Post by: Whip on September 24, 2007, 10:00:00 PM
Four of us had put in as a group for the chance to chase elk in the mountains of northern New Mexico. Joining me on the trip was Norbert Shulz (Beachbowhunter) of San Diego, and two of my longtime hunting partners from home, Wayne Hoffman (Smiley) and Ohne Raasch.
When the draw results were announced in June we had extra motivation to pick up the pace of our workouts. The transition from the low levels of Wisconsin and San Diego to the 10,000+ elevations of New Mexico demands a Wannabe elk hunter get into some semblence of physical condition before heading to the high country.
Wayne, Ohne, and myself loaded the truck and trailer to capacity and hit the highways west on September 13th. In spite of some less than clear directions to our camp, Norbert would eventually rendezvous with us on Friday.
As always, it is good to see the mountains again!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010366.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010454.jpg)
Post by: knife river on September 24, 2007, 10:04:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 24, 2007, 10:13:00 PM
!["[dntthnk]"]("graemlins/dntthnk.gif" "\"\"")
So go ahead Joe :D Brent
Post by: SKYLER W on September 24, 2007, 10:14:00 PM
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 24, 2007, 10:15:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 24, 2007, 10:22:00 PM
Our home for the week was a 16x20 foot canvas wall tent complete with cots and a wood burning stove. First class comfort all the way!
Here's Beachie looking very Californian.....
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010339.jpg)
We arrived in camp a couple of days ahead of time, and had purchased deer tags as well in the hope of finding a mule deer to two to chase prior to the elk opener. Most of our time though was spent trying to locate elk, and talking with hunters who had been hunting the first season. Reports from the field were not very encouraging - the elk weren't bugling, and locating silent animals in such vast terrain is a challenge to say the least.
Post by: Whip on September 24, 2007, 10:48:00 PM
Daylight was still indistinct shades of gray, but through binoculars Trey picked out a leg and a bit of antler just uphill and behind a screen of branches. Quietly backing downhill, Trey set up to call while Norb and I spread out on the flanks. Seductive esterus whines soon brought the raghorn bull down hill on the run. And that was the problem - he came too fast, and blew right by Norbert without stopping to offer a shot.
The bull circled below us, and of course soon had our scent, and the game was over as fast as it had begun. But hey, Norbert's first 20 minutes as an elk hunter, and he nearly had a shot at a bull - that is one heck of a way to start a career!
Post by: Missouri CK on September 24, 2007, 11:30:00 PM
Can't wait to hear about your trip. Pictures look awesome!
Norb always takes the best dressed award or the most stitches award...which ever comes first.
Can't wait to see how this plays out. Remember to pace yourself Whip. I want some good reading material for at least a few days!
Chris
Post by: Steve O on September 25, 2007, 04:47:00 AM
This should be a good story even though it will be told in the dreaded TradGang teeeny, tiny, give them just a little bit begging for more fashion :banghead: :banghead:
Post by: cjones on September 25, 2007, 06:10:00 AM
Post by: smiley on September 25, 2007, 06:33:00 AM
Post by: smiley on September 25, 2007, 07:17:00 AM
Post by: tippit on September 25, 2007, 07:42:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 08:04:00 AM
The hillside we were on was almost entirely aspens, and as the sun crested the eastern slopes it took on a magical feel like we were walking in some sort of enchanted forest.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010414.jpg)
More bugles ahead drew us further along the ridge, around a corner, and into an adjacent canyon. We dropped lower and lower as we went, eventually coming to an edge that dropped off so steeply we decided to take a stand where we were, hoping the herd might feed up to us.
What goes down in these mountains eventually must go back up. There are times in elk country when one must consider not only how you would get yourself back out of a spot, but also just what would happen if luck did shine on you and had to bring an animal the size of an elk back out.
The wind also was wrong at the moment with the morning thermals pulling our scent down toward the sound of the bugles. Soon enough that would change if we were patient, as the sun was quickly warming the slope we sat on listening to the music coming from below.
They were down there somewhere.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010346.jpg)
Post by: rabbitman on September 25, 2007, 08:16:00 AM
Post by: Drew on September 25, 2007, 08:22:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 08:25:00 AM
As the thermals swithed in our favor Trey picked up the pace of the cow calling from behind us. The estrus whines again seemed to ellicite responses from below, but they just didn't seem to be getting any closer. I kept thinking that sooner or later the elk would want to head uphill, and thought if we could just remain patient eventually they might work our way.
Were else in the world would I rather be anyway? To be sitting on a mountainside in the fall, sunlight filtering through aspens, and the sounds of rutting bulls echoing from below. I dream of exactly that all year long, and finally, after 11 long months, I was living it again. I was in no hurry to go anywhere else.
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 08:28:00 AM
I have to apologize here - unfortunately the return from a hunt includes a return to work, and it's that time now. I'll get back to this as soon as I can..... ;)
Post by: Marvin M. on September 25, 2007, 08:32:00 AM
Aren't you back from work yet Whip?
Post by: Shaun on September 25, 2007, 08:43:00 AM
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 25, 2007, 10:11:00 AM
Post by: PaPaFrank on September 25, 2007, 10:23:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 11:34:00 AM
Guys, this was my first time elk hunting and I couldn't have picked a better group of companions. Joe is one heck of a hunter and I can't tell you how much I've learned since meeting him at the Sweat two years ago. What might not come out in his telling of this first, and epic, day of elk hunting is how much the "guide" learned from him.
I'm going to let Joe spin this part of the yarn and chime in like Howard Cosell for color comentary. This is his story to tell.
That first bull, a 4 x4 stepped out from behind a big spruce and stared right past me toward the calls. I said to myself, "hey this elk hunting thing is easy!". Yah, right. He was a little spooked and bolted right past me out of range but, man what a way to start the day!
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 11:42:00 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/NM%20Elk%202007/IMGP2318.jpg)
The real glassing began....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/NM%20Elk%202007/IMGP2326.jpg)
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 11:47:00 AM
It's difficult to appreciate the steepness of this slope from the pictures but believe me, my quads and feet sure could tell.
Post by: Littlefeather on September 25, 2007, 12:16:00 PM
Better check your pack for surprises now that the hunt is over Joe. You may have some surprises in the lower left pocket.
Post by: BigRonHuntAlot on September 25, 2007, 12:18:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2007, 12:34:00 PM
Quote
It's difficult to appreciate the steepness of this slope from the pictures but believe me, my quads and feet sure could tell.Norb.... think what it would have been like if you weren't used to flip flops. ;)
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 12:36:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by smiley:If you didn't use the GI Joe Kung-Fu grip it probably wouldn't have hurt so much! :biglaugh:
One thing I learned on this trip is not to get up in the middle nite to relieve yourself and get caught in middle of a hail strom it hurts. :o
Post by: Tique on September 25, 2007, 12:37:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 12:38:00 PM
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 25, 2007, 12:41:00 PM
Post by: JC on September 25, 2007, 12:44:00 PM
Keep it coming! Loving the pics too. You're doing great Joe, only a little s-l-o-w-e-r ;)
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 01:20:00 PM
Oh yeah.
Nearly two hours after initially setting up above the bugling we were starting to get restless. Norb and Trey strated wrking their way across slope toward me, and I went to meet them. Glancing down as far as I could see I spotted movement far below. A quick check with the binos revealed a bull headed across an opening coming our way. He was still a long ways down there, but at least moving the right direction.
We redeployed in our set ups, with Norb taking the right flank, and I on the left. Trey stayed back 50 or so yards and resumed with the sexy cow talk. The draw below us had a line of trees and brush running up the middle of it, and it wasn't more than a few minutes before I caught movement below. The bull was definately on his way! He was coming in quiet though - Norb and Trey couldn't see him and had no idea what was taking place.
Post by: knife river on September 25, 2007, 01:35:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on September 25, 2007, 01:36:00 PM
I liked your barcolounger recliner set up for glassing elk. Your camo looks good too, except for those white sock....oh I'm sorry those are your legs... my bad. You Wisconsin boys don't see the sun as much as Beachie.
Chris
Post by: Missouri CK on September 25, 2007, 01:37:00 PM
Post by: Marvin M. on September 25, 2007, 01:43:00 PM
What's up with that? :D
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 01:52:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 01:56:00 PM
Just as a reached a point where I was running out of cover, the bull turned and came straight toward me. There was a small tree between us, and he stopped less than 15 yards away. He would have to go one way or the other around it, and either way was fine with me.
I've been in similar situations often enough in the past to know that even at that distance there are too many things that can go wrong. I tried to stay as calm as I could hoping this time would be different, but to be honest I think I was hyperventilating.
The bull started walking slowly to my left. Two more steps would put him at 12 yards broadside, but suddenly he froze and came to full alert. The wind was great, so I don't think he smelled me, but just like that things went from perfect to bad - and an all too familiar feeling of helplessness came over me.
The bull reversed direction and started to head back downhill and out of my life. But as he did so, he cleared the tree between us at just over 20 yards and quartering hard away from me. With barely a thought, my bow was at full draw, and an arrow that looked just like one of mine appeared on his side. Only the fletching was sticking out as he tore his way downhill away from me. The hit was farther back than I wanted, but I hoped against hope that it might have angled forward enough to reach vital organs.
Post by: JC on September 25, 2007, 02:06:00 PM
Post by: Talondale on September 25, 2007, 02:07:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 02:09:00 PM
Post by: swp on September 25, 2007, 02:17:00 PM
Post by: IB on September 25, 2007, 02:21:00 PM
BAD "WHIP"
COLD "WHIP" :banghead: :banghead:
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 02:22:00 PM
I put up my binoculars, but couldn't locate him - probably due to a severe case of the shakes and excitement. As I put the binos down to try to relocate him I just caught a flash of him through the brush - going backwards from where he was standing! Was it my imagination playing tricks or did he tip over backwards? Or had he just spun around and raced back down hill. There was loud crashing and breaking of brush, and I hoped it was caused as he fell, and not just as he ran away. But I couldn't see any more movement to confirm or deny what I hoped.
I knew he was hit hard. But could he have really gone down that fast? With a hit so far back would there be blood to follow? I was sick thinking about the possibilty of a mortally wounded animal tearing away into the deep and thick valley below.
If he really did fall where he last stood there was no need to wait. But if I hadn't seen what I hoped I did going in too soon could be disasterous. All I could do is sit down, wondering and waiting as it all played over and over in my mind.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010347.jpg)
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 02:28:00 PM
As I worked down the slope that familiar barnyard odor hit me again - very strong full in the face. I didn't even bother looking for blood sign and followed my nose to find a bull at rest.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010351.jpg)
Post by: Jim Jackson on September 25, 2007, 02:29:00 PM
Post by: knife river on September 25, 2007, 02:32:00 PM
Post by: hormoan on September 25, 2007, 02:34:00 PM
Brent
Post by: IB on September 25, 2007, 02:34:00 PM
Post by: steadman on September 25, 2007, 02:42:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 02:47:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 02:58:00 PM
Do you think the smile makes me look too happy?
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010367.jpg)
Post by: rabbitman on September 25, 2007, 03:02:00 PM
Post by: Forester on September 25, 2007, 03:04:00 PM
Only about this happy. Congratulations!!
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 03:10:00 PM
And WAY DOWN is right! Now the enormity of the task at hand began to set in. The bull had raced part way down the hill, and fell and slid even further. By some miracle he had come to a stop at the last tree and bush that could have stopped him. Had he not stopped there it would have been at least another hundred yards before anything else would have even begun to slow him down. We were thankful that is where he decided to end the slide.
The pictures cannot really show the steepness of the slope, but trust me - we did NOT want to go down there. And as we tried to move him to a better position for the task at hand he almost took us down with him. Quick work with some rope secured him from making things more difficult than they had to be.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010366.jpg)
Post by: Tim Fishell on September 25, 2007, 03:11:00 PM
Post by: Orion on September 25, 2007, 03:11:00 PM
Post by: Talondale on September 25, 2007, 03:12:00 PM
Post by: JC on September 25, 2007, 03:16:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 03:20:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010362.jpg)
Norbert and Trey worked on quartering the bull while I boned out the meat to lighten the loads. A Tippit knife got a good workout.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010374.jpg)
We anly had daypacks with us at the time, but Norb's had a pouch that folded out and we were able to take out the backstraps and the head on our first trip back. Then we headed back to camp for full packframes for the work ahead.
Trey had made arrangements with a local cowboy to pack out any animals we might get, but this was on Sunday, and the cowboy had left for the weekend. We were on our own. I have never worked so hard in my life - 1 1/2 miles from the truck, and the first 1/2 was straight uphill. Treys advice was good - don't look at the top - just look at the next three steps you need to take and then look at the next three. Repeat until you reach the truck.
It was full dark by the time we reached the truck with the last load. We were bone tired, but even as we hurt and complained, a satisfaction set in knowing we had done it on our own and earned every ounce of meat. I couldn't thank Norb and Trey enough for the help they gave so willingly.
Post by: vermonster13 on September 25, 2007, 03:23:00 PM
Post by: Herdbull on September 25, 2007, 03:26:00 PM
Mike
Post by: Kevin L. on September 25, 2007, 03:27:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 03:38:00 PM
I was carrying a Badlands 2200 that has what they call a "meat shelf". It comes out of the bottom and has straps that clip up near the top. The side "batwing" straps help hold the meat steady. Coupled with the internal frame, I thought that it worked pretty well and was comfortable. Finally, a gimmick that works!
Post by: ksbowman on September 25, 2007, 03:57:00 PM
Post by: Ted Fry on September 25, 2007, 04:40:00 PM
Way to go man , nice bull and thanks for sharing the story and pics.
Post by: John Scifres on September 25, 2007, 04:56:00 PM
Post by: Steve O on September 25, 2007, 04:58:00 PM
:thumbsup:
Now, knowing you, you turned into "THE" guide and helped everybody else in camp, soooooooooooo,
GET ON WITH THE REST OF THE STORY :biglaugh:
Post by: IB on September 25, 2007, 05:51:00 PM
There were 4 of youns on that Adventure "What Say They"
Plus "WHAT DIDYA EAT"
Give up the REST OF THE STORY......COOL WHIP"o" :goldtooth: :goldtooth:
Post by: doug77 on September 25, 2007, 05:52:00 PM
Doug77
Post by: Tique on September 25, 2007, 06:12:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 06:23:00 PM
It was quite windy and we put a tarp over the wall tent as it had developed a few leaks...
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/NM%20Elk%202007/IMGP2330.jpg)
The weather was starting to roll in and it changed from....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/NM%20Elk%202007/IMGP2327.jpg)
To....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v306/beachbowhunter/NM%20Elk%202007/IMGP2329.jpg)
..pretty quickly.
Our camp was at about 10,000 feet. That night we had an awesome front come through with lightning and thunder that felt like it was inside the tent. We kept joking about whether the tent frame or the cots were conductive and if we would fry. As the front passed by we had a huge dump of hail that caught Smiley..er.. with his hands full. :rolleyes:
Post by: Shaun on September 25, 2007, 06:56:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 07:08:00 PM
We had bear chili made by Smiley, some boar brats and Italian white beans by me, some gumbo that Joe brought...lots of good WI cheese and of course some CA vino....steaks and taters the first night from Trey...
Does that work for you Vance??!!
Post by: IB on September 25, 2007, 07:21:00 PM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 25, 2007, 07:35:00 PM
By 9am or so, we had made it to the top of one ridge and were glassing. We heard the bugles of a couple of hunters on top of a rock ledge off to the northeast. To our amazement we heard a return bugle from the ridge to the south. They were in no position to follow up so we did.
We dropped to the bottom of the valley and crossed a stream (I think Joe has a pic of this)and headed up the slope. This ridge was interesting. The base had thick aspens and we found two beautiful bowls that in a dry year would be great wallow ambush spots. However, there was tons of water this year and the ground was still wet from the night storm. The aspens were on ground that wasn't too steep. However, they ran up to a sheer wall that looked like a dead end.
Post by: Ray Hammond on September 25, 2007, 07:48:00 PM
Post by: DW on September 25, 2007, 08:36:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 09:01:00 PM
Post by: SOS on September 25, 2007, 10:00:00 PM
Post by: Missouri CK on September 25, 2007, 10:01:00 PM
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! I'm proud of your determination and sprit. You have paid your dues and learned how to hunt elk over the last several trips. I believe good things come to good people in time. You are one of the good guys in the this world and I sure am happy for you.
That picture of you sitting down after the shot is worth a thousand words. Adrenaline, exhaustion, and happiness all rolled into one! Great picture Norb.
Chris
Post by: BSBD on September 25, 2007, 10:11:00 PM
I went with 2 first time bowhunters and 1 shot a mulie at the bottom and the other shot a cow elk.
After packing those 2 out I didn't even want to walk down there again much less have to pack another animal out.
I've hunted the Gila and Jemez since but am looking forward to another Northern NM elk hunt if I can only draw.
Dave
Post by: Whip on September 25, 2007, 10:43:00 PM
Now Norb, what about that steep hillside you were about to climb??
Post by: knife river on September 25, 2007, 10:50:00 PM
That area looks fabulous. Lots of broken terrain, big elevation changes, water, big stands of aspen... my idea of classic elk country.
Post by: tippit on September 25, 2007, 10:59:00 PM
Post by: kctreeman on September 25, 2007, 11:33:00 PM
Post by: cjones on September 26, 2007, 01:14:00 AM
Post by: tradtusker on September 26, 2007, 05:09:00 AM
To me there is realy nothing better than hunting with good friends in such a beautifull place, you earned every last bit of that success, a big congrats from everyone here with me on the other side of the world!
cheers
Andy
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 26, 2007, 08:02:00 AM
What kind a broadhead did you use... maybe I missed it in your story.
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 08:13:00 AM
Wensel Woodsman broadhead with brass inserts on Carbonwood 4000's. About 265 grains up front, and total I think was around 610 grains. Bow was a Robertson Vison Falcon TD that I picked up here on the classifieds. 57# @ 29".
I also forgot to mention what I think was the special secert to success - Limb bolts I received as a gift from Sticshooter and Shell.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/P1010302.jpg)
Post by: Marvin M. on September 26, 2007, 08:20:00 AM
Love those limb bolts.
Post by: Charlie Lamb on September 26, 2007, 08:24:00 AM
Post by: JC on September 26, 2007, 08:45:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 08:58:00 AM
Since the arrow entered so far back it did go through some "unpleasant" organs on its way, and the inside was a little "messy". That wouldn't narmally stop me by itself, but we were really concerned about the meat and the increasing heat of the day so we took off to retreive pack frames as soon as we had everything bagged up. I do think what happened inside was pretty devestating though. With only the back 5 inches of the arrow sticking out just in front of the hip I'm guessing that as he ran away each time he brought his rear leg forward he was working that arrow back and forth inside and it just tore him apart. Sometimes good things can happen even when the shot placement is less than ideal.
Post by: AnointedArcher on September 26, 2007, 09:08:00 AM
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on September 26, 2007, 10:30:00 AM
Post by: mmgrode on September 26, 2007, 11:33:00 AM
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 26, 2007, 11:52:00 AM
Let's just say that the hydraulic pressure from the elk lying down on a 60 degree slope pushing on the entry hole cause some interesting carving... :o
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 26, 2007, 12:01:00 PM
Chris, it was fun to watch Joe squirm while we waited to follow up on his bull. While we were sitting in the aspens, Trey says "where would you rather be than in an aspen forrest on such a day" and a second later a group of elk runs by about 60 yards up slope of us. Several cows and a couple of spikes. Priceless!
Post by: StephenR on September 26, 2007, 12:05:00 PM
Now Norb....You didn't cut your finger on this trip but did you spill some ?????
Stephen
Post by: joe vt on September 26, 2007, 12:10:00 PM
Congrats Joe!!
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 26, 2007, 12:21:00 PM
We decided to see where the upward trending trail would take us. It was steep, muddy and had very fresh hoof prints showing an upward climb. Maybe it was the bull we'd heard coming in...
Post by: bohuntr on September 26, 2007, 01:04:00 PM
Dan Fox
"That is cool Dan! Way to go! The fact you did it your way, with your recurve and holding out for a good bull makes it even that much sweeter. I hope someday to feel what you must be feeling right now. Thanks for sharing."
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 02:32:00 PM
Post by: bentpole on September 26, 2007, 03:54:00 PM
Post by: Joseph on September 26, 2007, 04:48:00 PM
Post by: Glenn Carl on September 26, 2007, 07:26:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 11:00:00 PM
In the meantime, here are some more pictures from our hunt.
Rain on the way
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010422.jpg)
Didn't stop me from hunting though
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010419.jpg)
And after it passes, the lighting was terrific!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010424.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010430.jpg)
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 11:19:00 PM
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010348.jpg)
Smiley
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010416.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010439.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010409.jpg)
Post by: vermonster13 on September 26, 2007, 11:21:00 PM
Post by: Ray Hammond on September 26, 2007, 11:24:00 PM
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 11:24:00 PM
Joe, Ohne, and Smiley
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010450.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010438.jpg)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/CopyP1010432.jpg)
Post by: Whip on September 26, 2007, 11:29:00 PM
Post by: Al Kidner on September 27, 2007, 03:38:00 AM
Thanks for the time spent telling the story and posting all the fine pics of that wonderful country side.
Hopefully that Tippit knife will get a work out here in Oz one day.
regards,
A.K.
Post by: ChristopherO on September 27, 2007, 11:57:00 AM
Seems like elk like to die on the steepest slope. Did the offal go sloshing down the hill when you finally cut it free? Or did you debone with out distrubing it?
Post by: Whip on September 27, 2007, 12:27:00 PM
Even in death that bull got the last laugh! :rolleyes:
Post by: beachbowhunter on September 27, 2007, 01:01:00 PM
.....anywho...Joe and I followed up the slick, steep trail, sometimes on all fours. There was fresh sign everywhere and the aroma of a bull snuck in and out on the breeze.
We got to the top of the ridge, probably around 10:30 or so. Sun was up strong. We stopped for a snack and to let our feet settle down. This late in the morning and after probably 3 or 4 miles of hunting we were thinking that the morning was about played out. For fun, we both let loose with our best bugles. I think I got you beat there Joe! :goldtooth:
We chose our return path to camp (one was steep, the other long). We chose the long way. We walked slowly along the ridgetop generally toward camp which was relatively open with some aspens and more spruce. We had the breeze in our favor and we'd walked a 100 yards or so and both stopped dead in our tracks. STRONG elk aroma filled our nostrils.
I set up about 30 yards ahead of Joe, kneeling at the base of a big spruce with juniper bushes at the base. There was an open passage that passed in front of me in both directions. Joe let out a couple of estrus whines and within seconds the sound of galloping hooves came from my left.
I couldn't believe my eyes as a beautiful 6x6 came roaring in to about 15 yards and stopped with only his head and shoulders exposed behind a large spruce. His head was raised, eyes bugged out and nostrils flaring. He cautiously stepped out into an open shooting lane. I had about 5 yards of space before he would pass behind another tree. I made the slightest movement to try to bring my bow up from my knee as he neared broadside. He caught the movement and turned inside out and bolted back about 10 yards between two spruce trees. DAMN!
Post by: sticshooter on September 27, 2007, 07:27:00 PM
Post by: Littlefeather on September 28, 2007, 06:47:00 AM
Grat job Joe! Really happy for you! CK
Post by: JC on September 28, 2007, 09:43:00 AM
Post by: Whip on September 28, 2007, 11:03:00 AM
We had lunch in the local diner, and stopped to fill up with gas. While standing at the pumps a guy approached us and asked about Trad Gang. Norb had his TG shirt on, and stopped to visit. I wish I would have written down his name, because it escapes me now. He said he checks in here often but doesn't post very much. I hope he sees this and says hello! :wavey:
Post by: Whip on September 28, 2007, 11:30:00 AM
Continuing on, a spike was spotted feeding just ahead, and we backed off to try a set up. I'm not sure whether he spotted us before we set up, or maybe a wind swirl gave us away, but we never saw him again.
Finally splitting up, I went low with Smiley, while Ohne and Norb took the high side. Within a few hundred yards Smiley again spotted a bull feeding just below him. I backed off to get Smiley between me and the animal, set up a Montana decoy, and began calling. Within 5 minutes, here he came, sneaking in silently!
Everything looked perfect except for one very major detail - in his approach to within sight of the decoy he had circled downwind. The closest he got to Smiley was probably 50-60 yards before backing out and walking out of our lives. Dang again!
Post by: Whip on September 28, 2007, 11:40:00 AM
I think the only thing holding Ohne back from trying traditional gear is his fear of the possibility of wounding an animal. I have full respect for his position, but I have encouraged him to give it a try and simply just make sure to limit his effective range. I know he would be fine and very succesful if he does try, and I really think eventually he will. But that is a decision only he can make, and he will do it when he is ready.
In any case, his ethics and hunting ability are what make him a great partner, and I am happy to share a camp with him regardless of what he choses to carry.
Post by: smoke1953 on September 29, 2007, 11:00:00 AM
Post by: snag on September 29, 2007, 05:13:00 PM