2016 was a special birthday year or me so I decided to try something different and book a guided hunt on a private ranch. We hunted the first week of the season so the tactics were much different than what I was used to. We spent the mornings in spot and stalk mode and evenings sitting stands by water and wallows. I passed a few cows early in the hunt and shot the first legal bull in range on the 3rd day. It was an amazing property and an awesome hunt. It seems like every year there is a decision I make that affects the outcome of my hunt. Although I was successful, last year was no different. I have the hunt on video and will try and submit it in another post.
Mark
On the third afternoon we hiked up a drainage to a double ladder stand that sat below a wallow at the base of the mountain. I had some initial reservations about the setup. First there was fresh bear sign everywhere including mud and tracks all over the seat of the stand. I also felt pretty exposed due to the stand only being 25 yards and at eye level to the wallow. Neither of these things mattered in the outcome of the hunt.
We were on stand for around an hour when we heard a few squeels and half hearted bugles from up the mountain. The elk were getting on their feet! It was a hot day and my guide was sure they would be going to water. I hoped it was the water we were sitting on.
It took a little while but I first heard a few twig snaps above us, I stood up, attached my release to the string and prepared for the rush of adrenaline. It was then I heard walking coming from behind the stand? I didn't dare turn around, but I assumed it was the stinkin bear coming back to blow my chance. As these thoughts ran through my head antlers attached to an elk came into view.
I counted points, 5 left 4 right, good enough for me! He seemed to look right through us. I didn't dare move, blink or breathe. My heart was pounding in my chest. He stared in the direction of where I heard the sound behind us for maybe 5 seconds but it seemed like 5 minutes. I had no idea how I was going to get my bow drawn. He then quartered hard away for a drink! I had my chance. The arrow came back and I settled the pin on his side using his offside leg as an aiming point. Auto pilot set in and the thousands of shots at my elk target at home paid off. The shot was perfect and he only ran 50yds up the mountain before tipping over. What I thought was a bear behind me ended up being 2 cows waiting their turn at the seep. I was stoked! It was then my guide whispered he had it all on film using his Iphone. It was only a few second after my bull dropped and again I heard elk coming down the mountain. I sure hope these links work.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/srpv5l5xj48s5sc/AAAvtUB3GU2jS6sVKVXNKx5fa/1_JacksElk.MOV.mov?dl=0
As I stated in my first post something always happens during my elk hunts where a decision I make changes the outcome. In the past these decisions ended up being mistakes that kept me from getting an opportunity or filling my tag. I chalked those mistakes up to teachable moments and try to use them as I get better at this elk hunting obsession. 2016 taught me that shooting the first elk to the wallow may end up costing me a much bigger elk!
Within a minute of shooting my bull the herd bull and and about 12 of his cows and calves poured into that little seep and put on an amazing show. It was something I will never forget and am very grateful I got to experience it. Everyone asks if I regret shooting the little 4x5. Honestly I don't, not one bit. You never forget every detail of your first, and this first was fantastic in every way!
Here is the link for the herd bull and his ladies. If anyone knows how I can get these links to work please chime in.
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/srpv5l5xj48s5sc/AABMPvWaKoFHq0VdDsQ-Vtcxa/2_ElkAfterKill.MOV.mov?dl=0
Thanks to all for your kind words and best of luck in your future hunts.
Congrats
Good luck, Robb
orionsbrother's Link
Best of Luck, Jeff
OB', Thanks for a really neat link.
ElkNut1
LaGriz
Thanks to all for your replies. Its tough to see but my arrow is buried in the bank behind the wallow as the big boy is rolling around.
Lagriz, the recovery photo of my 4x5 is at the top of the post. Not sure how you missed it.
Elknut, your audio CD "Worse than Wolves" has been with me in the truck for 8,000 miles traveling from PA to CO. Thank you! You have been a great help in accelerating my learning. So much knowledge to be gleaned from a lot of true experts on this site.
To all who are still scoreless, keep plugging. It WILL happen and it's so worth it when it does.
God Bless men
ElkNut1
