What a great 12 days in the high country. I have just returned and this well be a little slow. I have not had to tell an elk hunting story more than a few days long in a while.
I arived in camp on the 31st with my Dad and good friend Wayne. Another hunting buddy would arrive the next day.
I have to upload some more pics and meet up with a friend. I have lots to tell though. It was a year of great experiance.
I will leave you with this for now.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0958.jpg)
:bigsmyl: :coffee:
Tracy
:campfire: Gorgeous!
:bigsmyl:
Wow!
That is a picture worth saving.
Thank you!
God bless,Mudd
:campfire:
Now we're getting there! Beautiful start!
Benjy
Randy, I drew a gator tag this year for SC! :bigsmyl:
Dang Randy! I'm getting the feeling your going to milk this one out, and I'm headed for the mountains in two days. You wouldn't leave me hanging would ya'? :help: :notworthy: :clapper:
:campfire:
Tap-tap-tap
:campfire: :campfire: :campfire: :campfire: :campfire: :campfire:
I'm heading back on the mountain tomorrow, Randy. Why don't you show me what a dead elk looks like??
Oh yeah.....this is going to be a good one! :thumbsup:
:campfire: :campfire: I'm thinking this ought to be good!
Looking forward to the tale...! Heading back up to the High Country myself on Friday.
:campfire:
Opening day started with a short hunt. Right off the get go I was seeing elk and making a plan in my head for the evening and days to follow. I found one big bull I thought I was close enough to make a stalk on and went to work. I got within 40 yards but that was all I could do. I got a couple of Blues on the way back to camp and cooked them up while waiting for my Dad and Wayne to return and our friend to arrive.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0405.jpg)
Once Kendel arrived we went to work putting together our home away from home.
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This graces the trail out of camp
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(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0930.jpg)
Wonder if the elk are getting tuned up.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSC_0412.jpg)
Love the horseshoe Randy! And the camp picture make me nostalgic.
To make a long story short this was probably the most physically demanding year I have ever put in elk hunting the high country. The elk were in big groups lots of eyes. The winds were continually in the 30MPH range. Anyone familiar with the high country knows that makes it hard to hunt and swirling winds tend to clue the elk in before you can close the gap.
This big bull and his cows were 300 yards from the closest tree when I found them.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0856.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0855.jpg)
There were big bulls a plenty though and I had managed to make many stalks into the less than 30 range. I will tell you about a couple.
LESSON LEARNED
On the evening of the second I found a cow, calf and 300" six point in a small valley. I had to make a huge loop to get the wind even close to in favor and closed the gap. When I approached the area they were feeding I could find only the cow and calf. It was nearly 30 mins before the bull showed himself I slowly narrowed the distance to 22 yards. Remember that wind I told you about, it's about to teach me a lesson. He quartered away and I drew to anchor, the wind was blowing my bow arm around so bad I let down. Again I drew held and again I had to let down unable to stay on target. The third attempt I drew and let my frustration win. I rushed the shot during a lull in the wind and sailed my arrow over his back. My lesson learned was to be patient wait for the moment and don't let the wind push you around so to speak.
The next few days brought many close calls but never could make the connection. The bugling started out strong and tapered down fast as the week progressed. I put on 10-25 miles a day. One morning I was with Wayne and we had a bull bugling right above us. We set up and made our approach. Just as we closed in on the bugling bull a five point cut us off and halted our stalk. I passed the opportunity on the smaller bull as I was sure the lager bull would soon show himself. As time ticked on the 5 point wised up and barked. All elk hunters know the dreaded bark and all was done.
That night I covered some new area and also developed a lot of pain in my Achilles tendon on my left leg. I took the next morning off the rest, not wanting to ruin the whole hunt. I spent a long time on the practice target not wanting to repeat what had occurred a few days prior. Leaving camp around noon proved a wise choice for only a few miles down the trail I was seeing elk. Cows were up and no bulls with them. This is exactly what I like to find.
I spend a lot of time in the binos while hunting this country and it has often paid off. This day I found 340+ bull coming off a ridge below me. Given his direction and my knowledge of the area I knew he was headed for a wallow hidden in the timber ¾ of a mile below me. I quickly ran down the hill careful to avoid the groups of cows and set up for a stalk. I hoped I could beat him there but I was a little late. He was laying right in the wallow facing away. With dry conditions stalking in the timber was tough but I made my approach as quiet as I could. There as one large tree right on the wallow this covered my movements. With the wind as it was I was not going to be able to approach for a shot. I would have to get close and wait for him to get up and present an opportunity. I closed the gap to ten yards. Literally only a tree between him and I. For an hour I waited only able to see his left antler and ear. Tearing into the silence with a bugle almost making me drop my bow I knew he was getting up. I readied as he rose and drew my bow. Two steps either right or left and I will have a clear shooting lane. One step was all he took I have never in my life held my bow at full draw that long. Finally he looked away I let down. As he began to move I drew again. Then as hunting goes he turned and walked straight away into the timber never offering a shot. An HOUR ten yards my heart raced for two more.
Looks a GP Medium army tent for a base camp, They are a excellent camp. Brings back good memory's!
Great pics looking forward to more!
Tracy
great pics! enjoying the story as well
Later that night I made another stalk on the same bull. This time I was busted by a familiar five point as he was chased away by the larger bull and ended up downwind of me, again he started his warning barks. Later in the evening as dark approached I closed in on another group. Spending two hours inside 100 yards and twice having the heard bull under 30 I could never get a comfortable shot. What a day hunting elk in the wilderness though. I light footed back to camp sore from climbing tired from running and excited about what tomorrow might hold.
As the sun rose the next morning I was with my Dad and Wayne, the morning was quiet and the elk had wandered to bed early that day it seemed. We returned to camp cooked up some bacon and eggs and again I left about noon.
Great story so far. those elk pics through the spotting scope are truly awesome! thanks for posting
At somewhere around one I approached one of my favorite vantage points in the area. With my Swarovski's glued to my eyes I began scouring the country side. It was not long before I started finding elk. Some far some farther most bedded in the sun as the often do. I decided on a group way up in a middle canyon. This wind was right from where I was and I had seen a good bull with this group the day before. It was two miles from where I was to where they were in a straight line so walking briskly I headed towards them. Just as I was nearing their location guess who I find. Yes the mentally unstable overly alert five point that had been giving me trouble all week. My approach again was block as he was bedded in an area I knew he would wind me before I could get past him.
It is common when after a heard bull to have to bypass a satellite or two and even to have to bump them back out of the way. This one was wise to my ways but I knew I had to try to get him out of there if I was going to get any closer.
Center in this picture is where he was bedded under the tallest tree.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0911.jpg)
Used the tree he laid under for cover and approached his location. I could not believe it when I got to the creek 20 yards away he was still there. I crawled up to the tree and slowly moved around it.
He was laying just in from of the large rock ten yards away.
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(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0910.jpg)
I thought to myself sometimes you're given a gift this is one you should take. Ten yards a clear shot on a bull that had been a nemesis all week. I drew to anchor and made myself hold it for a second as picked my spot just above his leg I tensed my back and let the arrow fly. He sprung to his feet and sprinted only a few yards. Before the stumbling started in forty yards my 2012 elk was down. Though not my biggest bull I was very excited.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0873.jpg)
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Congrats! Fine looking but you got there! Thanks for sharing!
As others will attest it's a lot of work once they hit the ground. Skinning, quartering and boning an elk alone is no easy feat.
The tools of the job
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0896.jpg)
I packed most of the meat that day about half way to camp and brought one bag all the way to camp that night.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0904.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0906.jpg)
The FMJ and Stinger Combo did the trick
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0900.jpg)
I always look forward to reading about the results of your elk hunts. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
I am so fortunate to have good friends and my Dad to hunt with. The next day four of us set out to recover the rest.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0909.jpg)
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0923.jpg)
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(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/RSCN0927.jpg)
Scott was even there in Spirit
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0885.jpg)
Dad and I hunted together a lot the next few days.
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii51/rburtis1/DSCN0953.jpg)
Thanks for sharing another great hunt... Nice shooting, and yeah you don't want to look a gift Elk in the mouth.....
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Way to go brother...after the text I was really looking forward to this story....CONGRATS!!!!!! :campfire:
I just knew it was going to be worth the wait.... and I was right!!
Congratulations on the elk,the friends,and your family Randy!
God bless,Mudd
Randy,
You are a sage when it comes to elk hunting with traditional archery. There are 1000's of rifle hunters with far less success than you. Congrats buddy.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Congrats! Great story and pics.
Great story and pics as always.Congrats on a nice bull.You always make look easy.
Congrats again Bud!! :thumbsup: That'll show the little bugger to get in your way :)
Hard to beat that!
Great recap
Great hunt, congrats!
Alright Randy,
Now I kind of remember what they look like, so if I see something like that over the next few days, I will try to let the air out of one.
Good job and great hunt, as always.
Lots of similarities to my WY hunt last season. Thanks for taking me back. Can't wait to get back. Bet you've got a sore back. Ha!
Great hunt and story. Sounds like you had too much action.
What altitude 9,500-10,000?
So Cool! Congrats and thanks for sharing the hunt!
Great bull, Randy! Thanks for the story and the pics. :thumbsup:
Great story, great shot and GREAT bull! Thanks for taking us along. I missed my huhnt this year so bad, and am thankful for the chance to read about yours :campfire:
Great hunt Randy! Some exciting times you had that week, thanks for letting us be a part of them.
fantastic Randy,nice bull and lot of action.
Thanks for sharing Randy! We are going to start calling you the "elk whisperer"!
:campfire: :coffee:
Thanks for sharing, great hunt!! Love the pics!! Congrats Joe
I have been waiting and watching since you posted on FB "Headed for Timber" . Glad you had a good hunt and I have been thinking of you guys everyday hoping it was going well. Glad my armguard brings you good luck! I head out on Sunday 14 miles back in to my new favorite slice of rugged wilderness. It usally takes me a few years to get comfortable with new country but after a few days I had a connection like a long lost friend! It reaks of elk and adventure around every corner. I was still hunting through the timber last year and got with in 30 yards to a grizz boar and he never knew I was there! I will have 10 days to clear my mind and forget about the world! I will saddle up and fork one of my my best friends my trusted mount old Bisquit Lip's and head up stream to pure heavan! I have been hearing them bugeling in my sleep in a few days it won't be a dream. Glad for your safe return and thanks for the great pictures and story.
Scott Teaschner
Fantastic story and pictures! I always look forward to hearing about your hunts. Congratulations! :clapper:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Way to go and congrats on what sounds like an awesome hunt.
Great story telling and love the high country pictures.
Congrats! Thanks for sharing.
Randy,
Congratulations on another fine Bull. I've been looking forward to the story since I saw your post last night. Nice camp, great hunt and quality time with family and friends. Life is good!
Thanks, as always, for taking us along.
Congrats Randy!!
Congrats Randy. You make it sound easy, although I know that it musn't be. I think it was asked, but what elevation were you at ? And how do you like the ox frame for packing meat ? Been thinking of getting one for real heavy stuff like moose quarters. Congrats again.
You are quite the elk killer Randy. Fine job!
Alright, I'm fired up now....think I'll head to hunt elk today. Thanks for the story Randy and congrats on another fine bull.
David
Great story and pictures. Congratulations on another nice bull!
-Jay
Another awesome hunt! Thanks for sharing and congrats on a great stalk and nice bull!
Awesome story of your hunt, thanks for sharing.
Very cool!
Atta boy Randy, well done and well told. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
:notworthy: :clapper:
Congrats. Thanks for sharing it!
Good Shoot'n!
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As expected, great stuff Randy!! You are simply a machine!! :notworthy: :notworthy:
Congratulations again :clapper:
Congrats!! Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic!! Both the story and bull. A big congratulations!!
QuoteOriginally posted by chinook907:
Congrats Randy. You make it sound easy, although I know that it musn't be. I think it was asked, but what elevation were you at ? And how do you like the ox frame for packing meat ? Been thinking of getting one for real heavy stuff like moose quarters. Congrats again.
I really like the Ox. It is comfortable and you can stack the weight on it. A little loud for every day use but since I got home I think I have desinged a way to fix that.
How did I miss this?
Great pics and story as usual. Congrats! :clapper:
Randy-great story and pics! It's really nice how you take us along with you! What a great shot and congratulations! Thanks.
Kenny :clapper:
Way to go Randy!! Excellent adventure and wise move on taking that elk!! Sometimes I fail on that and dine on tag soup for aa year!!
Great story and hunt Randy! Thanks for taking us along!
Congratulations on the nice bull, you definitely work hard for good shot. Great pics as always.
Thanks. :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Thank you for sharin' another most-excellent hunt with Trad Gang Randy!
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Enjoy the feast!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Thanks for taking us along Randy, you are living the dream for us eastern boys. Great story and sound judgement on a (gift) opportunity. ALL THE BEST >>>>-----> Bobby
Well told, Buddy! Next time text me before Curt... Congrats again! :archer2:
Congrats Randy! :notworthy: Thanks for bringing us along!
That's awesome, Randy! Congrats on a great bull. I leave for CO tomorrow and hope I get to get up close and personal with a bull this year. I have been several times and not yet dropped a string on an elk.
Congrats again,
Bisch
Well done and well earned!!
Fantastic hunt Randy. Can't get a bigger one each year. Us far away flatlanders would love to have a shot on that bull.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
YEEAAHH BUDDY!!
Real nice man. Cool adventure as always. It's a fine bull and well deserved!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
YEEAAHH BUDDY!!
Real nice man. Cool adventure as always. It's a fine bull and well deserved!
Thank you for taking us along. Great story with a happy ending! Congratulations on filling your tag.
K.C.
Congrats Randy and way to listen to your instincts. That bull was put in your way over the coarse of your hunt for a reason (steaks maybe). Nice shot.
Congratulations Randy. Nice work!
Great story and pics! Glad you took advantage of an excellent situation! Enjoyed the read very much.
Good job bud!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
I'm jealous!! I had to come off the mountain this morning, I got really sick :mad:
I have a date with a big mulie this weekend anyway ;)
QuoteOriginally posted by KentuckyTJ:
Fantastic hunt Randy. Can't get a bigger one each year. Us far away flatlanders would love to have a shot on that bull.
Tom took the words right out my mouth.
Randy, thanks. I always enjoy your stories and successes. Being able to share hunting camp with your dad and friends is something we can all tell is very special to you.
Sweet work Randy. There's nothing wrong with a five point. I ENJOY harvesting tomorrow's trophies TODAY. :)
Great pics and story Randy ..... congrats :thumbsup: :notworthy:
I did not talk much about the equipment i used on the this hunt. The Bow is a brand New Prototype Pronghorn Ferret V. Great shooting bow.
Thanks for sharing your hunt! I doubt I will ever get to go elk hunting, but I appreciate following along on yours!
Great shot on a great bull! Thanks for sharing your hunt with us.
That was a great thread thanks for sharing the story and all the gorgeous photos!
So is Herb going to start making curves again?
Thanks
Levi
My HERO!!!
Awesome buddy!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats Randy! You are certainly a consistent guy with those elk! Home for a day for my son's birthday during the middle of my slow hunt and this definitely feeds the fire. Thanks!
What a great hunt and story. Thanks for sharing!
Thats an awesome bull Randy.Any elk with a stick bow is a trophy.Congratulations. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: .
Excellent story! Thanks for taking us along for the ride. :clapper: :clapper:
Awesome story, thanks for sharing. Congrats!!
QuoteOriginally posted by Steve O:
Randy, thanks. I always enjoy your stories and successes. Being able to share hunting camp with your dad and friends is something we can all tell is very special to you.
Thanks Steve it really does.
You are an elk killing machine. Thanks for sharing.
Congrats.
Wow....great stuff as always Randy!!!
Congrats again my friend!!! :campfire:
awesome story Randy. been anxious to get home to read it. nicely done.
Brad you have some story telling to do yourself buddy.
Randy, great job. I love elk hunting but next to that I love a great story about the hunt. You always deliver. :clapper: :clapper:
Great story and pics... as always.
Thanks
Randy,
Thanks for sharing. As always, you done good....really good.