This season started a little slow. I had heard a couple of bugles on opening day and that was it. I was able to find them everytime I went out, but they were not always on the same mounatin as I was. Just before the Labor day weekend I decided to look into one of my old honey holes.  What I saw about gave me a heart attack!
 

He was awesome! NOt he kind of bull that you find in this heavily hunted unit. So for the next few day my wife and I hunted him. I had him at 20 yards the first day, but never had any kind of a clear shot. As always though it was a blessing being so close to such big old bull. The next day he didn't show up and I was worried that he had gotten a little nervous after  our encounter.

wow what an impressive animal.

You done killed him... I know it !  

The next day he was back! We had some storm systems moving though and the wind was a little "iffy". I knew I should back out and leave him for a better day. I think if he was in just about ANY other area, I might have. Convinced that if I didn't get on every chance I had someone else would find him. So I pushed my luck. I worked into 40 yards and was in position to close the last 20 while he raked a tree! I just knew this was going to happen! Then just as I was moving to clear the little pine tree for a shot.....The wind switched HARD! He was gone in an instant. I was really bummed. I was pretty sure that was it. My last chance at the old harem master.

That's a good bull!  Tons of fun chasing one like that.

Well, It turns out I was right. He and his lady friends had left the area.I hunted hard for the next few days and found no sign of him. He more than likely headed for the big private ranch over the hill. Well I knew it had been a dream that he was even there for me to chase around at all.
So this a.m.. I headed for another spot. On the way there I was force to try a different area because the amount of hunters heading into the place I had intended to hunt was ridiculous!  Well I knew another little place that gets passed by alot. I drove to a spot that gives me a good spot to bugle into the area. I bugled...nothing.  I bugled again.......BINGO! I got a reply! I knew exaclty where he was and the best way to get there!  I didn't call any more after that. As I was working my way to him, he bugled several more times. That helped me get into what I figured was 100 yards or so and I was pretty sure he was alone.......

I worked downwind and cow called....He screamed at me!  I cow called again.....Brush started breaking and I knew we were gonna meet! I could tell he was working to get downhill and down wind of me, so I made a quick move of another 20 yards downhill. Then I could see him, moving towards me. He would still end up downhill of me but I could see lots of shot options, depending on what he did. Well he musta read the script and moved into 15 yrads and turned broadside! The aroow took him a little high, but solid. He went 150-200 yards and fell over dead. A perfect hunt. I love mornings like that!

I gave my thanks to the creator for the morning the Elk and so many other things.

That is too awesome!  I'll be chasing them there in Colorado in 8 days!

CONGRATS THAT IS AWESOME HOPE SOMEDAY TO HAVE A MORNING LIKE THAT.  

Nice Elk thans for taking us along.      

Great hunt Jason. Nothing like success in the Elk woods!!

That's a beaut.  Congratulations.    

       

Super job! Great hunt and great bull!

I also found out today that my 19 year daugther is an animal! She helped me pack him out. I was very impressed at how much and how well she carried it!

She made two trips, carried a front shoulder one trip and the head the next. ALL uphill!

Great hunt and Elk congrats  

       

       

Awesome, congratulations!!!