The Elk Thread

[Gumbo Man]

Originally Posted by Chad_E

Brother and I just got back from Colorado last Friday. I was lucky enough to call in 6 bulls. Only one that gave me a shot opportunity happen to be the largest one I called in. We saw some bigger bulls, but I'm very happy. Scores just over 282".

Attachment 1065185

That’s a great bull. Congrats on your success sir.

[Gumbo Man]

Originally Posted by Bill

I didn’t have a TBH flag to plant at the summit, so I had to improvise (adapt and overcome). Tobacco Roots Mts, sw Montana (which means ‘mountain’ in Spanish).



Looking east, the north end of the Madison Range is behind/ below the pine, and the Gallatin Range 40+ miles away (and Bozeman) below the Big Sky.

God is great. To be healthy enough able to do this at 66. And have a wife who encourages it.




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Your a blessed man my friend. Thanks for sharing

[Trapper76]

Congratulations to all you guys that killed your elk! I spent 7 days in the mountains outside wisdom mt. I didn’t kill a elk but had a great trip, can’t wait for next season!

[Slick8]

That's awesome Bill. Keep after em.

I'm packing / organizing today for NM rifle elk in two weeks.

Been shooting just a little and exercising a lot. This was cold bore at 600 yards, 1.75".

I did a hike in the hunting area 3 weeks ago.

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[Bill]

Originally Posted by Trapper76

Congratulations to all you guys that killed your elk! I spent 7 days in the mountains outside wisdom mt. I didn’t kill a elk but had a great trip, can’t wait for next season!

Wisdom isn’t far from me- but close/ far is a different concept here in Montana. The locals and the GW say SW Montana’s archery elk season has been tough. The rut seemed to last 2-3 days in many areas.

I just learned tomorrow is a honey-do day. This week I’ll be trying pronghorns with a bow (yes, once again) and checking the zero on my Tikka 7 mag.


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[tmkrueger]

2021 Colorado Muzzleloader Hunt.

9/8/2021
The journey begins. Me and 3 friends are on our way to NW Colorado for another awesome hunt in the mountains.








9/11/2021
Opening day!
No blood spilled today. It was a great day , saw 6 legal bulls. They were pretty vocal early but went to bed at 8:30.




The next 2 days were slow. The weather is warm and the elk are doing their thing in the dark. We have approximately 50 elk on our ranch. They come down to the river every night and feed in the meadow. We try to get between them and the bedding area in the morning. We leave camp at 5:00am and sit and let them come to us.

9/14/2021
Today was a special day!
I had the biggest Bull I have harvested walk 30 yards from me. It was like it was my turn. I was sitting with my friend Jim when we heard a bugle. As the Bull was walking towards us we both got ready. We were sitting in a small group of service berry bushes. Jim was ready before me and he was in position for the Bull to pass to our south. I got into position and had the trail to the North covered. The Bull stopped just below us completely out of sight and let out a awesome bugle that sent chills down my spine. I had a small gap in the bushes for a quick shot and as luck would have it He walked my way and gave me a perfect 30 yard shot. Jim thought I missed and was in a hurry to go trail the Bull. I was aiming for a double lung shot and felt confident that it was perfect. So I made Jim patiently wait, and after 25 minutes we heard the Bull take his final breath.





That afternoon Jim and Steve both had nice Bull’s in their sights. Unfortunately it had rained several times that day and both of their guns dry fired.
And after taking my elk to the processors I decided to take the afternoon off from hunting and do a little trout fishing. And as luck would have it my good fortune continued!





Good luck to all the Elk hunters this season. There is nothing better than being in the mountains chasing Bull Elk!





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[STGS]

I returned last week from a hunt on our ranch in New Mexico (Unit 34). We usually time our hunt with the new moon and since we border the forest, we prefer limited hunting pressure on the public land. Luckily we were able to align those two aspects and headed for the ranch late in the first week of October.

The weather was clear and warm, although it cooled off a bit on day 4 of the hunt. The bulls were screaming and very active the first 2-3 days of the hunt. I had bulls bugling from first light on day 1 and even went after a bull 500 yds from the lodge that first morning. A front came in on day 3 and the wind was howling (30+ mph), so that limited elk movement for the day.

We saw between 18-20 bulls along with a number of cows/calves. I killed this bull on the evening of the first day. My brother is a bit picky and passed several shooter bulls for one reason or another. One great bull had a broken #5, so he passed. I tried to explain the purpose of a taxidermist, but he was insistent on waiting. He had another shooter at last light on the last day, but he wouldn't chance it without being able to fully assess the bull. He ate tag soup....

Here is a pic of my bull. Forgive the lack of pics, but when it is 75 degrees and you have to cape and quarter in the hills, we didn't spend a lot of time taking pics.

[weminuche]

Originally Posted by STGS

I returned last week from a hunt on our ranch in New Mexico (Unit 34). We usually time our hunt with the new moon and since we border the forest, we prefer limited hunting pressure on the public land. Luckily we were able to align those two aspects and headed for the ranch late in the first week of October.

The weather was clear and warm, although it cooled off a bit on day 4 of the hunt. The bulls were screaming and very active the first 2-3 days of the hunt. I had bulls bugling from first light on day 1 and even went after a bull 500 yds from the lodge that first morning. A front came in on day 3 and the wind was howling (30+ mph), so that limited elk movement for the day.

We saw between 18-20 bulls along with a number of cows/calves. I killed this bull on the evening of the first day. My brother is a bit picky and passed several shooter bulls for one reason or another. One great bull had a broken #5, so he passed. I tried to explain the purpose of a taxidermist, but he was insistent on waiting. He had another shooter at last light on the last day, but he wouldn't chance it without being able to fully assess the bull. He ate tag soup....

Here is a pic of my bull. Forgive the lack of pics, but when it is 75 degrees and you have to cape and quarter in the hills, we didn't spend a lot of time taking pics.

Attachment 1066686

Attachment 1066687

Awesome bull congrats


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[Bill]

My congratulations to you guys who took elk, especially DIY hunts.

I just finished my 4th season bow hunting elk in Montana, hunting an average of 5 days per week this season and probably 4 in 2020 and 2019 and I have not pulled my bow back since Sept. 2018. I could have shot a dozen if it was rifle season.

I hunted public, block management ranches, and private land- from hunting at ranch hay/ alfalfa pivots in valleys to the tops of mountains with 2’ snow drifts.

My hat’s off to you.


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[TildenHunter]

Originally Posted by STGS

I returned last week from a hunt on our ranch in New Mexico (Unit 34). We usually time our hunt with the new moon and since we border the forest, we prefer limited hunting pressure on the public land. Luckily we were able to align those two aspects and headed for the ranch late in the first week of October.

The weather was clear and warm, although it cooled off a bit on day 4 of the hunt. The bulls were screaming and very active the first 2-3 days of the hunt. I had bulls bugling from first light on day 1 and even went after a bull 500 yds from the lodge that first morning. A front came in on day 3 and the wind was howling (30+ mph), so that limited elk movement for the day.

We saw between 18-20 bulls along with a number of cows/calves. I killed this bull on the evening of the first day. My brother is a bit picky and passed several shooter bulls for one reason or another. One great bull had a broken #5, so he passed. I tried to explain the purpose of a taxidermist, but he was insistent on waiting. He had another shooter at last light on the last day, but he wouldn't chance it without being able to fully assess the bull. He ate tag soup....

Here is a pic of my bull. Forgive the lack of pics, but when it is 75 degrees and you have to cape and quarter in the hills, we didn't spend a lot of time taking pics.

Attachment 1066686

Attachment 1066687

Congrats Jeremy! Great bull!

[Slick8]

Im in NM scouting and acclimating ahead of the hunt which starts on Saturday. We saw about 40 elk total with 4 small end bull's and one big one but broke up this morning. The guides buddy went to the spot I've wanted to hunt from the start and took video of 3 low end shooters and one pretty good bull. Going up there in the afternoon to glass.

Headed out shooting after a green chilly cheeseburger.

It was 28 on the mountain at daybreak and will warm up just a bit over the next few days.

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[justletmein]

Celebratory fresh tenderloin in our camp tonight.

[Bill]

Congratulations


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[Slick8]

Shot at 6pm and just about to hit the hay.

Big 5x5 down, story to come later.



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[justletmein]

Originally Posted by justletmein

Celebratory fresh tenderloin in our camp tonight.

Middle kiddo got his first Elk ever, DIY public Wyoming general tag. Pretty sweet hunt we had, his Mom and I went up there without tags just to hunt with them and I hunted with his brother and he hunted with his Mom. We were probably 3/4 mile away when we heard the shots but couldn't get cell signal so we packed up and headed towards them and followed their tracks in the snow til we saw orange and met up with them to start tracking. I don't think a lot of people get to shoot an Elk with their mother. It was one hell of a packout uphill but there were 4 of us so that helped a ton.

[Redraider]

Thats good stuff right there. Most people don't have that opportunity to be with their family

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[Redraider]

Congrats. Really nice bull

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[03GruntUSMC]

3rd season bull tag for me starts tomorrow. Good luck to everyone hunting in the morning.

[Bill]

I think this is day 50 of my 4th season in Montana trying to kill an elk. Heard one shot below me, there were 2 hunters. I saw them at their truck told them there was a griz sow and 2 cubs known in that drainage. But I’m only a mile away.

I chased 35 elk yesterday, saw 500 a couple days before and 800+ before that. At least I have warm coffee.



I’m going out every day until it closes. Then, if nothing I’m questioning if I’ll hunt at all next year if I don’t pay for a guided archery hunt.

Good luck to you guys.


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[Bill]

I spoke with my good friend and Cali hunting partner- told him 50 days hunting and no success.

After a pause, he said

“A heck of a lot better than 50 days working”.

It’s all how you think about it.


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[justletmein]

You're having too much fun Bill, keep the updates coming! I'm enjoying following along and the pics too.

[Mr. Whiskers]

Late to the party. Here is an elk I killed a couple of weeks ago in Montrose Colorado. Pictures just don't do him justice.

[Chad_E]

Got my bull mounted and hung up yesterday. My wife could barely contain her excitement.

I told her that the good news was that the mount wouldn't get any bigger from here on out. Just the horns when I kill a bigger one! She wasn't amused.

[Bill]

Very nice, congratulations.

He needs a couple Christmas ornaments hung on him.


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[solocam_aggie]

Dang Chad! Beautiful mount.

[Bowtech Lefty]

Originally Posted by Chad_E

Got my bull mounted and hung up yesterday. My wife could barely contain her excitement.

I told her that the good news was that the mount wouldn't get any bigger from here on out. Just the horns when I kill a bigger one! She wasn't amused.

That is a great mount, beautiful house as well!
Do you happen to know what form that is? I've got an elk at the taxi and haven't decide on a pose.

[Benson]

Hello fellas,

I believe this is the time of the year when people start putting in for elk bow hunt tags in several of the western states. This is something that ive always wanted to do. Short of hiring a guide which is very expensive from what i understand, i would like to do a DIY elk hunt. But instead of going solo, i'd rather hook up with anyone (or a team) that has already done these DIY hunts that may have a spot open.

So this post is to see if any of you more experience western elk hunters care to take a newbie along and perhaps make a new friend.

Thanks in advance.

Benson

[solocam_aggie]

Originally Posted by Benson

Hello fellas,

I believe this is the time of the year when people start putting in for elk bow hunt tags in several of the western states. This is something that ive always wanted to do. Short of hiring a guide which is very expensive from what i understand, i would like to do a DIY elk hunt. But instead of going solo, i'd rather hook up with anyone (or a team) that has already done these DIY hunts that may have a spot open.

So this post is to see if any of you more experience western elk hunters care to take a newbie along and perhaps make a new friend.

Thanks in advance.

Benson

Good luck on your search but I’ll say this…

Don’t let years go by without hunting waiting on a group. I finally decided last year to just do a solo hunt and it was an amazing experience. Was even able to tag a bull with my bow. Do tons of research, buy the best gear and dive off into it!


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[Buck Roar]

Originally Posted by Chad_E

Got my bull mounted and hung up yesterday. My wife could barely contain her excitement.

I told her that the good news was that the mount wouldn't get any bigger from here on out. Just the horns when I kill a bigger one! She wasn't amused.

You obviously succeeded in your negotiations for getting the Elk in the living room. Do you have any advice or tactics? My home office won't fit mine and I have a lovely rock fire place just like yours begging for an elk mount. LOL

Looks awesome. Congrats.

[Buck Roar]

Did my first bowhunt for elk this past season in NM near Mora. Late Sept. It was too hot! we heard a few bulls bugling, not really responding to the call. One day I saw two young bulls and two cows. That was it. Fun trip, disappointing on the elk front.

In November we went back to Golden, CO for our third year. I had an OTC elk tag for the 3rd Rifle. They had a good bull on trail camera by the water hole. But other than that, not many elk sightings. Again too hot for the normal movement they see on that ranch. Well, the last day I got lucky. And got the one on camera. I thought he was big, but didn't really know what I had done. LOL The guides were super excited to say the least. One of the bigger bulls they have got on that ranch ever. Also, got a nice Muley.

[Buck Roar]

pics.
Denver in the background on night pics!

[Buck Roar]

Here was the trail cam pic.

Also, It had a green tag in his ear. Supposedly from the state. No high fences near there. I haven't been updated yet on the story on the tag yet. Hopefully, one of you don't bust my bubble, and say 'yep, high fence.' The guides and outfitter swore it was from the state. Probably a problem bull that go relocated. I have seen some articles on others relocated, and they had the same tag in their ear.

[wytex]

Congrats on your bull and the deer.

I think this explains the ear tag.
https://www.jeffco.us/DocumentCenter...Collar-Project

[Kdog]

Put in for an elk tag in NM this year. Also put in for mule deer. My son is also going to put in for a youth and archery hunt for elk/mule deer. I’ve only hunted elk once. I just remember thinking, “why did I wait so long to do this?” That was six years ago lol.

Life has a way of passing by.

[Jared.King]

Colorado changed the rules on let-off requirements. Now there’s no worries if you’re legal or not.

[Bill]

Montana FWP’s gone paperless- download to your phone.

e-licenses
e-tags
e-reporting




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[AZ&F'sDaddy]

Originally Posted by Bill

Montana FWP’s gone paperless- download to your phone.

e-licenses
e-tags
e-reporting

Bill,
I'm looking for help.....
I have 1 preference point and 15 bonus points for elk going into the 2022 Montana draw as a non-resident. I'm interested in an archery hunt in 690. With my points, I have about a 25% chance of drawing this year. The problem is, 690 is almost all private. Do you have any information to offer or a direction you can point me in? Thank you. (I tried sending you a pm, but your box is full).

[rtp]

Heading to north central NM this year. Dates are September 9-16. Can’t wait to see some new country.


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[WBT]

I'm already looking forward to this season. I have another CWMU tag in Utah and hopefully I'll see some elk on my own place in Montana.

[Heath]

Originally Posted by rtp

Heading to north central NM this year. Dates are September 9-16. Can’t wait to see some new country.


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What unit / area?

If everything falls right, I’ll be in 55A Sept 14-18th.

[Bill]

Originally Posted by AZ&F'sDaddy

Bill,

I'm looking for help.....

I have 1 preference point and 15 bonus points for elk going into the 2022 Montana draw as a non-resident. I'm interested in an archery hunt in 690. With my points, I have about a 25% chance of drawing this year. The problem is, 690 is almost all private. Do you have any information to offer or a direction you can point me in? Thank you. (I tried sending you a pm, but your box is full).

PM sent


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[rtp]

Originally Posted by Heath

What unit / area?

If everything falls right, I’ll be in 55A Sept 14-18th.

51 if I remember correctly.


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[Kdog]

Put in for some Colorado tags as a back-up to New Mexico. Figuring out the website and how to apply feels like an accomplishment. If I can do that, I'm sure I can find some elk.

[txjustin]

Who all is headed to Colorado to chase elk this year? I’ll be in southern Colorado for 2nd rifle


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[solocam_aggie]

Originally Posted by txjustin

Who all is headed to Colorado to chase elk this year? I’ll be in southern Colorado for 2nd rifle


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I will be. Stuck right now trying to decide between archery or first rifle. Leaning towards the first rifle hunt due to the unit but scared I won’t enjoy it as much as archery, which would be a different unit.


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[Chad_E]

Brother and I are headed back for archery season.

Brother took a bad fall off a rock ledge last year, tore up his shoulder and didn't get to actually hunt most of the time we were there. He just had rotator cuff and labrum surgery a little over 1 month ago. He finishes his rehab just 1 week before we head back up. He's a little nervous he'll be ready but is hoping for redemption.

I was digging through some of my gear yesterday and broke out my reeds and bugle tube. Don't seem to have lost my touch. I was a bit surprised that I didn't sound horrible.

[Lamar_TTU12]

Headed to Montana this year put in for my tag on Tuesday. Doubt New Mexico happens. Colorado has been a blast the last two years really looking forward to some new country and a new state. Perhaps it will be alittle less crowded.

[7sdad]

I'll be going to Colorado the first week of archery if I draw a tag.

[RutnBuk]

Headed back up for 3rd season. Got a new place and really excited about.

[WBT]

I'm headed back to Utah again. Looking forward to it.