I am sitting on a bunch of preference points for elk. As I wanted to learn the area and just picking up Trad archery 3 years ago, I applied 2nd choice for a spike tag for a top unit in Oregon.
Preseason scouting and trail cams showed promise.
(http://i.imgur.com/2dfgwmv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/hgRt4lj.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/XQNtCCL.jpg)
I decided a tree stand was warranted and set about getting one in place.I decided on a location with water close by.
(http://i.imgur.com/DduBB6T.jpg)
I planned to use my Raptor Archery longbow that Ted Fry had built for me ....specs are 55# at 32 inches. Arrows are Carbon Express 350's full length with a WW head. I added 100 grains of Gold Tip weights threaded into the insert for a total weight of 673 grains.
(http://i.imgur.com/yVyDyTq.jpg)
Opening weekend came and went with a couple of close calls, but no shot opportunities. Was back up the following Wednesday for 5 days. Lots of sign aroud along with some beautiful scenery.
(http://i.imgur.com/pzrx0ML.jpg)
Hunting partner carrying training wheels.
(http://i.imgur.com/PWeCfBR.jpg)
It seemed the elk had almost completely quit my stand site. However I was determined and sat a few evenings.
Finally had a spike come straight in catching me off guard and on my butt. Ten minutes at ten yards and only a frontal look. Finally turned and "I couldn't draw" due to an awkward angle. The bull sees me and bolts. A serious low at this point, as I can't seem to kill one, even having the drop.
That evening and next day I got a couple of "pick me up" phone calls to get my head squared away. It helped.
More beautiful scenery and bugling bulls, but no close encounters.
(http://i.imgur.com/Qtb2Vlw.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/SW5Eqid.jpg)
Decided next morning to hunt a ridge that had some activity. Park at the gate before dawn and all is quiet. Hike 2/3 of a mile and finally hear a bull sound off. :pray: .
Start getting close and can see two different branch bulls that are satellites. Oh oh...busted at 60 yards. Hunker down and he moves off. By this time the main group is in world war 3 mode. Bulls screaming....brush breaking! Appears to be 6-8 fighting for herd dominance and cows. I am into this group for two hours trying to find a spike with big bulls 50-60 yards away trying to kill each other. An adrenaline rush to say the least.
Oh no....busted by another satellite bull....hunker down till he moves off. Moving with the herd as they fight over cows . Hour and a half into it...finally see a spike. He is just feeding amongst the chaos. Starts moving my way....30 yards, too much brush. 25 yards, this may happen. Along comes a 310ish 6 point pushing two cows and another spike! The big bull gooses the cows who goose my spike right thru my window, but the other spike right into it! Switch over to 2nd spike, head goes behind tree....I draw, as he steps out, let it go. :goldtooth:
Cover about 50 yards...slowly. Looking around....whats that? Looks like elk belly?
(http://i.imgur.com/nCTCew4.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/0Rus8T5.jpg)
Walk up to my first archery/trad bull. Very excited. :) The Wensel woodsman did it's job! Thank you Lord!
This truly was one of the most exciting things I've done. Now if I can just cash in next year when I draw the big bull tag.
Thanks for following along. This is the first long post with pics.
Scott.
Awesome congrats
Great story and nice first bull. Good eating for sure.
Congrats on your Elk, It sounds lke you experienced a scene few ever get to. It must have been an awesome experience...
Way to go Scott... :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Way to go!
Congrats,
Bisch
Very cool way to go congrats
Congratulations Scott. Thanks for sharing your story with us!
Congrats and thanks for sharing.
Great work. Congratulations!
Great Scott, cant wait for next fall and I havent finished yet with this one.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats Scott!
Congratulations Scott! :thumbsup:
Great job Scott ... nice shoot'n
Good job sir, congrats.
That is so awesome! Way to go sir!
That is cool. Congrats
Thanks everyone. Hopefully next year I can cash in on a big bull when I draw the tag of a lifetime.