2025 elk meat pole

[Subzeroeng]

This is my first elk, after 3 years of chasing shadows. Solo hunt and packout on a Utah Any Bull tag.
I bumped 2-3 bulls and tracked them about 100 yards. This was the first one to give me a shot when I caught up with them. 51 yrds with a 77 gr TMK from my .223. He didn’t go 20 yards before he crumpled. If there is anyone left that doubts the value of a suppressor, I forgot the existence of my ear pro around my neck but didn’t even have the slightest ringing after the shot, and the other bulls didn’t run until he crumpled and startled them.

 

[HighUintas]

This is my first elk, after 3 years of chasing shadows. Solo hunt and packout on a Utah Any Bull tag.
I bumped 2-3 bulls and tracked them about 100 yards. This was the first one to give me a shot when I caught up with them. 51 yrds with a 77 gr TMK from my .223. He didn’t go 20 yards before he crumpled. If there is anyone left that doubts the value of a suppressor, I forgot the existence of my ear pro around my neck but didn’t even have the slightest ringing after the shot, and the other bulls didn’t run until he crumpled and startled them.

That is awesome. Congratulations. That's a hard hunt

 

[Subzeroeng]

That is awesome. Congratulations. That's a hard hunt

Thank you. From your username you know exactly how hard that area and hunt are.

 

[Floated_down]

Was very fortunate to harvest my first ever elk on Tuesday. First time hunter, solo, DIY, on public land, so I was not exactly expecting success, but I was lucky enough to run into this nice bull with a clean broadside look at 150 yds. Double lung shot put him down almost immediately in an absolutely beautiful ridgeline spot. Truly a life-changing experience. Feeling very grateful

 

[HunterGatherer]

First time hunting and you killed a bull !? Nice work man ! You’re already beating the odds.

 

[Floated_down]

First time hunting and you killed a bull !? Nice work man ! You’re already beating the odds.

well day 4 of me wandering around in the woods with my rifle, but yea my first ever hunting season for any animal. I've lived in WY for 20 years but have mostly been a skier, mountain biker and a fly fisherman, but I decided this spring it was time to learn how to hunt. Spent the last 6 months studying, preparing, practicing, etc. still in disbelief that it all came together.

sincere gratitude to the all people who share information on this forum. its been an invaluable resource for a lowly FNG like myself

 

[AdvntrSeekr]

Solo deep in the Backcountry

 

[Olsolitaire1]

Utah Manti muzzleloader bull hunt. First elk with my 58 caliber flintlock shooting patched ball and real black powder. The shorts are stalking perfection and everyone should try it. Shot at 50 yards offhand. Frontal shot slightly high dropped him with a neck and spine impact.

This was a solo hunt and hard won after 7 days of chasing bugles and cutting my teeth on close encounters with big bulls. Hopefully it is obvious from the photo it was done solo and how satisfied I am.

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Great to see one taken with a real muzzleloader! Well done