First Successful Elk Hunt

[Cyril]

I will keep this generally short. I made it out to Colorado for my second elk hunt. I hunted 2022 and learned a lot, due to other hunt commitments, I was unable to hunt the west in 2023. With my previous experience, I had a pretty solid plan for at minimum, having an enjoyable hunt, but a reasonable chance at success. This hunt was just me and my wife, who doesn't hunt but loves being part of the process.

We toughed it through a brutal drive with blizzard conditions and made it to camp on time. We tent camped, in elk country and were successful glassing elk, even if limited numbers everyday. On day two we had a failed stalk where we couldn't relocate the bull we were after. On day three it all came together and we were able to connect.

It was a great experience, enjoying it thoroughly with my wife by my side. I don't know when I will be back out elk hunting, but I am sure this will not be the last.

I don't post often on rokslide, only when I feel I can contribute positively to a thread but I read through nearly all of it and have learned a lot on this forum. I am very grateful for the information and knowledge, particularly about gear, lightweight, shooting etc that i have learned from this site. Hope everyone else has had or is having a good season.

Cyril

 

[AZ_Hunter]

Awesome, congrats.

What did you shoot it with (cartridges and bullet), and at what range and impact velocity? What kind of tissue damage did you see?

 

[DKennedy951]

Great work! Congrats on the success!

 

[IdahoBeav]

Congratulations, killing your first elk on only your 2nd DIY hunt is an accomplishment to be proud of.

 

[fuzzymarindave]

Congrats on a nice bull and a great adventure to share with your wife.

 

[mike.adams.467]

Nice job! Congratulations.

 

[RCL]

Congratulations to you both.
Compliments to the wife for supporting you.

 

[elkguide]

SWEET! When you can hunt with a great team member it helps make some great memories!

 

[Cyril]

Awesome, congrats.

What did you shoot it with (cartridges and bullet), and at what range and impact velocity? What kind of tissue damage did you see?

6.5 prc, 147 eldm, approximately impact velocity 2300 fps. Entered mid vitals, broke a rib on way in, slightly quarterd to broke rib on far side stuck in far side hide.

 

[R7RMag]

I was caught in a road closure for 14 hours straight due to that blizzard. Multiple people (myself included) were sleeping in their drivers seat and the cops came back through to wake everyone up when it was finally time to go. Glad you made it through to have a successful hunt!