first elk.
Dan
From: Pass-thru
20-Sep-14
Arizona 9/17 6x6 shot at 15 yds. What a rush! Congrats to all!
From: writer
20-Sep-14
Sorry tribute. That didn't happen. Don't you read Bowsite enough to know -
57 yards is too far for anyone to be able to hit an elk, especially double lung.
Also mechanical broadheads won't penetrate on anything, let alone a Kevlar elk at 57 yards.
You spent too much time watching outdoors shows, and not enough time hunting to know these things.
Had you, however, busted your butt hunting such a fine bull, and made a perfect shot, then I would say - CONGRATULATIONS!
:-)
:-)
From: tribute4811
20-Sep-14
Ok sounds good Writer!!!!!
From: GOAT
20-Sep-14
CO Sept.8th Called in to 18 yards.
From: Bowfreak
20-Sep-14
Congrats to all of you guys. There are a bunch of killers on this site!
From: kylet
20-Sep-14
MT general tag. Public land diy solo. FIRST ELK
From: danny.a
21-Sep-14
Last day (9-19 9:15 am) of 10 day hunt, 8 days solo DIY public land Mt, they didn't start talking till 2 days before My best bull, 7X7 with crowns
From: danny.a
21-Sep-14
From: t-roy
21-Sep-14
Congrats to all on your success!
From: ElkillrSlackinAtWork
22-Sep-14
Idaho Bivy hunt...
From: LckyTylr
22-Sep-14
Kylet, that's awesome!
As are all of these bulls, man, there are some WHOPPERS this year!
Congrats to all and good luck to those still looking.
From: Horn Seeker
22-Sep-14
So many good bulls and elk in general! Congrats to All!
After many, MANY years... I finally put my first archery bull down this year. It was an awesome experience...
From: elkmtngear
22-Sep-14
CO Solo DIY, Flat Tops Wilderness 9/19/2014
Best of Luck, Jeff
From: 808bowhunter
22-Sep-14
Wyoming General tag 9/7-9/20
From: 808bowhunter
22-Sep-14
and my brothers bull
From: writer
22-Sep-14
Special congrats to you, Horn Seeker! Now you're on a roll!
From: GCreek
23-Sep-14
2014 Idaho Bull
From: extremevft1
23-Sep-14
6X7 - Montana 9/13/14 with Hammer-em Outfitters! First Elk!
From: TMA1010
23-Sep-14
I got my first elk on Friday September 19 on public land in CO - DIY style with a buddy. This guy responded to a bugle and walked in on a string. Shot him at 8 yards. What a rush.
From: OregonTK
23-Sep-14
Oregon 9-15-2014
From: huntnmuleys
23-Sep-14
hell yes! dandy bull OregonTK!!!!!
From: Ylpmin
23-Sep-14
He won't eat as good as a spike, but he will be pretty good! Arizona 9/21/2014
From: Ylpmin
23-Sep-14
Elk minus the silverback is what's for dinner.
From: SlipShot
23-Sep-14
Sept 18th Co. OTC DIY public land Bull.
From: SlipShot
23-Sep-14
Photo 1
From: SlipShot
23-Sep-14
Photo 2
From: SlipShot
23-Sep-14
Only field photo, died where most bulls die. Deep dark nasty steep hole. Anyone want to venture a guess on the score?
From: patience2spare
23-Sep-14
My very first elk. NM on 9/18. Amazing experience hunting elk with a good friend and my 68year old Dad. I couldn't be happier!!! Can't wait to try it again. Pete
From: CurveBow
24-Sep-14
Congratulations to all.... Some awesome bulls falling this year!
>>>>-------->
From: sitO
24-Sep-14
They're all great! Thanks for sharing and congrats to all of the hunters!
From: Outdoorsdude
24-Sep-14
She went 20 yards!
From: PMcGee
24-Sep-14
From: PMcGee
24-Sep-14
I don't know why my picture is upside down and if don't know how to fix it.
From: Gene
24-Sep-14
Where is TBM's photo? Come on!! Lot's of great bulls, small bulls and cows on this thread. It's all about hunting elk! My last elk hunt was in 2012 so I am due for 2015.
From: jdee
24-Sep-14
A lot of guys have been blessed in the elk woods this year. Congrats to everyone.
From: RWatson3
24-Sep-14
New to the forum, been reading for a little while, lots of good information on here from what I've read. Thought I'd register and share my first elk. Taken 9/6/14 on a LE tag, public land in WY, DIY style hunt, I was all by myself so had some difficulty taking pictures, and he's not a monster, but from what I can tell he's pretty unique. I shot him in the evening with my 1979 Jennings Shooting Star, finger release, at about 15 yards, and he dropped where he was. This is my first big game animal, and I was ecstatic.
From: RWatson3
24-Sep-14
I wasn't sure how to post 2 pictures at once, but here's a better view of him.
From: Bowfreak
25-Sep-14
RWatson3,
There is more uniqueness in that elk and your whole post than any I have seen. Congrats on breaking the ice on a great animal!
From: Big John
25-Sep-14
Congratulations RWatson3 for a great 1st elk and welcome to the site...
From: elkmtngear
25-Sep-14
Great job RWatson3...and with the old Jennings! Amazing animal, what a great achievement!
From: RWatson3
25-Sep-14
Thank you everyone, I think I might start a separate thread about my hunt, I took a lot of pictures of the mountains I think you might enjoy.
From: Charlie Rehor
25-Sep-14
So great to see all the happy smiles and dead elk! Way to go guys!
From: Z Barebow
25-Sep-14
RWatson-Way to make a splash! Hail to a finger shooter!
And to all who have killed elk this season. To quote the "A Team" "I love it when a plan comes together!"
From: flybyjohn
26-Sep-14
9/23/2014 MT, public land, solo. I found this bull swimming in a small pond on the top of a mountain. I snuck up to 70 yards and the bull stood up broadside. I let the first arrow fly and got a pass through both lungs. The bull didn't react much but walked forward 15 yards to the edge of the pond. I shot again with a quartering away shot and pierced the heart. The bull took 2 more steps (just out of the water) and stopped, and colapsed head first into the ground. Bull broke the top Y off the right side but I am still happy with him.
From: LINK
26-Sep-14
Flybyjohn did you not get the memo that you shouldn't kill bulls past 30 yards. Great bull
From: Dooner
26-Sep-14
Oregon Sept 19th. My 2nd elk. Called in at 35yds. Had another great time. Congrats to all.
From: Mark Watkins
26-Sep-14
Wow! Congrats on killing some BIG bulls this year!!!!! An incredible year!
Mark
From: flybyjohn
26-Sep-14
LINK, I did and it went straight into my circular file cabinet. The elk was calm and unaware of my presence. It just got done cooling down and the shot did not spook him at all. After the passthrough, he just walked forward 15 yards and I am glad he did or I would have been heading down the mountain for a come-along. Second shot, he was probable gettting too light headed from lack of oxygen to hear the shot. Both were kill shots and both at 70 yards, and the bull went a total of 17 yards from first shot.
From: AJB428
26-Sep-14
From: Mike Ukrainetz
26-Sep-14
Mike's Outfitting Alberta. Greg Pridgen hunter.
From: Mike Ukrainetz
26-Sep-14
Mike's Outfitting Alberta. Robb Gottenburg hunter.
From: Mike Ukrainetz
26-Sep-14
Mike Ukrainetz's Link
From: elkocd
26-Sep-14
My 2nd bull this season on this thread.
From: Owl
26-Sep-14
Nice bull Dave!
From: Dooner
27-Sep-14
Thanks Randy. When your ready, I've got a great spot for you:-)
From: KZ15
27-Sep-14
September 20, Black Widow PSA III, Zwickey Eskimo broadhead.
From: Redman2003
27-Sep-14
AZ Bull 7 day of the hunt. 20 yd shot.
From: midwest
27-Sep-14
Great elk, everyone! Congrats to all!
From: elkmo
27-Sep-14
DIY public, 9/21..11 yards
From: Thornton
27-Sep-14
WHERE IS TBM'S ELK?
From: Arapahoe
27-Sep-14
9-17-14 DIY Wyoming
From: wyobullshooter
27-Sep-14
I dedicated this season to being the scout, guide, outfitter, and chief bottle washer for my son's first bowhunt. Casey did the hard part and made a great 45yd shot, which resulted in a very short, very easy-to-follow blood trail. His old man is pretty darn proud, to say the least!
From: midwest
27-Sep-14
That's awesome, Rob...congrats to you and your son!
From: huntnmuleys
27-Sep-14
KZ15! nicely done!
From: John Haeberle
27-Sep-14
After a couple years of "Zip", I wasn't waiting for a bull ... good eating, for sure! WY, DIY.
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
27-Sep-14
Congrats to Casey, way to go Rob....
Some great 'Elk' on the ground this year....
From: Birdman
28-Sep-14
Montana diy hunt, public land. Had two bulls coming in , this showed up first, the nice 6x6 made his appearance to late.
From: calibowman
28-Sep-14
Idaho DIY public land. 9/11
From: TurkeyBowMaster
28-Sep-14
My favorite thread and I'm finally part of it. Thank the Lord for a great trip. Montana diy public land leftover liscense...a bowsiter recommended the state on one of my threads and helped me narrow things down to a state. On the complete other end of the hunt a bowsiter recommended slowing down..way down if I saw fresh shiny droppings. I did and here he is. Great tips from a couple of bowsiter s. Thanks
From: Dikndirt
28-Sep-14
I will throw mine into the mix, had a great hunt bulls were going nuts! Great job, and great bulls to everyone!
From: AndyJ
28-Sep-14
As the sun sets on the 2014 elk season-at least in CO. Congrats to everyone who scored on their beautiful elk and I hope everyone learned a little more whether they shot one or not.
From: nogutsnostory
29-Sep-14
Idaho 9/18 day 8,I harvested this mature cow with a research collar on her neck. With my first tag!!
From: nogutsnostory
29-Sep-14
Idaho 9/21 day 11, I harvested this bull,with my second tag!!! Idaho has their program together, so much opportunity!!
From: Charlie Rehor
29-Sep-14
Charlie Rehor's Link
Colordao GMU 70 with Bowsite Sponsor Rocking R Ranch. Booked again next year. There will be two Bowsite archery hunts next September. If interested send me a PM. Got this guy first evening when he came in to the cow calls.
Home page Feature on the hunt with really cool videos starts later today! C
This elk hunting is quite addictive!!!!!!
From: kentuckbowhnter
29-Sep-14
Colorado, OTC, self guided.
From: huntforever
29-Sep-14
Oregon OTC. Looks like a horrible shot, but it caught both lungs and he only went about 50 yds.
From: non typ
30-Sep-14
Wind swirled and spooked herd bull this guy kept coming 60 yd shot 10 yd blood trail NM
From: silverbowarcher
30-Sep-14
My 14 year old son's first archery elk. Was moving in on a good herd bull when this cow presented a 35 yard shot. Shot was a little high, but not as bad as it looks in the pic. She went about 250 yards. My favorite hunt in over 12 years of bow hunting elk.
From: GRBowman
30-Sep-14
My son's first elk with a bow, made a great shot and the bull only went about 60 yards! Couldn't be more proud!
From: GRBowman
30-Sep-14
Here is my bull. My son called this bull in, his first time calling a bull in. He was almost as excited calling the bull in as shooting one! Both Eastern Oregon bulls.
From: drycreek
30-Sep-14
This is a great thread, even for a guy who doesn't elk hunt. Or maybe I should say, especially for a guy that doesn't elk hunt. Congrats to all, and especially the kids and first timers ! Some great bulls, and some really great memories !
From: BOWUNTR
30-Sep-14
I finally get to join this thread... Arizona. Ed F
From: AndyJ
30-Sep-14
BOWUNTR- And you joined with a real hog. Nice Job!
From: elkmtngear
30-Sep-14
Beautiful bull and a great pic, Ed!
From: TODDY
30-Sep-14
Well done all around! Congrats to all that got to post a picture here or simply just made a good memory this year chasing elk! TODDY
From: gil_wy
01-Oct-14
9/26 WY general tag
From: Capt.Bly
01-Oct-14
9/24 Wyoming General Tag with 7 J Outfitters. My 1st Archery Elk. Had 5 Bulls screaming at us within 100 yds. Made a 50 yd shot & he fell within site.
From: El Je-bow
01-Oct-14
Last day of the CO season. Called this young bull in from way far away. I couldn't blow the call any louder and after an hour he finally cut the distance in half. A few more calls & he started to come in on a trot. 30-yard shot-5-yard recovery. So very thankful after a gazillion vertical miles of hiking.
From: midwest
01-Oct-14
Can't hit 'em any better than that, El Je-bow!
From: RobbyPE
01-Oct-14
My NM archery bull second hunt, taken on opening day.
From: BIG ERN
03-Oct-14
Thanks to all on this site who helped me along. 10 years 4 elk and I know I'm getting better at it. This is my best yet.All DIY except for a pack out.....Way too far into Grizz country.
From: BIG ERN
03-Oct-14
Thanks to all on this site who helped me along. 10 years 4 elk and I know I'm getting better at it. This is my best yet.All DIY except for a pack out.....Way too far into Grizz country.
From: Vernon Edeler
03-Oct-14
WY 9/25. It was steep so so pictures where rough.
From: flybyjohn
03-Oct-14
Vernon, that does look steep. Your almost upside down.
Congratulations, nice bull.
From: Sneekypee
03-Oct-14
10/1/14 MT
From: Whip
03-Oct-14
September 28th, last day of CO season. RER 55# recurve and Grizzly Instinct 3 blade head.
From: buckchsr
03-Oct-14
Not the kill site, but thought this was a good pic that we took on the way home behind a storm front.
From: Crockrj
03-Oct-14
A lot of great elk in this thread! Congrats to all of the hunters. Killed my first elk on 9/25/14. A nice 6x6 that came to water hole for a drink and left with a Magnus Buzzcut.
From: Whip
03-Oct-14
I can't seem to get the image above to rotate, so here is another one.
From: tseward
03-Oct-14
9/21/14 Idaho
From: tseward
03-Oct-14
9/27/14 Idaho - Wife's Bull
From: MntBiker
03-Oct-14
Great bulls and photos everyone, I have not posted in years. Colorado Elk 9-26
From: TurkeyBowMaster
04-Oct-14
How long befir skunk season...I think Montana has 3 more days. I'm not seeing a lot of folks that are normally on here yet but some might be saving their stuff for elk hunter magazines. Hopefully more will come on later. Got to be getting down to the wire.
From: TurkeyBowMaster
04-Oct-14
How long befir skunk season...I think Montana has 3 more days. I'm not seeing a lot of folks that are normally on here yet but some might be saving their stuff for elk hunter magazines. Hopefully more will come on later. Got to be getting down to the wire.
From: Papabare
05-Oct-14
Congrats to everyone!! I had a big bowl of tag soup this season. I can't wait for next year...
From: hunting dad
05-Oct-14
We have our pics on the AZ thread, but this thread is great. Congrats to all that scored or just had a great hunt!
From: hunting dad
05-Oct-14
My son Benjamins bull
From: Elkaddict
06-Oct-14
9/19, 7p.m. Unguided, WY, public land. 45 yard shot 100 yard recovery.
From: HUNT MAN
06-Oct-14
Mans got to eat. MT-9-21-14. HUNT
From: HUNT MAN
06-Oct-14
Me And Trevor with his bull. MT 9-27-14 HUNT
From: HUNT MAN
06-Oct-14
Me And Roger with his bull.Good times in the elk woods this year ready for next. MT 9-27-14 HUNT
From: whale tail
06-Oct-14
Some great elk taken this year! Congrats everyone. Here is my Roosevelt bull from this year (Oregon). Shot at 6 steps as he was coming in to kick my rear. Elknuts tactics work on Roosie's too:)
From: whale tail
06-Oct-14
Another view...Black Eagle Rampage tipped with Shuttle Ts made for a short blood trail:)
From: cityhunter
06-Oct-14
Like usually all alone in the back country , called the herd bull into a chip shot bull didn't make it 5yards from impact down in seconds !! I held his horns while he took his last breath !!! This is my second bull of Sept 2014 !!! Louis
From: cityhunter
06-Oct-14
MY first bull of the year once again alone called him in never made is out of my sight !! This Bull is for my friend Tanner Sinclair RIP!!!
From: Yellowjacket
06-Oct-14
Colorado, last minute of the last day of the season!
From: PaElkChaser
07-Oct-14
Wyo 9/15 Shoshone NF
From: huntnmuleys
12-Oct-14
pretty dang depressing... the pics have almost completely stopped showing up on here, once last reminder that my favorite thing on this planet is over for the year.
thanks all for contributing to the best thread running. dandy elk all of ya!
From: Ron Niziolek
13-Oct-14
I'm late to the party. Some great bulls and photographs this year. Congrats everyone. Here's my WY bull from September 11th.
From: tradi-doerr
13-Oct-14
cityhunter, what states are those bulls taken in?
From: deerslayer
13-Oct-14
10/09/2014
2nd trip in the back country this year - Made the right decision to pull the plug towards the end of my first trip, and passed up a decent 5 pt bull on the first trip as well. I was seriously beginning to regret it, until I got this guy the first night back of the 2nd trip....... Great year
From: Rocky D
13-Oct-14
GREAT job Deerslayer
From: MULEY MAN
13-Oct-14
9-14-2014 IDAHO DIY OTC 6X7
From: 'Ike' (Phone)
13-Oct-14
Outstanding animals, way to go Ron!
From: LINK
03-Mar-15
ttt I never get tired of looking at dead animals.
From: Jonah Stewart
03-Mar-15
AZ 2014
From: KMAN1
03-Mar-15
NE Oregon OTC 9/2/14 Stuck this little guy just before dusk while ground-pounding with a buddy. 22 yard shot, 70 yard recovery.
From: bigmart
19-Jun-15
My 2014 eastern Oregon otc 7x6 12 yard shot. another great year in Oregon, lots of good bulls. Looking forward to this year, good luck to all.
From: ELKMAN
22-Jun-15
As always: Public land, DIY...
From: r-man
16-Aug-15
ttt, took me 15 minutes to get through all the pics
