Discuss our Live Arizona Elk Bowhunt
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Scrappy
14-Sep-18
Bring it on Pat, good luck guys.
From: orionsbrother
14-Sep-18
Good luck guys. Have a great hunt.
From: T Mac
14-Sep-18
Sweet looking forward to following along
From: Shiras
14-Sep-18
Guess I will see what happens when I get back from NM. Good luck!
From: GotBowAz
14-Sep-18
Im looking forward to this hunt and how it all plays out. I will be up in the area next weekend. Good luck and have fun Pat!
From: Charlie Rehor
14-Sep-18
The Iowa of Elk Hunting! Good luck!
From: kota-man
14-Sep-18
Can't wait for this one Pat...I should have enough points to draw with Steven sooner than later so will be following closely.
From: olebuck
14-Sep-18
Man i can't wait for the updates. i've got 5 points and im dying to go.....
From: mn_archer
14-Sep-18
Pat and elk success havent been all that synonymous in the past.
I'm pulling for you buddy but if you need to break out the helo in downloading a meme making app.
What size elk will they expect to find in this unit?
Michael
From: njbuck
14-Sep-18
Good luck Pat, there is no doubt Steven will put you on a good one.
From: mn_archer
14-Sep-18
Nice!
From: APauls
14-Sep-18
Good luck!
From: Heat
14-Sep-18
Something tells me this is about to get really good! Looking forward to following along. Good Luck!
From: greg simon
14-Sep-18
I did this hunt in 2016. Can't say enough good things about it. Good luck Pat!!! Even though you will walk many miles I bet you don't lose any weight!
From: Norseman
14-Sep-18
Good luck, Pat! Kill a BEAST!
From: Fin little
14-Sep-18
This will be good!
From: GF
14-Sep-18
“Could have killed a 6x6 this morning already.“
No sense ending a 10-day hunt on day one!
From: bigbuckbob
14-Sep-18
Pat - I am soooo jealous!! Elk hunting is addictive and exciting. All the best out there and give us stories at the end of the day.
From: Medicinemann
14-Sep-18
Looking forward to the day one summary, so I can learn why you opted to pass on the shot.....
From: Bogie
14-Sep-18
Looking forward to reading about your adventure. Good luck and Be Safe.
From: Charlie Rehor
14-Sep-18
My first hunt with Pat was in 1988 in NW Colorado and he never shoots early. Never. On that hunt He got his antelope two hours before we had to leave for the airport:) We'll have to be patient and enjoy the ride. GL Pat and Steven>>
From: Bowboy
14-Sep-18
Good luck and shoot a big one!
From: APauls
14-Sep-18
Hear that Pat? Charlie says you can't shoot early - thinks you're incapable.
From: Southern draw
14-Sep-18
Good luck!
From: Hawkeye
14-Sep-18
Good luck Pat!
From: Treeline
14-Sep-18
Looks like a little action on day one! Maybe Pat should try hunting without his bow till the last day?
From: Buffalo1
14-Sep-18
Looking forward to following your hunt. Best of luck !!
From: patience2spare
14-Sep-18
I hunted 5BN in 2012. You are in for a LOT of fun, Pat!!!! There will be 350+ bulls in the unit - guaranteed. Good luck and thanks for taking us along! Pete
From: BOWNUT
14-Sep-18
Good luck Pat!
From: Huntcell
14-Sep-18
Mr. Lafemine do those 11years of points proud.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
14-Sep-18
My son and I just got back from hunting Coues and Mule Deer with Steven. Wyatt was asked to come back and video Pat and Steven on this hunt. We were close to making it happen but when Steven was taking us to the airport Wyatt was called about a job he had applied for. When we got home he got hired as a sheriff's deputy and just couldn't make the trip back for this hunt. Bummed and happy at the same time.
We had a blast and both took our first Mule Deer with a bow. Steven is the real deal. Great guy and avid hunter. I swear he can see an ear twitch at 3 miles. If he says it's there you better go after it! Good luck guys!!!
From: TD
14-Sep-18
Did'ja bring the secret weapon???
From: HEAD DOCTOR
14-Sep-18
NICE, GOOD-LUCK, GOOD HUNTING, HAVE FUN, SHOOT STRAIGHT, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER...EVEN THOUGH YOU ARE NOT THIRSTY. I AM GLADE YOU ARE DOING THIS....THAT WAY I DON'T HAVE TO BUG HIM ON THE PHONE EVERY NIGHT.
From: buzz mc
14-Sep-18
Awesome!!! Steven will get you into elk. This will be good.
From: W8N4RUT
14-Sep-18
Hunted that unit with Steve a couple years ago. It’s an awesome place. Good luck Pat!
Scott
From: Zbone
15-Sep-18
Way cool, good luck!
Don't know much about AZ or NM elk units and understand a few of the premium units are really hard to draw, so just curious, since if took a dozen years to draw this unit, would this be considered one of the premium units or are all AZ elk permits hard to draw and a dozen years or so?... Thanks...
From: Shrewski
15-Sep-18
Typically 1,3a/c,9,10,23,27 are considered the premier units.
From: Shrewski
15-Sep-18
I find the second tier like Pat has to be head and shoulders above any other state. It’s easy to wait for another AZ tag and not punish yourself hunting elk in Colorado or Idaho once you get your first one.
From: AZrecurve
15-Sep-18
Record high temps forecast for Sat/Sun. They will bed early, not long after the sun breaks the horizon. Water may be a good strategy. Good luck!!
From: Medicinemann
15-Sep-18
This should be good......
From: BigOk
15-Sep-18
Can't wait to read this one!!
From: jdee
15-Sep-18
Day 2 .......Daaaaaamn !!
From: HEAD DOCTOR
15-Sep-18
Try wearing a face mask or some face paint or some fire pit coal or something! Your face and hands are like a mirror. You would be better off without the net or mask since you have not practiced with one on.
From: Bou'bound
15-Sep-18
Oh my gosh that was excellent
From: HEAD DOCTOR
15-Sep-18
Wow, just read the rest of the post....good job guys, that's 3.6 miles closer than I could have gotten.
From: Shaft
15-Sep-18
Great video of that bull coming in. I love how he bugled over the other bull. Good stuff!
From: Heat
15-Sep-18
Ya man, that bull was definitely a shooter. You blew it, LOL! No worries, you have a way's to go and it should get better and better. Thanks for the entertainment, that was some excellent video footage!
From: Norseman
15-Sep-18
Is the outfitter running the camera? Or do you have a third guy with?
I don’t call when they spoke, just makes them skidaddle faster. If they don’t know what you are they often turn and look back at around 40 yards and turn to take a look back. Often giving u a good quartering shot. Great Video!
From: Ucsdryder
15-Sep-18
Cool video! I would have let him get past you, then drawn when he was 15 yards quartering away. A quick chirp on the diaphragm should have turned him for the shot. All this is assuming the wind was good.
From: Huntcell
15-Sep-18
Living the dream and getting your monies worth. 8 more days to get one into your effective range.
From: Ward's Outfitters
15-Sep-18
JTV I guarantee you I am experienced enough to distinguish between a hunter and a bull. If you have ever hunted Arizona for elk you would know that it's not uncommon to hear 50 plus bugles while bulls are encountering each other headed to bedding areas. It's also not uncommon to hear over 10 different bulls a morning. Evenings can be different a bit slower. I personally do not like sitting water for elk unless we are targeting one specific bull and he has not been pressured. With the situation this morning we couldn't allow the bull to pass us because of the wind 3 more steps past us and we would have been winded he was just to close.
From: Ucsdryder
16-Sep-18
I figured that was the case. From the video it looked so obvious that the bull passing would make for an easy draw and stop and shoot. Thanks for the clarification!
From: BULELK1
16-Sep-18
Fun times for sure!
Exciting
Good luck, Robb
From: Bou'bound
16-Sep-18
maybe someone should start a separate thread to point out all the things the two expert elk hunters on the ground and in the moment are doing wrong. I am sure there would be no shortage of opinions from the peanut gallery.
From: Trophy8
16-Sep-18
Best of luck Pat...look forward to more
From: Ucsdryder
16-Sep-18
Bou, not sure if you read the thread title but it’s a discussion of the hunt. Isn’t that basically what people are doing?
Kind of like your semi live hunt of your lion hunt.
From: lewis
16-Sep-18
Damn that was close Good Luck and keep the camera ?? rolling thanks for letting us tag along Lewis
From: snuffer
16-Sep-18
Beat it bou, you dont even hunt them. Talk about the peanut gallery...
From: orionsbrother
16-Sep-18
Enjoying the video and thread while grabbing lunch at work, up here in the peanut gallery.
Looking forward to more.
Good luck!!
From: Norseman
16-Sep-18
I thought this was a Discussion Thread????
From: Norseman
16-Sep-18
Discussion~ the action or process of talking about something, typically in order to reach a decision or to exchange ideas.
From: Russell
16-Sep-18
Isn't Pat overdue with the morning's update?
Have a feeling he connected.
From: greg simon
16-Sep-18
That or they might have stayed in the field all day. I sure hope he arrows a giant!!!
From: drycreek
16-Sep-18
Good luck Pat, and kudos to you for holding off when the shot wasn't comfortable. If Charlie's right, you don't have to sweat it until about day nine ! :-)
From: AZrecurve
16-Sep-18
It’s unseasonably hot here. I can’t remember an elk hunt this warm. Normal playbook may have to be thrown out. Elk have the upper hand so far! I hope he arrowed a nice bull this morning!
From: kota-man
16-Sep-18
He almost HAD to kill one today...(Day 3)
From: wkochevar
16-Sep-18
Stupid hot here...11:30 this morning stacking hay at 9k' it was 83 degrees ?? All our action is the first and last hour of legal. spotty bugling. Good Luck on your hunt....Steven does know his sh!# !
From: njbuck
17-Sep-18
Stay after them Pat, if its so hot would it make sense to hunt water?
From: olebuck
17-Sep-18
WHAT A Freaking HUNT so far!!!! can't wait for the updates!!!
From: Will
17-Sep-18
Damn you and your "Big Market Teases" Pat!
Hope it was a stud, the shot was good and the tracking short!
From: Mark Watkins
17-Sep-18
CRAZY good video!!!
Looking forward to the next update!!!
Mark
From: stick n string
17-Sep-18
What a tease.... Hopefully he dont go all peek-a-bou on us n follow up with nuthin.....
From: loesshillsarcher
17-Sep-18
Bs Pat. lol
From: Rut Nut
17-Sep-18
I’m getting a mental picture................Pat picking up the rack ..............eyes are still moving(Elk’s)................or is it “winking?!” Then in the next instant, the Elk is on his feet and running..........,.......with Pat blowing in the wind STILL holding onto his rack............ ;-)
From: Norseman
17-Sep-18
Day 3! Time to git er done!
From: LWood
17-Sep-18
Pat, I had this tag last year and had a blast with Steven and the guys. Tell them I said hello. Good luck and keep the updates coming!
Lenny
From: Medicinemann
17-Sep-18
Another bull at 5 yards....but no mention of a shot, or how big the bull was. If he shot it this AM, they'd still be tracking, butchering, packing, or (if I know Pat), taking photos, and re-creating the shot on camera, etc. I'm betting that it wasn't big enough, so he filmed it, and let it walk.....(I hope that I wrong). Let's not forget, if this were part of a blood trail challenge, there'd also be the obligatory 90 minute wait before taking up the trail.....LOL. Today is Day 4, isn't it?
From: Elkaddict
17-Sep-18
I’ve met Steve a couple of times in 5a, he’s diffidently the guy to have in this country. I also have a 5bs bull tag, when you’re around them the action is hot and heavy! Had a few opportunities but it’s early and I live nearby, so just having fun without the work that will follow after the shot. It’s hot up here but the bulls don’t seem to mind too much. Looking forward to day 4 report!
From: TD
17-Sep-18
I guess a spike is a bull too...... =D
Waiting on day 4......
From: bigswivle
17-Sep-18
From: TD
18-Sep-18
Just a WAG about the spike...... but an educated WAG.... =D
Plenty of time left. Can happen in a second. Any second.
From: GotBowAz
18-Sep-18
Pat, any chance you can show some pictures of camp? IMO, it isn't the weather that's messing things up. In my experience hunting the neighbor unit 5BN for 30 plus years after the first few days the bulls will go almost silent by shooting daylight so you got to be in the area when they do go off. You wont hear a peep from them until the skylight starts cracking the horizon. You going to get one or 2 bugles and you have to get on them before they shut up. Evenings is even worse. When they do bugle its right at dark and then they will keep at it for a couple hours after dark. Many times I've located/bumped a herd on my way back to camp at night and because of how slow it was, not even knowing what the bull is I have stayed the night with the herd. This is a fun and exciting thread. don't get discouraged and keep it coming Pat!
From: Bou'bound
18-Sep-18
the best part about bad weather is when it changes the impact will be even more like a switch coming on. It will be a trigger and you will get it done.
From: AZrecurve
18-Sep-18
Looks like rain and cooler weather is heading your way starting tonight. Good luck!
From: AZBUGLER
18-Sep-18
Following along Pat! Thanks for the ride. You definitely have the right guy, especially for the unit. Did you not have any desire to sit water in the afternoon? It’s the one plus that hot weather brings. Good luck!
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
18-Sep-18
Steven, you got the music playing? You know all the critters disappear when you turn it off!
From: Mad Trapper
18-Sep-18
I wonder if Pat is employing any of his super secret scent control tactics??
From: Norseman
18-Sep-18
Cliff hanger. For sure. But you left us hanging....for a spike!?
C’mon Man. ??
From: stick n string
18-Sep-18
big tease for little return there....
Time for a blood trail....
From: Rut Nut
18-Sep-18
Pat's a bigger TEASE than my first girlfriend! ;-)
From: HOOSIER
18-Sep-18
HAVE TO AGREE THE WX CHANGE WILL TURN ON A SWITCH, HAVE EXPERIENCED IT FIRST HAND
From: Bucbuster
18-Sep-18
I have 11 preference points for AZ so this thread/hunt has my attention. Best of luck Pat. Enjoy!
From: Huntcell
19-Sep-18
Five days in for a lot of outfitted hunts, you would be done now., Are Wards hunts usually 10 days or did you Negotiate a deluxe version?
From: Medicinemann
19-Sep-18
Give us the day 5 morning update!! It was cooler and probably rainy.....should have had more activity....I hope....
From: Shug
19-Sep-18
Psssst....
From: AZBUGLER
20-Sep-18
Nice! I figured things would heat up as the weather cools down. Should be some great days ahead. Good luck!
From: APauls
20-Sep-18
Love checking on this one!
From: Mad Trapper
20-Sep-18
Picky, Picky, picky.....
From: jordanathome
20-Sep-18
Exactly MT! Lol
From: Mark Watkins
20-Sep-18
"Last day Pat" isn't in a rush, but he's causing ulcers for the rest of us!
Mark
From: Mark Watkins
20-Sep-18
That's because it is funny! HAHA!
Quit napping Pat and give those of us at work our afternoon fix!!!
Mark
From: Huntcell
20-Sep-18
I can’t imagine the pressure that is on Steve to produce for a famous high profile celebrity hunter.
From: Norseman
20-Sep-18
I got one of those bastards right between the shoulder blades where I couldn’t reach. Had to use a stick to pry off.
Herd bulls will Be harder to get. Don’t let a decent satellite walk. Good luck Pat!
From: TD
20-Sep-18
That's when you find out who your REAL friends are......
From: IdyllwildArcher
20-Sep-18
Pat, if Steve gets attacked by a black bear, we've decided that it's your job to stick your hand up the bear's ass and rip it's heart out. Another option is a triangle or arm bar if you know any Jiu Jitsu.
From: Coyote 65
20-Sep-18
Bet they are out there looking for a blood trail now. It is 8:45 AZ time and has been dark for a couple of hours. update just came out,so wrong again.
Terry
From: GotBowAz
21-Sep-18
I see nothing that surprises me in Pat's updates but this is still very exciting. Keep it coming Pat! IMO the rut is on and everything is typical of a pressured area. As an example my neighbor who just killed a good bull early muzzle loader had bulls screaming everyday all over like a mad house in 7W Flagstaff. There was only 15 tags in the unit so no pressure to speak of and he saw very few hunters the entire time. He said the hardest part is deciding on which bugle to go after and the Bulls would bugle up to 8.30am every morning. He worked a giant 7 x 7 but did not connect, the rut is on. The 2nd week after the weekend will get much better as more and more hunters leave the woods. I believe Steven is top notch and if anyone can get it done he can and will but its a tough tough hunt. After Stevens 10 days are up I would continue to hunt to end of season solo, that's just me and no offence to Steven, I doubt there is any guide out there that could do a better job.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
21-Sep-18
One thing is for sure, Steven has no quit in him. Always has plan B....and C, D, E & F! He will find them.
From: greg simon
21-Sep-18
In my opinion Steven Ward has already "produced" and I think Pat would concur. Maybe there will be a kill maybe there won't but I guarantee Steven will work his butt off until the very last second hunting with Pat, and they will be into elk on a regular basis. Some big bulls too, that in my book is all I ask of a guide.
From: APauls
21-Sep-18
Fun hunt to follow each day! Keep it coming Pat! What's wrong with that fuzzy round pillow?
From: Medicinemann
21-Sep-18
It is Friday, 9/21 and the eighth day of Pat's Arizona adventure, 10:08 at night. Hoping that the absence of a mid day update, means that they are staying out all day (only two days left after today), or that they have drawn blood. Looking forward to the day's summary......temperature be damned.....at some point these bulls are going to want to have some action, even if it is in the middle of the day, all it will take is an estrus cow.
From: Two Feathers
21-Sep-18
"Steven and I are taking turns bugling. I consider myself an "OK" caller. My bugle is decent, but my chuckle sucks so I don't chuckle . Steven is better but he likes it when I bugle because I often get a response. We think it's because my calling has an East coast accent and that irritates these Arizona Elk! East coast vs West coast - I guess. He's Tupac and I'm Puff Daddy!"
Pat, just recently I listened to an "Elk Pro" address this. A bugle with a chuckle means one thing to a bull and a bugle without a chuckle means something else. When going after the herd bull the bugle without the chuckle is a much more effective call.
From: Bou'bound
22-Sep-18
I bet pat isn’t leaving in two days At least not without an elk.
From: drycreek
22-Sep-18
"This hunt has been a complete success"
My first muley hunt and my first archery antelope hunt yielded no kills. They still stand out as the most fun hunts of my life. Proof that you don't have to kill to enjoy the passion for hunting that lives in us.
That said, kill a bull Pat !
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
22-Sep-18
"Plus he's got a dark, twisted sense of humor that compliments mine." ..... Man I wish I could have come back down to run the camera and chase these bulls. It would be a blast. Has Steven shared the chicharonnes he was supposed to ship to Iowa? Wyatt and I shot our muleys the last two days a couple weeks ago, you got plenty of time to get it done still! Good Luck!!
From: Medicinemann
22-Sep-18
In that case, really looking forward to today's summary....
From: Medicinemann
23-Sep-18
What was the weather like today? Curious because of all the activity that you had...….
From: Norseman
23-Sep-18
Friend of mine hunting in 5 B N said the same thing, the elk flipped a switch and it was non stop all morning. Go get em Pat!
From: AZ~Rich
23-Sep-18
Pat you need to stay and hunt. This tag is not coming around again soon and the rut is really kicking in now. I’ve been in bull central a few times and those precious, insane mornings are worth the consequences of extending your hunt. Good luck tomorrow!!
From: Bou'bound
23-Sep-18
It’s going to happen.
From: Shrewski
23-Sep-18
Yeah for me it was September 23. No place like AZ. Always make plans to hunt the entire archery season and don’t worry about tagging a bull.
From: lineman21
23-Sep-18
Go on...
From: Stayfit
23-Sep-18
and then...
From: Norseman
23-Sep-18
From: Bou'bound
23-Sep-18
Congrats!!!!!
From: TJS
23-Sep-18
Anticipation, is making me wait.......keeping me waiting
From: Norseman
23-Sep-18
big or BIG morning?
From: Matt
23-Sep-18
Am I the only one who questions putting maps on the internet of the areas where you are hunting on a guided hunt on public land?
From: deerslayer
23-Sep-18
You question something??? Say it isn't so!
From: LUNG$HOT
23-Sep-18
Cmon Matt, 11 point unit on a guided hunt with a highly reputable outfitter. Prob not a huge secret. All one would have to do is google said outfitter and they will most likely tell in detail which areas they guide in.
From: mn_archer
23-Sep-18
Matt,
I didnt think the maps were very specific but after reading your comment it took me less than 5 minutes to figure out exactly where their route was yesterday.
Michael
From: Norseman
23-Sep-18
Elk are where you find em’
From: Matt
23-Sep-18
"Cmon Matt, 11 point unit on a guided hunt with a highly reputable outfitter. Prob not a huge secret. All one would have to do is google said outfitter and they will most likely tell in detail which areas they guide in."
Steven will tell you what units he guides in and to apply for if you intend to hunt with him, that is not at issue. Detailing exactly WHERE within the unit you are hunting is what I am questioning. Outfitters spend lots of time and resources to learn the areas within the units they hunt which reliably hold elk, it just doesn't seem cool to post such hard-found information on the internet.
It took Pat 11 points as a NR, but ~90% of tags go to residents who can draw the unit reliably with fewer points. Add to that buddy hunting.
Some outfitters who hunt public land prefer not to take in-state residents because of this.
From: Huntcell
24-Sep-18
Steve has no fear, he is master of his domain.
From: Surfbow
24-Sep-18
Alright Pat, it's 10:38, just waiting for the update here as I nod off on the couch. I can only assume that since there's no update, you've killed a bull and you're packing meat, I'll just have to wait until tomorrow to read about it...
From: Medicinemann
24-Sep-18
Matt. If you are referring to the photo at the very beginning of the thread, which Pat posted, I am wondering if that map could contain a LOT (if not all) of 5BS....in which case, nothing was really compromised. Additionally, I'd be willing to bet that Pat would have cleared it with Steve Ward before posting.....
From: Buffalo1
24-Sep-18
Congrats on one super hunt. Thanks for sharing 10 days of action with us. You were fortunate to get a well-earned trophy with memories of a lifetime.
Also, your appreciation to your guide Steven is greatly felt in your writings. Hats off to him for a super job.
From: Trophy8
24-Sep-18
Congrats on the bull!
From: Stekewood
24-Sep-18
Congratulations Pat. That was a great live hunt, Loved it.
From: midwest
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat!
From: Shrewski
24-Sep-18
Thanks for taking us along Pat.
From: iceman
24-Sep-18
Congratulations on a great hunt with a great ending. Thanks for taking us along!
From: Double Creek
24-Sep-18
Congrats! You earned that one!
From: Charlie Rehor
24-Sep-18
Great shot, hunt and video. Congrats to both you and Steven! C
From: bas4109
24-Sep-18
Congratulations. It was fun following along waiting for the report each day.
From: Sitting Bull
24-Sep-18
Great hunt and thread. I've looked forward to seeing your progress every evening when I got home. Being from Australia it isn't likely that I'll ever get an experience like that. One thing I noticed was when you shot it looked like that elk dropped a lot just before the arrow got there (1.53 marks). Its a bit hard to tell on my computer if he dropped a lot after the hit or before. If it was before, did you allow for him dropping possibly up to 12 inches when you shot? Is that typical for elk? I know our fallow deer will do it if they are alert.
From: Ridgehunter
24-Sep-18
Awesome hunt! Thanks for taking us along. Congratulations Pat!
From: bigbuck
24-Sep-18
Congratulations on a great hunt ,I followed it closely as I hope to draw next year and Wards is my choice of outfitters!
From: Mad Trapper
24-Sep-18
Outstanding hunt!
From: Michael
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat!
From: olebuck
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat !
that was a hunt of a life time!! thanks for the daily updates! its the first thing i looked at for the last 10 days when i get to the office. great bull, and great effort - you stayed after them and got it done!
From: Billyvanness
24-Sep-18
Congratulations Pat! Great shot and great video Steven!
From: Irishman
24-Sep-18
Congratulations on the bull. It was a really cool video. It is amazing how much the bull drops before the arrow gets there.
From: jdee
24-Sep-18
10 straight days of hard hunting, last day, I would have done the same thing.....Congrats.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat and Steven. I'd like to reiterate what Pat said about Steven. He is a hunting machine that knows the areas he hunts as well as the game in it.
Three weeks ago I was stalking Mule Deer with Steven on the last day of my hunt. Even after I made a mistake and missed a very nice buck, Steven was just as positive and determined. After 5-6 more miles of stalking we were back on the bucks. This time I did my part and we had a nice velvet muley that I'm very proud of. Don't hesitate to call Ward's Outfitters for a great hunt!
From: Ken
24-Sep-18
Congratulations on the bull and a great hunt. Thanks for taking us along.
From: Zbone
24-Sep-18
CONGRATS to Pat!
From: lewis
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat great hunt and thanks for letting us tag along Lewis
From: wild1
24-Sep-18
Great shot and great video to go with it - and the bull ain't bad either!! Congratulations! Those 80 miles must agree with you - looking pretty svelte!!
From: brooktrout59
24-Sep-18
Thanks for taking us along for the ride. Quite an adventure. You guys ROCK!
From: Two Feathers
24-Sep-18
Congrats on the elk. Sorry to hear about your dad.
From: 6x6 bull
24-Sep-18
Congrats on a perfect hunt!
From: OFFHNTN
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat! Thanks for always taking us along on these!
From: T Mac
24-Sep-18
Congrats on your bull and a great adventure in the elk woods! Thanks for taking us along.
From: Matt Palmquist
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat!!
From: GhostBird
24-Sep-18
Congratulations Pat... thanks for sharing.
From: Destroyer350
24-Sep-18
Congrats!
From: stringgunner
24-Sep-18
Congrats!
From: sitO
24-Sep-18
You got to experience some amazing action, those memories will never fade, congrats and I hope everything's good at home!
From: Rut Nut
24-Sep-18
Congrats on a HARD EARNED bull, Pat! And THANKS for taking us along- I'm sure the last thing you wanted to do after hiking over 5 miles and spending all day trying to kill a bull, was sit behind a computer screen and type out a story for us! ;-)
From: AZ~Rich
24-Sep-18
Well Pat you didn't disappoint! That was a fine ending to what was apparently a perfect hunt. It's simply hard to explain just what affect there is on a hunter being in the middle of the Cacophony of several bulls bugling continuously for what seems like an hour. It's surreal and adrenaline inducing for sure. You got your AZ bull on the last day with time to spare! Well done and thanks for sharing all of it. Even as a resident it's been 7 years since I've drawn a tag so thank you for allowing me to relive some of those special moments. Also a big kudos to Steve for his excellent guiding and "dark" sense of humor.
From: Bogie
24-Sep-18
Pat thanks for taking us on your adventure. Great writing and details . Congrats on your success.
From: BOWNBIRDHNTR
24-Sep-18
I hear some awesome video was also taken. Hopefully you can post a few clips once you get caught back up at home. Congrats again.
From: Brotsky
24-Sep-18
Congrats on your bull Pat! Way to get it done! Prayers sent for your dad as well.
From: Southern draw
24-Sep-18
Congrats! the tough ones seem to standout in our memories better .
From: writer
24-Sep-18
Congrats on the tag, the decision to take the 5 pointer and the shot. Ultimate hunt has plenty of action, and the deal is sealed at the last minute. Like beautifully written prose ended with a huge exclamation mark!!!!
From: W
24-Sep-18
Way to go, Pat.
Do the Arizona archery dates stay the same year to year?
From: njbuck
24-Sep-18
Way to go Pat. Steven is one hell of a guy and outfitter and he sure knows his animals. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
From: NorCalVineyards
24-Sep-18
Pat, would you do the hunt again knowing what you know now? Did you feel it lived up to your expectations and 11 points?
From: TD
24-Sep-18
They all get prettier at closing time........ =D
Congrats on the bull and the exciting hunt! Pretty cool when you see it going off..... And once again, thanks for takin' us along......
From: Scrappy
24-Sep-18
Way to go Pat, that's what you call getting your money's worth.
From: Gator
24-Sep-18
Enjoyed the hunt. Thanks and congratulations, you earned that bull.
From: RK
24-Sep-18
Really a great hunt. Brought back memories Thanks for sharing the experience Best wishes for your father Pat
From: eddie c
24-Sep-18
Congrats. I have been following this in my spare time while sitting in the hospital with Dad. I hope things go well with your Dad.
From: Heat
24-Sep-18
Glad you got to experience the elk rut in Arizona with bow in hand! Icing on the cake to shoot a bull. Congratulations!
From: Mark Watkins
24-Sep-18
Way to stick with it to the very end Pat and Steven!!!
Very nicely done guys!!!
And the video work was tremendous!!!
Mark
From: WV Mountaineer
24-Sep-18
Job well done Pat and Steven. Great hunting memories and friends define the trophy. Not the size of its horns
From: DGW
24-Sep-18
Nice job Pat!
From: Ward's Outfitters
24-Sep-18
Hunting with Pat was a great experience. I know Pat's a very experienced archer and I appreciated the fact that he never questioned a decision I made as to how to get in the middle of the bulls. It was an absolute pleasure running the camera on this hunt. I will admit it's not easy guiding and videoing, but we made it work. I'll have to admit it was tough finding the mature bulls. I kept telling the camp it will switch overnight and it did. This morning the bulls were bedded early but we got it done on a nice 6x6.
From: Gene
24-Sep-18
Congrats Pat! As others have said, I have been following your hunt every day. I haven't been out after elk since 2012 and threads like yours helps me to get by. Thanks!!!
From: LUNG$HOT
24-Sep-18
Congrats on a great public land bull and an awesome hunt!
From: drycreek
24-Sep-18
Well done Pat, well done. The way I see it, you had an incredible hunt, brought home some very good eating, and won't have a big taxidermy bill. Just kidding (a little) ........,
From: AZrecurve
24-Sep-18
Congrats on a fine bull! When the bulls are rutting and bugling like you experienced, there is no better place than Arizona! Enjoyed following your 10 day adventure.
From: Jasper
24-Sep-18
You’re such a great story teller Pat! Your Semi Live hunts are one of the best things about the Bowsite. Prayers for your Dad as well!
From: TREESTANDWOLF
24-Sep-18
A very hard earned animal Pat, Congrats.
Prayers for your Dad as well.
From: LWood
24-Sep-18
Congratulations, Pat. I really enjoyed following along and can’t wait to hunt with Steven again.
Lenny
From: Matt
24-Sep-18
Congrats, way to get every last bit of hunting in.
From: AZBUGLER
24-Sep-18
Out-freakin-standing! How fun! Congratulations Pat!
From: Paul@thefort
25-Sep-18
Nicely done by all. Enjoyed the post. My best, Paul
From: BULELK1
25-Sep-18
Nothing beats Bull Down!!
Congrats
Good luck, Robb
From: Shaft
25-Sep-18
Well done Pat, thanks for sharing the hunt with us!
From: ki-ke
25-Sep-18
Great hunt, perfect shot and ending! Thanks for sharing.
Prayers sent for Papa L.
From: huntperch
25-Sep-18
Thanks for sharing the hunt Pat. Really a good hunt congratulations. Prayers for your Dad.
From: jax2009r
25-Sep-18
fun following along....elk hunting is hard! congrats
From: APauls
25-Sep-18
Right on Pat - congrats on your hunt! The hunt was a ton of fun to follow along with! Such a great attitude and boy did you enjoy a great hunt. Sounds like you got the whole, thing, and to be able to take a bull home when it looked like it wasn't going to happen must be oh so sweet. It's not shopping in a grocery store. Thanks for sharing, and good job.
From: bowbender77
25-Sep-18
Good job Pat, congrats. Thanks for taking us along.
From: kota-man
26-Sep-18
Congrats Pat. Cherry on the top of a great hunt.
From: MK111
26-Sep-18
Great write up and videos. Congrats on a fine bull.
From: Xprez
26-Sep-18
Congrats Pat!
From: dm/wolfskin
26-Sep-18
All thumbs up Pat.
From: KHNC
27-Sep-18
Hunt obviously turned out great! I will say i am surprised that you bowhunt elk without the option to take a 50 yard shot tho. Great bows today with all year to practice. But everyone is different. Glad it worked out for you! Congrats!
From: Ucsdryder
27-Sep-18
Discipline?
From: KHNC
28-Sep-18
Ok, i agree everyone is different. Very limiting to not shoot 50 yards on a western hunt in my opinion though. Its almost a given to be ready to shoot at least 50 in open country. Especially at an elk size target. But good on you for having that much will power to not shoot at a certain distance, even though you are capable of it. But, it seems like you could be missing out on opportunities well within your skill level because of it.
From: GotBowAz
28-Sep-18
My farthest shot on an elk was 40 yards which is my max on live critters. Everything I killed was under that, right down to 10 yards. I like them close too.
From: elkmtngear
28-Sep-18
Nicely done, Pat!
Beautiful shot on that bull!
From: Bou'bound
28-Sep-18
if you look at Pat's track record his self-imposed limits don't seem to be creating a problem in the game taken department regardless of species or continent.
From: midwest
28-Sep-18
Call them to your toes! It isn't always about the size of the bull....it's the size of the hunt!
From: KHNC
03-Oct-18
Oh i prefer close shots as well. I just try to be prepared in every way i possibly can. No way i will let a 50 yard shot on an elk stop me from filling a once in a lifetime draw tag. But, like i said, awesome will power. And it obviously worked out.
From: StickFlicker
03-Oct-18
Glad our state treated you well, congratulations!
From: NvaGvUp
04-Mar-19
You guys need to understand that all of those really nice bulls Pat was seeing were in spite of a very dry spring which reduced antler growth a LOT!
If this year returns to normal, (and AZ has been getting awesome rainfalls so far this year), those 330" bulls will now be 350" bulls or better!
From: BOWUNTR
04-Mar-19
Thanks for updating us. Wouldn't they be a year older and have bigger antlers anyways? What if they got killed... they would still be 330" bulls regardless of the rain, right? Ed F
