This is the elk that I took on the last day of the season this year. I had been applying for 9 years for the permit. It was a very challenging hunt because the elk were in the thick PJ. I tried everything I could think of to get close to them and had a bunch of close calls but they were always one step ahead. On the last day of the hunt it was COLD and the snow was "squeeky" and I knew I'd never make a stalk so I found a place with a small opening that I could watch. After almost two hours this guy came into view. I had about a 5' window to make a decision and get the shot off. I saw one large antler tine above the trees and shot when I saw his mane change to shoulder though a small window in the trees.
When I walked up to him the 'good' antler was up and I thought I had just taken the elk I had dreamed about finding. When I picked up his head I was disappointed that the antlers didn't match but it was a great hunt that ended with a great animal.
When I walked up to him the 'good' antler was up and I thought I had just taken the elk I had dreamed about finding. When I picked up his head I was disappointed that the antlers didn't match but it was a great hunt that ended with a great animal.