I've been waiting to tell this story until this time of year. When the "Is my arrow gonna kill.." and the "Is this bow fast enough" threads started dominating, I knew it was time.
This hunt started like most hunts do here in UT. The "successful" email. My freind Matt, a new traditional convert, and i put in for the Wasatch unit. That's as specific as I will get during the hunt on locations. I had started a workout regime since Feb. and now it was time to ramp it up. Matt is a low twenties gym rat, and to keep up I was going to have to put in the work.
Our first task was finding areas to scout. We both had different parts of the unit to look at. It was a dry year so water was going to be key. A friend of mine put me on two water holes and Matt had a place to look at.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013038_zps10355876.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013038_zps10355876.jpg.html)
So mid June we head off to look for a water source in Matts area. We glassed a huge bull and watched where he bedded. We then hoof it to the other side of the canyon. We found a nice area that just reeked of elk and had rubs everywhere! We then found a waterhole! It was looking real promising.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013081_zps0e8671d5.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013081_zps0e8671d5.jpg.html)
On the way out we saw this. I believe it is a morel. If it was, it's the first I've ever seen here.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013054_zps0d0ac7a6.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013054_zps0d0ac7a6.jpg.html)
We named his stand BB. Big... well it was 3miles in and 1500 feet down, then 1500 feet up in elevation to get to it. It took a lot of effort to get there!
Please bear with me for this story. I spent nearly 30 days scouting and 13 days hunting, so it might be drawn out a little.
So I read a thread here about a home made elk target. I forget who did it, sorry I'd like to give them some credit. But I decided to make my own. The one on the thread was headless, and I can understand why. But I was getting a chance to finally hunt big bulls in UT, mine was going to have a head :)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013108_zps8d849cbc.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013108_zps8d849cbc.jpg.html)
I also went and started checking trail cameras at my 2 waterholes. Things were looking good!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013097_zpsef30d077.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013097_zpsef30d077.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013099_zpsfaf59051.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013099_zpsfaf59051.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013110_zps33f0a559.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013110_zps33f0a559.jpg.html)
Except seeing this visitor to one of the spots :)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013106_zpsa85c08cb.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013106_zpsa85c08cb.jpg.html)
sweet. an elk story! finally!!!
Keep it coming! I love good elk stories!
Now my hunt started on Aug 17 and went through Sept 13. Yea Utahs dates are ridiculous, but it's a state that caters to gun hunters. So you work with what you're given. It was a hot summer as well.
Towards the end of July my son and I went with Matt back to the BB stand. It seems we weren't the only ones who knew where the water was.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013099_zps01c3bb5e.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013099_zps01c3bb5e.jpg.html)
Matt got some decent bulls on his camera and we headed out. On the way out my son almost put his hand on this!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013131_zps8c89961c.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013131_zps8c89961c.jpg.html)
It was cool to see this old broadhead buried like this.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013144_zpsf094f83e.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013144_zpsf094f83e.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013142_zps245089ee.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013142_zps245089ee.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013181_zpsa18ff401.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013181_zpsa18ff401.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/ELKHUNT2013184_zpsc90133ba.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/ELKHUNT2013184_zpsc90133ba.jpg.html)
The hunt was fast approaching and the waterholes were looking very good!! My workouts were amazing and I dropped below the 200 mark. First time in 15 years :) Here are some of the bulls and other critters I was picking up through the next month. Anticipation was HIGH!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013061_zpsb35d7d48.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013061_zpsb35d7d48.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013003_zpsc9248ef8.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013003_zpsc9248ef8.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013094_zps06bb9289.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013094_zps06bb9289.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013014_zps2d656cae.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013014_zps2d656cae.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013018_zpsb2071086.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013018_zpsb2071086.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013021_zpsfeaefecd.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013021_zpsfeaefecd.jpg.html)
Now a little background on my elk hunting experience. I have been hunting elk since I was 14, and a couple years with my Dad before that. I am hitting the big 40 this year. I have also hunted multiple states a few years as well for elk.
I usually never have a problem finding elk. I am not afraid to go where others won't or stay out all day and put in the miles. However I have a VERY difficult time putting elk on the ground. In fact I have never brought an elk home. That's quite the 0fer streak. But I love hunting them, even when they make me furious.
The reason I bring this up is to say I was going to shoot at any leagal bull that gave me a shot. But that was a difficult desicion based on what i was seeing on my trail cams :)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013023_zps93991cc3.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013023_zps93991cc3.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013033_zps10bff8bc.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013033_zps10bff8bc.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013042_zpsfa2e4b18.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013042_zpsfa2e4b18.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013045_zps3872d59a.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013045_zps3872d59a.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/TrailCamPics2013023_zps8a1e0a33.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/TrailCamPics2013023_zps8a1e0a33.jpg.html)
Looking good Ryan...I was wondering when this thread was gonna come:)
OPENING DAY!!! I had always wondered what the anticipation of all those guys that had drawn these coveted tags was the night before the opener. Well it was a sleepless night. My plan was to hunt one of my stands that had elk hitting water at all times of the day.
I awoke to a cloudy, windy day. My Dad was with me but was going to glass some other areas while I sat. As I crossed the ridge I knew i was in trouble as the wind was at my back. All at once I hear some crashing and look on the other hillside to see a nice 6 point and 2 raghorns fleeing the canyon.
I knew things weren't great but I still had high hopes. Afterall I'd seen a lot of elk on this waterhole.
I won't bore you with all the details of sitting in a treestand for 13 hours, but all that I saw were squirells. Then the lightning and thunder started about 4 in the afternoon. I don't sit in trees with lightning :scared:
So I bail out and head to camp, a little rejected, but after an hour nap felt ready to go sit again. Even after our first rain in over two months. Remember I said it had been so dry. Yea that was going to change :(
I finished out the evening without another elk sighted. Bummer. I'd be back hunting the area in a few days.
:bigsmyl:
I went back a few days later with a couple days to hunt. I decided to hunt my other stand, which previously had been taken over by cattle. I eased on down to see the waterhole deystroyed. But still had water.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13003_zpsb14780be.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13003_zpsb14780be.jpg.html)
This stand was a lot lower in elevation but held great potential!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13005_zps94338bdc.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13005_zps94338bdc.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13003_zps58e8379f.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13003_zps58e8379f.jpg.html)
Now it had rained every day since the opener. Now I don't mind the rain, but the swirling winds were enough to drive me insane!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13008_zps41a02a2f.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13008_zps41a02a2f.jpg.html)
As I was sitting here this evening, I had the inpression to stand and get my bow. As the time slowly eased by, I caught movement 25 yards down the hill. A splash of tan, then antler tips above the maples. How big? I couldn't tell, but I didn't care either! Twenty yards away he stops, not sure he wants to commit to the water. I have my longbow in position, and my feet shifted for the shot.
"Come on" I think to myself. All I can see is dark chocolate legs below the maples and tines above. By now I know it's avery nice 6. "COME ON!!" I scream in my mind, but I know what the wise ole buggar is doing. It felt like he was there for an hour, but was more like a couple minutes, when the dreaded shift in the wind we all know hits my neck. The gig is up as the bull turns on a dime and crashes down the hill. Only a few more feet and I'd have had a shot. Dang it man!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13014_zps967ce220.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13014_zps967ce220.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13016_zps27331ebc.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13016_zps27331ebc.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13019_zps87fcaaef.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13019_zps87fcaaef.jpg.html)
Man, I feel so left out having to read it here first :(
I am looking forward to an excellent adventure!
I am planning my UT elk hunt for 2016. Just got point 15 yesterday.
I wish there was a "I hate the wind" icon!
I still hadn't heard any elk talk but the following morning heard my first bugle. I ended up 60 yards away from a 320ish 6 with a few cows. This was encouraging! I couldn't get any closer because of, you guessed it, the wind. See a theme here?
The next time I could get out would be over Labor Day weekend. My son had a deer tag for the area, so we focused our efforts on that for the weekend. It was not meant to be, but he got close on a couple occasions. I was in a new area and could here a bunch of bugling.
I sat one night and glassed where the bugling was coming from. There! Oh man what a stud! A good 350 class bull with cows being harassed by some sattelite bulls. I knew where I'd be the next weekend!
Mabey you're wondering about how young Mathew is doing. Well he'd been close to several bulls, only to be out done by the unconsistent winds and the deluge of rain we'd been getting.
As you noticed I was using a longbow of my own make at the first of the season. But doubt started to creep in. That's never a good thing! Especially in traditional shooting! So I made the decision to go to my Stalker recurve for the rest of the season. It is my go to bow and I just shoot it so good!
I'll be back with the last 8 days of the uhnt shortly.....
looks promising so far.
Holy cow sorry for all the typos!!!!
So my Dad and I headed back up to where I had glassed the monster the weekend before. As we drove up the heavens opened up again. This was getting old!!
Before leaving my wife wished me luck knowing how much work I'd put into this tag, and my 5 yaer ols little girl walks up, gives me a hug and hands me a paper towel holder. You know the cardboard tube. I ask her what this is for? She says it's a special made elk call. Apon closere examination there were little pictures drawn all over the tube. Surely if that bugle tube wouldn't bring me luck, nothing would!! I wrapped it in packing tape and put it in my pack.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13052_zps8148e4b0.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13052_zps8148e4b0.jpg.html)
I had also received a special broadhead from our own RC. He had told me this certain head had been through deer, hogs, and a turkey. He felt it needed some western blood on it. I was pulling out all the stops for my final 8 days!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13036_zps9358469f.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13036_zps9358469f.jpg.html)
It was also about this time that Larry Fischer found out about the cancer. I decided to fill the rest of my quiver with some Eclipse broadheads, and wear my Eclipse hat with a purple ribbon for the rest of the hunt. As a sort of tribute to a friend battling the toughest battle one could face!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13040_zps1b4acbf3.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13040_zps1b4acbf3.jpg.html)
Like the way this is going. Love the bugle tube too!
Keep it coming!!
So that afternoon apon arriving, the rain finally let up. I headed to the canyon where I had seen the big bull the weekend before. It was late afternoon as I started easing up the pine ridge. For once in this hunt I had a steady wind in my face!
A thunderous bugle rang out from above me a eased up through the timber as fast and quietly as I could. All the while keeping an eye out for cows, and an ear out for more bugles. The big bull bugled every 5-10 minutes or so. A perfect situation for a solo hunter.
I like to hunt this way, get as close as possible, and try to not use a call at all. I only like to use calls to locate, or as a last ditch effort while hunting by myself. I like to not use them at all if possible as the elk are called here all year long.
The daylight was slowly fading, but I had made good progress. I reached an area in the pines that had bedroom written all over it!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13059_zps5f77aeb5.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13059_zps5f77aeb5.jpg.html)
It was getting darker and darker, but the bull was getting closer and closer. There, just over the edge of the small ridge, a glimpse of antler. Dark, pine pitched, mud covered, ivory tipped beauties. Just 30 yards away. Come on closer I try to will the bull into veiw. Another spine tingling bugle rings out from mere yards away. I put tension on my string, just hoping. The wind is still strong and although not perfect, there's no way for him to wind me without getting shot at.
The colors are now turning to grey. He is within shooting range, but I can't see any part of his body other than the beautiful rack. I try not to stare, but it's impossible! He turns his head back the way he came a rips a monsterous bugle. He then trots off back the way he came. What? Then I hear the seductive sounds of his cows. Dang it, almost again. But wait, he has no clue I was there, or just how close he was to eith er death, or a survival story that I've taught so many elk in the past :)
I ease back out knowing right where I will be when the light of dawn breaks...
I am so glad to be finally reading this story from you my friend. I know I pestered you a lot during the month as to your progress now I get to relive it all with you again. Keep spinning.
Loved the pestering Randy :) One day we will have a story to share together ;)
The next morning I'm right up in his bedroom as the light slowly get more intense. He has only bugled once this morning, and he and his cows are further up the ridge than I would've thought. Dang it going to be playing catch up! And to top it off the winds are swirling, again! Probably should've been more aggresive the night before, but you know what they say about hindsight.
So across the hill I go, trying to keep a decent crosswind. I've covered a few hundred yards when i see a tan body 80 yards away and uphill. Sweet! Good wind and I finally caught them. But there's a problem. It's getting warmer and I know any minute the wind will switch. I hang back and listen to the bull bugle a couple times. Moving further away.
I decide to sprint up the mountain and try to get to the ridge to get the wind right when it decides t switch. I reach the ridge and here the bull bugle down in the bottom of the next canyon. Decison time. It's almost noon. I know they'll bed up soon. I decide to locate him to see where they had gone to. I figure, nows the time to use some 5 year old mojo :)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13055_zps79b0230d.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13055_zps79b0230d.jpg.html)
No sooner did my bugle leave the end of the tube, that not only does the big one bugle back, but 2 other bulls fire off in different directions! Well, this was nice. So the four of us get into a great shouting match! The two new bulls getting closer and the big one holding his ground. For an hour this goes on. The bigger one worked his way a hundred yards closer, but there was no way he was leaving his cows. The other two must have known just how big he was because they wouldn't get closer that a few hundred yards. But it was sure fun to participate in the bugle fest :)
By 3 or so the bugling had stopped, but the heavens opened up!! I will hunt in the rain, but not a downpour. I made my way back to camp to enjoy Dad and my buddies Jeff and Robbys company and to relive the day.
Good tale Brother and very good pics.RC
The next morning I headed up the same canyon, but this time there was absolute silence. So I crossed the canyon and went a different direction. About mid morning I flushed a few blue grouse. Oh yea!! Next to a screaming bull elk at 15 yards, I don't know too many elk hunters who don't get fired up about grouse.
I watched where the bird lit and snuck up to the tree. There it was, sitting in a pine 20 yards away, but at least 40 feet up. Decision time again. Well there was none. Out comes the stump shooting, grouse arrow. I knew my arrow would most likely soar down the hill. I was shooting a little up toward the bird. I pick a spot, hit full draw, and watch my arrow smack the bird out of the tree and sail down the mountain. YES!! Until the bird hits the ground, flops a couple times, then flys off. All elk hunters who have done this know the feeling. Make a perfect shot and watch dinner fly off!!
I marked where my arrow went and trudged on down to try to find it. And find it I did. As I sat there thinking back about the shot, I could hear some clucking up the hill from where I'd just been. No way was I going to pass up another shot. I worked my way back up to the noise and through some searching found another bird in a tree. This shot was going to be a bit more difficult. It was going to be like shooting at a mtn lion, almost straight up.
I wait for the bird to turn directly away from me, draw, pick a spot, hit the clicker and again watch a perfect arrow blow through another bird. 2 for 2! My elation was short lived however as this one did the same as the last ans soared on down the hill. I again found my arrow, and sulked back to camp. Not only didn't I find any elk, I made two great shots and had nothing to show for my efforts!
And to top it off it started raining hard, again! This was getting old!! I headed back to town to talk to Matt. We were going to hunt together the last week. He had been real close to getting a shot at a bull, but the wind messed him up too. But a friend of his had turned him onto a honey hole. We decided to hunt there the final five days. And what a honey hole it turned out to be...
A few more trail cam pics :)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13031_zps44475065.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13031_zps44475065.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13029_zps22fbc4a7.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13029_zps22fbc4a7.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13030_zps87e04776.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13030_zps87e04776.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13017_zps3c7e32e6.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13017_zps3c7e32e6.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13025_zps205e779e.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13025_zps205e779e.jpg.html)
:campfire:
Ah man. You're almost as mean as I when it comes to telling an elk story sloooooowly. :biglaugh:
Thanks for sharing your great adventure with us Ryan!
Thanks for holding on to this story until now.
Perfect timing as I was just reading about limb length, etc., etc.,..and then find a NEW hunting story!
Great pics and telling of the tale. Really appreciate it.
Dang it! I'm home in a snowstorm in MO! We need an ending to our adventure.
Thanks for sharing!
:campfire: :)
Down to the last five days. This is what I've trained for and worked so hard for. Time to get it done!!
Monday we (Matt and I) are in a new spot. And there are elk singing all over. The clouds are blowing around and low and behold the wind is swirling. We glassed several bulls, but there was no way to get on them. We then head over to a canyon that is supposed to hold some wallows. We find them, but nothing has been on them for awhile. After and uneventful day, we head back to camp. I even breifly suggest we find another spot. But luckily, Matt tells me to have some patience. He says there are a lot of elk in here, it's just a slow day.
So the next morning we haed in under the cover of darkness and hear elk screaming all around us. As we are working our way towards the wallows we hear splashing. Oh man!! We are a couple hundred yards away when we look up on the opposite hillside any see 9 bulls feeding. Now, I'm no elk expert but 9 bulls feeding together on Sept 9? Weird! One was a stud 350ish with a few 320ish and the rest three year old bulls. The big one was below the others scraeming his head off. I tell Matt to head towards him, I'll keep him bugling, snaek up to him and kill him.
Well the plan worked to perfection up until Matt was sneaking into range when his grunt tube slides across his body and thumps his bow hard! The bull looked up, started nosing around and moved up the mountain. Of course the winds were swirling!!
Matt decides to head over to another hill where we'd watched a couple bulls feed and could hear some bugling. I tell him I'm going to sit tight then work up to where the bulls were feeding that morning. he said his buddy who showed us the honey hole was gonna hook up with us later that evening and glass. We wish each other luck and move off.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13064_zps53457373.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13064_zps53457373.jpg.html)
I sit until mid afternoon then make my way up towards where we saw the bulls last. At around 4 a bugle comes from down the side where the bulls went, then another, much closer. In front of me a few hundred yards. The wind is marginal at best. There had been small showers moving in and out all day. But with the way the weather had been, I just had to try.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13023_zpsbc7fc34c.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13023_zpsbc7fc34c.jpg.html)
I ease on down the top of the ridge. The quakies with there gentle leaves seemingly putting me into a trance. The only thing snapping me out of it is the intermittent bugles from the bull I know is in front of me somewhere.
And suddenly, he is. Like a ghost he materializes out of the quakies not 20 yards away. How I got so close without him knowing, or me seeing him is beyond me. I slowly reach down and nock an arrow.
This bull is BIG!! The widest bull I've seen and h-e-a-v-y!! A monster 6! He is quartering to me through a couple quakies. he's feeding. He hasn't seen me. He slowly feeds and takes a couple more steps. I see his head lift with that enormous rack, how he could hold up all that bone, simply amazing! But thenI see his nostrils flare, his eyes widen, oh no... the wind hits my neck again. The bull whirls and takes my hopes, dreams and seemingly my breath with him.
I'm heart broken. I literally have to fight the tears back. All that work, undone by a puff of breeze.
That's elk hunting, but that's the part I hate! I made my way back to meet up with Matt and the boys. We head over the ridge and glass another great bull. Matt and I race down and back up to try to cut the elk off, but to no avail. It was a long walk back to camp in the cold, wet, dark that night.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13105_zpsf42b4675.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13105_zpsf42b4675.jpg.html)
I've got to go pick up my son from basketball, but I will try to wrap this up tonight. If not it'll be in the morning. Patience folks :)
I am pretty sure it was a story like this that originally got me hooked on Tradgang! I think it was one of Randy's elk hunts and dad and I had just finished hunting elk. Awesome story Steadman.
Great story, you have me hooked! :campfire:
Great Story and Pictures Ryan. I am loving this!!!!
And YES that is a Morel Mushroom! Most delicious with fresh grouse ;)
Ah man! We left it. Thought it was, but it's a long ways from the road.
So three days left of the hunt. Wednesday woke up to the sound of thunder and pouring rain. I mean a down pour. We got into the canyon late. But there wasn't much of anything moving. We did finally hear a bull and went after him. I got Matt into him but he couldn't quite get a shot. That afternoon the weather broke and we enjoyed some stump shooting, and a hot meal.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13085_zps8799fe2b.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13085_zps8799fe2b.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13088_zps88325140.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13088_zps88325140.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13096_zps4e1ee8cf.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13096_zps4e1ee8cf.jpg.html)
Great story and pics Ryan .... don't you just LOVE hunt'n elk !! The mountain winds can drive you crazy ....
:campfire:
Awesome! I'm thinking that was my headless elk target! Lol
That evening we tried to work on a couple different bulls but with no luck. You would think with all these bulls running around, any cow call would cause at least one to investigate. I could get bulls to bugle at me but seldom come investigate.
So two days left. Thursday we make a play on a bull that we'd worked on earlier in the week. This time though I stayed on the hill and bugled while Matt slipped in on him. It almost worked. Matt had him, a big 6 in the 340 range at 20 yards broadside. Too bad there was a cow at 15 between them. So close.
We hook up that afternoon, I tell him I'm headed up to where we hadn't been. It was closer to camp and I'd seen some spikes there earlier. We wished each other luck, and he gives me a sly grin. I worked my way up towards the top. I then got the wind right, and got into a transition zone. Oh it felt elky! Pines and quakies mixed with grass everywhere. I decided what the heck, I'd try calling. I tried some soft cow calls and waited. Thirty minutes later another round.
As I finish the last call I hear a branch break below me. I have an arrow nocked and start looking. I see a head moving towards me, wait it's way to close to the ground to be an elk, then out of the shadows a bear pops out. He's about 30 yards away, but I have the wind. He sits there for a minute the swings to my right out of sight. Well that was cool, until I see him 20 yards away. Hmmmmm.... He stops and sits down and starts testing the wind. I decide that I didn't like the situation and start yelling at the bear to let him know I wasn't an elk. I yell a few times and throw a big stick to make some noise. His response wasn't exactly what I was looking for. He raised up, then dropped down on all fours and started popping his teeth and swinging his head. Not good!! Not good at all!
Now a lot of thoughts went flashing through my mind, but I'd been in a similar situation a few years earlier. I stayed calm, grabbed a large stick and threw it at the bear. The bear jumped back, and looked at me, I nocked my broadhead again and told him if he pulled that crap again, I'd proceed to put that arrow under his chin. He then decided I wasn't worth the trouble and sauntered off. I immediatley back tracked and made a wide circle. I had no intention of ever shooting the bear unless he would have made another move towards me.
So after that I kept working my way along the ridge through the quakies. I really wasn't expecting much. But as I entered a small opening all hell broke lose. After what had transpired only an hour earlier my heart was at max. Luckily it was a covey od ruffed grouse. I soon had a new target, and when a small ruffed stopped 25 yards away I zipped a simmons right through him. This time there was no flying off :)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13117_zps9951d47d.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13117_zps9951d47d.jpg.html)
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13116_zpsa807bcbb.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13116_zpsa807bcbb.jpg.html)
Yes it was Brad. Thanks!! Great idea!
So with in the hour I'd made another great shot!
There was about an hour of light left so after putting the grouse in my pack I continued towards camp.
I followed a very worn sheep trail through the jungle of aspens. I was going slow for about a half hour, during one of my stop and look after taking a few steps, there was a 4 point bull staring at me from 20 yards away! Seriously!?!
Thanks! This is great!
So I'm really not trying to Lamb this up but my computer is giving me fits and there's no way I'm going to try to type the rest out on my phone. I'll try to finish this up tonight
This story is awesome! Thanks for sharing!! :thumbsup:
Steve
Great story.. and pics .. patiently waiting for the rest of the story. :thumbsup:
no, youre TOTALLY trying to Lamb this up lmao!!! kidding, but enjoying it.
This story is absolutely awesome Ryan. Thanks for taking the time to put this all together and share with us. Your timing to post this is perfect.
Good story so far mate... Reminds me of my time hunting elk in CO a few years back. Thanks for the journey and I'm looking forward to how the rest of the hunt pans out mate.
ak.
I agree..great timing! Thanks for keeping this in your back pocket...it's like a nice tax refund when you were expecting nothing. Looking forward to the rest.
Looking forward to the rest. Thanks for taking the time to snap some photos during the hunt and scouting. It makes for a much more enjoyable story.
:coffee: :coffee: :coffee: :coffee: and still waiting! :nono:
Yep. Sitting here hitting refresh.
I slowly ease an arrow out of my quiver and slip it on my string. All the while I'm silently praying the bull doesn't bolt. But bolt he does, and for a fleeting moment I thought I was done.
But as the bull takes off I notice movement from behind some quakies behind where the 4 point had stood. It was another bull! I could make out parts of his rack. He had watched his buddy bail out but had no clue I was there!
I studied how the bull was facing and there, a gap between the quakies. I could see ribs and his elbow. It was like the bull was saying, "put your arrow through the gap and I'm yours." I tried to study the bulls body language to see if he was tense or relaxed. He put his head back down and started feeding again, apparently thinking his little buddy had lost it and ran off for no good reason. As he put his head down I could see he was a nice 6 point in the upper 290 to 300, not that I even cared at that point!
What to do. Do I wait for him to come out into the clear? Try a shot that I know I can make? Just then that wonderful wind that was as predictable as the elk themselves, started to swirl. I knew I'd better try. I drew the string back and tried to focus on the spot.
At the release of the arrow I watched as a beautiful chartruese ball spun towards it's intended target, when out of nowhere a 4" quakie stepped in front of my arrow. CRACK!! The arrow buried into the side of the white tree. By this time the bull had caught a whiff of the smelly predator and now with a crack like a rifle shot not 5 yards wawy, he'd had enough and ran off to find his smaller, but wiser buddy.
I was deflated, physically, emotionally, I slowly walked down and dug my arrow out of the quakie. One inch, only one inch to the right and my arrow would have buried into the bulls side. Oh the joys of elk hunting!
As I met Matt back at camp and retold the afternoons events. He smiled and told me he had a feeling I was going to connect that afternoon, thus the sly grin. I was bummed to have let him down. It was a long night replaying the shot in my mind, overe, and over.
The final day of the hunt.
A friend of ours, Robby, came up to camp to spend the last day with us, and to hopefully pack out some meat. We split up and went to different ridges. I watched a monster 5 point work his way across an opening with a few cows. He was a dream bull, super heavy dark brown antlers with 5 long ivory tipped points. I could hear the bull that Matt had chased a few nights earlier bugling in a little side canyon. I worked my way in, slowly closing the distance. When I could hear him bugle from 200 yards out I decided to try to get under his skin.
I started bugling and cow calling. He immidiatley answered! And so the chess match began, each of us making our move, sounding our threats. He was getting closer. Then a tan body 60 yards up the hill. A cow, followed by a small raghorn. The big bull was pushing his herd towards me. He screamed again from 80 yards away. I had an arrow nocked, hoping that he would work below his herd and give me a last second shot.
But just as that thought entered my head, the wind hit the back of my neck and just as fast as it had started, it ended.
The afternoon was spent under a tree waiting out a full on monsoon! It rained for 6-7 hours.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13120_zps714b63b4.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13120_zps714b63b4.jpg.html)
When the weather finally let up I had a couple hours to find an elk. I hiked/ran/slid through the mud. But the elk had quiot talking, right up until just before dark. I called a few times at a couple of bulls, hoping against hope that a miracle would happen. That all of my hard work would pay off. But it wasn't meant to be. I watched the light drain from the sky while listening to bulls bugling in the distance. It was a hutn I will never forget. One that I will probably not experience in UT for at least 20 more years, if ever.
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13122_zps3af7f4f2.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13122_zps3af7f4f2.jpg.html)
I left it all on the mountain. I stacked my will, my body, and to some extent my faith against one of the most noble animals to ever walk the earth. And again I came out on the short end, or did I? I was able to spend 13 days hunting elk this past year. I saw some world class animals and had three legitimate chances at bulls. I truly believe if not for the weather this year I would have punched my tag. It rained every day of my hunt. I joked to Matt that now we know what it was like to hunt Alaska :)
The rain wasn't the bad part, it was the wind. I've hunted the west my entire life and never hunted in such squirelly winds as I did this year. There was only one time I felt the wind would hold true, and it did. Hindsight being what it is I should have been much more aggressive on that bull.
I'd like to thank Matt, one of the best hunting partners a guy could have. He pushed me during the off season like I've never been pushed. Because of that I was more physically prepared than ever before. Thanks Matt!!
(http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h160/steadman_2006/elkhunt13108_zps2d6e1203.jpg) (http://s63.photobucket.com/user/steadman_2006/media/elkhunt13108_zps2d6e1203.jpg.html)
It amazes, and sometimes really bothers me when less experienced elk hunters have elk basically run them over, or fall into their laps. But I've learned to deal with that. Everyone seems to have an animal that eludes them consistantly, and mine is the elk. I'm coming to grips with it :)
I hope to have another story this year as my Dad, some great friends, and myself should draw a Wyoming elk tag. If we do, you can bet I'll be running up and down those mountains, as well as those here locally, in search of that bull or cow who selflessly jumps in front of my arrow. Until then, it's time to start running hard, climbing hills, and getting ready for this fall, it's only a few months away :bigsmyl:
A little about my equipment. I wore first lite and kuiu wool, with a KUIU vest and pants for the entire hunt. I have found a system that works for me. Layering. It can be 20 and snow to 85 degrees during these hunts. I carry a couple more layers and I am golden. I also used KUIU gaiters. They were like wearing knee high waders and were worth their weight in gold this year. I also had a KUIU pack that worked well for me while hunting. No I'm not independently wealthy, I just look for good deals online for gear and buy used.
I used Meindels this year, but prior to the huntmy feet actually grew. That's my only explanation for getting the blisters. I wore those same boots a year before folowing South Cox on his mule deer hunt through sheep country and never had a problem?
The two bows I used were a longbow that I built, and my Stalker coyote that's 55#@29", I used CE 250 with 200 grain simmons and eclipse werewovles. This was my first year hunting with carbon, as I usually hunt with wood. But with all the rain we had, I didn't want any doubt in my equipment.
My equipment performed flawlessly, even if I didn't. Thanks for tagging along. I encourage everyone else to write their hunting stories, successful or not, that's what this site was originally for and it makes the winter go by a lot better!!
Thanks for taking us along, I thoroughly enjoyed it!!!
What a fantastic series of hunts! thanks for sharing! Maybe someday I'll be able to enjoy a hunt in the west. And maybe I can be one of those lucky fool novices. I need a fools gold animal, since the deer and moose here in Maine constantly avoid me.
Love the story brother. Your the man I know what you put into this from what I can tell you got a lot out of it even though not elk came home. I cannot even beging to tell you how much I resect you because of that.
I will find something with more MOJO to send you for the next one :clapper:
yep, phenomenal story! I think most of us have that one animal that for some reason were just snakebit on. mine of all things happens to be whitetail deer, but I finally got a decent one this year, so maybe im past it.
and, hopefully your next elk hunt you get past yours as well.
Thanks guys! Randy I had more than enough mojo from you brother :)
What a great adventure. Thanks for sharing it with us!
I've been waiting for this! Thanks for taking us along it's curing the winter blues!
Great job. Storytelling is a dying art, and you've told a good one.
Man, you have no idea how badly I needed to hear a story that good and to see some beautiful animals and country. To those of us who appreciate your hard work and dedication, many thanks Ryan.
Awesome read Ryan!
I came upon the thread late so I got to zip through the entire thing in one sit. You gotta love the highs and lows of elk hunting. I'm keeping my fingers crossed I draw AZ this year. I've got 9 points so I'm getting close. :thumbsup: I hunted there 10 years ago with a similar outcome to yours....so close! I've dreamed of going back ever since.
Tim
.
That was a great read. Thanks for posting.
Incredible story and incredible pics! Thanks for sharing.
Great story....great hunt....Elk rut in the mountains is a time of year I look forward to every year, nothing compares, in my opinion.
Thanks for sharing your adventure, the ups and downs, and your great attitude.
I feel for you with the rain we spent ten days with intense afternoon thunderstorms and hours of rain almost every day. Still had a great time.
Great story and pictures. There is truly no better time to be in the woods than Elk season.
Thank you for sharing and making a February day much more interesting :)
:campfire:
Thanks for the great story Ryan.
If it makes you feel any better, you weren't the only fella to abuse an Aspen this past September
(http://i252.photobucket.com/albums/hh20/rudycu/phpsEtJAoPM_zpsae443f65.jpg) (http://s252.photobucket.com/user/rudycu/media/phpsEtJAoPM_zpsae443f65.jpg.html)
Great story Ryan ... you can feel the passion you have for elk and hunting with a stick and string when reading it :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks for taking the time to share with us Ryan. Really enjoyed it! Getting to spend time on the mountain with your son, your father, and a great friend is about as good as it gets. Killing an elk is just a bonus, but you already know that. Will be pulling for you in Wyoming!
Elk are SPECIAL! As shown in your vivid write up Ryan. You have done them deservingly proud and that, my friend, will never come back on you.
Kudos on a great hunt.
:clapper:
Good stuff, Ryan! Thanks for the great story and pics! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Great story, you'll get one next year for sure! Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:
Thanks for sharing your great adventure. Beautiful pics and a well-told story.
Fantastic pictures and great story, could you fill us in on your camera equipment?
Thanks for taking us along! what a great story!
Great story Steadman. I was thinking about you all season and pulling for you. Sounds like you were in the action quite a bit. Tough hunt. My animal that gives me trouble seems to be mammals
Thanks for the comments guys! As far as my camera equipment I use a seven year old Canon S3 IS. It's very old, as far as camera equipment goes. A small tripod for self photos and other things. That's it. I try to keep it light. We were 3-5 miles from camp everyday so I try to keep things light, TRY haha
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Thanks for the winter pick-me-up! I definitely feel your pain about the "oh so close" elk.
Great story telling buddy, picks were awesome as always enjoyed it very much. So nice to read a good hunting story this time of the year even though I new how the hunt went I will read this one and go over the picks several times.
There's something special about elk hunting and you have a great way of expressing it in your words and picks my friend. Someday I will be back out there climbing those mountains again with you guys. Thanks for sharing!
Tracy
Really nice story. Was so hoping you would connect, was rooting for you. That's what makes it great to get another go at it. Good luck in the future.
Thanks for the story and photos Ryan, just what the doctor ordered for a February afternoon! :campfire:
I swear I lived that story this year, just it was a cow elk tag in Kentucky! I had a lot more bad luck then good, but made a new friend and had a season I'll never forget!
Great hunt no matter how it turned out enjoyed it! Thanks!
How many points did it take to draw that tag. Idrew Fishlake a few years ago with 9 NR.
Great story and pics Ryan!
Thanks for taking the time to bring us along!!!
Well buddy, as Judy Clyncke told me, "you got everything but the cherry on top of the sundae!"
Great job :thumbsup:
Great Story, Incredible hunt and pictures. Thank you for taking great pictures and sharing it with us. :clapper:
Your hunting was Very Successful. You continuously put yourself in bow range of Elk. Cant ask for much more than that.
Awesome brother!!
Great story and wonderful photo support! I truly appreciate the time it takes to tell these tales Ryan. Appreciate your commitment to the sport, your ethics, and the hard work those 13 days took! Way to stay in the fight :campfire:
I was heartbroken at the end of this one. This was an excellent story. Thanks for saving it till now!
Wind is tough to fight. Do you use some method to lower your scent level?
Great thread, good idea to stash it away until now! It was a wonderful read on a cold and dark Minnesota morning with a couple cups of coffee... :thumbsup:
Thanks for all the compliments guys! Malachi I try to keep as clean as possible. But honestly after hiking all day it's near impossible. Even if we could, regardless of what scent elimination companies try to sell, when the wind goes from you to the elk, the gigs up. This past years winds were the worst I've ever hunted in. But that's the way it goes. You play the hand you're dealt, and hope for the best :)
Ryan,your hunt is been a great success in experience,fisical conditions and skills. Not easy to arrive so close at so many bulls. With another weapon you would have plenty of hero pics but for sure not a better hunter. To me a great hunt is something that you conquer the hard way with less chances the critters you are after have.
Congrats my friend, I hope to meet you again soon.
I enjoyed it immensely :clapper:
Awesome adventure, thanks for sharing.
That's the kind of hunt you will remember for life!
Steadman, that was special! Thanks for sharing.
Well done.... Thank you for sharing the story!
Great thread. I will throw some elk mojo at you if you throw some mulie mojo back!!
Great, great read. Thanks for sharing.
:clapper: Nice story telling. Very enjoyable read. I almost hate to admit it, but, sometimes I won't read a story on here if the writer doesn't use spacing between paragraphs, you did a great job, thanks for sharing. And, What did the old Indian in the Outlaw Josie Wales say? "Endeavor to persevere!"
:thumbsup: I enjoyed it!!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Your adventure was a wonderful mood lifter! It's a reminder to start for next fall.
Just got done reading through this one. Missed it the first time around.
What a great hunt! Man does it fire me up for an autumn in the elk country.
Todd
Great read Ryan! Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:
That was a sensational story. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Mark.
Great story, thanks for sharing!