Hey MulePacker, let's see some pics!

H

Hazmat

Active Member
Messages
401
Hey MulePacker, I heard a rumor that you got your monster. Congrats on a great bull. Now we just need to hear the story and see some pics.
 
Very nice bull Travis, hell it is a GREAT bull! Well done.

PRO

Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.
 
MulePacker is a little shy and he is kind of "embarrassed"! Ha ha! You make me laugh Travis!:)
 
Hey Travis

Sounds like congrats are in order! Now I need to see this bull!
Someone with a pic shoot me an e-mail or Travis please post it up! I want to see what that unit produced this year!

Chad
 
I actually have seen the pictures already and it is a bruiser! Especially for that unit. Just trying to get a little peer pressure going so he'll post the pics.
 
sounds like u are capable of postin pics hazmat.... why don't u? or at least give mb lenghts. tine length and mass description as well as unit hunted n gps coordinates.
 
I'VE GOT PIC'S & ITS A DAMN NICE BULL!!!

HOW BIG I DON'T KNOW???

BUT BIG ENOUGH!!!

I'M NOT GONNA POST HIS PIC'S!!!

WE'LL LEAVE IT UP TO THE OWNER!!!

SUPER NICE BULL MulePacker!!!

GREAT JOB!!!


THIS IS MY NEW GUN,YOU MAY NOT LIKE IT,YOU'LL LIKE IT A HELL OF A LOT LESS WHEN IT HITS ITS DESTINATION!!!
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THE ONLY bobcat THAT KNOWS ALOT OF YOU HAVE HAD THIS IMAGE IN YOUR PEA BRAIN BUT DUE TO POOR SHOOTING TACTICS I'M STILL KICKIN!!!
 
I've seen pics and the antlers. It is a bruiser of a bull. Congrats to Mulepacker on the awesome bull. He had the pick of about any unit in the state and picked one close to home so he could share it with friends and family and worked his tail off and got a true bull of a lifetime.

I'm sure he'll post things up when he's up to it.
 
Sorry. His bull, his post. I'm just working MulePacker to get him to post his great trophy for all to enjoy.
 
All right MulePacker, you've shared all of the pictures from the hunts you helped your buddies out with, now it's your turn to share your hunt with us. Congrats man and can't wait to see your pics.
 
My guess is MulePacker is pretty modest. He may think posting is bragging? Come on Travis, show your stinky! It is not bragging, some folks who hoped you did well just want to see your great bull. He deserves to be seen in my opinion? Okay, it is up to you and no one else.

I will say this, it is a great bull.
 
Way to go Mulepacker!! I'd appreciate a look at the bull, if you want to post pics. If not, Big Congrats, anyway!! :D
 
come on packer. alot of us want to see your bull and hear about your hunt. if you got godzilla nice job. but share the pic already.
 
Sorry,

Been in the hills. I am not sure Founder wants me posting anyway, but with a little luck I won't get nuked.

Don't have time for the story right now. It was a great hunt and worth the 15 year wait. I am so glad I came home, meaning I applied for a unit in my backyard rather than one of the famed units. It felt good to get my big stinky!


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And that fellars is why a guy should hunt close to home on a unit he knows and can scout. Very well done Travis. Back when you were talking about applying I was hoping you would just go close to home. That is a grand old boy!

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www.sagebasin.com
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That is a heck of a bull Travis! Thank you for posting! You should be very proud of that giant! Tell us about the hunt when you get a free moment! Congrats!

Chad
 
Congrats again Travis! Dandy bull and I know you had a great hunt! This bull was shot in a 3-4 yr old bull area. Every LE unit in the state holds some monster bulls. It's good to see guys that have volunteered many hours over the years to improve hunting and habitat get successful! Good job.
 
LAST EDITED ON Sep-22-08 AT 10:10AM (MST)[p]thanx packer. that is a old stinky for sure. ken
 
That's a pretty awesome bull. by the look on your face i'm guessin the big one got away? I woulda been all smiles.
 
I have met Travis several times, that's the most 'smiling' I have seen from him yet.;-)

j/k Travis, I know you were smiling on the inside!

PRO

Define, develop, and sustain BOTH trophy and opportunity hunts throughout the state of Utah.
 
WOWZERS! Thats a heck of a bull, and for that unit, even more kudos! Makes me second guess my application stratagie. Congrats you earned it.
 
That's a stud of a bull man. Wow is right. Looks like he's got it all and sounds like you had a great family hunt to boot. Great pictures too. Looks like he's got some some serious mass which is my favorite. Congrats again man!
 
Pro, my thoughts exactly, I thought I was smiling!!!

OK I don't know that I will be the storyteller the CAelknuts or bullmania are but I will make an attempt at relating my hunt.
This may take a couple days to find time so bear with me.

For those who aren't familiar with the background I believe it is important to start there. I had 14 points and had been applying for the famed units each year. During my wait I helped others here at home during that time we seemed to do ok on big stinky's each year. 2008 brought a unique opportunity; I could draw almost any unit depending on weapon type or season. So as I contemplated what to do I had to evaluate what was important to me with my "OIL" elk tag. When it came down to it, the hunt won over the score of the bull. With that the choice became simple, stay at home hunt the N Cache. For those unfamiliar with N Cache don't let my success convince you that it is the place to be for trophy bulls, it is not. In fact I would place my bet on it being the toughest unit in the state to harvest a 350 bull. The past couple of years I believe it has the lowest harvest rate of all units. It surely would not be a unit to select for the bull of a lifetime.
So why would a guy pick a unit simply for the hunt. I hope it is because I still value the tradition of hunting, one where family and friends gather to share a heritage and tradition. In 2006 I had a great opportunity to hunt this unit with my wife and daughter after drawing a tag on 1 point. This hunt soon became cherished; I knew that the only way to share my hunt with them was to be close to home. I also realized that a lot of the enjoyment was from the preparation. It didn't hurt that from my research I discovered that the N Cache awarded 2 premium permits meaning one would go to the high point holder, almost guaranteeing me the permit. As ?luck? would have it by the end of April my quest for a big stinky was a reality. At the time of application I didn't realize the blessing a N Cache permit would be, time and money were not a limiting factor in my summer ?scouting?, anywhere else the cost of fuel, time and distance would have prevented frequent scouting trips and limited the company I kept.

I am not sold on the effectiveness of scouting for elk. However, it was a good excuse to ride, get out with my friends and sure made the summer fly by. Although elk scouting may give a guy a good idea of antler growth, animal numbers, range conditions etc. it is not like patterning a big ol muley. Come the rut all bets are off as a big bull may travel miles. A couple of the interesting notes of my summer scouting:

1. A neighbor (Clay) became a good friend as we spent hours in the saddle checking on the bulls of summer. Even more so I believe his sons Beau and Chance can't wait for the day they hunt elk, In a small way I hope I kindled that fire.
2. My mentor as far as being a ?muleskinner? goes, turned 80 yrs old this June we hadn't rode together the past few years. 2 of my most memorable rides will be the evenings scouting for this elk with Don. I can only hope that at 80 I can still ride, maybe more so that we will still be hunting elk and one of those young boys considers me a mentor.
3. Not chasing ghost stories, as rumors ran rampant of big bulls and videos circulated of the ?bunchgrass? bull, I stuck to my plan.
4. Meeting Internet personas as we scouted and worried together, the world is getting smaller.
5. Watching sunrises and sunsets.
6. Learning even more the value of friendship thanks Bret and Kevin, these two may have had more dedication and belief in me than I had in myself.

to be continued
 
Hey Travis,

Sorry to "call you out" on this thread, but I knew you'd have a great story to tell and everybody would love to see that awesome bull.

Great job sticking with it to take a monster. I had the North Cache tag 16 years ago, hunted every day of the hunt and ended up with spike soup on the last day of the hunt. But I count that as the best hunt of my life for the same reasons you give.

Thanks for sharing. Can't wait for the rest of the story.

Jason
 
MulePacker' don't know you but your story paints a good picture. Hunting is best when done with family and friends. Great bull' Congratulation!
 
Nice job, what a monster stinky. I love the fact you use mules. I have one and wish I had two. They are the best to ride. Way to go.
 
Hello Travis,

I knew you would kill a great bull and sure enough you did!! I have personally hunted that unit and it is without question one of the toughest units to kill a bull.
 
Congrats on a great bull. Don't make us wait too long for a pic. Story is starting out great but I'm like a kid at Christmas wanting to open my present early.
 
I agree with the comment above. You killed a big old stinky that would be a great bull in any unit. You did it on what many may consider close to the worst.

peak,

No wonder you are wierd. It takes a special person to want to ride a donkey.;-)
 
Congrats Travis. What a trophy and better yet, it appears that you can tell a story with the best of them too! Looking forward to hearing the rest of it.

I just love bulls with those long 6ths on the mainbeam. They just don't get any better than that in my book.

Cheers,
Pete
 
>peak,
>
>No wonder you are wierd. It
>takes a special person to
>want to ride a donkey.;-)


Ty,

You real cowboys don't know what you're missing. I haven't rode for over a year, throw the saddle on my 16 hand John and it's like I never stopped riding him. Next night I put my six year old boy on him and away we go. Now that's all my boys talk about so we rode him tonight too. He's more quiet, smooth and moves out better than any quarter horse I've ever rode and he's never thrown a shoe because he doesn't wear any. We need to hook up so I can show him off a little.
 
Any of you that have drawn a LE elk tag can probably understand when I say an unexpected and unwanted amount of pressure comes with the tag. Early in the summer I started hearing rumors of the bull I would/should get. I'll be the first to admit I have spent more than my share of time on the N Cache; I would like to think I am a pretty fair hunter and I do know elk. However, having someone predict a 400? bull is a quick reality check. A Utah LE elk tag is still hunting at least on the N Cache. Some days it was easy to doubt that I could cash the checks I had written. Once I had told bobcatbess that the accomplishment was not in shooting a big stinky when there was one behind every bush, but shooting the only big stinky on the mountain. These words seemed to echo in every trip, WHAT IF I shoot a pisscutter. Late into August well after the archery hunt had started a day did not go by without someone asking, found your big bull? how is hunting going? Sometimes telling the truth is the best lie. Few folks believed me when I replied I hadn't seen an elk in six weeks. Now don't get me wrong I am not one to count glassing 4 miles away as seeing an elk anymore than I consider waving at 65 mph to a neighbor, visiting. For me to see an elk there needs to be some resemblance of a visit. You know where you are in the same room and on the same page. As I corresponded with my Internet buddies we would share notes, many times I would get a reply of don't get discouraged. Most often I have learned we hear what we want, many of the Internet crew heard discouragement, in mind I was portraying reality. In hindsight I know a couple of the archers who wished they had listened a little more carefully.
With each passing day I relayed my story of no elk. Now in a way I may have committed a lie, a lie of omission. You see although the bow hunt had begun I had only hunted 2 hours opening morning. So as folks around me assumed I should be seeing elk I simply told them I had not, usually omitting the fact my hunt had not begun, by my choice.
I firmly believe that we will be accountable for our actions, wasting meat was not an option, and therefore the risk was not worth the opportunity to hunt elk seriously before fall had turned. In my mind this would be about Labor Day. So most of the bowhunt I continued to monitor elk. My scouting was simply that monitoring elk. I knew where elk should be and what they should do. I did not need to see elk to feel comfortable that the
Elk and I were in the same game. Granted I did use a few trail cameras to watch when I couldn't be there and information gathered from visiting with other hunters was invaluable. I did carry my bow a few days during the early part of September, mostly to curtail the urge that was beginning to build. As it turned out it wasn?t until well into September that I felt it was time for the hunt. So on the 4th of September I scheduled my Vacation the 10th of September to October 2nd if need be. As I left work on the 9th the hunt would begin.
It just so happened that on the 9th an elk and bowhunting mentor (Guy) of mine stopped by. He offered best wishes and said he would be out of town on a business trip but he would check when he got back to see if I needed help. This visit provided good Karma; I still carry on each elk hunt the ivories from a 5-point bull that Guy called to ten yards and I arrowed in 1985. This bull was kind of the confirmation that we were elk callers and hunters. The past few years Guy has mentored his son, quite effectively. The past two falls Guy and Riley have related the taking of a cow elk with traditional archery equipment, quite an accomplishment for a 15 yr old kid. The important part of their story for me is I collected some information on the elk activity in the area; this would serve me well in a few days.
On my way out of work on the 9th 2 co-workers took the time to wish me well and offer whatever help they might. This became a real pick me upper, I had got feeling sorry for myself many of the folks that I had worked hard for and helped had yet to even check up on how my hunt was going or if they could be of any help. With these notes I had an attitude adjustment, sometimes the little things make all the difference.
So Wednesday morning found me in camp with only my wife, she busily organized items as I set out to check a spot. Sure enough a bull answered as I called right from the truck, needing time to unwind I simply left the truck walked a couple hundred yds into the trees and called again in a few short minutes a nice 6 pointer was at 20 yds wondering where the cow was. This should be a temptation for any bowhunter, except when you had left your bow in the truck. Back in the truck my hunt finally began fulfilling my dreams.
 
MulePacker--------

Totally hooked now - ya got to finish the story so I can live vicariously through your posts.... Love the story so far
 
As Guy left my office, I had commented on how I didn't want a Mossback experience, a few good friends to share the hunt would be enough, after all my camera didn't have a wide angle lens to get a dozen helpers in the frame. I have been fortunate to have some great hunting partners; my grandpa, dad and brother were the first. Guy and his brother Rod the second and now it was Bret. Bret and I met by chance, a young bowhunter full of energy willing to listen to an outspoken veteran bowhunter. Soon we were sharing a few hunting trips; eventually a trip to Texas to hunt hogs and a brotherhood was formed. If I have a kindred spirit it would be Bret an odd couple of sorts Bret a driven, physically fit go getter and me a laid back out of shape muleskinner. Maybe it was Bret's desire to ride after his first trip on my favorite mule Sara. Maybe it was stubbornness in both of us to out do the other. Whatever it turned into a great elk hunting duo, for those that know they probably agree something about this partnership puts big bulls on the ground. Not long after our friendship formed Bret lost his brother Brian to a tragic Mountain Biking accident, in a small way I think I filled the void from this event. Although Brian was more along for the ride than the hunt, Bret was in need of a new hunting partner. Sometimes it pays to be in the right place at the wrong time, I was lucky to be there for and with Bret.
Bret was in camp early Wednesday just returning from a successful Caribou hunt in the Northwest Territories, in normal fashion Bret was amped and ready to go. With this motivation we were soon on a Trek that would almost do me in before my hunt was a day old. However, that night we happened to see 6 different bulls and hear 3 others one of which needed further investigation. I fell a sleep after a warm meal and short discussion with my wife (Jean), a blessing of being close to home.
Thursday morning found me alone again, a short trip behind camp revealed what I already knew. The sheep were a couple weeks late coming through my honey hole, leaving little time for the elk to return. This year I might need to work a little harder.
Thursday evening seemed to be a good time to see if an old friend had returned. In 2006 my wife had missed a bull of a lifetime, 2007 found a co-workers father missing the same bull. In 2008 I figured 3 strikes and your out, this bull would be #1 on my list if I could find him. A short trip to the backside revealed no sign of him. However a 330 type six point found my cow calls enticing enough to offer a 22 yd. broadside shot, one I chose to pass on as my goal had been set at 350 or better. After all I did not want to be known as the guy who shot a 330 pisscutter. This decision played with my emotions I don't know if I will ever get a chance like this again as a bowhunter. Another relaxing evening with my wife and sleep came easy.
Friday was decision day; I needed to know where I would be the opening of the rifle hunt. Morning was less than productive and evening revealed the bulls from Wednesday were not as vocal; it still seemed to be the best option. One of my goals was to verify a faster way into the canyon for Saturday morning. After verifying my hunch I rode out in the dark only to have a bull bugle at the sounds of a solid mules gait. I stopped at the rider?s camp to let him know I made it out and again ask how many days the bull had night bugled behind his camp. On Wednesday a couple of bow hunters Jake and Cory indicated the bull kept them entertained after dark but the rider nor them had seen the bull. Probably just a pisscutter after all it was less than a quarter mile to the highway. While visiting with the rider a couple of stragglers came in, on there way from California to hunt the famed bucks of the Hoback. In need of a break, the rider had offered some corral space for their horses and a spot to sleep. During our conversation we found a common thread, the stragglers and myself were Monster Muley addicts. After shooting the bull too long I returned to a wife who wondered why I had been out so long after dark. I simply told her I ran into a couple fellows that needed some help. Sleep did not come as easy as I wrestled with the excitement of an opening morning.
Bret and his boy Jayden had pulled in late Friday night, jumped in their sleeping bags, it took a little rousting to get them up Saturday morning. But with Bret's feet on the ground the excitement and hurry up soon came. Just as we finished saddling headlights came up the road. I thought someone would be disappointed to find our camp in his or her canyon. However it was a welcome sight, another good friend Blake had left home over an hour earlier to be here for opening morning. I welcomed him and soon we were headed to the trailhead. As we drove down the highway some sorrow filled my heart, I have been blessed with three beautiful daughters. The middle one Lyndsay has been a constant on my hunts since she was twelve however, today found her fulfilling the commitments of a job, and she would be missed.
At the trailhead Gator, my new MM friend, met us. His welcome was hard to swallow. ?Dude you are late 3 groups of horses and a couple 4-wheelers are already ahead of you.? With a little more urgency we left the truck. I wished Gator luck on his way to Wyoming as he wished me luck on my N Cache bull. Then Gator said oh by the way that noisy bull was right here where your truck is parked about one o clock this morning screaming his guts out and he had a cow with him. Just like the rest we headed up the trail leaving the cow camp bull behind. Again the bull called to the sound of mule hooves as we road on. Soon after sun up came it was obvious Wednesday?s bulls weren't a secret with each movement and scan of the glasses we found more hunters. Most of them we knew, after the golden hour I said it was time to go. I didn't want to be part of the shooting gallery if a bull showed himself. As we hit the trail back to the truck, Bret and I looked at each other with the same thought, we are here, and maybe we should check out the cow camp bull. Within ten minutes the bull was coaxing a couple lonely cow callers into the next draw. Soon Blake and I were putting the sneak on as Bret sat on a hill talking with the bull. Jayden was huddled up in the shade of a pine watching some video on an IPOD. Maybe I am from the old school but I found the colors, scents and sounds of fall more appealing than the latest video release. Really Jayden is a super kid and welcome anytime on my hunts. As a bowhunter there seems to be a sense when you are too close, I found myself ignoring that feeling and soon the bull and his harem broke from their beds in the Maples without me ever seeing them. Bret relayed there were about twenty cows and a 5 point but he never saw the herd bull. Oh well it was only the first day. Why would a fella try and sneak within yards? When his weapon could cover each canyon in less than a second, I would like to think it is the hunter in me.
Saturday evening found us satisfying Bret that our honey hole was void of elk. Someday he will listen to me, then again that might be the day we don't push a little harder than the rest. There is a satisfaction that comes from cresting the next ridge only a hunter understands.
One of my vices is breaking the Sabbath during hunting season (at least for a hunt such as this) however; I don't expect others to disobey the LORD. Therefore I was left alone Saturday night. It didn't take long for a loneliness to set in. In order to ignore the solitude I began organizing, as I got to my kitchen I soon realized how lucky I was to have a wife that supports my addiction. There in the cooler was prepared meals neatly packaged for the next week, all I had to do was come in stoke my tent stove and place them in a dutchoven to warm as I cared for the stock. As I had been busy hunting the past few days Jean had been busy making camp life a little easier for when she returned home.
A hot meal and sleep overtook me before I climbed in my bag, there is something to be said for a canvas tent and a stove chuck full of split wood.
 
I don't know if I woke from the chill of the morning air or a sore back from falling a sleep in a chair, I took time to throw a couple logs on the fire and climbed in to my bag for the last few hours of sleep. As I was alone I would need to hustle to complete the chores and be ready to leave. A neighbor (Kim) would be joining me for the day. Kim and I are good neighbors however we had never taken the chance to hunt together; I think we were both excited to see what the day would bring. I updated Kim on the first days activity and that I felt we needed to go back to the cow camp. Normally jumping elk from their bed chases them out of the country, but with the heat of the rut and pressure from an influx of hunters I placed my bet the elk would be holding pretty tight. Cresting the ridge I called waited and called again nothing but silence. We rode on as doubt filled my mind, maybe the bull and his harem had left after being disturbed from their afternoon nap. One more ridge and a few cow calls and the doubt were erased by two bulls bugling. Sure enough one of the bugles had a familiar ring, looking at Kim I pointed we would be heading after the far one. Riding away from the closer bugle I looked over my shoulder just in time to see a few cows filter through the quakies. It wasn?t long and the bull was leading us on, I'd perform my best rendition of a lonely cow, he would answer letting all know who was the king of the hill. 20 minutes later we had taken a stand, a perfect clearing high on a ridge to watch from. The bull surely had to traverse the opposite side of this draw; luckily the side hill was open enough to get a shot as the bull worked his way out. I told Kim glass we need to find him in the trees, we both strained to see the bull nothing. A quick cow call revealed him to still be in the bottom, glass again he will work up the other side. As I let my binoculars fall to my chest I caught the bull. How did he get to the creek? He is 350 or better, quartering, I better shoot. This must have been when the adrenaline rush came, I dropped to my knees brought the 338 to my shoulder, watching each heart beat through my scope I did my best to steady the X on the big bulls shoulder, BOOM!! WHOP! What he is still standing? I need to anchor him BOOM!! WHOP! Still standing and now headed back into the trees. I am sure both shots hit I heard the WHOP. Kim did I get him?
?I don't know bud, it sounded like it but he never flinched. He is huge I am shaking, WOW he is huge.?
How did he run off? I know I hit him twice. We need to get down there I bet he is piled up in the trees.
Bud when he was running through the trees his fronts were huge, we need to find him.
Kim do you think this is where he was?
Sure is.
There isn't any sign no blood, no hair, no tracks.
Will find him let me get up there and help.
Needless to say after a couple hours and a thorough search I had to admit I missed my bull of a lifetime. As I sunk to my knees, two spots in the marsh of the small stream glared at me, after digging with a stick a piece of copper confirmed the WHOPs I had heard was my bullet smacking the soft mud.
What happened! I have prided myself on being under control when elk are in close. Yet the pressure and excitement of this tag had taken its toll. Instead of acting like the seasoned hunter I have become, an adrenaline rush and I made rookie mistakes. Would I take the shot back again sure, hopefully this time I would get a dead rest, catch my breath and I'd wait for a broadside shot. In my haste I didn't account for the steep angle of the quartering shot, a small flinch and the pitch was a little outside.
Kim saw things a little different and simply said. That is what you practicing Mormons get for hunting on Sunday; your punishment was a miss. I laughed and knew that GOD had not punished me; my punishment would be reliving the miss on this bull for a long time. With the wind let out of my sails, the rest of the day was spent mostly on a mule ride, shaking my head and sulking. How could of I miss?
The evening found me not much in a mood to hunt, I went for a drive about to see if the other camps had bulls hanging. It also gave me time to conjure up some excuses. However there was not an excuse simply old ?buck fever?.
 
mulepacker thanks for the story i have been a long time reader here at mm just never taken the time to chime in, after all the stories this year mainly CAelknuts and yours have convinced me to chime in and become a true member not just an outsider looking in, i grew up hunting the north cache and your story brings back several memories hunting the big stinky on that unit, thanks and i will be patiently wating to hear the ending of what seems to be a cinderella story.

Flattop
 
Great story and great bull! I can't wait to hear the rest of it!

Thanks for taking the time to put it here for us.

NvrEnuf
 
My hell Travis!!!

I just got home from my Az. bow bull hunt and find you have taken a MONSTER in our back yard!

You and them mules ROCK!!

So very happy for ya brothaaaaaa.....

congrats

Robb
 
LAST EDITED ON Sep-26-08 AT 01:46PM (MST)[p]With no excuses I hoped to be a sleep before Bret returned for the morning hunt, I didn't want to relive the miss. I warmed a quick dinner of dutchoven taters and chicken, a little green salad and a cold DEW and my body was ready for a good nights rest. I was not yet a sleep when I heard Bret pull in, before long I was answering the questions I had hoped to avoid. Now I would have rather went hunting anywhere but back to the cow camp. However, I succumbed to Bret's wishes to try again. No sooner had we reached the spot where we had tied the mules on Sunday than a couple of bulls were whistling their warnings. I told Bret the high bull is the same bull, keep riding. 80 yards further the bull answers our beckoning calls. Another 20 yards and Bret is bailing off, cows in the trees get ready. I don't know that I am a procrastinator, I prefer to think of myself as busy but most things get done at the last minute. One of my last minute details that had not been taken care of was changing my stirrups from the Oxbows, I prefer to ride, to a basic wide stirrup to accommodate heavy soled hunting boots. So as the adrenaline rush sat in and I swung out of the saddle everything came but my left foot, which hung up. My ride this summer had been Tucker a rambunctious young mule that most folks would just as soon see me sell as ride and now I find myself hoping he doesn't spook. I laid flat on my back with my foot still in the stirrup the last thing I could do was upset Tucker, if I did it would be and not an elk that met his maker this morning.
I hope I have given you an idea of how focused Bret is, as I lay there in peril, Bret was watching each elk intently over the seat of a saddle and through his binoculars. I tried to get his attention to release my foot, bret, Bret, BRET, BRET, and BRET!!!! Finally getting his attention only to be asked, what are you doing? Undo my foot; soon I had the rifle pulled from the scabbard. Get a hold of the mules if I shoot they will be gone, up the hill to create a little space and I soon found the cows gliding through the trees as they got the last few bites of breakfast. A bugle came again the bull was now urging his harem onto their daily beds. Soon he appeared, it's him, still 350 or better, Bret make sure he is the shooter, soon the response came shoot, shoot. I readjust my position and fire BOOM!! WHOP! This time as I recover from the recoil the bull is standing hurt; I had caught the corner, all the cows on alert but not knowing from where the report came. As the bull moves downhill BOOM!! Only a cloud of dust over his back the fever had got me again and the offhand shot was high. The cows didn't need a third strike they were headed for cover some continuing on while others turned to from where they came. The big bull trying to muster enough energy to keep up, this time a veteran hunter found a solid rest against a tree and BOOM!! WHOP! The bullet struck true, the third pitch had definitely been a fast ball down the middle, a few steps and all was silent. Bret having been blocked from a small group of pines had only seen the bull follow the cows. ?He is gone, you missed? not this time he is hit hard and won't be far, wait here and I will go look. After covering about half of the 180 yd shot distance an odd looking branch protrudes from the thick growth. Another ten yards and the branch becomes an antler my pace quickens and soon the hoots and hollers of relief, excitement and accomplishment confirm the old bull is mine. I have been fortunate to take some nice animals, but somewhere in me I needed this elk to fulfill me. As I realized my wait was over my breathing quickened and my legs became like saplings in the breeze, I could either fall down or sit down, I needed to recover.
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Be it luck or skill a big stinky had fallen.

to be continued.....
 
Sweet! Great job and great story. How wide is he? A side view doesn't really show how long those beams are. Hope he got a little breeding done before you smoked him--those are good genes for that unit.
 
Great Looking Bull. Great story to go along with it. I hope those guys know how lucky they are to be able to enjoy your hunt with you. Congrats on a bull of a lifetime.
 
With a forecasted high of 80 degrees Bret was not about to let my rest or glory last long. We were once again in hurry up mode; before the shadows had shortened the bull was in the shade and ready to pack. As we left I had a feeling that maybe Brian had jerked my sleeve on Sunday. I expressed my feelings to Bret that I would blame my misses on Brian. Bret choked back some emotion and simply said ?I would hope so I would have been disappointed to miss this?, a feeling I shared. An experience like this needed an accomplis although I enjoyed all the company since drawing the tag.
Most folks think the story ends with the kill in a way it just began. I have enjoyed the look on the neighbor kids face as they ran their hands up and down the antler. I remember doing the same as a young boy on a neighbor?s big bull. If nets are for fishing, I believe that SCOOOOORE! is for soccer, I could care less what the big bull books at, he only needed to be 350 or better. I believe he is. However it seems to be an epidemic for score as many friends coming to look at my bull simply wanted to know the score. Bret himself pulled a tape on the mountain. To this day I do not care about the score, for those that do suffice it to say he has been scored from 375 to 400 and about everywhere in between if you doubt come on over I am sure there will be a tape in your pocket too. A few have asked so I will relay numbers I have heard 53?& 56? main beams, 42-43? inside spread, 52? outside spread, 68-70??s of mass. One of my greatest joys came visiting my oldest daughter Hailey?s blog after being in the mountains. To see my granddaughter on a video admiring ?bampa?s elk woooooo!? and then her own little rendition of a bugle (maybe technology isn't so bad) confirms that elk hunting is about heritage. Thanks Hailey for sharing with Skye, I think I may have a new generation of elk hunter to train.
A big thanks to those who e-mailed, called or commented on the thread I appreciate it.
I got to put my tag on a big stinky but more important I got to share it with others who have this same obsession. Who would have thought I'd meet Gator and typicalhunter, talked with the bobcatbess on the phone (he ain?t so bad), and when ktc comes to Cache Valley if he has a tape he can tell you the rest of the story.
Until then does anyone know a good way to anchor a big stinky on the front of an old barn?

Travis
 
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME
Mulepacker,
I admire your dedication and commitment and mostly your attitude about whats important. This is a great read. Thank you so much for sharing it, I truly enjoyed it.
PS
Keep those antlers where you can run your hands over em from time to time, at least for a while.
:)
 
Great story! Glad things worked out for you. I agree 100% about not wanting a Mossback experience! Way to go! So much better to do it yourself.
 
Great Job MulePacker

I had a North Cache Tag about 15 years ago. Something magic about that place. Real glad your hunt turned out the way it did. When I had the tag I found my monster bull very close to the trailhead I never got him but had one of the best hunts of my life. I grew up in Hyde Park and know Bret and Guy as well and would agree you have some good hunting buddies. It's all about the memories not the horns and you did great on both. Congrats
 
Travis,
I dont know you but I can tell from your posts that you are one heck of a good guy and one I know your hunting buddies are proud to call "Friend". I am going to be up front and honest with you, that is hands down the best Elk hunting story I have ever read. At times I could just see by your description those mules heading down the trail for the mornings hunt, and then again at times I could feel a tear in my eye. Sounds like you had the time of your life. Congrats to you on a great bull. DC Stinky
 
Travis,
Who is the dork in the picutre wearing the utah state hat. Doesn't he know he ought to have real team hat like BYU.
 
Hey Travis Just got back from UT again.
Thanks for getting that Bull for keeping us awake that night, LOL he turned out to be a heck of a nice one he didn't sound that big. We had a good trip in Hoback area or just north of it, Glad to see those pictures you sent hope we can meet up again next year on the way thru or better yet you trail along with us up into Wyo. I got to tell everyone that you have some of the best looking mules around. Anybody looking for some good riding mules should get him a holler.

Tell Todd we was going to pay him a visit because we had like 10 rolls of tolietpaper but we couldn't get his adddress from ya. LOL

Great Bull.
 
Thanks for the updated story MulePacker! This makes me so anxious for my late North Cache hunt to start. This is going to be the longest month of my life!

As others have said, MulePacker is truly a great guy. He's provided excellent insight into this area and given great tips for my upcoming hunt and even offered his services if I get a bull down in a tough spot. We've shared pictures and details on several great bulls. I've never formally met him, though I did pass him on the road the day after he got his bull and got a peak at the antlers in his pickup. It's a fantastic bull for a well-deserving sportsman.
 
Excellent story Travis!! That one held my attention better than any story I have read in a very long time!! Congrats and a stellar bull and thank you for sharing your hunt with us!!

~Z~
 
I was up in that area 2 nights ago hunting deer. there is at least one good bull left, he was hurdin cows and recking trees. Nice story. great bull. I think the long eared riding cridders are tops.
 
MP,

I did not know you were still telling stories? Pretty fun read. I don't really "care" about score, but I kind of wanted to ask. Big is big and if it is big then score is no big deal. 375-400? That is what I would guess. I always just said mine was 350+. He is and that is good enough because it hit my own marks. I enetered him because I could and for no other reason. The certificate looks nice by him. Funny how everyone who sees him still knows someone with one bigger?

Old barn? Come on man, show us the mount when he is done!;-)
 
ktc,

Bring your tape when you come up on your daughters hunt after I take you to dinner I bet we can come up with a reliable score. I agree 350+ is all that matters, I never thought about the certificate by the mount. How long do you think it will last in Cache Valley Weather. By the way did you ever roll in the hay in the loft of that old barn. I can't seem to catch my wife up there but I know it has gotta be fun.

He!! I been hereing mine is bigger my whole life it ain't going to hurt my feelings now!!!
 
Awesome story MulePacker, and a great bull. Your tale makes me miss my old hunting friends, but I look forward now to hunting with my boys.

Congratulations.

Mark
 
Hey MulePacker, I don't know how I missed this post. This explains why I have not been able to find him for my father in laws brother!!!!! Long Hallow burn area right?

Congrats, I will need to call him tonight and let him know to start hunting the Bunch Grass bull.

Saw Jared?s North side bull and with the names, things started coming together.

Good job on both of you!

How trophy hunts should be done:)

Matt
 
That is the most ridiculous & the most cheezy story I have ever heard. This mulepacker has you all fooled! If only all you guys knew him in person. I would say he is the big stinky.
 
I fully agree with chode skarf. I have fallen off my chair laughing at this story.
 
we gotta man meat lovin dip shat stirin stuff. Looks like he is fully engrosed in testicular fantasies
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Wildlife population control specialist
 

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