I was able to get an early start this year with a Tule hunt in CA.
This was a very unique elk hunt, it got as hot as 105°, but the elk were full blown rut, chasing, bulging, fighting, breeding, the whole deal.
I shot this bull at 41 yards , broadside with an exodus, he was on a very steep bank above a water hole pushing his cows, I shot him very tight to the shoulder with the arrow hanging out the opposite side by the fletching. He took one step then locked up and immediately got wobbly, he then took a 40 yard dive back down the bank to the edge of the water hole.
I got to watch over the shoulder of my wife as she smoked this bull Sunday night. She drilled him at 30 yards with a Ramcat. He went 50 yards and piled up!
She said "I can see why you want to hunt every chance you get, I'm ready to go again!"
Congrats to your wife, twine! Is that her first elk? I’m assuming yes, from her comments. I’ll bet it was almost as exciting for you, to get to share in it with her!
Thank you all, yes I was shaking like a leaf, and she was calm and collected. This was her first elk. She's killed a bear, and a couple deer with her bow. She practiced all summer and when she got her chance she made it count!
Congratulation Gene! And also Mrs. Fitzgerald! I’m jealous, I decide to take a year off Elk hunting not knowing if I’d have any work this year. So I’m getting my fix vicariously through Bowsite! Thanks for sharing your hunt!
Way to go! Just started today. Dry and crunchy. No action yet. Theres about 300,000 acres closed to any recreation or hunting between me and this fire. Thats where I would go if I were an elk. Especially since it appears all of us tag holders and all the Labor Day campers are using the little chunk of public that is still accessible. :^)
Got my first elk tag(gun) I'm trying to fathom being able pack one out myself, I feel confident if the temps are on my side, but if it dies in some blow down area, that may be a challenge.
Smitty has ice in his veins! Had a great weekend with one of my boys. He had this bull scream in his face at ten yards then calmly ran a perfect arrow through both lungs and piled him 40 yards away. 13 years old, first elk, backpack wilderness hunt. Couldn't be more happy for him. Proud Dad.
Colorado OTC on 9/7. Came over a hill, bugled once and he chuckled back then started destroying a tree. At that moment I knew it wasn't going to end well for him
Thankyou all for your kind words and pm's. I shared them with Smith this evening and he was beaming. Pretty cool to have this place to celebrate everyones success and be an encouragement to others. Thanks again. Matt
Heartiest congratulations to all those who have been successful so far this season; good luck and good hunting to all those who are either still in elk country or have yet to begin their hunt
I didn't draw much for tags this year so decided to get an OTC Roosevelt elk tag in Oregon that was only 1 hour from my house.. I hunted area last year for 25 days & saw 1 elk. Over the last 50 years hunting deer there it was only the 2nd elk I ever saw. This year I saw my 3rd elk ever across a canyon at 1500 yards & then killed this bull at 18 yards on the 8th day of hunting by myself. I had no cell service but used my Inreach to let my wife know I needed help. My Son n Law, 13 & 18 year old Grandsons & Step-Son headed my way. They got lost & we finally got together around 11 PM. We packed all night & finished by 10 the next morning. Best Rosie I ever shot & even all broke up he gross scores over 320! God, Wife & my family were good to me!
Sept 2nd, heard one bugle, tracked it a 1/2 mile away, he finally answered my Son, we caught him in his bedding area & called him in 90 seconds later to 25 yards! Double lung with a Viper Trick, one helluva 120 yard blood trail.
Rick, yes sir he is! He wasn't there that day with my Son & I. He has school so was elsewhere. I wish he'd of been there to have a crack at this guy but it is what it is. Thanks for asking!
My buddy had just shot a 6 point that we were giving some time before we tracked, and this little guy walked in. I passed a few shots inside 40 and the ranged a tree that would put him directly broadside at 30. I told myself that if he made it to that tree I’d shoot him. He walked right to it and stopped perfectly. Clean pass through and he was dead in 3 seconds.
Jason, since we knew he was at his destination as he'd bugled us several times from the same spot, all we did was a simple tight setup, I was 45 yards up front, the caller (my son) matched the bulls emotion, not his sounds, my Son then cut him off once & the bull did likewise, as the shooter I knew this bull was going to come fast & he did not disappoint. No cow calling was needed as this bull was defending his small piece of real estate not allowing any intruders!
It's hard to imagine I would be impatient on only the second day of this elk hunt but I was. With a bad heal injury a few weeks before, a depressing 24 mile mule deer hunt that already beat me down, and several blown tires on the way to the promised land I was feeling anxious. I almost passed this bull at 16 yards after seeing so many good bulls, but decided to shoot and I'm glad I did. He is definitely a deceiving old bull. Over the course of just two days I saw over 1000 elk, wolves, and some real giants. Impatient maybe, but it was a true adventure and thanks to this guy there will be meat through the winter. Can't believe I almost left without him!
I have a buddy that goes with me every year. We filled both of our tags. First elk was my buddies that I called in, 2nd was mine. Big thanks to ElkNut for all the advice. Last 2 years in OTC have been a much better experience!
They kind of look a like, but look how the facial hair grows above the chin. First pic guy is sold hair between chin and bottom lip. Second pic the guy has a “soul patch” with no hair grown around it. Unless you got some evidence not in this thread. I think you side tracked a great thread for nothing.
It's two different guys. They have different facial hair patterns. Chill out, guys. Be happy that people are posting pictures of dead animals for us to look at.
Montana. Second day of season. Spotted him bedded. Snuck in to 55 yards over the next 40 min closed the distance to 44 yards. He stood took a step right. I placed a 100gr kudu right where it needed to be. Went 60 feet and tipped over dead. Was awesome to watch him expire. Largest to date 6x7.
Congrats to all that have been successful this year!
I was able to draw a once in a lifetime tag in my home state of Kansas and I pulled it off with my first bull! I had a ton of guidance from some of the guys on the Kansas forum and truly appreciate their help. I hope you all enjoy the video!
2020 has been a year of great celebration...and a year to forget. Very challenging! I was able to fill a cow tag in MT before my hunt was cut short with a family emergency. Feel “SO BLESSED” to bring her home for the freezer. Life is short guys. Hug the ones you love and then hunt like there’s no tomorrow! Because someday there will be no more tomorrow’s!
Literally my last hour of hunt after a rollercoaster of a hunt that I wouldn't change a bit.Had a couple cow and couple calves come to me.Was going to take a cow so I drew and called to get the calf in position for shot.She turned her head to me but not her body.As I was cursing in my head this bull came in and practically walked in front of me at 18 yds.Arrow double lunged him.He went 70yds and fell over.
The Degner boys, father and son duo, have had quite an amazing year. Brendon shot a cool bull on the Tuesday, Sept 8, the next Saturday, I was fortunate enough to harvest a Pope and Young bull on the Saturday. We even got it on film!
Brendon's girlfriend is a brand new archer/bowhunter, she was sitting in a tree with Brendon, when they heard bugles coming from a nearby meadow...Brendon climbed down and intercepted this up and comer...She was super excited to be part of this experience.
The following Friday we headed into the hills for an overnight trip. Late Saturday afternoon we packed up camp and hunted our way out...This was the reward. I will post a video link that's kind of fun and funny!
I have to give credit to this young duster, Levi. He is also a new bowhunter. He loves to call, and got this old boy fired right up, and brought up a meadow into my lap. Levi has called many elk in for people, but never been in on a kill! At the start of the trip, I felt he called too much, by the end, We couldn't have him call enough. :) This was a hunting hilight for him. It also helps that both he and Brendon are young and fit...they each loaded a hind and front in their packs for the 2.5 km walk out.
How come small elk aren't passed up til next year when they become a shooter? Lol Also, I wish you guys who are successful would post a pic or two after all the hauling is done, instead of the glamour shots lol. I am Envious of all you being able to hunt these awesome animals. Can't imagine how the heart would be pumping with one screaming 10 yards away, don't know if I could keep it together.
Thank you fellas for all the private messages and kind words about our You tube video...it’s totally raw and takes place, play by play! Straight arrows Bowsite crew!!! Keep the Elk pics coming man!
09/16 WY General Area bull. 05:40 pm bugled him to 28 yards. 4 mi solo pack one way, 5 loads, exhausting. Hardest pack of my life. Would have never guessed my best scoring bull would come from a heavily hunted general area not known for big bulls. Just goes to show you never know. Good luck to those still after them.
Waited 21 years for Oregons premier archery elk tag. Had a great hunt with some great friends. Passed some bulls along the way over 14 days of hunting, but couldn’t pass this one. Found 4-5 bugling bulls the evening before. In the dark of the morning it was quiet, but one bugle set them all off. They dispersed to their respective ridges to bugle and try to attrack cows. We went after this one because of the growlyness of his bugle. About 700 yards up his ridge we came to a standoff at 50 yards with a cluster of trees between us. My buddy finally stomped a couple times and broke a stick, to simulate some cows. Bull couldnt take it and walked out on the downwind side at about 27yards. I got drawn as he was filtering through the trees and tracked him as he walked clear. Arrow burried about 8in behind the crease just above his centerline. 600yards of tracking, towards the truck, and he was ours.
I've never been more pumped than this elk experience.
I've never been more pumped than this elk experience.
My best Manitoba Bull to date.
Sometimes you do everything right, and still it doesn't work. Then you wake up the very next morning and do everything wrong and end up 22 yards from a 6x7 that's facing away and you give him one. Never quit!
Sams picture is beautiful but I think a little deceiving. The fronts look “short”. Not knocking it at all, a 311” bull is a trophy of a lifetime! But I don’t disagree with his score. Beautiful. Great job!
Keith ready to start taking out the last load of meat.
Keith ready to start taking out the last load of meat.
This bull didn't make a sound coming to the bugle. Late in the afternoon, after putting on many miles through steep and rugged mountain country, my hunting partner, Keith, and I called from a tall ridge. The sound of timber breaking reached us from across a drainage, followed by more cracking a few minutes later. With no bugle response, we hoped it might be a bull and scrambled to set up on a relatively open ridge, just in case it was. In short order, we saw antlers pop up over a small rise - the breaking brush was a bull and he was coming in! Good thing we got set up quickly after hearing the timber break. He trotted up the open hillside, stopping once to dig his antlers into the ground and kicking his hooves up as he continued toward our position. Most of my experience has been calling bulls in timber, so watching him trot up the open hillside, carrying on like a bucking bronco at the rodeo, was quite the show! Keith was set up in front of where I had called from, but when he drew (hoping the bull would take a few more steps) the bull caught the movement and froze. Keith was caught in an awkward position, with a steep downhill angle to the bull. He still felt good about the shot, but the arrow flew high, over the bull's back. He spooked but, with a little more calling, came closer again, circling around to where I had a good opportunity. My arrow hit a little higher than I wanted, but he made it only 80 yards before going down. First pack load out, in the dark, was a brutal 4 hour trek down steep slopes and through deadfall laden timber. The next day we had recovered enough, from the physical torture of the previous night, to make the steep and long hike back to the kill site and get the rest of the meat. Much easier pack the second day in the daylight! Young bull, but every Elk taken is a trophy and an awesome experience! Darren
1st elk by bow. Walked up on a sleeping bull at 33 yards we didn’t know he was there, he didn’t know we were there. Double lung shot. 40 yard recovery. Medicine bow National Forest Wyoming. Had my 75 year old father standing next to me when it all went down. Happy happy.
I was blessed to just have drawn this Wyoming tag but extremely blessed to have taken this wide, heavy beamed 6X6. My best bull yet...Best of luck to those still in the elk wood or are heading out soon. Most of all everyone please stay safe!!!
The boy called this one in last weekend. Not the big bull I was after but a solid 6 with a messed up passenger side. I love freaks and this will look good in the boys room. Not bad for a 10 year old!!!
Helped my buddy get his first elk. Backpacked 5 miles into the UT wilderness and the “Blizzard of 2020” turned on the elk. I missed a bull. Took 2 days to pack her out thru the deadfall but that’s where the elks were.
73 pound PSE Xpedite Axis 300 camo shaft Wasp Jak-Hammer 1.5 inch. 100 yard recovery.
73 pound PSE Xpedite Axis 300 camo shaft Wasp Jak-Hammer 1.5 inch. 100 yard recovery.
Went two for three on our LE Colorado DIY hunt with my son, daughter, and I. Worked hard for the third one and came close but just could not close the deal for my daughter this year.
3:45 PM yesterday on the last day of a 5 day hunt in the Black Hills of Wyoming. First animal I've shot at with my Hoyt Satori and using 200 grain single bevel Bonehead broadhead. 26 yd shot and he fell in sight after about 100 yds. I'm 71 years old and still get excited after 50 years of bowhunting. I hope to still be after them 10 years from now. Thanks to Kenny Morga and 7J Outfitters for making it possible.
We had a pretty good day on the 26th. My grandfather took this 5x5, the biggest 5x5 we have ever seen. On that same morning, our friend was able to kill his very first archery animal, a nice 6x6 bull. The bulls died 60 yards apart.
Montana 9/25, incredible morning of elk hunting. Got into a herd with over 20 bulls and was able to pick my way through the herd to this guy. Saw all the extra points up top and stopped looking until I could get an arrow in him at 35 yards. Turned out to be a 9x7, blessed to be able to have an experience like that.
My first archery elk from MT General. It nearly killed two old guys getting him out. I'll try to post a story and pictures later as I'm still trying to get unpacked and butcher meat.
30+ mph winds had the elk holed up in small timber pockets. As miserable as the wind was, it covered my sound and movement. Filled my cow tag at 16 yards. She tipped over after 30 yards.
9/29/20 Montana general tag. Felt very blessed to get to come back and finish my hunt this year. Snuck in on a small herd and got in front of them. Shot at 15 yards, recovery 57 yards! Was hunting solo so this is the only photo I got.
First bull with my bow. Day 13 of a 14 day hunt. Held out for a big one, and decided to shoot this guy at 9 yards. Couldn't pass the opportunity. Right through the heart. 40 yard recovery.
1st elk by bow. Walked up on a sleeping bull at 33 yards we didn’t know he was there, he didn’t know we were there. Double lung shot. 40 yard recovery. Medicine bow National Forest Wyoming. Had my 75 year old father standing next to me when it all went down. Happy happy.
Is anyone else noticing the wake of destruction left behind ORarcheryboy???? I wonder if there are any critters left when he leaves an area :) Congrats on an incredible season!
NW Montana 10/3. Didn't hear much bugling this year, but this one was bugling a lot on the morning of the 3rd. My son made a 5 hour drive to help me pack it out. I was glad that he did. The photos are from when we took a break at the flat spot.
Thanks TD! We always get doubted when 3 guys from Hawai’i show up. We try our best to change the locals minds. We have met some great people along the way and made some lasting friends. Even had some ranchers boy help us pack one of the bulls out this year!
I’m with good acquaintances with the lead biologist for that region, and I returned the collar to him today. He said she was part of a batch that was tagged this past winter. He said he’ll give me all the data once he gets back to the office and pulls up the information on the collar. He told me how far some of these elk are ranging out, and it is unbelievable how far elk will travel at times. i’ll post up about it when I get all the details from him. It was pretty cool. I think she was pretty old. She was 100% dry, and her teeth looked ancient. I saved her front teeth to send to the lab to verify it against the data that my fish and game friend gives me. I’ll be posting more info about it once I get all the details back.
Hopefully I don't get flamed too badly. (RIFLE KILL). I run a non-profit that does hunting trips for kids who have suffered a life threatening illness. This is Sean who is battling Leukemia with his dream come true 6x6 in Idaho. Our group is called "Hunting Dreams" and we have amazing sponsors. Ruger gave him a new rifle, Leupold gave him a new scope, rangefinder and bino's. Chick-Fil-A gives him and the crew meals. Cabela's gave him a clothing shopping spree and our organization does all guiding, cooking, meat processing and get him a full shoulder mount to remember his time in GOD's country discovering his "Hunting Dreams" for a lifetime.
Anyone that flames you over this has serious problems. Thank you for what you do. You are changing lives. Congrats to Sean and I pray he beats his illness.
Scott, hell ya man, you guys are helping to ease difficult times by bringing joy to kids & their families not to mention the close relationship you are also building with them. Huge thumbs up sir!
Congrats everyone! Here is my Montana bull from about 4 weeks ago. General tag, first time there, couldn't be happier with the one I found, seven miles back.