Some of you will remember my good fortune last December when I drew a last minute tag for Utah Henry Mountains bison. Extremely tough tag to draw, and a tough hunt. Well, it happened again!
In late July I received a phone call from the Utah DOW. Someone had turned in their Fish Lake elk tag, and my name was next up on the alternate list. They gave me two days to make up my mind on whether to accept the tag or not. I took all of two minutes to make my decision. I was headed back to Utah!
My good friend Paul Van Vaerenewyck (PV here) offered to come along with me and be my personal sherpa, guide, and caller. He flew to WI to accompany me on the drive and we headed west on August 31st.
Our first few days in the mountains were spent primarily driving around the roads and trails in the truck or by atv in an attempt to learn the area and also spending quality time glassing mountainsides to locate elk. I had 11 solid days to hunt, and the plan was to use the first 3 or 4 to get acclimated both to the area and the elevation.
Unfortunately, the elevation took its toll on Paul. He has a mild case of sleep apnea, and although it doesn't cause him any real trouble at home, and he doesn't use a machine to sleep at night, the high elevation was a different story for him. Our base camp was a little over 10,000 feet, and breathing at night got to be more than just an inconvience for Paul. It became downright scary and dangerous for him to stay. He had to get down off the mountain, and on Thursday morning I drove him to SLC to fly home.
For the rest of the hunt I would be on my own. I'll let the pictures tell the story for you.
Base camp was on the far ridge. It is steeper and higher than it looks. From the spot this was taken to the valley floor was about 1,000 feet in elevation.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013032.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013032.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013126.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013126.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013124-1.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013124-1.jpg.html)
Life can be tough in the mountains. It's not only hunters and predators that animals need to worry about.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013030.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013030.jpg.html)
One of our better glassing locations. I think Paul is off bear hunting, so probably won't be along to add to this story. But I do have to share one for him. One afternoon while I was off looking at another spot Paul went down to do a little "glassing" here. He had no more than sat down and a cowboy and his dog came riding right past him.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013141.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013141.jpg.html)
I can only imagine that cowboy sitting around the dinner table that night telling about riding out in the middle of nowhere and coming across a guy sitting on a toilet! :biglaugh: :biglaugh:
Looking good! I think we're getting close!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013034-1.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013034-1.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013012.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013012.jpg.html)
The morning wore on with the sign looking better and better, but I had yet to see or hear an elk. Finally a little after 9am I heard a bugle. And another. He continued to sound off as I moved in.
We were on a collision course. The entire herd was headed toward me, so I simply picked a good spot to stand. At 12 yards, just on the other side of the closest downed log in this picture, he stopped facing toward me and let out an earth shattering bugle.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013014.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013014.jpg.html)
He continued on past me at 8 yards, passing behind the trees on the right.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013015.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013015.jpg.html)
This is getting good ------
And?
Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6, Be a mature 6x6!!!
Sitting on the edge on my chair. :campfire:
Even at 8 yards I couldn't quite hold it together to make a perfect shot. But I did make a shot! Further back than I would have liked, but I was hopeful that it would be enough.
I suspected a liver hit, and resolved to give two hours. The first hour was one of the longest of my life, and I couldn't stand it anymore! I eased up to the spot I had last seen him and found this.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013016.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013016.jpg.html)
That gave me a little more confidence, and I continued forward. There was a large boulder field that I couldn't imagine an elk could cross, but this was at the beginning of it.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013018.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013018.jpg.html)
:campfire:
:campfire: :coffee: This is good!!!!
Man I love this time of year...... :archer2:
:pray:
Across the boulder field, and straight up into the nastiest thickest stuff imaginable. I could barely snake through carrying my bow and quiver. But within 25 yards or so I could smell elk. Strong!
Just on the other side of a deadfall I saw elk hide. And there he lay.
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013019.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013019.jpg.html)
Thank you Lord!!
Whip, I want to go hunting with you. You are either really good or really lucky, and I could use either!
Way to go Joe!
A great Bull!!!
Right there with ya! And.....and.........
What a fantastic hunt !
Congratulations on a fine, fine bull..
What a blast. Looks like you had fun. Thanks for the trip. Can't wait to see more.
Congrats! Man that is one gorgeous bull!
Hunting in the west has been an addiction of mine for many years, and taking a mature bull elk was the ultimate dream. Never knew if I could accomplish that. But sometimes things do fall into place. I couldn't possibly have imagined anything better!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013027.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013027.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013025.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013025.jpg.html)
Congrats, Joe!
Bisch
Awesome! Congrats Whip! Great Story.
Way to go Joe!! Excellent!!
Awesome bull! Congrats on a dream hunt of mine!!!! I can't imagine having a bull that close and screaming his head off, that's something you will never forget!
Great story, great pictures, and a great bull! Congratulations Joe!
Simply awesome Joe.
Holy cow!! Now I see why you could be nervous at 8 yards. What a beautiful animal.....and to have him standing right on top of you. Congrats again.
Now there's a retirement present! Much better than a gold watch...haha Very happy for you Joe.
WOW!!! Nice bull! Way to make use of that lucky tag.
That is as pretty a bull as I have ever seen. Congratulations!
Awesome bull!!!!!!
Beautiful bull Whip!What an accomplishment.It doesn't get any better.
Beautiful bull my man!!
I understand the pack out was a piece of cake :laughing:
:clapper: OUTSTANDING :clapper:
Congrats for a fine bull and great hunt.
Awesome! Great bull..congrats!
:bigsmyl:
I can only imagine having that experience. What a fantastic hunt, critter and outcome. Great work Brother. Simply awesome!
FANTASTIC!!!!
What a GORGEOUS Beast!!!
CONGRATS Joe!!!!!
:shaka: :shaka: :shaka:
Dang Joe, congrats man!
Are you into processing at present? How are you handling that alone?
Great story, great pics! Congrats!
Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! Congrats Joe, a job very well done!
Tim
Congrats Joe! I am impressed! You did good...I bet packing that one out was a chore!
nice bull! Enjoyed the story and pics.
Like I always say " sometimes it's better to be lucky than good" ... although Joe is both. Congrats Joe, couldn't happen to a better guy. Beautiful Utah bull .... I'm going to get a piece of pound cake out of the freezer and celebrate with ya :clapper: :archer2:
congrats!
:clapper: :clapper: Congrats again Joe
Congtatulations Whip . :notworthy:
Off to New Mexico Wednesday
Randy Chamberlin
I heard SteveO mention "nice guys don't always finish last" referring to Joe and this bull. That is exactly the saying that came to my mind when I heard about Joe's beautiful bull. He's lucky, good, and nice....one of my favorites.....and his horseshoe is now mine. Eyes off everyone.... :readit:
Congrats again big guy.
Congrats on a very fine hunt and bull. Thanks for taking us along and great pictures!
Joe congrat's on a great bull. I bet the meat packing was fun. Paul missed out on all the fun.
Great bull! Way to go!!
Wow. . . awesome bull and awesome hunt. Thanks for sharing.
Great job
ChuckC
What an elk! Loved all the photos too. Thanks for taking and sharing them... beautiful country out there.
QuoteOriginally posted by beachbowhunter:
I understand the pack out was a piece of cake :laughing:
Actually, that beast did his very best to take me with him! He died in such a nasty place I struggled the entire afternoon just trying to turn him over in order to quarter him. Wasn't happening - there was just no way. I got one front shoulder entirely off, and the rest I just had to start cutting from the top side and took it in pieces as best I could. The pack out the first day was a grueling 2 miles through lots of blowdowns and around boulder slides. I was wiped. The next morning I found a better way in that cut it down to about a mile. It was much steeper, but mostly avoided the blowdowns. Two more trips that day and I was done. I hurt so bad, but felt so good!
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013135.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013135.jpg.html)
(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y80/Jlasch/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013139-1.jpg) (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/Jlasch/media/Utah%20Elk%202013/UtahElk2013139-1.jpg.html)
AWESOME! Congratulations, Whip!
Awesome bull and hunt, huge congrats!!
Ouch! What a story! Congratulations, Whip.
Ouch! What a story! Congratulations, Whip.
That is truly wonderful. Good work and congratulations. :thumbsup:
Joe what an accomplishment!!!! My back hurts thinking about that pack out.
Tremendous Job, Whip.....i'll pack your AZ bull out ole man in 2015
Thats some good hunting there fella. Congrats on an awesome beast.
QuoteOriginally posted by joebuck:
Tremendous Job, Whip.....i'll pack your AZ bull out ole man in 2015
I just printed this post off and have placed a copy in my pack. :D
Congrats Whip and great end to a great story! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Beautiful Bull, way to go!!!!
Congrats Joe, not only on a great elk but on the fact that you were able to retire in time to make the most of it, I hope in 20 more years I am as fortunate, well done.
Joe I bet you so regret retiring. Look how much more hard work you have to do now.I mean killing Elk,Bison Turkeys cannot compare with the fun of lending money. :bigsmyl:
Congrats! Thanks for sharing your adventure.
CONGRATES!!!...tks for sharing.
Congratulations Joe, on a beautiful bull. Dreams really do come true. (Especially to those that hunt hard) Well done and well deserved!
Does it get any better than that? I think not!!!
Congrats, Joe on a fine bull! :thumbsup: :goldtooth:
What can I say. Ya done good. Very good. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great job Joe.
Joe,
Did your lucky tag include someone to pack your elk out for you??? Congrats on a nice bull!!
Whip...,!
Wow mate...outstanding bull right there buddy!!!
I meant to say "I and Duckbutt"
Way to go Joe! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice job Joe!!!
That is awesome!! If you keep that lucky streak going you'll have to buy a long bed pickup. Haha Man, that rack barely fits.
Congratulations!
Congrats! That is an awesome bull :clapper:
Awesome bull!! Congrats!!
Very nice, great bull, looks like he fell, you shot him in a place to cause much work.
This made my day! Great job Joe!
Congrats Joe, Beautiful animal !!
Eric
How stinking cool is this?....Way!!!....I'm saying!!!..
Congratulations!!
Joe it looks like your earned every bite that you get blessed to put into your mouth.
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
God bless,Mudd :archer:
Beautiful elk Whip! Did you call to him at all? Or did you ambush him? Just wondering my friend...
- Jeremy :coffee:
Wow!!! "What a wonderful bull!!! Congrtulations again and again!!!! He must have crawled to get underthat overhanging tree. Glad you found him and lived through the packing to tell about it. Again , What a beaut!!!
thanks for sharing him and your hunt with us.,
God bless, Steve
Wondered when you'd post! Chris was showing me a picture you sent him on his phone. Great Bull! Super story too!
Jeremy, no calling at all on my part. The cows were making plenty of noise and I knew exactly where the big bull was from his bugling and tree raking. He was coming exactly where I hoped he might, so there was no need for me to mess it up by calling. All I did was reposition slightly shortly before the herd got close enough to see.
Great bull and story! Thanks for sharing. How about a few details about your gear? Rick.
:notworthy:
Great Bull!
Joe...one heck of roll for the year! When are you going to Africa :)
I know Paul wishes he could have been packing some of the load. Congrates!!!
What a fantastic hunt, way to live your tag line! Thank you for sharing!
Hot diggity! Beautiful bull, congratulations! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Rick, my bow was an RER Vital T/D recurve. Just picked it up this past summer and it quickly became my favorite. 55# @ 29". Arrows were some Carbonwood 5000's tipped with 175 Woodsman Elite 3 blade and a 100 grain brass insert up front. Total arrow weight was 815 grains.
You da man Joe, CONGRATULATIONS...
What a Bull
Thanks Joe. I'm convinced on less than perfect hits like you described, a 3 blade or 4 blade head really shines and makes a difference in putting them down quick. Rick.
Joe, congratulations on a great hunt and Bull Elk. Just to be in the presence of that kind of animal would be enough! Thanks for taking us along!
You did it Whip! You did it!
8-yard shot! I love it Man!
Enjoy the feast!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
Beautiful bull, Whip. Congratulations.
homebru
Way to go Joe! Spectacular rack!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Wow! Congratulations! What an awesome experiance!
Great Bull.!....Congrats
Joe.. I just saw this. You continue to impress me. What an absolutely gorgeous bull. A perfect representative of the specie. They don't get much purtier than that one. Great, great lines. And to have him so close screaming his brains out will be burnt into your memory forever. My only disappointment is that Paul V. wasn't able to share it all with you. In fact, knowing him, if he was there I bet he would have got it all on great video.. per usual. Bummer! Congratulations on ANOTHER job well done my friend. BW aka UB
Terrific bull, Joe! Congrats x2!
Joe,
Awesome elk!! Congrats on the hunt!
Mike
Congrats again brother...and like I said in my text, "you are one heck of a hunter"!
Good things happen to good people....
I can only imagine, but I'd say that it just doesn't get any better than this!
You were living my dream with this hunt. :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Beautiful bull! Congrats :thumbsup:
Good grief! That is a stud bull right there!
Congrats on a great trophy, doesn't get much better. Ut has to be a favorite. Great pictures.
Gorgeous Bull!! Way to make the most of it Joe! Congratulations
Joe, I see you are still enjoying your retirement. Good for you my friend! Mike
Congrats! Awesome Job!
Congrats on a great bull and thanks for sharing your pics.
Congratulations Joe, awesome bull and experience!
that is a dream bull mate! well done.
you doing a euro mount? i see you cut the head off and didn't cape it.
that would have been one hell of a pack out.
You continue to inspire, Joe.
Great job, thanks for sharing.
Truly a dream hunt . What an amazing bull. Congrats on a fine trophy. What backpack were you using?
is that liven or what,what a animal, good job.that thing is unbelievable.
Clint, yes, I am doing a euro mount on him. Try as I might, I was simply unable to get the entire cape off intact. He was wedged under the deadfall and I couldn't roll him uphill to get under him. I spent the entire afternoon trying to salvage the cape and meat, and finally had to give up and cut of what I could from the top side.
agross1, I use an Eberlestock X2 for my daypack and first load out, then switched to a bigger Eberlestock Blue Widow.
Beautiful all around! He will make a stunning euro mount. Congratulations!
Simply awesome!
Great hunt, story, and pictures. As has been said before Joe is one of the great guys here on TG and love seeing, and reading, of his successes.
Congrats!!
Good Morning Joe, I am just seeing this for the first time.
WOW! Truly Awing! Utah has been good to you. Dont go moving there before I get back to Wisconsin lol.
Congrats, what a beautiful animal. The culmination of a little luck (tag), Skill and a lot of hard work.. my hats off to you :notworthy: :clapper:
Congratulations
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper: Fantastic story and a lot of work managing the packing
Very cool Whip! A well earned trophy!
Dave
What a dandy Whip!! Great story...congrats!
Congratulations! That is a great elk,good job!
Well done sir!! That is much tougher than most can imagine. Especially the packing out part. Congrats
Very nice! Those good tags here in Utah sure can be fun!
Congrats on a great bull! Well deserved. :clapper:
This is why I frequent this site daily. The hunts some of you members share are unbelievable. Congratulations on your harvest.
Awesome! Great bull..congrats! :thumbsup:
Incredible hunt and a great trophy. Congrats!
Congratulations Joe!!
That is one heck of a bull. It kind of reminds me of a bull moose I shot. It ended up in the water. Allot of the work I was draped over the gunwale of a boat.I finally had to take chainsaw and cut the back end off. No packing on my back though. I was sore and bruised for days after. The memories are oh so sweat,and so was the meat. Enjoy!
Abe
BEAUTIFUL BULL!!!! Congrats you should be very proud.
Tom
Congrats on a beautiful bull! Thanks for the great thread and pictures, makes me want to hunt elk even more...if that's possible.
:thumbsup:
Way to go Joe!!!!! Congrats on a great bull and hunt.
David
Wow how neat! Can't imagine it getting much better than this. Thanks for the pics and hunt details...Congrats! :thumbsup:
Awesome job Joe!! Packing that bull out by yourself is an extreme accomplishment in itself :notworthy: Thanks for sharing your story!
Steve
Joe, incredible bull and story, always enjoy your travels and the fact that whether you get the target animal or not you always seem to have a great hunt. You really ought to share that horseshoe,though,lol. Excellent job.
Joe,
Another great job my friend. You hunt smart and many should learn from that. You are also the kind of guy it is nice to have my teenage son hang around with. That says more about you than any big bull :notworthy:
We need to discuss your plans for Arizona. I'm back up to 10 points. The way things are it would be hard to apply as partners, but we might be able to pull 2 tags or set up a camp on the border of 2 units. I've got some business to discuss with Joey...maybe I can weasel in on some pack out help from him and Duckbutt too :D
Congrats Joe! Amazing hunt and thanks for sharing! :notworthy: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
:thumbsup: :notworthy: Nice one!!!
Congrats again Joe!! Sure good to know it can be done :)
Great bull, thanks for the story.
Wow! That is one great elk! Congratulations Joe on a super hunt! You always tell a good story and accompany it with very nice pictures! That's a bull of a lifetime!
Good luck as you start to zero in on those Wisconsin deer! :thumbsup:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Very impressive!!!
My goodness....
What a great thread all the way around.
Todd
Great bull. Congratulations on such an animal.
Mr Whip....congrats to you Joe!! That is such a beautiful Bull it must have been something to have the whole herd coming at you like that. What a rush. I wish my similar encounter the other day had ended with your success but in my instance the shot was just too long to take so I just watched them come and go. Just the way the ball bounces I guess.
So happy for ya!! Love your posts.
Are you happy with the Eberlestocks?? My pack is "creaking" (Blacks Creek "Canadian")and time for a new one so I am shopping around.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Congrats Joe! Awesome hunt and pictures. What a great bull that will be a beautiful euro mount! Thanks for sharing your Utah adventure with us. :thumbsup:
Great bull! Congratulations.
Randy, yes, I am very happy with the Eberlestock packs. Especially the X2 which I use as my daypack and for the first trip out after a kill. Are there better packs? Absolutely, and I wish I had one of them, but they are a lot more money. Someday maybe I will bite the bullet and fork over the big bucks for a top of the line pack. If I did more bivy type hunting I would for sure. But for my style of hunting, overall I've been very happy with the Eberlestock.
I think I did stop once on each of my trips out with meat/antlers. Even then, it wasn't that the pack was killing me, rather just that my feet and legs were feeling the pain. So I'm not sure a different pack would have made it any better.
Awesome, congrats Joe!
I keep reading "Joe is lucky" Read his tag line... he casts off, catches the wind in his sails and goes! Perseverance trumps luck!
Someone also mentioned he hunts "smart". Amen!
I only wish I'd met Joe earlier in life when my pins had more "go" left in them. I could have learned a lot more and know more than I do!
Excellent job and a reward for a job well done!
Thanks for getting back on your packs Joe. The Eberlestocks have been at the top of my list in the mid-price range of packs. Unless I go Kifaru I'll probly go Estock. Too bad, I like my Blacks Creek for comfort and it packs a first quarter well but darn if it isnt getting annoyingly creaky. :thumbsup:
congrats , great hunt :clapper:
:notworthy: :campfire: :clapper:
Good for you!
Just finally had a chance to read this thread. Congratulations Joe on a great bull!!! Quite an encore to that Buffalo hunt!
Great bull, Joe. The quartering and packing out is almost more fun that a man can stand, however. Makes those steaks taste even better, knowing the work that you put in.
Congrats on a beautiful elk.
Congrats Whip !!! I don't seem to get on here as much as I used too and certainly glad I caught this thread. Very happy for you bud !!! Back up to the tip top for a fine gent...... :campfire:
Congrats Joe!!
What a beautiful animal!!
Wow!! What a beautiful bull! Sure enjoyed your article about the Bison hunt in TBM and this is just as inspiring! Thanks for sharing.
Joe, hats off! You did good for sure :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats on a tremendous accomplishment! Beautiful Bull and great story!
Congrats Joe, it does not get any better than that!
Congrats! awesome story and beautiful animal!
Joe, great job, buddy!
Glad to finally see the pictures and hear the story. I've been jazzed for you since I heard the news. Couldn't happen to a finer guy.
what a dandy of a bull joe!!congrats to you thanks for sharing
Nice work. Congrats.
Congrats on a beautiful bull.
Your In Steve O ..like flynn!...if you want too
Nice job on the hunt and the story Joe.
Congrats.
Just seeing this.....congrats Joe on a well-deserved bull! Good things happen to those who work/hunt hard. Great story telling too!
:thumbsup:
Congradulations Joe, Charlie told me you had posted your hunt. Thank you for sharing and giving a glimps of what you went through. That is a beautiful bull and to take him with the stick and string is even better. To bad you could not save the cape, but totaly understand after you explained how the bull stuck himself there in the spot he did. I can feel your pain in packing as I have been through it more times than I can remember.I see you have a good group of folks following your adventures. I truly hope our paths will cross some day.
Take care. PS the collection is growing. May be time to start selling?
Wow...great job Whip...and many thanks for sharing...great looking bull!!!
That is one awesome animal! Congrats to ya! :thumbsup: Thanks for sharing the pics and story.....what an experience!!!
Thats a dandy of a bull Joe! You are one killing machine. One thing though, you have accomplished so much, it is going to be hard to top the last couple years! Congratulations again!
How did I miss this????? What an awesome elk!!! Thanks for sharing.
nice un!congrats! :clapper:
Super job Joe!
Congrats!
Awsome stuff. Real nice bull.
Good stuff and pics. I cannot imagine the heart beat of having a critter that big that close.RC
Awesome bull! Way to go!
Awesome Bull Whip! Remind me to never go Elk hunting alone lol. That pack out had to be brutal! Congrats to ya!!!!
Congrats on a fine bull !
What a brute! Congratulations, Joe. :clapper:
Awesome ! :shaka: Awesome ! :shaka:
Well done whip! I would love to experience that. I am going to keep after it, the Good Lord willing.
Gary
Wow! Amazing! That must have been nerve racking - congratulations on an awesome elk!
What a bull! You earned him.. Congrats.
Great story and pics Joe!!
Sorry I wasn't there to get it on video and help pack that monster out. Been there and done that solo so I know what you went through to get him out. My hats off to you Joe.
Ya just had to ad the cowboy story didn't ya :knothead: Have to admit it was funny though.
Thanks again for a great trip albeit shortened in my case.
Back to bear hunting for me and elk for you. Good luck in CO
Congrats Whip, well told, well earned and very well deserved. :clapper:
Congrats Joe!!!! What an awesome bull
A bison and a bull elk in one year!!!! Quite an accomplishment!!
Wow Congrats. Great Bull
Beautiful bull Joe, congrats on a great hunt and story. :thumbsup: Your description of how you dealt with the breakdown and hauling out of your bull is one of the reasons I try not to elk hunt alone anymore. I know how hard you worked for that one, I've been there. Again, fantastic job! :clapper:
Congrats, that is a great accomplishment with a stickbow!
stocker, it hadn't been my original plan to be alone on this trip, and when that changed I wasn't prepared to deal with it. I won't be letting that happen again. If you haven't seen it, joebuck has a thread going on a gadget that might just be a good answer to dealing with big animals on your own. One way or another, I will be better prepared the next time, whether I am alone or not. There is always something new to learn, and that is one of the most valuable parts of websites like this.
Thanks everyone for all the kind words. It was the fulfillment of a longtime dream, and was fun to share with you all!
Joe, once again my friend, congrats on a powerful hunt!
Some how I missed this thread. Congrates Joe on an awesome bull! :clapper:
I was lucky enough to draw the a FishLake Muzzy tag 4 years ago. Great country and lots of elk. Congrats.
Nice, very nice. Pics are always great reminders of things along the hunt.
Congrats, Whip! What a tremendous bull. Your hard work, perseverance and excellent woodsman-ship skills carried the day!
Well-done on a terrific elk!
Breathtaking. . . Congrats and THANKS for sharing the story with us.
Beautiful bull congrats!!
Again my friend well done.
don't know how I missed this Joe! That's a great bull...thanks for taking us along!
Congratulations on a great adventure and a great trophy!
Way Cool!!
What an awesome hunt! Congratulations, Joe, on your outstanding and hard earned bull!
-Jay
Congrats Joe,
Just got home and saw this.
What a great bull and a great story, thanks for sharing!
Way to get it done Whip.Awesome bull
Great story Whip. :thumbsup: