My pics kinda suck, i was solo and it was a few hours before my buddies showed up so i had him halfway taken care of. I had lots of history with this bull in the month leading up to the season and actually passed on him a few times during the season because he had broke his g6 and an inline point after his g4… I didn’t realize quite the caliber of bull he was! Had a few buddies talk some sense into me and the hunt was on. 18 yard shot on the biggest bull I’ve ever seen let alone shoot. DIY, public land, draw tag
First elk hunt and was able to shoot this bull with my dad right next to me on day 8 of our 9 day trip. He bugled in our face and I shot him at 16 yards. I am hooked!
After a few rut-frenzy mornings, we woke up to silence on September 19. After creeping to the bedding area, we found it abandoned and quiet. It was a beautiful morning, but unnerving.
We began making our way down the mountain, trying to figure out where the herd had gone. Had they been bumped by another hunter?
One last bugle down the drainage led to the first response we’d heard. We closed the gap, called again, and it was clear: this was happening.
My partner dropped back, calling and raking as I tried to steady my nerves.
This bull who we affectionately had referred to as “Chuckles” crossed the drainage and worked his way to 20 yards. He was quartering pretty hard, so I centered my pin and hit liver.
200 yards later, we finished him in his bed.
It was an incredible end to my first week of chasing elk.
God is good!!