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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 01:40:00 PM

Title: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 01:40:00 PM: As most know last year I finally connected on a big bull elk here in UT after 26 years of elk hunting. Dream come true!!

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160727_054940_zpspwduvcoi.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160727_054940_zpspwduvcoi.jpg.html)

This year there were no special tags drawn, and like normal would be hunting elk with the masses. My philosophy as of the last few years is; hunt harder during the season, work harder during the offseason, and stay positive. It seems to be working.

This year started with some recon and getting to some areas that other hunters would avoid. I found a great area with some great trails and put up a camera. Here are some results.

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/MDGC0198_zps3vxx0ao7.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/MDGC0198_zps3vxx0ao7.jpg.html)

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/MDGC0166_zpslrnn7cei.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/MDGC0166_zpslrnn7cei.jpg.html)

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/MDGC0263_zps3xi9jqix.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/MDGC0263_zps3xi9jqix.jpg.html)

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/STC_0734_zpslvfehxej.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/STC_0734_zpslvfehxej.jpg.html)

I didn't have a deer tag for this unit, but any elk was fair game.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: MnFn on September 04, 2016, 01:46:00 PM: Congratulations! I am on year 5 with bow and no success yet. Unfortunately for me I think time has about run out. I don't think my knees can take back packing any more.

So I celebrate with all who get it done with trad gear!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 01:47:00 PM: Opening weekend came and only a couple of elk were seen from my stand. I also found that I wasn't as alone as id thought and saw 5 different hunters on that day. But its UT and usually after the opener people get discouraged and stop going as far.

I have a very busy schedule now and was only able to get a couple days off. So last week I got out from Thurs to Sun.

I had a group of cows and calves headed to my stand on Thurs morning, but the wind was bad and they winded me at 50 yards and eexited stage right. I relocated my stand to get a more favorable wind and sat the next 3 days. This was all I saw.

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/20160825_074923_zpsju49geyx.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160825_074923_zpsju49geyx.jpg.html)

Of course he hung around for over an hour under 20 yards but with no tag I just enjoyed being that close for so long.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Steve O on September 04, 2016, 01:51:00 PM: I like the title of this post. Looking forward to the rest. Love to see success for one of the good guys :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 02:02:00 PM: I knew I would be able to get out Labor day weekend for a couple sits, but that would be it for the year. I kept reminding myself it only takes one. One elk in range makes the year.

After a Fri night football game (the Ty in my tag line is now 6' 2" 180 and plays d end for his hs varsity football team), I made it to my camp at 12:30. After a couple hours of sleep I hiked up to my stand in the pitch black. I only heard one bugle, the rut seems to be slow starting this year.

Watching the mountain wake up was worth it, as always. I thought about the conversation with my Dad the week prior. How I wanted to kill an elk even more this year, to prove to myself that shooting one last year wasn't a fluke deal.

I looked up the hill to see a couple cow elk feeding about a hundred yards away. I figurede they wouldn't be coming my way but got ready. They kept feeding and being elk. Then the lead cow decided to move my way. Facing toward me all the way down I had no shot. She stopped and tested the wind. I could still feel it on my face so no worries.

After a minute she turned left. I started to tense and draw, but realized she was slightly quartering too. I let down my quarter draw. She then turned a bit more and I went on auto pilot. I hit my anchor and that cutthroat tipped axis was jn the exact spot I was looking at.

She bolted but stopped 30 yards away. Not knowing what happened. Then she tipped over! Just like that! I have never witnessed a quicker kill. Honestly 5 seconds from the shot she was down. I sat down in my stand, thanked the Good Lord for this blessing and shook. Blessed beyond measure!!

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160903_202401_zps3kuuz2lv.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_20160903_202401_zps3kuuz2lv.jpg.html)

Giving respect and thanks

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_083715_HDR_zpsmk6vfylr.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_083715_HDR_zpsmk6vfylr.jpg.html)
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 02:05:00 PM: The packout was a good one. W miles to the truck and 6 decided to do it in 2 trips. That last load was heavy!! 2 front quarters and a hind quarter.

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_131810_HDR_zps3ss3141z.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_131810_HDR_zps3ss3141z.jpg.html)

I had to leave the bones in due to how bad the yellow jackets were this year!! I've never seen them this bad!!

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_1353562_zpsyjrml7cz.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_1353562_zpsyjrml7cz.jpg.html)
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 02:09:00 PM: Thanks for tagging along. Good luck to everyone this year!!!!

(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_083059_zps2j4x0hiw.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20160903_083059_zps2j4x0hiw.jpg.html)

Now I have a deer tag to go fill :)

My set up was a Stalker Jackal with the new 64 inch limbs (not a problem in the treestand) 52#@31, a easton axis trad (sorry Bob and Steve haha) and a RMSGear Cutthroat broadhead.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Eric Sprick on September 04, 2016, 02:13:00 PM: Outstanding!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: kennym on September 04, 2016, 02:14:00 PM: Excellent Ryan!! Go get that deer! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: EWill on September 04, 2016, 02:21:00 PM: Congrats, I enjoy reading about elk hunting as much as just about anything. I've been elk hunting once and it has stuck with me. A great time even with tag soup at the end. Congratulations again.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: on September 04, 2016, 02:28:00 PM: Awesome! I guess if it took you 26 yrs to get that bull I can't complain about being 0-3 so far (no shots taken on 3 hunts)!

Congrats!

Bisch
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Crittergetter on September 04, 2016, 02:37:00 PM: Congrats. Great hunt! Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Chain2 on September 04, 2016, 02:37:00 PM: Congratulations !! We leave Wed. Nothing like it. Nicely done.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: graybark uk on September 04, 2016, 02:38:00 PM: brilliant job , maybe one day :campfire:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: jamesh76 on September 04, 2016, 02:49:00 PM: good stuff! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Roy from Pa on September 04, 2016, 02:52:00 PM: Congrats...
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: ron w on September 04, 2016, 02:55:00 PM: :clapper: :clapper: Outstanding :clapper:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: shankspony on September 04, 2016, 03:13:00 PM: Fantastic!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: KSshrewman on September 04, 2016, 03:50:00 PM: Congrats Ryan. Well earned!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Steve O on September 04, 2016, 04:07:00 PM: Hah. I'm even more jealous now. I could use a freezer full of primo cow elk right now. I'll send you a PM.

Great job and god luck with the deer!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Stickbow on September 04, 2016, 04:11:00 PM: Way to go!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: ksbowman on September 04, 2016, 05:47:00 PM: Great job Ryan! Great to see you having good luck. Hope to see you again someday!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: wingnut on September 04, 2016, 06:14:00 PM: Congrats! Now start getting ready for three in a row. It's a big accomplishment to take one elk, two in a row is just great.

Mike
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Carcajou on September 04, 2016, 06:26:00 PM: Fantastic Stead!! Way to get it done!! Yee Ha
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Hopewell Tom on September 04, 2016, 06:47:00 PM: Great story, well done!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Elksong on September 04, 2016, 06:59:00 PM: Congrats Steadman!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Jwilliam on September 04, 2016, 07:19:00 PM: Congrats Ryan !!! :clapper:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 04, 2016, 07:30:00 PM: Thanks everyone!! Blessed beyond measure for sure!!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: SC Bowhunter on September 04, 2016, 07:38:00 PM: Congrats Ryan!
Good luck with the deer.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: CRM_95 on September 04, 2016, 08:03:00 PM: Congrats!! Great story.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Keith Zimmerman on September 04, 2016, 08:10:00 PM: Way to go buddy! Congrats. Did your dad make it out yet?
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Cwilder on September 04, 2016, 08:38:00 PM: Congrats man
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: monterey on September 04, 2016, 08:54:00 PM: Well done, and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: KSdan on September 04, 2016, 09:13:00 PM: Perfect. . . and FAR more important to be at the game then hunting!!!! Congrats. What a gift.

Dan in KS
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Tim on September 04, 2016, 09:19:00 PM: Good things happen to good people! Congrats buddy!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: tracker12 on September 04, 2016, 09:28:00 PM: Great stuff. Congrats. Just tip. Add a small bottle of Chile powder in your kill kit. Spread it all around the kill site and on the meat. Fly's and hornets will stay away.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on September 04, 2016, 09:52:00 PM: Congrats Ryan!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: kennyb on September 04, 2016, 10:10:00 PM: Way to go Ryan! She's a true trophy and a beauty at that! Congratulations!

Kenny :clapper:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: RC on September 04, 2016, 11:45:00 PM: Outstanding Sir. Congrats. RC
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: CoachBGriff on September 05, 2016, 12:39:00 AM: Congrats! Thanks for sharing.

What's the deal with the bones in due to yellow jackets?
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Hud on September 05, 2016, 01:17:00 AM: Very nice, congratulations
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Michael Arnette on September 05, 2016, 01:21:00 AM: Good work! Outstanding bull too!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Tater on September 05, 2016, 07:24:00 AM: Ryan, congrats no one is more deserving.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Steve Jr on September 05, 2016, 07:37:00 AM: Congrats Ryan :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Broken Arrows on September 05, 2016, 07:42:00 AM: Congrats.... Elk opens on the 10th here, Can't wait.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: joe ashton on September 05, 2016, 09:03:00 AM: Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: rastaman on September 05, 2016, 10:13:00 AM: Way to go sir! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Basinboy on September 05, 2016, 09:25:00 PM: Nice! Congrats to you sir
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Kopper1013 on September 05, 2016, 09:48:00 PM: Congrats I would be pumped
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Possum Head on September 05, 2016, 09:54:00 PM: :clapper:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: twitchstick on September 06, 2016, 01:04:00 AM: Way to go! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Dan Landis on September 06, 2016, 06:34:00 AM: Congrats, and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: adkmountainken on September 06, 2016, 06:38:00 AM: awesome congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Ray Lyon on September 06, 2016, 06:38:00 AM: Congratulations. Yellow jackets are aggressive here in Northern Michigan this year.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 06, 2016, 06:46:00 AM: Congrats again buddy!!! Hard work pays off for those that know what there doing and you've got this now. :thumbsup: :archer:

Good luck with the mule deer and sure wish I was there with you.

Tracy
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: wooddamon1 on September 06, 2016, 07:51:00 AM: Congrats! Good luck with the deer!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: maineac on September 06, 2016, 08:43:00 AM: Congratulations, that is great!!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Fritz on September 06, 2016, 09:06:00 AM: Awesome bro! Congrats on some fine meat! :clapper:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Mud_Slide_Slim on September 06, 2016, 09:34:00 AM: Congratulations on a fine hunt! Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: rjackson on September 06, 2016, 11:18:00 AM: Congrats... Nice animal.

Randy
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Mike Faith on September 06, 2016, 01:28:00 PM: Congrats and thank you for sharing! the #1 thing I miss about my native Arizona is elk country!! Hope Missouri will offer a season in the future...
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: huntnmuleys on September 06, 2016, 02:33:00 PM: Sweet! Way to work.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Joeabowhunter on September 06, 2016, 06:45:00 PM: Congratulations. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Warden609 on September 06, 2016, 07:18:00 PM: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Thumper Dunker on September 07, 2016, 02:06:00 AM: Way to go. Good job getting it done.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: just_a_hunter on September 07, 2016, 05:47:00 AM: Now that my friend is an awesome hunt! Love it!

Todd
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: steadman on September 07, 2016, 09:28:00 AM: Thanks guys! Good tip with the chili powder I will try it. I was getting swarmed, litterally by those little devils, so I didn't take the time to debone the quarters like I usually do. Good luck everyone!!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Blueridge on September 07, 2016, 09:47:00 AM: A blessing for sure. congrats on a great hunt and write up. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Mike Vines on September 07, 2016, 11:01:00 AM: Fantastic Ryan. That will be some good eating and you are now on a "Streak".
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: 4dogs on September 07, 2016, 11:28:00 AM: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: LITTLEBIGMAN on September 07, 2016, 11:35:00 AM: Well done Ryan , You deserve it.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: elkken on September 07, 2016, 10:15:00 PM: Congrats Ryan ... well done, enjoy the good meals
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: doubleo on September 07, 2016, 10:43:00 PM: Congrats on the hard earned Elk! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Matty on September 07, 2016, 11:02:00 PM: NICE RYAN! Many congratulations! Hard work pays off, you are blessed!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Oregon Okie on September 08, 2016, 12:35:00 AM: Congrats Ryan. I moved to S. Cal so I'm missing all the good stuff this year. Good to see you got into them again this year. The yellowjackets were bad in Oregon too.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: mangonboat on September 08, 2016, 05:58:00 PM: Great hunt and excellent hunting! You must have done everything right because it sounds like that cow never knew what happened to her.
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Montanawidower on September 08, 2016, 10:57:00 PM: Congrats
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: John146 on September 08, 2016, 11:07:00 PM: So happy for you Ryan!!!
Title: Re: It wasn't a fluke an elk hunt
Post by: Pryor on September 09, 2016, 09:47:00 AM: Awesome post. Great pictures, and great shot. I find that the shot matters more to me than the horns. Those lead cows can be harder to kill than bulls. I have been out a couple of times with no opportunities yet. I will be shooting the first elk that gives me a good shot.