LE Muzzy Elk Central Mountains Manti

Rattler · Jul 28, 2014

I was lucky enough to draw a LE Muzzy tag this year with only 6 points. I picked up a new CVA Accura MR 50 cal and a new Vortex crossfire 1x scope. I sighted it in with 12 shots and I am shooting 1/2" groups at 100 yards. I need to test it out at 125-200 yards just so I know what the gun can do. I am shooting 300 grain Hornady SST and 90 grains of T7. I am shooting at 1695 fps at 10 yards.
I was finally able to do some good scouting last friday and I saw well over 200 elk. Only one was a nice bull. I have some pics under the thread Potential New Guys thread. I feel confident on where I need to go on the unit. I am still working on what will be plan A through... I am still going to try to go scouting several times in August but I will be sticking to lookouts once the archery hunt starts to avoid interrupting the archery hunters. The hunt starts September 24 and goes through October 2nd. I got a firm confirmations from my brother today and he will be there for the first half of the hunt. My dad will be a Camp Jack and spotter from the look outs for the middle part. I have good friend that will be down there most of the time with horses. I have never hunted from horseback so it is even more exciting.
I have never hunted for bulls during the rut. I got a good taste last year on an early cow elk hunt and the bulls were still going crazy. I have a double hyper lip cow call that I have been practicing. I will have 2 Hoochie Mamas for my brother and buddy. I do need to get a bugle. Any recommendations or advise?

HorseCreek · Jul 28, 2014

Sounds like your on the right track. Don't let the pressure get to you. Have a blast and kill the first bull that gets your heart racing!

Traditional >>>------->

huntin50 · Jul 29, 2014

Be patient. Have fun. Go a couple days prior to the hunt and see what you can find. Bulls will travel to rutting areas from now until your hunt. I'm not a fan of hoochie Mama's and some of the elk aren't either. If the bulls are vocal, you don't need to do much calling. A few soft cow calls to pin down location. A 300 class bull can look big, when you are close to a bull and it is screaming at you. Especially if you havn't shot a big bull before. Good luck, post pictures.

Rattler · Jul 29, 2014

Thanks for the input. I have heard that about the Hoochie Mama's but for my brother hasn't ever done calling, that is what he has. I talked to my buddy with the horses and he has done some calling and has a couple calls. Thanks for the pointer on the close 300" bull. I have been looking at a lot of pictures of bulls and I have been driving by an elk ranch in Rexburg Idaho to give me a better idea on size.

Any recommendations on a bugle?

MantiElkMan · Jul 29, 2014

Congrats!! My dad and I drew this tag last year. It was a riot. Lots of elk and lots of bulls. I actually live in Fairview at the north end of the unit. I spend lots of time on the mountain so if I can be of help let me know. I will be helping a friend on the rifle hunt so I should know where plenty of herds are for the muzzy hunt. Good Luck and Enjoy!! 435-469-0769

MantiElkMan · Jul 29, 2014

Here are some pics of a Manti bull to get you excited. I chased this bull last year. He was still alive on the last day of the late hunt. Should be around for this year but haven't found him yet.

Rattler · Jul 29, 2014

Thanks Manti. That is getting me excited. He looks similar to the bull I saw last Friday but to be honest I am still learning to judge the bulls. I have spent quite a bit of time over the last 3 years. It has mostly been around Potters. I pass through Fairview when I go up there. Did you and your dad get your bulls last year?