Elk with a Smokepole

SLIVER · Nov 28, 2006

I am having a hard time deciding what elk hunt to put in for next year, I have enough points that I should be gaurenteed to draw the muzzleloader tag that I want, however a friend of mine says that I should not waste my points on a ML tag because he says that a ML is not an effective weapon to kill a big mature bull. I am semi farmiliar with my ML and was wondering what you guys thought. Should I save my points for a rifle tag or put in for the ML. Any opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks

}}-SLIVER-->

HullinPhx · Nov 28, 2006

There are big elk killed every year with a ML. ML's have been around a long time and have killed plenty of big animals

elkbowhuntingfreak · Nov 28, 2006

Ml's will kill any big bull with no problem, provided it is a well placed shot. Just the same for any other weapon. Another good reason to put in for the ML hunt is that in a lot of places the hunt is during the rut. I don't think your buddy has much hunting knowledge to make a comment like that, but that is only my opinion.

bigbull1 · Nov 28, 2006

There is no doubt many great bulls get whacked every year with MLs. It is certainly tougher, as there is a range limitation, just as there is with every type of weapon.

Here is my brother-in-law's(Larry Berg) bull taken in 2004 that he killed with one shot from 130 yards.

Ed

Shootwice · Nov 28, 2006

My NM Gila Bull was shot with a 300 winmag at 35 yards. I wish I had an open sighted muzzy for that shot.

Salmon · Nov 28, 2006

I have killed more elk with a ML than rifle, 54 cal, 415 gr lead bullet is lethal, believe me. If you can get the tag and shoot at a normal distance you will be happy!!!

GrizzlyHunter · Nov 28, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-06 AT 06:06AM (MST)[p]Shootwice,

I guess it all depends on how fast you can reload...

Grizzly

muleybull · Nov 28, 2006

I wouldnt want to get shot by a muzzleloader......just dont waist any time putting in for AZ hunts.

Is that ethical?

GrizzlyHunter · Nov 28, 2006

Muleybull,

Why not?

Grizzly

muleybull · Nov 29, 2006

I dont like the competition of trying to draw a tag of my own.

Is that ethical?

GrizzlyHunter · Nov 29, 2006

LAST EDITED ON Nov-29-06 AT 07:40AM (MST)[p]No...it's not ethical...but it's honest.

Grizzly

studman1971 · Nov 29, 2006

There are certain areas in Utah where the rut is better during the mz hunt as compared to the rifle and archery.

Meander · Nov 29, 2006

I wouldn't hesitate hunting big elk with a ML if I knew there was a good chance of getting within 200 yards. Since this past season was my first year to hunt anything with a smoke pole I don't claim to be an authority in any way. However, I took a spike bull on the Utah General Muzzleloader hunt and found myself very impressed with the performace of the equipment I was using. I hit the spike just behind the right front shoulder at 165 yards. He ran another 75 yards and piled up. The bullet exited through the lower portion of the left front shoulder. I didn't hit any lung, just a nice clean hole through the heart. The equipment I used is listed below. Put in for that tag and go have fun.

TC Encore Pro Hunter 209x50
TC Hawkin 1x Scope
Winchester 209 Primer
150 grains of Triple 7 pellets
250 grain Barnes TMZ
Muzzle velocity of 2225 fps