Waiting for bowsite friends live hunt
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Bigdan
08-Sep-16
Waiting for two Bowsite friends to get here in the breaks to do a live hunt. They will get here this weekend. Its been a tuff first week with all the rain. But the weather is looking better for the next week or so Rick M and his brother in law will be here this weekend so we will start posting daily when the hunt starts. I will share my camp with them it kind of ruff but I think it will beats sleeping on a thermrest in a small tent
From: Bigdan
08-Sep-16
Pat put in for a breaks tag but didn't draw
From: Rick M
08-Sep-16
Hey woa there Dan, that puts some pressure on us to cook some good meals and not freeze at night!! I am still bringing some Mountain House meals so I don't get too soft.
Pat needs to learn how to fold the corner on the internet application so it gets picked:)
Leaving early tomorrow.
From: HUNT MAN
08-Sep-16
Good luck guys. I will be there the 15- October 3! Can't wait. Hunt
From: drycreek
08-Sep-16
Good luck guys ! Hope you all score.
From: Bigdan
08-Sep-16
Hunt stop by if your in the area turn off hwy 66 head into Landusky turn on the first left my place is first on the right
From: 2tuna@home
08-Sep-16
You better be careful Dan with that casual invitation.
Anybody else made it, and they'd get a couple of comments like 'Nice offer' or 'That's the spirit'. In your case you're likely to wake up to a dozen rigs parked in your driveway tomorrow.
It's 8:10pm in Salinas California and I'm pretty sure I can be there for a nice lunch tomorrow before the evening hunt.
From: HUNT MAN
08-Sep-16
Thanks Dan . If it keeps raining every day. Your cabin will be the place to be. Hunt
From: Bucksnort32
09-Sep-16
Dan quick question did u live in kalispell , and have the bow shop with the range in evergreen?
From: Bigdan
09-Sep-16
Yes I did had a shop in Kalispell Big Sky Archery I still do live in Kila in the winter but from June to November I live in Landusky
From: TD
09-Sep-16
Good luck boys! The Breaks are a great hunt.
Rick and all.... Danny is a great cook.... don't eat too much chocolate cake and ice cream.... might have to turn in your "roughing it" mancard.... heheheh....
From: ElkNut1
09-Sep-16
Sounds like a great time! I'm sure you will put fear into the elk! Good Luck!
ElkNut1
From: midwest
09-Sep-16
Good luck, boys! I'll be off the grid the next couple of weeks so will check out the story when I get back.
From: Rick M
09-Sep-16
Almost in Indiana. Seems like they move Montana farther west every year! Hope we bring dry weather with us.
From: Bigdan
09-Sep-16
Me to got .05 so far this morning
From: Mark Watkins
09-Sep-16
Good luck Dan, Rick, HUNT and others! Unfortunately I'm not elk hunting this year so will live vicariously through you guys!!!
Keep the posts and pics rolling!
Mark
From: Rut Nut
09-Sep-16
PARTY AT BIGDAN'S!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL! :)
Good luck guys! And very nice of you Dan to be hosting Bowsiters!
Can't wait to follow along with you guys............................even if it is from my PC here on the East Coast! ;-)
From: orionsbrother
09-Sep-16
Be safe. Enjoy every minute!
From: Firsty
09-Sep-16
Looking forward to the live hunt!
From: BC173
09-Sep-16
Man, I can't wait for this hunt to start. Good luck guys!! Big Dan, your "know how" and willingness to share with fellow bowsiters, never ceases to amaze me!
From: Rick M
09-Sep-16
BC, me too! Dan and I have chatted and emailed for a few years. We stopped by last year on our way east after hunting one of his old spots. I will be thrilled if we can just pack a bull out of a hell hole for Dan.
Almost in ND. Gonna break a 1000 miles and shut it down for the night.
From: Trophy8
10-Sep-16
Dan being gracious as always. Best of luck to you both.
From: Bigdan
10-Sep-16
Going out this morning to glass a hay meadow three weeks ago it was full of elk when they did there second cutting they left but with all the rain I'm going to see if there back. before Rick gets here. So they can hit the ground running in the morning Rick won't be helping me pace a bull out of a hell hole thats were he will be hunting. I don't hunt them any more. Got into two bulls last night. first one he was bugling I got the wind right came in on him and let out my bugle when I was with in 50 yards. He took off like his ass was on fire. hiked back to the rig when I got there there was another bull bugling below were I parked The wind was right so I worked in on him He was in some really thick stuff So I was moving to him with out making a sound He let out a Big bugle then chuckled I was less than 100 yds from him I moved closer Off to my right about 40 yds was a cow that saw me move One bark from her ended my game.
From: Bigdan
10-Sep-16
Went out this morning and found a group of 6 cows with 4 bulls Two of the bulls are big. Going to put rick on them if he gets here early . If not I will set up and see if I can get one of them to come into my call
From: HUNT MAN
10-Sep-16
Good luck sounds like things are picking up! Thursday can't get here soon enough .' Hunt
From: Bigdan
11-Sep-16
This is Rick M using Dan's log in. We got in around 3 today and got settled. Dan got us headed in the right direction and we nearly ended one of our hunts tonight on a 300 class 6x6.
i am pretty tired so i will fill you in tomorrow.
From: Trophy8
11-Sep-16
Go get em guys!
From: Bigdan
11-Sep-16
I Took Rick and Mike out this morning to show them around We only saw one bull and he was spoked by some mule deer running by They have about 6 spots to hunt now and showed them one of my tree stands. We only saw one camp in or hunting area
From: sitO
11-Sep-16
Have fun guys, and good luck!
From: Rick M
11-Sep-16
Dan got back to the truck and have service. Last night I bugled a solid bull to 30 ish yards cut was too far to shoot him head on. Figured I would when he turned but a cow busted me and he spun fast and was out of my range when he stopped.
Found some elk for the morning and heading over to pick Mike up from the tree stand, hope he had action.
Have a couple road questions for Dan when we get back:)
Hope Dan got on them tonight.
From: Bigdan
11-Sep-16
I just got back to camp It was windy and rain. I did not hear or see any elk tonight but when I got Home these guys are in the back yard little bigger than the ones that were hear two weeks ago
From: Bigdan
11-Sep-16
Its almost dark so the photos are not very good
From: JordanMOFLCO
11-Sep-16
Awesome stuff Dan!
From: Bigdan
12-Sep-16
rained most of the night went out but to much mud came back early. rick is trying to get photos of the Rams up on the hill behind the house. Turkeys went by about 10 mins ago
From: Bigdan
12-Sep-16
Rick is more of a Sheep hearder than a Sheep photo guy here is two of the photos he took
From: Bigdan
12-Sep-16
From: Rick M
12-Sep-16
Sheep herder:) hope the dang sun comes out!!
From: Florida Mike
12-Sep-16
"Sheepherder" hahahahahaha
From: lewis
12-Sep-16
Good luck Danny boy wish i could send you some of Dianns tomato juice get a bigun Lewis
From: Bigdan
12-Sep-16
The Boys are out for the night. Want to save a 14 mile drive Temps in the low 30s to night No Elk but I seen my first Black Bear ever in the breaks He was 20 yds off the road And just set and watched me today I saw Mule deer, Whitetail, Antelope, Elk Black bear & Bighorn Sheep
From: Bigdan
13-Sep-16
Boys came home last night went ot this morning and missed one of the turns in the dark. I went in the same direction scouting a diffrent area. Driving down the ridge i came on a camp along the road the trucks had 56 plates so that told me there from the libby area. They had meat hanging. I went to the end of the road and checked out two small stock ponds Both had good elk sign. I glassed for about an hour then headed back When I got back to were the camp was I could see some one walking in the road when I looked at the trucks both had campers on the had a good idea who it was so i went past the camp and gave the hunter a ride back to his camp And it was an old buddy of mine that was hunting with another buddy. The one guy that was still out. called back to camp with his GPS Radio saying that he had killed another elk he had an Es tag and a cow tag I had and ID were he was at so I headed over to help The other guy came on his 4 wheeler. When we got to wear i though he was my buddy let out a bugle And got an answer back it was 11am But I thought I mite as well try So I headed out in that direction. the bull was bugling about every 5 min So I tryed the old don't make a sound deal and moved in on him When I got about 70 yds from him I let out a call and he was deep in the canyon in the junipers I walked off rather then pushed him thats were i'm going this Pm There is three bulls bugling When I left and it was 12:30pm My buddy that killed the cow had a 350 type bull at 24 yds but only had a cow tag left tears came out of his eyes when he was telling me about the big bull . He filled his bull tag on a spike.
From: DonVathome
13-Sep-16
I know who, I know who!!!
From: Reflex
13-Sep-16
Awesome! Keep it coming and good luck to you guys.
From: IdyllwildArcher
13-Sep-16
Ooo, that's a heartbreaker. At least he's got some good meat - but he coulda had meat with a cow.
From: stringgunner
14-Sep-16
Looking forward to the update today!
From: Rick M
14-Sep-16
Ran into town for supplies and got wifi.
Got on a real good bull this am but swirling wind got us busted after we got clogged out and had to loop around. They were talking this am.
The elk are there, just need to find one that will cooperate.
From: Bigdan
14-Sep-16
Last night I went back into the area were Lots of wind spotted two good bulls with cows wind was wrong on one so I went after the other. The elk was In the bottom of a steep canyon as I started down the bull was in the heavy timber. But there was a spike and a cow feeding in the open blocking my approach. End of game. This morning I went back to the same area and parked the truck just off the main road to glass before I drove down When I rolled down the window I could hear a bull bugling behind me out in the prairie behind me and another to the south it was still early so I waited then I saw the bull to the south of me I watched him till he dropped into the timber. The wind was good so off I went about 400 yds from the truck another bull started bugling moving in the direction of the bull I was after .another 6x6 they both moved into a deep canyon. I moved after them with the wind in my face about 8am they stopped calling. I let out a bugle and nothing i did it about 5 more time and never a peep. So i backed off. I'm headed back to that area to just watch and see if they come back to the water tank were they were near
From: Hungry Horse
14-Sep-16
Bigdan: Hello... long time, no chat. Good luck to you and your friends, enjoying your hunt story.
From: TODDY
14-Sep-16
From a guy not traveling out west this year, thanks for taking the time to write up your daily events! It helps me get my elk fix for this year! Much appreciated and best of luck! TODDY
From: Bigdan
15-Sep-16
Rained last night. So I went down to Slipper Ann a took a few photos
From: Bigdan
15-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
15-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
15-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
15-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
15-Sep-16
Bill Allard Needs to Come up and take photos of these elk He could do a lot better than Me
From: lewis
15-Sep-16
cool pics.Dan gets blood boiling thanks for sharingLewia
From: Bigdan
16-Sep-16
Got on a nice bull this evening he was moving into the wind up a steep draw. I made a locater call to find him and he bugled me about 15 times I was trying to slip in behind him so I didn't make a sound I moved in on him but he stopped bugling. So I gave him another bugle he hit me back right away then I saw him moved through a saddle about 75 yds away going into the draw I was in He went out of sight then in the matter of a few seconds I saw three cows running through the saddle he walk through With him pushing them. He went and got them they were moving east hooked them and they were going down wind headed west. He did not call again tell he was about 1/2 mile west on the next ridge top.. There were two more bulls with cows in the same area he was headed. he was a 320 type bull one of the other bulls is in the 350 range with the 3rd bull being a 280 class bull. I'm headed to the area I last saw them in the am in the morning. Rick & Mike had 5 bulls going this morning. But never closed the deal close but always a cow in the way. I ask them today what they thought of the area they have hunted Wyoming And Colorado lots of times Rick and Mike told me that they had never hunted any were that had as many Big bulls that they have seen here in the breaks
From: JW
16-Sep-16
Thanks for taking the time to post this Bigdan. Really enjoying this thread. Best of luck guys!
From: Franzen
16-Sep-16
Thanks for keeping us updated Dan. Are those private land elk in the photos? Sounds like lots of action. Someone will get one on the ground soon.
From: Bucksnort32
16-Sep-16
Game refuge called slippery Ann ,and you can camp right in the middle of them while you're out hunting just can't shoot elk out of your camp, makes it hard to sleep without calling all night long
From: Rick M
16-Sep-16
Sitting on a ridge after a close call on another good bull. Went back to where we got in the rut fest yesterday morning and heard a couple bugles in the same area.
Got in with a good wind and worked to where they were last night. Mike spotted a good bull by himself working in and out of the ravines toward us. When he dropped into our ravine we heard a four wheeler running hard up on the flat. Think they may have been chasing him? He dropped in a 100 Yards from us and was headed our way then just disappeared. Wind was good so I think he went up and over another cut. Pretty quiet this morning after 7:30.
Yesterday morning was some of the best rut action I have seen. All but one of the bulls we have seen are Pope or better. One bull was north of 350.
I can also confirm that the mud in here SUCKS! We barely got in yesterday Am and did about 5 miles with 5 pounds of mud on our boots. I think we were the only guys dumb enough to be out in the slop but glad we did it.
It is not an easy place to kill a bull with all the washes and ravines, you think it's gonna be easy to get to a bull a half mile away only to run out of ridges 3 times on the way. The wind is squirllier than we are used to. Guess that's why the kill runs about 8%.
Having fun and hope it's just a matter of time till someone gets a good bull down.
From: Bigdan
16-Sep-16
Corey They are on public land And as soon as the rut is over they go back into the huntable lands there are about 300 to 400 people watching them every night in sept. Its a no shooting zone thats about a mile long and 1/2 wide and most of the elk leave it every night
From: Bigdan
17-Sep-16
Tonight I went back to an area I had bulls bugling back at me. In the Morning it was to late to move on them. I called back 8 or 10 times trying to pin point there location. When I went back I made a big loop to get the wind right. I didn't get into the area I thought they were in till about 7pm. I could smell them so I knew I was close. I let out a blast then a Bugle Nothing. So I moved on letting out a bugle about every 15 min Nothing as I topped out the ridge were I was calling from in the morning I could Here several bulls bugling that area. I think I moved the bulls in the morning to were I was calling from to locate them no more multi calls location calls. With as many single Bulls I have seen. I think they chase bugles all day . Lesson learned
From: Franzen
17-Sep-16
Thanks Dan and Buck. Sounds interesting. Best of luck to all.
From: DonVathome
17-Sep-16
Rick is one heck of a hunter and in great shape if anyone can get it done it's him! It's just a matter of time.....
From: Bigdan
17-Sep-16
This evening was the 14th day of the Montana archery season. And I had not set in any of my stands. It has been warm the last two days So I thought they mite come to water. I have not checked one of my stands in about a week for sign. So I picked that one to do my first set. Its a small spring that come out of a poly pipe. I took my Shovel up there this summer and made a little Pond about 4fx4f. Nothing had hit it except and few deer and turkeys. When I got there this evening There are now 6 big wallows there within 40 yds of my stand. I got in the Stand and off to the west I heard a bugle. So I got up in it and started my set By 7pm I had a bull bugling every 2 min. All to my west As it started to get dark the bulls were only a few 100 yds from me. I didn't want them coming in when I was there and it was to dark to shoot I will take my camera when I got back to set it tomorrow evening and post the photos of the wallows.
From: Medicinemann
18-Sep-16
Great thread!!
From: Bigdan
18-Sep-16
This is one of the six wallows my stand is setting over. Tonight about 6:15 pm I heard my first bugle It was very windy 20 to 30 Mph Gusts by 7:00 I had 10 to 15 bulls off to my west bugling there butts off they were in the same area last night but some of the bulls were within 150 yds away. I had two spikes come in and drink right out of the spring right under my stand. but none of the big bulls came into sight. It ended with me getting out of the stand and hiking to the rig. I will post 6 of the wallows that has been made in the last few days
From: Bigdan
18-Sep-16
#2
From: Bigdan
18-Sep-16
#3 This one is were the two spikes were drinking Right under my stand
From: Bigdan
18-Sep-16
#3 again
From: Bigdan
18-Sep-16
#5 & 6 dead south of the stand 30 and 40 yds
From: Bigdan
19-Sep-16
Here is the other its 30 yds to the west of the stand and is were the water comes from out the poly pipe
From: loesshillsarcher
19-Sep-16
Has been fun reading your updates!!! Thanks!
From: Bigdan
20-Sep-16
Mike & Rick went out this morning & found some bulls they have Been into Bulls every day they have hunted When they find a bull they will watch it till drops into a deep draw they go after him a poof he's gone when they get there. Every day its the same. This morning I just went out a listened for bugles. And they were near were my stand is I went in a little early As I got near the stand I had a bull bugle about 100 yds from my stand to the west it was not even 5pm yet. I got in the stand and the bull let out another bugle he is headed up the hill behind the stand. So I took my bugle out and gave him a call. He cut me off and moved directly above my stand but still 100 or so yards. I gave him another call and he had moved up the hill higher. I shut up and could here him call till he went over the top of the mtn. the wind was blowing from the west till about 7 then it changed blowing down the mtn to the south Best wind I could have and several bulls were headed my direction. Well now its 7:45 and there not here and its going to be dark soon so I dropped out of the stand and left When I got back to the rig I could hear they were near the stand. I just need one of them guys to need a drink early. Rick & Mike or down to there last day. I have 3 1/2 weeks to go so lots of time. My brother will be here tomorrow to start his hunt so I will keep this going if anyone wants me too.
From: Junior
20-Sep-16
Yea keep her going, it's cool!
From: TODDY
20-Sep-16
Please keep it going Bigdan, thanks! TODDY
From: JW
20-Sep-16
Keep it up Bigdan! Thanks for taking the time.
From: elkstabber
20-Sep-16
Go Bigdan!!!
From: Rut Nut
20-Sep-16
Thanks for the stories Dan- definitely keep them coming! :)
From: rock50
20-Sep-16
Can't leave us just hanging here............
Appreciate the updates, the more the better.
From: SBH
20-Sep-16
Keep it coming Dan
From: lewis
20-Sep-16
Pat x2 Lewis
From: Rckymtnshooter
20-Sep-16
Keep it coming Dan, we're waiting for the big bull down ending to this story.
From: Mark Watkins
20-Sep-16
Soooo close to having one of your guys smiling mugs holding a mud caked Montana giant!!!
BigDan, those wallows are incredible!
Mark
From: orionsbrother
20-Sep-16
My buddies are texting me some pics and updates in between hunts and I keep checking here to see what's up. Everyone is into some good bulls, but things haven't come together.
The cliffhangers can be fun, but I'm somewhat displeased to be at work instead of where I'm supposed to be. I'm really pulling for you guys to put one on the ground. Keep it coming for those of us in the cheap seats.
From: Mark Watkins
20-Sep-16
How many more days do you guys have to hunt out at Dan's?
Mark
From: Bigdan
20-Sep-16
This is Rick M.
Mark we have just tonight to hunt then i have to head back to reality.
this morning we got up where the elk have been about 5:00 am. had a bull cut loose and started to shadow him down wind. About 10 minutes before shooting light he pushed his cows up and right into us. he got about 15 yards from us and let a bugle loose before dropping down after the cows. We had another bull come in from above dogging the heard and pushed them into a wash.There were at least 3 bulls in the group. We stayed on them and just at light got to about 80 yards and were able to see two of the bull better. The herd bull was a stud. We stayed with them until they out distanced us. Saw another smaller 6 with a couple cows and Mike nearly arrowed a cow for the last morning.
Tonight is the last shot for us but Dan has a pile of elk to go after until they get bumped. We are having a blast.
From: Bigdan
21-Sep-16
This morning I went out early just to glass and listen for bugles saw none be heard several. I had to be back at the cabin at 8am. Had a guy show up to hook up my propane heater. It was over cast so I went out a little after 4 When I got into my stand it was 4:50 and the bulls were bugling above me just like the last two days. I got settled in and picked up my bugle and let out a call. With in 2 seconds I heard the worst cow call I have ever heard near were I parked the Razor to the east of my stand. No more than 30 sec I heard another cow call to the west. My spot has been found I hate Cow calls. I got out of my stand a left the area. Did I say I hate cow calls. It started raining on my way back to the cabin . And at 11:30 its still going. Rick and Mike are headed out in the Am There both fun guys to have in camp
From: HUNT MAN
21-Sep-16
Sounds like a good hunt . Thanks for posting. We got out just before the rain!! Hunt
From: Rick M
21-Sep-16
Thanks Dan, we really enjoyed it. I'll do a write up tonight or when we get home. Good luck the rest of the season.
Mike is still trying to get me to do some cactus removal work but I ant going where they are!!
Good luck Hunt, weather looks good after the next couple days.
From: Bigdan
21-Sep-16
I didn't got out this morning to much rain. I mite Meet. Travis Turner IowaHawkeye came by this morning and showed me the nice bull he got yesturday 7x almost 7 grew a bump. He killed it fighting with another bull !00% chance of more rain so to set water would be a big waist of time.
From: Bigdan
22-Sep-16
My brother Ron showed up yesterday last night I sent him to a stand near my cabin we had a break in the rain. He was in the stand about an 1/2 hour and started hearing bulls bugling around him their is a open bowl about 1/4 mile east of him he can watch cow started coming out of the wood work walking through a gap in the trees then the bull steeped out were the cows were and my brother says its the biggest bull he had ever seen then a big fight started and the woods were alive with horns being crashed together. None of the elk came into bow range but he told me it was the best night he ever had in a tree stand. We got 1 1/2 inches of rain sence last night and its a mud hole. we hope they will still be in the same area when it dry's up.
From: Florida Mike
22-Sep-16
Great thread Dan!
From: Brotsky
22-Sep-16
Outstanding thread Dan! Looking forward to your updates each day! Best of luck to your brother and yourself! Thanks for posting this!
From: Bigdan
22-Sep-16
Lou Dog 46 (Lou Peterman) from Michigan just left my place a few min ago with his hunting buddy there hunting the south side of the river They got 3 days of hunting in before the rain started. One of there other buddy's only had a week to hunt. He left yesterday wait two years to draw the tag and only get three days to hunt sucks It rained here all day were at the 2 inch mark as I type. Its nice to meet bowsite guys face to face. There headed to Slippery Ann to watch the elk show . Its on an all weather road IowaHawkeye (Travis Turner) was here Yesterday He had to go pick up his hunting buddy he left in camp. I have not heard any thing from him so I don't know if he got it done We just stayed home and watched it rain today. Hope this stops soon. It will take a couple of days to dry out so we can get around
From: Rick M
22-Sep-16
Dan,
Unfortunately we are home in Ohio. Good to see the family but dread work tomorrow!
It's late again and I am tired but I can say that everything I heard and read about the breaks is spot on. Big bulls, lots of big bulls but tough to kill. If it rains you are either stuck out or stuck in.
We were pretty lucky as we only lost one day to rain but you could easily lose a week. Elk hunting can be so easy it is comical or extremely tough. If you go to the breaks make sure you can commit the time. I hope to have more time down the road.
We had a great time hunting and in "camp" It's the only time I have elk hunted where we ate real food and slept in a bed. It's usually Mt House and a two man tent. The conversation was worth the trip and I hope to do it again!
It did get rough for a couple days when Maggie did the girl thing and got grumpy but she came back around:)
From: Bigdan
22-Sep-16
It was fun having you and Mike here
From: Rick M
22-Sep-16
It was the chilly and tacos!
From: Bigdan
23-Sep-16
Tried to go out this morning got up at 5 but by day light it was raining again looks like I mite be able to start hunting on Monday evening. My brother pulled out this morning to go back to work he got to hunt one evening. my wife got here about 7pm so it looks like I will go down to Slippery Ann and watch elk with her and not just set in the cabin another day.
From: gib
24-Sep-16
hello dan ,keep it coming ,,I was wondering if you could post more pictures also? I check this thread several times a day while at work,,,can't get enough....good luck on an elk and thanks again for posting...gib
From: Allheart
24-Sep-16
great thread, shows how hard bowhunting elk really is. When you look at the meat pole and all the great bulls you start thinking its easy. Then you read this thread with great hunters and elk all around yet still its not a gimme. It's a good dose of reality. Thanks Dan for sharing
From: Rick M
24-Sep-16
All heart,
Exactly. I know a lot of guys, especially from around East by me that watch the videos and read the successful articles and think it is a piece of cake only to give up after a couple days of no elk.
It is so easy when it happens that you wonder how you don't kill every day. We had so many perfect situations not work out this trip it was almost comical. You need as much time as possible and as many chances as you can get. Especially if you are trying to get a mature bull. I am trying to get my work and home to a place where I can hunt a full month if needed every year.
Dan will get a bull down out of his camp. I think the success percent in the units we were hunting runs around 8%.
Looks like a good stretch of dry weather on the way.
From: Bigdan
24-Sep-16
Wife Took some photos tonight at slippery Ann
From: Bigdan
24-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
24-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
24-Sep-16
From: Bigdan
24-Sep-16
From: gib
25-Sep-16
thank you sir....good luck..gib
From: Bowboy
25-Sep-16
Great thread keep it coming.
From: midwest
25-Sep-16
Good stuff! Keep it coming!
From: Bigdan
25-Sep-16
Went out to check some side roads still to soft.
From: Bigdan
25-Sep-16
This Guy was just off the road today I would shoot him if i got the chance
From: Rick M
25-Sep-16
Dan was this guy off Slippery Ann?
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
Rick yes he is 90% of the bulls will be out of there by oct 10.
From: Rick M
26-Sep-16
Hope you can get out tonight!! Good luck.
From: APauls
26-Sep-16
I need to echo earlier sentiments and say I just LOVE this thread! Thanks for the updates Dan
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
I'm headed out about noon to put up another tree stand over a tire that has a natural spring feeding it Its A dump truck tire that a rancher filled the bottom with cement and cut out part of the side wall so the cows can drink out of it. The elk are using it I will take a photo today so you will see what i'm talking about rick and Mike have both seen it
From: Rick M
26-Sep-16
Well the elk are certainly in the area. Hope they hit it during shooting hours!
Those last morning elk were certainly coming from that area.
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
What I have seen in the past is the bulls range farther as the rut winds down going from water to water looking for girls
From: DPowers
26-Sep-16
Mike and Rick What are you driving home. We keep running with a white truck and red trailer.
From: drycreek
26-Sep-16
Bigdan, this is an excellent thread ! I'm not an elk hunter, so this type of thread is where I get my " elk fix ". And y'all did a great job ! I felt like I was there.
Rick and Mike, sorry you didn't score, but I know you had a good time and the memories y'all made are great. Maybe next time !
From: Rick M
26-Sep-16
Black Dodge this trip. We take turns. Wasn't us.
Dry Creek, no worries. We have killed a fair number of bulls for easterners. We had two real good ops that didn't pan out and I don't know how many bulls under a 100 yards. Had a blast and like most trips just needed more time than we had.
I would have gone without a tag just for the stories!! I think we have plans for down the road. Apparently we were not bad enough company to scare Dan off just yet.
We have so.e points in states we both hunt and a couple good tags to be drawn down the road. Good lord willing and the water thing, we should have some fun.
If you have not gone elk hunting, make a plan and just do it. Even if I had the time and money I don't think I could be a super slammer as I could not give up elk for more than a season or two.
Hope Dan and the boys headed back up can get it done.
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
The road to R.ick number one hunting spot is a little muddy it has not rained in 3 days still a little tore up.
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
This part of the road Rick and Mike straddled the wash out in the road There were tractor prints were several rigs were pull out of the mud
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
Here is the spring ! put a tree stand over today
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
This is one of my best stands over water
From: Rick M
26-Sep-16
Wow, that road looks a little different!!
Guess those rigs that wen in on Tuesday had some fun getting out!!
Much sign at the spring tire? They will be there eventually.
From: Bigdan
26-Sep-16
Fresh tracks . At both spots No one has drove past your turn off to go to the tire . The kids camp is still there but i think he's gone.
From: Bigdan
28-Sep-16
Didn't hunt this morning. had some work to do around the cabin. But I went out tonight and set in one of my stands about 7pm I had a bull bugle sw of my pond. About 10 min later i heard another and he's coming my way at about 7:20 I could see that he was headed north and was not coming to water. So i gave him a bugle He hit me back with a bugle and some chuckles It was about 7:30 I was ready but no bull. then He let out another bugle dead east of me. so I gave him another bugle he answers and now he's dead south of me but now its to dark to shoot as he walks by me comming over the dam at 20yds I let him walk off and stayed in the stand till 8 pm. He was about 1/2 mile to the north of me when I got out.
From: TD
28-Sep-16
Great thread Danny. Keep on em...
Steve texted us saying how bad the gumbo has been keeping folks in camp. Hope things stay dry for a while.
From: Bigdan
28-Sep-16
Here is a photo that was taken from were the bull walked to the stand I was in.
From: Junior
28-Sep-16
Man so close! Anyway to get between his bed and the water, for some earlier action, I'D HAVE TO TRY?
From: Bigdan
28-Sep-16
Went out this morning the roads are dried up but big ruts heard some bugles early but could not locate them. we now have two camps in the area we hunt One local one from Colorado. The out of staters have been there a while there rig has not moved sence before the last big rain. there hunting from there camp Mike and Rick mite have seen them when they were here there on the wilderness sign road. Were going to head to a new spot we have not hunted sence the season started Theres is to many hunting my area were Rick & Mike hunted. I will let you know how the new spot work out when i get back tonight.
From: Rick M
28-Sep-16
Guys with horses? I am sitting G my first whitetail hunt of the year. Kinda bittersweet but at least I am out. Had turkeys in range already but they don't open for about a week. Good luck Dan!!
From: Rick M
29-Sep-16
Dan, update??
From: Bigdan
29-Sep-16
Went out this morning west of my place as we drove off the highway on one of the roads that take you to the Block management had to pee so I pulled off just off the highway. When I got out there were elk on the north side of the hwy just bugling there butts off . But I had a plan and I'm going to stick with it So we didn't hear or see nothing . To night I went to were the elk were this morning and We thought they were below us but they started bugling above us 1/2 mile It was to late to go after them. So the new plan is to get above them and try to head them off at the pass.
From: lewis
30-Sep-16
The best made plans of mice and men off run astray good luck Dan Lewis
From: Elkaddict
30-Sep-16
Never pass up bugling elk :)
From: Bigdan
01-Oct-16
This morning we got set up in the dark and were could hear the bulls below us. They were in a hay field across the highway . but as they were crossing the hwy a 18 wheeler showed up and hit his horn big time and locked up his breaks. We after that not another elk sound. We waited but no elk the must have went south and stayed south of the highway. Tonight I went back to the stand I had the bull come in to late to shoot. Nothing came in. The road is dried out but with big deep ruts There are two big 5th wheel campers set up in there about 10 miles off the highway with rain in the for cast. If it were me I would leave my camper near the pavement and just drive into my hunting area.
From: Rick M
01-Oct-16
Dan, are the elk still around the stand where you dug out the seep? Keep looking to see a dead bull pic. Good luck!
From: Bigdan
01-Oct-16
No Neil set it last night someone took my seat and bow hanger. They left there when the rain started. this morning no one hunted the hay field watched about 80 head walk off the top and bed. mite hunt the edge of the hay tonight if the wind is right.
From: Bigdan
01-Oct-16
Went out this evening short hunt started to rain hard was in the razor at the tire stand me and maggie are some wet puppys
From: Rick M
01-Oct-16
What's with the rain??? Keep after em. Kids Had two hockey games and a volleyball game today.
From: Bigdan
03-Oct-16
Rain all night headed to Slippery Ann to take more elk photos
From: Bigdan
03-Oct-16
This is what the dry draws look like after raining all night
From: Bigdan
03-Oct-16
Here is a new bull short 3rds and less than 30 inchs wide but looks good from the side
From: Rut Nut
03-Oct-16
Nice action shot!
Just curious- how'd it get the name SLIPPERY ANN???!!!
From: Bigdan
03-Oct-16
Don't know for sure But I would bet it has something to do with the gumbo.
From: Rick M
03-Oct-16
Either the gumbo or Ann may have worked the night shift at a gold mine town!!
Sure hope it dries up fast.
From: TD
03-Oct-16
Prolly ran around with Calamity Jane in Zortman and made a mean hamburger.....
From: shedhorn
03-Oct-16
I've wondered about Slippery Ann as well. If you look on a map it isn't Slippery Ann, it's Siparyann (all one word and spelled just like that). Right in the viewing area or near there is a Siparyann Creek and a Siparyann Ridge, but I've never heard it called anything but Slippery Ann. Even the CMR website calls it Slippery Ann. So which is it? My guess is that Siparyann was someone's last name that used to live there and it eventually got corrupted into Slippery Ann. Does anyone know for sure? Or hell, this is bowsite after all, does anyone have a wild ass theory?
From: Bigdan
03-Oct-16
When I google it There is a card game called Slippery Ann The park headquators was there before they moved it to Sand creek That when they started the no hunting zone at Sand creek its a no hunting zone but the elk stay at Slippery Ann
From: Rick M
03-Oct-16
That's the only real drawback in the breaks. If It rains you really need a lot of time.
Having Tacos for dinner Dan. Want me to email some?
From: Bigdan
03-Oct-16
I'm waiting for my brother to show up last time he was here he got to hunt one night. Its raining so he's going to loose at least two or three days if it stops raining. taco's sound good at least I'm warm and dry here in my little shack.
From: Bigdan
04-Oct-16
When I went to bed last night we had got 1 3/4 inches of rain got up this morning and it is snowing 8 inches so far glad the power came back on it will be 4 or 5 days tell we can go out again.
From: Bigdan
04-Oct-16
From: Rick M
04-Oct-16
Weather changes fast!! If it gets cold enough will the muck freeze so you can walk and drive on it??
From: TD
04-Oct-16
Time for a gumbo snowman!
From: Bigdan
04-Oct-16
No its not cold enough to freeze there is no snow down by the river just water 1/2 of the elk viewing area is under water. There is a group of 17 Big horn rams behind the house in the snow the power was out for 8 hours today
From: SBH
04-Oct-16
Dang Big Dan!! Bummer! We got snow in the peaks around Bozeman and expecting more tonight up high but not in town. What a mess!!
From: Rick M
04-Oct-16
Want me to swing out and herd them rams over the mountain? Hope you get some good days in!!!
From: WV Mountaineer
04-Oct-16
That wet ground won't freeze under that snow unless it gets really cold. God Bless
From: Bigdan
04-Oct-16
Here is another elk photo I took tonight all the elk were above the main road
From: LINK
05-Oct-16
How long is your season Dan?
From: Bigdan
05-Oct-16
Our season goes to the 16th of oct. They we have 6 weeks of gun season after that.
From: LINK
05-Oct-16
Nice, I hope you get it done.
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
Its 30 here this morning and the snow has not melted any. funny thing one mile away there is no snow down by the highway. Just deep mud. yesterday these guys snowed up 17 in all so i went out and took a few shots
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
Twins
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
More little bigger
From: iceman
06-Oct-16
Great pics!
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
closer check out the one under the log
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
zoom in
From: Rick M
06-Oct-16
Nice pictures!! When do you think the breaks will be huntable again? Have you been out on the mountain at all?
From: GotBowAz
06-Oct-16
Wow, great pictures Dan!thanks for sharing.
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
Rick we can't get any were I'm going to try and go behind the house tonight the sheep are right behind the house banging heads took a video but can't seam to post it
From: Rick M
06-Oct-16
At least you have some entertainment. Good luck getting out.
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
This is what you have to look at when your doing dishes
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
And when you shoot my archery target you need to let um pass before you shoot
From: Rick M
06-Oct-16
Things are looking a little different than two weeks ago!!!
From: Destroyer350
06-Oct-16
I've been watching this thread like a hawk. Good stuff Dan! BTW let me know if you ever want to sell that cabin :) LOL
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
I almost got a photo of a fox but he was moving
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
Went out tonight two much snow to get were I wanted to go got back and the sheep were back
From: Rick M
06-Oct-16
And those are little Montana sheep? Is that ram north of 160?
From: Bigdan
06-Oct-16
Yes mid 170 the one behind mite be a Booner
From: Bigdan
07-Oct-16
Went out this morning it was 22 lots of the elk have dropped below the snow line. we have a plan for this evenings hunt. Were going to have to make a 20 mile trip do to a monster beaver dam closing are normal route.
From: Rick M
07-Oct-16
Is that the same crossing we used? It was pretty deep before the rain and snow.
Get one on the ground.
From: Bigdan
07-Oct-16
Yes it is We went around to the Ranch side But when we got on the road the bottom fell out of it the 22 temps from this morning didn't do anything about the mud. antelope gun season opens in the morning and the roads are going to get tore up. we got more rain this evening so it warmed up a little
From: Rick M
07-Oct-16
Hard to believe how much the weather can hurt you in the breaks. Any other place you can just chain up, put on rain gear or dress for it.
Hope you get a few more days to get after them.
From: Mark Watkins
07-Oct-16
Dang! One weather hurdle after another! Stay on 'em Dan!
The critter pics are awesome!
Mark
From: Bigdan
08-Oct-16
Here is another sheep photo
From: Bigdan
08-Oct-16
One more
From: Bigdan
08-Oct-16
We had a little luck this morning we were set up to try and head off some elk that were coming out of the hay fields. they went left but my brother Ron had this buck come by him he's shot was quarting away about 40 yds but when the arrow hit the buck it turned and run right at him it stooped at 10 yds broadside one more arrow put him down. It was Rons first mule deer buck with his bow.
From: Inshart
08-Oct-16
Nice, fresh back straps coming up.
Enjoying this thread Dan, keep it coming.
From: Rick M
08-Oct-16
There you go. Congrats!
From: Bigdan
08-Oct-16
We went up in to the hills were Rick and Mike hunted there first day here. In the Razor and the Ace no one had been on the roads due to the Beaver dam we could get to the road up stream with are UTVs Ron went to his tree stand. I went and found some fresh tracks and followed them. Ron had elk around him but they were behind him were he could not shoot. None came to the water tank . On my hike I came up on a 5x5 Wt buck feeding below me. but I passed on him
From: Bigdan
09-Oct-16
This morning the elk heard grew from about 15 to about 35 in the hay meadow watch them go bed on the mtn. near were are stand is located. It warmed up today to the high 60s the snow is now gone out of the yard Were headed out in about and hour to see if we can find the elk. The sheep left with the melting of the snow. Here is another sheep photo. I heard from the guy that drew the only sheep tag in this area he killed a 192 ram. congrats to him. The last two years a Nonresident has drew the one and only sheep tag in this unit.
From: midwest
09-Oct-16
Wow...bruiser ram!
From: Bowboy
09-Oct-16
That's a pig ram!
From: Bigdan
10-Oct-16
went out this morning to see if we could get down by the River the road was a mess so we headed to Malta to pick up some food at the store. about 1/2 way there we spoted a group of mule deer does My brother has a B doe tag he made about a 400 yd loop to get the wind right suck in to 25 yds and filled his tag. It snowing here as I type and is the low 30s.
From: Bigdan
11-Oct-16
I could hear them banging heads last night
I could hear them banging heads last night
Got up this morning its in the low 20s headed out to glass the elk in the hay none were there. last night my brother Ron went to his stand after he parked and before he could get to his stand about 35 to 50 elk were moving south of his stand fast some one or thing had them on the run. This morning they were gone. i have a buddy that left a message on my phone that he is stuck down in the breaks waiting for it to dry out so he can get out . This year is the wetest year I have ever seen in the breaks here is some more photos
From: APauls
11-Oct-16
Wow, very interesting read. I'm not ready for snow yet...but our 9 months of winter is about to start.
From: Bigdan
12-Oct-16
Sun is out its 53 I'm going to try and drive down and hunt my tire tree stand. The antelope hunters were here over the weekend. and none went down the road my stands or on. My buddy Neil is on the way over. We have 5 days left. This is by far the worst season do to the bad weather i have ever seen here in the breaks. There is more nice bulls this year then I have ever seen here in the past. And there is water every were
From: Rick M
12-Oct-16
Dan, got your sheep video. Pretty cool!! Just got in my treestand. It's 77 and sunny here. Hope you get a few good days!! Guess we got lucky while I was there.
From: Mark Watkins
12-Oct-16
Congrat Ron on your buck!
That ram is bigger than a tank!
Mark
From: lewis
13-Oct-16
Don't look now but looks like you have more rain coming good luck Lewis
From: Bigdan
13-Oct-16
With the Youth hunt starting Next week in Montana we went out to see if we could find a nice mule deer buck for My grandaughter Brooklyn So we went out and glassed a bunch of deer Saw some Med Bucks. In the same area she shot her first buck last year. we also found a group of about 30 elk I don't think these elk have been hunted by anyone this year. Tonight thats going to change. This is Brooklyn I wish she had drew the youth elk tag. but no luck for her
From: HUNT MAN
13-Oct-16
Good luck the last few days! Hope one makes a mistake! Hunt
From: stringgunner
13-Oct-16
Really hoping to see a dead elk on this thread. It's been great to be able to follow along.
From: Franzen
13-Oct-16
"Tonight thats going to change. " Love the fortitude Dan. Get one down!
From: Rick M
13-Oct-16
Good luck tonight!!
From: lewis
13-Oct-16
Good luck from Tn. stick one boy I'm glad Brook did'nt take after you lol Lewis
From: Bigdan
14-Oct-16
With only three days left Its not looking Good we didn't find the elk last night tell it was to late to go after them. But my buddy Neil put a stalk on a Big Mule deer Buck clamsitwas the biggest one he ever saw in Montana. I'm going back in the area he saw the mule deer hoping I can also find the elk heard near were they were last night. If i can find were the big Mule deer buck is hanging I mite take My Grandaughter over to hunt it when the youth season starts next Thursday.. We saw no elk this morning but we did take out three of my stands. The weather is better 66 right now. My tree stand in the photo is now only 4 ft from the water.
From: Rick M
14-Oct-16
Wow that pond grew!! Last day is usually better than the first. Good luck.
From: Bigdan
16-Oct-16
Today is the last day of the season raining again. i still have 5 tree stands out I don't know how long it will be till I can go get them. i have a sheep hunter comming the first week of November. and i will set up a couple of stands for whitetail near my cabin. I can hunt through the gun season with my bow. with the wife comming over with Brooklyn on wed. night. I hope i can get around by then. for the youth season
From: Rick M
16-Oct-16
When does youth open up?
From: Bigdan
16-Oct-16
Thursday morning the 20th for two days then the general gun opens on Saturday
From: Rick M
16-Oct-16
Good luck! Hope it dries out enough for the kids.
From: JohnB
18-Oct-16
Good luck Dan I think good kharma should be coming soon!
From: Bigdan
19-Oct-16
I got all of my Elk stands pulled i'm going to put up two for deer in the morning in the archery only zone near my cabin. My breaks elk tag is no longer any good with the close of archery season. The deer rut will start in a week or two and I can bow hunt during the gun season. I will take my camera to the stand with me and take some photos of the deer I don't shoot
From: Bigdan
24-Oct-16
This first weekend of the gun season has been good the two youth hunters both killed nice mule deer my grand daughter killed a nice 5x5 and Hunter the 10 year old shot a 5x4 about 28 inches wide. I have another Dad with his two boys both shot bucks a 5x5 whitetail and a 4x4 mule deer . The dad also shot a mule deer buck. The garnd dad of the 10 year old shot a Bighorn Ram There all gun kills so I didn't post any photos
From: Ki-ke
25-Oct-16
Post the youth photos
From: Rut Nut
25-Oct-16
Wow- that's GREAT Dan! Sounds like you are doing a great job at promoting the sport! My hat's off to you sir!
From: Bigdan
25-Oct-16
Here or the kids This is Brooklyns buck
From: Bigdan
25-Oct-16
This is 10 year old Hunter with his first Buck
From: Rick M
25-Oct-16
Nice Job Dan!! Brooklyn will be getting it done with a bow as well pretty soon.
Congrats.
From: pav
25-Oct-16
Fantastic!
Congrats all around!
From: Bigdan
25-Oct-16
Brooklyn Has a Bow but with school and Basketball not much time to hunt.
From: Bigdan
31-Oct-16
With the Archery Elk season being over I have changed my hunt to Deer i have a archery only block managment area near my breaks house. I have just started hunting it I have been waiting for the rut to start. Tonight was my second hunt I'm not seeing any rut sign. but I have a scrape line that runs under my stand This is a Photo of the area I'm Hunting
From: Bigdan
31-Oct-16
I have not seen any big boys but I have seen 5 of these guys in the last two days
From: Rick M
31-Oct-16
Big boys just started to show up during daylight here in Ohio. Still seeing does with yearlings. Any day now.
Good luck
From: lewis
31-Oct-16
Good luck Dan they are starting to move in Tn.Lewis
From: ELKMAN
31-Oct-16
Great thread!
From: drycreek
31-Oct-16
Dan, I am loving this thread ! Keep it up !
Congrats to the kiddos also !
From: Bigdan
31-Oct-16
1/2 + of rain and 30 mph winds put the stop on Todays hunt
From: Rick M
31-Oct-16
Rough weather year!! Going out for a couple hours before work tomorrow. Mike checked a camera that we have not sat for a week and had several shooters on it.
From: Bigdan
01-Nov-16
What a diffrence two days make saw two buck chasing and a bigger 10 showed up
From: WV Mountaineer
01-Nov-16
Get 'em!!!!! Good luck and God Bless
From: Rick M
01-Nov-16
Kill that bucks dad!!
From: Bigdan
02-Nov-16
Tonight Mite just be the best night I have ever had hunting whitetail in Montana I had 4 small bucks walk by my stand at 20 yds. The last one just walked out of my shooting lane and a nice 10 showed up on the trail the small bucks walked on , But 100 yds behind him i looked through my glasses and here is a real big 10. I let the nice 10 walk by at 20 yds He no more they got by when the big ten had another big buck come by him and the fight was on They went at it for about 5 min Then a bigger than both of them came out And both bucks moved off . The big guy just walked behind both of the other big boys. As they passed they were about 60 yds and the light was going fast. So no shot we had a dye off from EDH 4 years ago. its nice to see some big bucks back in the area. I will be back in my stand tomorrow I have a scrap line just in the woods behind me and rubs every were the trail they were on is just to the west of my stand the photo is my shooting lane
