This will come in bits and pieces....please bear with me as I have lots going on around here.
First off, I gotta say that I've had a monkey on my back that has grown into a gorilla over the years when it comes to mature bull elk. Been fortunate to kill a few with archery equipment but never a large bull and never with my stick. Finally,,,finally,,,finally ,,, God smiled down on me and put one in my lap. Literally,,,in my lap!!
Bring it man!!!
:thumbsup: :campfire:
Yes!!!
Archery elk tags are on a draw system here in Manitoba which allows resident hunters to draw a tag every 2 or 3 years. I've hunted most areas of the province and over the years have never been selected for a southern area that was always high on my list of choices. This year I was finally selected to hunt my long awaited area and lucky for me that my closest hunting buddy is very familiar with the area. Jason (my hunting buddy) headed out a week before me and managed to kill a nice 6X6 after just a few days. The elk were not calling much but he managed to capitalize on one of the 2 bulls he heard call. Jason hauled his bull home, took care of the meat, did some household chores, and was ready to go again the next week which I had off work.
This is gonna be good!
:campfire:
Backtrack one week....
My wife and I received a phone call from her brother in NC who's wife is a prof at Duke, sharing the news that at age 35 she has been diagnosed with Stage 4 colon and liver cancer. Life right there came to a halt. My wife being a home care nurse booked a flight south to aid in post op care while I tended to the kids here as well as working and schedules.
Unsure as to whether or not I've even see the elk woods I prepared Jason for the possibility of a cancelled hunt. Elk hunting at this point really didn't matter and I knew that one day my time would come to harvest a mature bull...or any elk with a stick for that matter.
QuoteOriginally posted by Joe2Crow:
This is gonna be good!
Probably an understatement. I'm in.
Yep Ryan, I got that gorilla on my back too, but it is for any elk with my bow, not just a good bull!
In for the rest, and prayers up for your SIL, and all your family!
Bisch
The next 5 days were busy at home trying to handle 48 hours of work mixed with parenting and the full schedule of activities for 3 kids under age10. The back and forth FaceTime with my wife, rollercoaster emotions of prognosis, and severe lack of sleep made for a blurred week of near chaos.
The occasional thought of elk and the woods calling made me feel guilty and kinda selfish. Heading out hunting seemed near the bottom of the list of things to do. Perhaps a few days at the end of the week would be cleared aside for hunting?
With a care plan in place, white boards prepped, diet plans complete, and chores completed, my wife felt good in returning home.
Leaving for elk camp with my wife home was not the first thing on my mind, as the last thing she needed was to be overwhelmed with kid stuff after being physically and emotionally drained while away. The next day and a half was catching up as a family and trying my best to get things in order around home to make things easier while hunting. Understanding that we'd have to get back to routine and a sense of normalcy, we agreed I'd leave Monday evening after the kids were in bed for 6 days of chasing elk.
Fortunately the drive is a mere 3 hours putting me into camp near midnight. 5 am would come fast as Jason was already in camp with an alarm set and a plan set.
Morning came quick but zero complaints from this guy. Quick coffee and granola bar and we were off. A short truck ride revealed that hunters were already headed into the spot we wanted so we made our way to another trail.
Morning 1....really long mountain bike ride in the wind with not a sound of elk.
Evening 1...nothing
Morning 2....20 minute bike ride with a really sore bottom from the day before....nothing
Evening 2.... one coyote that sounded like an elk and a possible elk call to the north.
Morning 3....head to where there may have been an elk call the night before
:campfire:
I really need to stress how wonderful it was to be in the woods. Even though there was not much sign of elk, it really didn't seem to matter to me. The new terrain, the walks, the bike rides, the campfires, and time with a great friend was fuel for the soul. Blessed to have my health and healthy family was more than enough for me!
As the sun rose in the east the rain started coming down,,,not pouring,, but a gentle rain that turned into a slight mist at times. No sound of elk anywhere. Moving north we walked and called and about an hour in had an elk bugle about 400 yards NW.
The wind was all over the place but never from the east so we decided to come in from that direction. About 200 yards into our stalk we had an elk bugle about 60 yards in front of us,,, a young sounding bull...but a bull! He had obviously heard us walking and called due to our noise. Jason and I moved in opposite directions, me towards the elk and him away as he did some soft cow calls. The rain started coming down a bit harder and the its sound falling on the Hazel brush leaves was near deafening. Manitoba hazel brush is quite the experience with visibility being mere feet and almost no chances of shots. I waited....nothing. 20 minutes later Jason shared that he could see the brush moving as the elk circled down wind of me and it walked away. Happy to have had the encounter but slightly disappointed we decided to make our way back to the bikes.
Good wives are a blessing in itself. Praying for your sister in law and your family.
Gods blessings to you Ryan,
Gary
:campfire: I am tuned in RY!!
Walk back the way we came or cut SW through new area was or predicament. Both loving new terrain we decided to push on. Steps later another bull erupted...mature and close!
At 200 yards we figured we'd move slightly ahead and assess the situation. Wind was good....moving along. Thundering hooves stopped us in our tracks as we rounded a small pond maybe 75 yards across. We had gone maybe 75 yards and so had the herd of elk towards us putting us on top of each other. The hazel brush was very thick here with the only opening being the pond. A slight 3 or 4 foot drop from the brush to the pond edge littered with fallen trees was the only possible route between us and the elk.
The cows and calves rounded the far side of the pond and almost sure we were busted Jason let out a squealer bull call out of desperation. Immediate hooves and antlers on brush made it way to the pond edge and at 40 yards I saw giant eye guards and a dark faced bull stick his head out of the hazel and scream at full volume. The bull was at a crossroads to either follow the herd of come kick some small bull butt.
Seconds later he turned toward me and while tilting his rack from side to side began following the waters edge straight at me. Teetering on the hill edge rolling into the pond I stood behind a large birch tree with Jason 2 steps behind me. We had no choice but to stay put as we would be in view of the bull. I had virtually no shot and was on a collision course with the bull. 30 yards out he rubbed a sapling and at 15 yards took a 4 inch poplar and snapped it like a toothpick. Fingers wrapped around the string I noticed my fletching stuck to the shaft from the rain but no time to switch arrows. Slowly I raised my bow and stuck my bow hand and arrow through some brush pointed at the bull now under 10 yards.
:goldtooth:
Oh...oh my! Keep it coming.
:campfire: :coffee:
10, 9, 8, 7, 6 yards and the bull lifted his head and stopped looking right at me.
I dunno what you would call it, instinct... survival... either way the arrow was on its way. The bull spun with arrow about 18"s in his chest and crashed south for maybe 10 seconds. Nothing...silence.
Not being able to stand, overwhelmed with emotion, I sat with my face in my hands unable to even comprehend what just happened.
:campfire: :campfire:
Ahhh man RY weather it be BIG BEARS OR BIG BULLS You always seem to like things up close and personal!!
The whole frontal discussion is for later. The positive reinforcement of killing a bull this way will not sway the realities of the anatomy and physiology involved. Later...
We waited 30 minutes and walked over to where the bull stood at the time of the shot. Blood was clearly visible from the point of impact and we followed the trail at full walking pace. At the 80 yard mark, extensive amounts of blood everywhere, I began wondering why the bull wasn't down. 30 more yards and we spook a bull......my heart sank!
Jason commented on the light color of the bulls antlers and we we confused as the bull I shot appeared to have dark antlers. While discussing the situation we noticed that the blood trail turned in the opposite direction that the bull spooked. Could have it been another big bull??? Yep it was....again on the blood trail we found my arrow confirming the 18"s of penetration. Confused as to the amount of blood loss and no dead bull we pushed on...
:bigsmyl: :campfire: :coffee:
Man what a ride so far. I'll be back!
Man I am tuned in and waiting for more of this.
Tony
I've been on hundreds on blood trails and know that when an animal starts to travel far distances that your odds in recovery go down significantly....especially on a shot from the shoulder forward.
500 yards in, the blood still easy to follow at a walking pace, started zig zagging and wandering aimlessly in different directions. The bull was actively bleeding, in large amounts and not slowing down....which I have never seen in my hunting career. 800 yards and still going. The elk crosses a fence line and into a pasture. 150 yards into the pasture the blood picks up even more. Finally a bed,,, followed by another bed and another. Constant blood from one to the next. I round a clump of hazel brush and there he lies!
I turn to Jason and put my arms up to the heavens as he wraps his around me. More emotional than I ever remember being on a hunt I give thanks. This bull was truly a gift,,,,majestic, magnificent, and perfect.
(http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/ryanderlago/IMG_0295_zpsxd5mdefr.jpg) (http://s645.photobucket.com/user/ryanderlago/media/IMG_0295_zpsxd5mdefr.jpg.html)
:bigsmyl: :archer:
Wow, nice! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
loving this story
Awesome, what a hunt!! Congrats my friend!! You had me hanging onto every word. :thumbsup: Pictures??
I want to say too, that I'm very sorry to hear about your Sister In Law. I wish her the best, and said a prayer for you all.
Bob
Wowser! That is an awesome critter, Ryan!
Congrats!
Bisch
Wow Ryan! That is an awesome bull!! Love those dark antlers!! Congrats on an awesome hunt.
Wow is right what a SWEET LOOKING BULL RY!!And the story was great congrats on such a fine animal you deserve it!.Thxs for sharing the story
Beautiful bull, I really like those dark antlers! Congrats
Outstanding Ryan! Tremendous bull! Happy for you. Prayers for your Sister in law and family.
Outstanding my friend!
D.P.
What a Beauty! Congratulations and thanks for the great story!
Thanks guys! For those that want to know...I used my Tall Tines r/c, 58" and #58. FMJ 400 with 75 gr inserts and a 200 gr. Eclipse werewolf head.
The arrow made it to the chest cavity but hit the carotid artery on the way in. The slight elevation difference from me to the elk made me need to hit higher than I would have liked for a frontal making the arrow need to travel through more of the neck than desired for a chest shot.
Would I take the shot again....."No" from a slightly elevated position and not from "snap shooting" like I did. "Yes" if I was on a level plane and already cranked to full draw. Needs to be under 10 yards as well and only on really big critters..
Holy Cow!....I mean Bull
well, :thumbsup: congratts!
Awesome bull congrats!
Well done Ryan! That's as fine a bull elk as a guy could ever hope for. Loved the story behind it, but missed the occasional 'eh?' or 'yah'... ;)
Absolute congratulations!
And thanks for the prayers for my Sister in law. Her name is Kate and is an amazing person. Youngest prof ever at Duke and the only female in Religion and theology. 35 years old now and has a 2 year old son and supportive husband. Very appreciated guys!!!
Great story and a great Manitoba bull!
Beautiful bull! Congrats brother!
Beautiful.
Awesome bull and story!!
Awesome bull, love those dark antlers!
-Jay
I just said a prayer for Kate and her family. Awesome bull.
Here's to hope your sister in law gets back to good health.
That is one beautiful bull-congratulations!!
Prayers sent
Congrats on a beautiful bull. Praying for your sister in law.
Congrats, very nice. The Manitoba sub-species of Elk are in deed special. great story.
Wow!!!! Congrats Ryan and I hope your sister in law keeps her head up and keeps fighting.
The real success was taking care of your family. Proud of you, brother. Grateful for the blessing of a great bull.
A bull of a lifetime and a story to match. Congrats!
Just an "awesome" animal! Congrats and good luck over the next few months with your family. Cancer at that level is very tiring on all involved. You are in our prayers!
Ryan. You are a class act. I'm glad you get out to hunt on your own as much as you have helped and guide others to fullfill their dreams. Amen
Sweet. Thanks for sharing and my best for your family.
Congratulations on a great animal. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
What a magnificent animal! Congratulations on a trophy of a lifetime! :clapper:
Bernie
Nice Job Ryan!!!!!
TomPagel
Well done sir , very nice.....
,,,Sam,,,
Great Bull Ryan!!!!
Prayers to ur family first of all. Congrats on the great hunt. Is Darren going to mount it??
Congrats on a real beast!
What a cool looking bull, great story.
Great bull Ryan! And praying that the good Lord perform a miracle for Kate and family :pray:
Congratulations on a fine animal and story ! Well done.
I think we can all officially agree that the big bull elk "monkey" is OFF your back! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats on a fine trophy taken under conditions that were a real challenge... on so many intimate levels.
Congratulations Ryan on a Magnificent creature. I will keep Kate and her family in my prayers.
Congratulations my friend. Beautiful bull!
Prayer for your wife's sister and family.
Congrats! What a story, and what a bull!
Very nice bull
great story and prayers for Kate for a full recovery.
Great bull! Thanks for taking us along
Great bull Ryan!
Best wishes to your wife family. Hope your SIL gets to eat a steak off that beast sometime soon!
Congrats on a beautiful bull !!
What a story and what a bull man. Congrats and congrats.
A majestic bull Ryan ... Congrats
prayers go out for Kate and family
That's a dandy bull, congratulations!
Congratulations on a fantastic bull!!
Beautiful Bull. Congratulations!!!
Congradulations on a great bull, prayers for your sister-in -law.
Amazing!!!!! I hope to be in that picture someday. Those dark antlers are awesome.
WOWSA! What a beautiful animal. Congrats. What a gift!!
Dan in KS
What a great bull. Don't know how I missed this thread. Prayers for your SIL and I'm very proud of your wife for going to her aid so quickly. She shows super character!
Congratulations on a beautiful bull!!
And even more so on your willingness to suspend your desires in your time of family need and take care of things at home before being Blessed with your magnificient trophy!!
Great story.
what a beautiful bull! congrats on the trophy of a lifetime.
What an amazing bull, congrats again Ry. The first word out of everyone's mouth when I show your picture is "Wow". Thanks again for all the burger.
Awesome Manitoba bull Ryan.
Funny how things work out.You stuck at it,and found a way to get it done, and reaped the rewards.
Family,friends and integrity, great combination.
Tell congrats to Jason also.I'm sure you guys had a fun packing job.
Mo
Outstanding!!!!RC
Great story and a beautiful bull! Thanks for sharing.
Sorry about your sister-in-law.
Tremendous Bull. Congrats. Don't suppose he ran 1000 yards TOWARDS the truck?
What a bull!!! Congratulations.... :thumbsup:
Wow!! I just took the time to read the story. What an Awesome animal! Now how you gonna top that! Lol
Congratulations!!
That is a beauty of a bull! Congratulations! Nicely told story too. :campfire:
WOW!!! What a great story and bull!!!! Congrats!
I'll keep Kate our prayers!
Incredible bull, and a well told story!! :notworthy:
We will keep your sister in law in our prayers.
I like, congratulations
That bull is gorgeous. What are you planning on doing with it? A European or shoulder? A great hunt in difficult times.
WOW!!! Fantastic bull Brother and prayers for your sister-in-law.
Congratulations on a great Bull!!!
It's just way to long a wait 2-3 years ,I know the feeling I'm into the second year.
Sorry to hear about the family problems.
Our prayers go out to your sister in-law.
Abe
Wow! What a great story and a great bull!!! Congrats to you!I hope everything works out for you and your family!!!
Awesome!!! Thank you for sharing!!! What a magnificent Bull!!
Congrats Brother!!!
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Wishing the best for you and your family! Take care!!!
You, Kate and family have a very tough time ahead, perhaps the Lord threw you a bone, a BIG STUNNING BONE, to help show you its not all bad. Prayers coming your way....keep us informed how it's going....
Well I'd say he was worth the wait. Congratulations Ryan!
Prayers for your family.
What an adventure during difficult times. Thank you.
Congratulations a superb hunt during a difficult time.
Positive wishes to your family.
Thanks everyone for the kind words and especially the prayers. I told Kate that bowhunters everywhere were praying for her and she giggled with excitement. It really is a strong band of brothers here that can do amazing things. I appreciate every one of you and the continued support. Thank you... Ryan
Congrats man. Great bull, great story...and you have a great family!
Hey Ryan........great seeing you at Max and congrats on the nice bull. I must say it looked bigger in the truck....JK.
All the best with SIL and hope things turn out for the best....
Prayers for your family Ryan. Great Bull Brother!!!!!
Prayers for your whole family! That bull is a monster! At that range I am not sure I could even manage to draw on such a behemoth!! Congrats and a great story!
Prayers go out to you and your family, thank you for sharing your story Ryan.
I said a prayer for Kate.
C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S on your fine elk A trophy of a life time.Great story and picture.
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We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Prayers are as important as a good doctor. I know first hand as prayers from friends and concerned folks kept my family going when we were faced with about the same thing. I am sure your wife not only is a help to your sister in.law but a great comfort. GOD BLESS
Superb bulland hunt...thank you for sharing.
:clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Prayers sent for Kate and family. Nice bull dude!
Well done Ryan that is one heck of a bull!
Ryan-
Prayers to your sister in law Kate! Wish her the best.
Well done on a great bull! He's beautiful! Love the dark antlers!
Congrats!
Kenny
Wow, very happy to hear you got your bull. Congrats. Many prayers on their way for Kate.
Congratulations Ryan he's a beauty.
NICE!!!!! doesn't get any better than that, I hope your SIL is doing well, may the Great Spirit be with her
What a spectacular animal. Congrats!!!
I hope all is well Ryan!
BTW, we grow some nice elk in North Dakota, don't we?