What's You Dream Elk?
Elk
No doubt we all have our benchmark elk in mind! If a new hunter it may be "Any Elk" With others only a certain caliber bull will do, what's yours? Photos welcome!
Mine is a 360" gross bull, I'm still dreaming! (grin)
Here's one taken by a good friend in the very unit we hunt, he cow called his way to the bull & took him at 15 yards, 362"
ElkNut1
I have had two encounters with 400+ bulls. Both encounters still haunt me. One of them was 12 yards and only needed one more step but he turned at the last second and "Ghosted" away.
I'd say anything over 350+ or a unique bull like one with a club.
A broadside one at 15 yards
Public land 340ish with the 6th points sweeping down. Have only tagged 3 bulls but none have a cool "whale tail".
Destroyer - like this one? My favorite all time.
A dead one. I like dead ones real well. God Bless
I'd love to kill a 350 bull some day. having an empty freezer this year though after hunting the best unit in NM last year has me kicking myself for passing that 10 yard broadside shot on a cow opening morning last year.
Wow Ron, that thing is very cool, very unique.
ElkNut1
I made a deal to trade my left boy for a 380. Not like I'm using him a whole lot anyway.....worth a shot....
But in a perfect world a 378 (net) .... =D
I just dream of what it must feel like to draw a tag.
My dream elk?....medium rare with gravy and a glass of Crown Royal to wash it down.
Just any good bull. Above 300 is icing on the cake.
As long as we're dreaming...
A big coastal, public land Roosey, with 5+ point crowns on each side would be my first choice.
An old, huge bodied 8x8 typical monarch would be my 2nd, irrespective of the score.
My realistic goal is a mature 6x6 with huge 5ths in the upper 300s.
For any of them to really be the one, they would have to be called in by myself or a very close friend.
Ron - Yes, just like that! I bet that makes an awesome mount.
Dream realized last September in Wyoming. Did this trip all by my lonesome. Can't envision a more pleasant drive home. If I never kill a bigger bull, no complaints here. Still have plenty of "dream destinations" to chase elk on my bucket list!
Any 6 point under 10 yards screaming in my face.
Paul (pav) you got that right, that's an awesome bull & solo none the less, awesome achievement my friend! You're the first to say you already have your dream bull, well done sir!
ElkNut1
My first one. But I would actually have to plan a hunt to do that :)
This one... Public land, hunting solo, with a recurve
Either a 320 plus 5 point or ol' ron's club bull there.
I'm with Bou, 15 yards and broadside is my "dream shot" at any legal animal I'm hunting. I suffer from "not-that-picky" syndrome. I like to eat venison and shoot my bow.
However, I admit a 340" public land bull would put a perma-grin on my face.
My dream bull's hanging on the wall. I still hunt the same area I've hunted since 1985, which is a hard-hunted general area. At the time, I tried to keep my dream bull realistic, so it was a 6x6 that would score at least 300. Imagine my surprise when my 340 and I crossed paths.
My "dream" has now changed to a 350. If I'm so blessed, it'll change to a 360. Nothing like getting greedy! lol!
Like pav, if I never kill a bull bigger than the one on my wall, I'll die a very contented elk hunter!
mine would be a 300+ 6x6 with dark chocolate antlers and white ivory tips.
Lou, spectacular bull, I don't believe I've seen that one before, incredible especially with a recurve! He must be creeping up on 380" -- Your smile says it all.
Wyo, I agree, a 340" bull is a milestone! Well done! A photo would be awesome!
ElkNut1
I was fortunate to take this bull last year WY public land DIY still hunting solo. Grossed 359 and some change.
I'd like to take a 380 so I have something to mount on the wall. Hopefully when I get my coveted AZ tag I'll get it done.
Still a possibility if I find the right bull in WY.
Some great bulls posted!
One like this would work! My buddy's bull from a few years ago on an OTC tag in Colorado. 370'' gross.
I've got a couple bulls in the low 310''-315'' range, which I was very happy to tag, but the OP's question was "What's your dream bull.
Mine would be the bull that I hit too high in the spine 20+ years ago. He was a huge 6X6 similar to my buddy's bull, only a touch smaller. I have dreams about him from time to time, but they are always nightmares!
Ron,
no offense, but you look about as old as that bull in that pic bud :)
You've eaten a few bulls since that one...
A 300" 5x5 would make my dreams come true
Gotta luv whale tails
My dream bull is on the wall. But i keep dreaming. This years dream involves getting my buddy his dream bull. He has first shot on anything he chooses.
IMO dream bulls are herd bulls 360 or better. You have to pass on good bulls to get a great one.
Dream big fellas!!
Honestly the dream is a 400 bull. That's what plays over and over in my mind. However, I'd be pleased as pie with a 350-360 bull too.
The next one, no matter what it is.
How about that deaf, dumb, noseless, and blind 'elk' at about 15 yards slightly quartering away. and since were dreaming how about less than a 1/2 mile from where the truck is parked. (I might as well get a unicorn license while I am at it huh!)
Just to be able to eventually go on an elk hunt, bull,cow doesn't matter to me.
Any bull with a low IQ and high testosterone level at 15yrds.
I don't really have a dream bull. I want lots of encounters and opportunities. I've dropped some nice bulls. I don't mount them. The antlers are in the garage.
If I thought I could mount a really good one and then sell it for the cash to do a grand slam? Ok, I want 400+ Jim dandy.
A typical, symmetrical 6x6 that scores 360 with long whale tails.
--Mitch
A 380-390 giant 6x6 with length length length.
I missed such a bull last year that had it all. Length, world th, mass, old herd bull, etc. still haunts me
LBshooter- Get some credit and go do it! You will never have enough money. At least that's how we started.
On the bull, a great encounter trumps size, but I am always dreaming of a 350" plus.
This is our most unique bull. If only his backs matched the 24" eye gougers!
BigDan's Bulls from his dream season a few years back.
Most bow hunters will never top those bulls in a lifetime. And he arrowed them in a single season.
I am with cnelk. A 300+ 5x5 is at the top of the list. After that it would be a wide, symmetrical 7x7.
My son or my daughter's first with a bow.
One on the ground with my wife's arrow hole in it!
any bull that I call in that comes in screaming. after I kill a bull or two I'm sure my dream bull will change
One that will transport itself to my freezer all packaged up already so I can stay in the mountains!
A reasonably priced rifle hunt with an outfitter in Wyoming.
Anything like these would work.
Idyl, no offense taken. I've eaten many bulls since that clubber. But seriously, it was only 12 years ago!:)
The first one I get. Only second year doing this...
I had always hoped for a 300" plus 6x6.
In 2013 I got lucky and shot this 360" gross 7x6 on a DIY hunt in CO with my buddy Elkaddict. I doubt that I'll ever top it and my dreams of killing a "Dream Elk" have been fulfilled.
My new dream is the ability to continue to hunt elk for another 20 years....
Other then wanting to elk hunt as many more years that I can, getting one bigger then this one would be a great, killing it with a traditional bow would be a dream.
I shot my dream bull in 2012, 377 6/8". If I can pick another trophy it would be a 300"+ 5 x 5.
Dream bull is 350", I have a 323" on the wall
Taxidermy photo of Glunker, the club bull.
I whacked this club bull back in '08
He tasted better than he scored
I really hope thats not your dream bull... I'm happy you put him out of his misery.
I listed my dream bull above. It wasn't a club bull
lol.
Hey I'm sure he ate well though.
Two years ago I saw a club bull and I immediately wanted him more than any bull I have ever seen.
I've not killed enough bulls to be anything more than a legal bull hunter. However, if I'm dreaming, 350 has always sounded like a nice round number (not that I could tell a 350 from a 320 with one in bow range), but I'd kill my way through a sea of smaller bulls before I held out for one. If I ever draw a trophy unit tag here in Montana, I'd probably sing a different tune.
Not everyone's dream bull, but a couple of you mentioned a 300" 5 X 5.
One of my co- workers shot this OTC drop tine bull last year.
My dream bull is the bull my dad will hopefully kill this year. That would make me happier than any bull I have taken or probably will take.
Everyone I have shot has been a dream come true. BUT.......if you are wondering about score....a perfect 6x6 in the 350" range would suffice. I'd be fine with a crazy amount of mass and even a little sticker or two if possible. Don't see many of those.
2011 Colorado OTC bull. I won't pass up a 300" trying to top it:)
Awesome looking bulls guys! Definitely can satisfy many a hunters dreams with those beasts! Rick M, I too would not pass up a 300" to top one I'd taken that was bigger as you have! Great looking bull!
ElkNut1
317 gross 5x6....the 5 pt side got my heart pounding....and he had 80-100 cows. The best elk hunting experience I've had in 20 years...dream hunt and bull
Lots of beauties on this thread....the fever is hitting a high pitch right now for me. Only 2 months
I am not too concerned about the score, but I would really enjoy a good week long hunt with my son where we both score on a nice bull. I would even like his to be the bigger one.
This isn't my bull, but being able to be there with my dad when he shot it and to see his face when he walked up to it is one of the best memories of my life. Wouldn't trade it for the world.
Some awesome elk pictured here! When I first saw this bull, I thought it was a safe bet to declare that he would be my last bull if I killed him. When I did kill him 7 days later, I waited a whole year before I elk hunted again, hoping no one would remember my lie.....
This year marks my first elk hunt, and I'd love to take anything over a 3x3. Long term dream is a 300" public land bull
The bull I hope to shoot this year! Great pics everyone.
wow. ki-ke... you put a lick on him too.
Can only wish, work and wait to put that dream in the pocket.... must be a great feeling.
Great pics folks. Inspirations.... motivations...
My dream elk this year in Utah, is a dead one after a very short blood trail.
Huntforever, amen to that!
Mike Vines, this is the year sir! You've put in a lot of hard work, make it happen! (grin)
ElkNut1
I'd like to get one with a challenge bugle and have him screaming at me within 10 yards. Bigger than a spike and I'd shoot him, hell maybe I'd shoot the spike if the scenario was right.
300 inch Roosevelt!! Already got the dream rocky;)
Hey Ron Did you get Glunker in 5BN in AZ? I messed up and put a broadhead in the shoulder of a very similar bull a few years back
Crappy pic of a pic. But this is off a trail cam of mine two years ago. I'll take this one please.
AZBUGLER, yes sir, that one would work! It looks like it was scratched out on stone by Indians! (grin)
ElkNut1
Good analogy! Lol. It was actually a pic of a stopped video. Hope to have a nice clear one this year to show for my efforts. I'll have 12 cans out by end of July.
luckydraw, it's a Wyoming bull.
Even though size matters for me it might be about where I kill it. My dreams of elk hunting started by spending time around the herds in northern Pennsylvania. I'd like to draw a Pa tag and then spend the time to find and kill the biggest bull in the unit. There are 400 inchers so I guess it is a size thing too. That could very well be my best chance at a 380 plus bull and to do it in my home state would be very cool.
Every Bull I've shot was my "Dream Elk", and I can tell you this: It has NOTHING to do with a number...
Dream bull? Probably be solo hunting on public land after a long hard week. Spending the morning among two herd bulls screaming at each other and me. Hearing them fighting. Then running in and shooting a perfect 7 x 7 at 12 yards with my recurve while he was locked in combat with another great bull. Who says dream don't come true?
