MONROE ELK HUNT
- Thread starter CAelknuts
- Start date
O
Oregonbowhunter
Guest
Would it be possible to post a pic or two so we can see the area you're hunting? I keep trying to visualize what the scenery is like.
This thread reminds me of one that was here back a few years ago or more. One of the original members, also a BlackPowder Moderator, took his horses and made a trip to Canada. Day by day description of his ride till he was no longer able to finish due to a brain tumor I think that finally took his life.
He was a great MAN and well likely and knew his BLACKPOWDER.
Rest in Peace BLUELK.
Brian
He was a great MAN and well likely and knew his BLACKPOWDER.
Rest in Peace BLUELK.
Brian
U
UTodd
Guest
On a lighter note.....how is that elk hunt coming caelknuts?
M
MJRELKFREAK
Guest
great pic,s... thanx for sharing those. it makes it a whole lot moore real. steep. a ya.. well guys its almost 2 pm and no mourning report??? we may be comming to the end of this fun.
O
Oregonbowhunter
Guest
Wow, incredible pictures! I imagined it being a lot thicker than that, the way he described it and all. That looks pretty open to me. Is this just one type of area?
CAelknuts
Moderator
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- 3,825
RE: I thought we were going to see blood spilled today.....
Thanks to Rick and Beverly Farnsworth (antlerrick on here) I'm able to post tonight. The Farnsworths stopped by today and we had a really nice visit. Rick has a charger in his pickup, and my computer battery was completely dead, so while we visited I got my computer charged. Thanks Rick and Beverly!
OK, this morning was 'interesting', to say the least. We started up an ATV trail to an area that we checked out the second morning of the hunt. We left the pickup in the dark and walked perhaps a mile when we came to a pair of ATVs that were parked, and their owners were gone hunting. No problem there. Next, we proceed past a wallow that we wanted to check, it sits 20 yards below the ATV trail, and it had been getting hit a little, but not that much. Just as we're leaving it, and remember it's barely past 7:00, prime time, here comes a 'golf cart' style ATV. For those who are not familiar with the ATV trail rules on this forest, that type isn't allowed anywhere other than the same places I can drive my pickup. There were two teenagers in it, and they were not hunting. They said they were scouting for the father of one of the boys, who is archery elk hunting in here. I didn't want them disturbing our hunt, so I simply asked him how his father would feel if someone wrecked his morning hunt by riding over the top of them. I was hoping they'd figure it out on their own and turn around, but they just started up the trail anyway. Big mistake!
The boys couldn't have gone 400 yards when they came upon another hunter, who had driven his ATV in while it was dark, and HE WAS NOT HAPPY TO SEE THEM! We heard shouting up the hill, and it got really bad. We expected to see a fight by the time we arrived, but the boys had started their golf cart and took off, leaving one very angry resident hunter behind. It all worked out though, as they next ran across someone from the Forest Service, and my understanding is they were being cited for riding in a restricted area.
The morning just kept heading down hill from there. We weren't even to 8:00 and had seen over a dozen quads. BUT, the elk were coming up the drainage, and bulls were bugling. Nick and I figured we still had a shot, so we dove into the thick timber and started calling to the elk that were heading up our ridge. We were set up in a spot so thick that my longest shot would only be about 25 yards, and the bull was just above us. He let out a bugle at about 50 yards, but we couldn't see him. Then, all of a sudden, a quad rides over the crest of the ridge and right onto the bull. They shut their engine off to watch him, and he blew out of there. You can imagine how pleased we were at that moment. The next poor souls to come up the trail were two fellows with rifle tags, and I told them how much I appreciated having the 15th and 16th quads of the morning visit us, and it was just 8:00. After that, I felt a little bad, as I wasn't very tactful, so we visited for a few minutes then said our goodbyes and headed in seperate directions. It gets better, really.
We're heading back toward the truck, which is more than 2 miles away, and we come upon a group of four quads that are parked, and there's a big group just up the hill having quite a good time. It turned out that one of the tag holders is a 15 year old boy, and he had arrowed a nice 7x5 bull the evening before, and they were now packing it out. We stopped for a minute and congratulated the boy, then headed south to figure out how to hunt this area tomorrow morning, but without all the ATV conflicts. We're planning on getting in there before daylight, which will involve walking nearly 2 miles in the dark, and then setting up where the groups of elk come up from the meadows they're feeding in at night, and well below the ATV trail. Once we got that figured out, we headed back toward the truck.
We were heading back toward the wallow near the trail, when all of a sudden elk started pouring out of the trees. There were about two dozen elk, but the herd bull was a young 6 pt., really just a 5x5, with little tiny G5s. No matter, they passed out of range, but it was nice to see so many elk heading to the wallow at 10:30. Only problem for the elk was, as they approached the wallow, so did two more guys on quads, and they scattered that herd into the trees. Oh well, it was par for the course. For those who know the meaning of the term, think FUBAR and you'll understand how the morning went.
This evening, we hit a flat that had a lot of bugling activity last night. This evening, nothing. We did see a nice bull cross the flat, but he was approximately 1,000 yards away and there was no chance for him.
We had a great dinner tonight, since we got in earlier than normal. Yellowtail fried up with some Rice. Sure beats Cup of Noodles!
If we don't score in the morning, we're going to hit a spot that we found yesterday and I have a funny feeling that my hunt my come to an end tomorrow evening. I don't know why, I just have that feeling. This spot is a bit out of the way, but only because it is overlooked by others. We found it yesterday, and there was not one single set of tracks from any kind of vehicle, 4wd or ATV, that lead into the area. There's a tank in there that the elk are using and we found a good amount of fresh elk sign heading north from the tank, and some very big tracks. It just seems like the kind of spot that an older bull might call home, and I hope to get to meet him. Stay tuned!
Thanks to Rick and Beverly Farnsworth (antlerrick on here) I'm able to post tonight. The Farnsworths stopped by today and we had a really nice visit. Rick has a charger in his pickup, and my computer battery was completely dead, so while we visited I got my computer charged. Thanks Rick and Beverly!
OK, this morning was 'interesting', to say the least. We started up an ATV trail to an area that we checked out the second morning of the hunt. We left the pickup in the dark and walked perhaps a mile when we came to a pair of ATVs that were parked, and their owners were gone hunting. No problem there. Next, we proceed past a wallow that we wanted to check, it sits 20 yards below the ATV trail, and it had been getting hit a little, but not that much. Just as we're leaving it, and remember it's barely past 7:00, prime time, here comes a 'golf cart' style ATV. For those who are not familiar with the ATV trail rules on this forest, that type isn't allowed anywhere other than the same places I can drive my pickup. There were two teenagers in it, and they were not hunting. They said they were scouting for the father of one of the boys, who is archery elk hunting in here. I didn't want them disturbing our hunt, so I simply asked him how his father would feel if someone wrecked his morning hunt by riding over the top of them. I was hoping they'd figure it out on their own and turn around, but they just started up the trail anyway. Big mistake!
The boys couldn't have gone 400 yards when they came upon another hunter, who had driven his ATV in while it was dark, and HE WAS NOT HAPPY TO SEE THEM! We heard shouting up the hill, and it got really bad. We expected to see a fight by the time we arrived, but the boys had started their golf cart and took off, leaving one very angry resident hunter behind. It all worked out though, as they next ran across someone from the Forest Service, and my understanding is they were being cited for riding in a restricted area.
The morning just kept heading down hill from there. We weren't even to 8:00 and had seen over a dozen quads. BUT, the elk were coming up the drainage, and bulls were bugling. Nick and I figured we still had a shot, so we dove into the thick timber and started calling to the elk that were heading up our ridge. We were set up in a spot so thick that my longest shot would only be about 25 yards, and the bull was just above us. He let out a bugle at about 50 yards, but we couldn't see him. Then, all of a sudden, a quad rides over the crest of the ridge and right onto the bull. They shut their engine off to watch him, and he blew out of there. You can imagine how pleased we were at that moment. The next poor souls to come up the trail were two fellows with rifle tags, and I told them how much I appreciated having the 15th and 16th quads of the morning visit us, and it was just 8:00. After that, I felt a little bad, as I wasn't very tactful, so we visited for a few minutes then said our goodbyes and headed in seperate directions. It gets better, really.
We're heading back toward the truck, which is more than 2 miles away, and we come upon a group of four quads that are parked, and there's a big group just up the hill having quite a good time. It turned out that one of the tag holders is a 15 year old boy, and he had arrowed a nice 7x5 bull the evening before, and they were now packing it out. We stopped for a minute and congratulated the boy, then headed south to figure out how to hunt this area tomorrow morning, but without all the ATV conflicts. We're planning on getting in there before daylight, which will involve walking nearly 2 miles in the dark, and then setting up where the groups of elk come up from the meadows they're feeding in at night, and well below the ATV trail. Once we got that figured out, we headed back toward the truck.
We were heading back toward the wallow near the trail, when all of a sudden elk started pouring out of the trees. There were about two dozen elk, but the herd bull was a young 6 pt., really just a 5x5, with little tiny G5s. No matter, they passed out of range, but it was nice to see so many elk heading to the wallow at 10:30. Only problem for the elk was, as they approached the wallow, so did two more guys on quads, and they scattered that herd into the trees. Oh well, it was par for the course. For those who know the meaning of the term, think FUBAR and you'll understand how the morning went.
This evening, we hit a flat that had a lot of bugling activity last night. This evening, nothing. We did see a nice bull cross the flat, but he was approximately 1,000 yards away and there was no chance for him.
We had a great dinner tonight, since we got in earlier than normal. Yellowtail fried up with some Rice. Sure beats Cup of Noodles!
If we don't score in the morning, we're going to hit a spot that we found yesterday and I have a funny feeling that my hunt my come to an end tomorrow evening. I don't know why, I just have that feeling. This spot is a bit out of the way, but only because it is overlooked by others. We found it yesterday, and there was not one single set of tracks from any kind of vehicle, 4wd or ATV, that lead into the area. There's a tank in there that the elk are using and we found a good amount of fresh elk sign heading north from the tank, and some very big tracks. It just seems like the kind of spot that an older bull might call home, and I hope to get to meet him. Stay tuned!
CAelknuts
Moderator
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- 3,825
RE: I thought we were going to see blood spilled today.....
By the way, thanks Elknut for posting those pictures. Can you also post some showing the vast unbroken timber? I don't think people realize how thick and expansive the timber is on this unit. Think miles of unbroken timber, literally. That first set of pictures looks a bit like where we plan to hunt on Monday morning, if we don't get a bull tomorrow.
By the way, thanks Elknut for posting those pictures. Can you also post some showing the vast unbroken timber? I don't think people realize how thick and expansive the timber is on this unit. Think miles of unbroken timber, literally. That first set of pictures looks a bit like where we plan to hunt on Monday morning, if we don't get a bull tomorrow.
CAelknuts
Moderator
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RE: walking under star filled skies
LAST EDITED ON Sep-07-08 AT 11:56AM (MST)[p]We got up very early this morning, and were determined to get to the place we wanted to intercept the elk well before shooting light. We had about two miles to walk to our goal, and each time we stopped to rest, I couldn't help but stare up into the sky and enjoy the stars. I've never been into astronomy, but I can't get over how the sky looks at night up here at 10,000 feet with no city lights to dim the view. I've enjoyed seeing the northern lights in Alaska and the Yukon, but this is just as good in some ways. You stare at it for a while and get to thinking that you wish you could share some of those moments with your family, but they're at home or off at college.
We managed to get within a couple hundred yards of our destination this morning before we could see well enough to walk without flashlights. Once we arrived, we settled in to wait for the four or five groups of elk that came through yesterday. Instead, we were descended upon by probably 80 head of cattle, coming down one of the drainages. It was like being in a scene straight out of Bonanza (If you're under 40, you probably don't know which show Bonanza was) as it was like a cattle drive with all the noise coming past us. Needless to say, we didn't see any elk this morning. I suspect that when they heard all the racket the cattle were making, they headed up into a different drainage to bed for the day.
I had an interesting conversation with a cowboy who was riding, trying to find some lost cattle. He mentioned that he's been seeing a big bull cross a road most evenings, and it turned out it was the same bull we saw at long distance last night. When I related that we saw a big bull cross and told the cowboy where it was, he said that's the exact same place he's been each time he's been seen. If tonight doesn't work out, it might be worth trying in intercept that bull later on. He was a long way off, but his frame looked large against the pine trees.
Isn't it funny, some of the stuff we eat when out elk hunting? You have meals that you'd probably never fix at home. For example, we just got back to camp and had leftover yellowtail, rice a roni, and baked beans. If that sounds like a strange combination, it is. However, it was good! It sure beat the pack of instant oatmeal I ate at 4:00 this morning.
Wayne Stephenson, the Idaho hunter who tagged out on Thursday evening, posted some information about his bull. He measured it, and it nets at 342 and grosses right at 349. It is one heck of a fine elk! He said that before he shot the bull, it was only ten yards away, but the shot angle was bad, and there was a cow at five yards! She barked and he ran out to forty yards and stopped and that's when Wayne scored.
LAST EDITED ON Sep-07-08 AT 11:56AM (MST)[p]We got up very early this morning, and were determined to get to the place we wanted to intercept the elk well before shooting light. We had about two miles to walk to our goal, and each time we stopped to rest, I couldn't help but stare up into the sky and enjoy the stars. I've never been into astronomy, but I can't get over how the sky looks at night up here at 10,000 feet with no city lights to dim the view. I've enjoyed seeing the northern lights in Alaska and the Yukon, but this is just as good in some ways. You stare at it for a while and get to thinking that you wish you could share some of those moments with your family, but they're at home or off at college.
We managed to get within a couple hundred yards of our destination this morning before we could see well enough to walk without flashlights. Once we arrived, we settled in to wait for the four or five groups of elk that came through yesterday. Instead, we were descended upon by probably 80 head of cattle, coming down one of the drainages. It was like being in a scene straight out of Bonanza (If you're under 40, you probably don't know which show Bonanza was) as it was like a cattle drive with all the noise coming past us. Needless to say, we didn't see any elk this morning. I suspect that when they heard all the racket the cattle were making, they headed up into a different drainage to bed for the day.
I had an interesting conversation with a cowboy who was riding, trying to find some lost cattle. He mentioned that he's been seeing a big bull cross a road most evenings, and it turned out it was the same bull we saw at long distance last night. When I related that we saw a big bull cross and told the cowboy where it was, he said that's the exact same place he's been each time he's been seen. If tonight doesn't work out, it might be worth trying in intercept that bull later on. He was a long way off, but his frame looked large against the pine trees.
Isn't it funny, some of the stuff we eat when out elk hunting? You have meals that you'd probably never fix at home. For example, we just got back to camp and had leftover yellowtail, rice a roni, and baked beans. If that sounds like a strange combination, it is. However, it was good! It sure beat the pack of instant oatmeal I ate at 4:00 this morning.
Wayne Stephenson, the Idaho hunter who tagged out on Thursday evening, posted some information about his bull. He measured it, and it nets at 342 and grosses right at 349. It is one heck of a fine elk! He said that before he shot the bull, it was only ten yards away, but the shot angle was bad, and there was a cow at five yards! She barked and he ran out to forty yards and stopped and that's when Wayne scored.
A
Antlers_Ink
Guest
RE: walking under star filled skies
Keep hunting hard like we know you are CA. Kinda sounds like you've had your share of frustration with the parade of Quads down there but we're hoping for a happy ending to your hunt.
Keep hunting hard like we know you are CA. Kinda sounds like you've had your share of frustration with the parade of Quads down there but we're hoping for a happy ending to your hunt.
antlerrick
Very Active Member
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- 2,626
RE: walking under star filled skies
Dan, sad to hear your morning was busted by cattle, but your "bad" luck has to be running out soon...haha..
The first set of pics elknut posted are very much like the area you are heading to that we talked about. I'm thinking a packing out job is coming soon! Glad I was able to "charge ya up" while we were visiting. I know everyone was waiting to hear from ya again. Be back up soon. I'll bring my converter back up and get it done again.
Rick
Dan, sad to hear your morning was busted by cattle, but your "bad" luck has to be running out soon...haha..
The first set of pics elknut posted are very much like the area you are heading to that we talked about. I'm thinking a packing out job is coming soon! Glad I was able to "charge ya up" while we were visiting. I know everyone was waiting to hear from ya again. Be back up soon. I'll bring my converter back up and get it done again.
Rick
sageadvice
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 11,849
RE: walking under star filled skies
I hear frustration loud and clear. That can all change in the blink of an eye and the flight of an arrow. I'm hoping so.
Question; if things go as they have, how long do you plan to keep hunting? Do you have a set date you must be back home? When does this season close? Hopefully, moot point, you're going to stick a dandy, soon!!
Joey
I hear frustration loud and clear. That can all change in the blink of an eye and the flight of an arrow. I'm hoping so.
Question; if things go as they have, how long do you plan to keep hunting? Do you have a set date you must be back home? When does this season close? Hopefully, moot point, you're going to stick a dandy, soon!!
Joey
PleaseDear
Long Time Member
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- 10,438
RE: walking under star filled skies
Hey Dan--------nice read but come on MAN!!
You better get your Cali-bootay off the stinking internet and get you a bull arrowed BECAUSE----the freaking MONROE is going to explode with LE rifle hunters---starting today thru the week and you think the bow hunters are screwy--forget about it..LE rifle camps of 6-10 quads///10-12 giddy up horsies and so forth are going to really be your next burden!
Close the deal Dan....
Robb
Hey Dan--------nice read but come on MAN!!
You better get your Cali-bootay off the stinking internet and get you a bull arrowed BECAUSE----the freaking MONROE is going to explode with LE rifle hunters---starting today thru the week and you think the bow hunters are screwy--forget about it..LE rifle camps of 6-10 quads///10-12 giddy up horsies and so forth are going to really be your next burden!
Close the deal Dan....
Robb
Cam@strawberry
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,290
RE: walking under star filled skies
every single new thread on hear gets my blood pumpin thinkin Dan's got spidey down. I wanna hear these three words more than anything. I KILLED SPIDEY!!!
Wildlife population control specialist
every single new thread on hear gets my blood pumpin thinkin Dan's got spidey down. I wanna hear these three words more than anything. I KILLED SPIDEY!!!
Wildlife population control specialist
P
Prism
Guest
This thread has been great. Thanks for sharing your hunt with us.
Hopefully you'll get it done, but even if you don't it sounds like you've had a great Utah elk hunt.
I think Rob is on to something though. The hills are about to get crazy with LE rifle elk hunters looking around.
Good luck these last few days! It's really been a pretty quiet year for Utah's archery hunters.
Hopefully you'll get it done, but even if you don't it sounds like you've had a great Utah elk hunt.
I think Rob is on to something though. The hills are about to get crazy with LE rifle elk hunters looking around.
Good luck these last few days! It's really been a pretty quiet year for Utah's archery hunters.
antlerrick
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,626
This has been a slow year for the bulls to get going this year, but I have a feeling that things will start hopping really soon. Dan is still very optimistic and has a few new areas that could be real sleepers! Headed up right now to check another spot or two for him. With Dan's attitude, I can sense a bull biting the dirt shortly...
Rick
Rick
muleyhunter413
Active Member
- Messages
- 422
I am so hooked on this post. I am waiting like a puppy needing to go on a walk for the next installment. Wondering....Will He get away from the ATV's? Will he get a chance at the bull he seen from afar, the same on the cowboy seen? Will he get the ultimate prize and get a shot at the Spider? What happens next? I love it. I hope a few others on here take note and bring along their puters to give us all a little more fun. Thanks a bunch for all the fun and I wish you the best of luck!
C
ClorideRUS
Guest
Never thought I'd be pulling for a ?Prunie? but you got me hooked elknuts.
GET ?ER DONE! Even if you don't? THANKS!
I suspect you already earned your place as a MM legend. Well deserved!
RUS
GET ?ER DONE! Even if you don't? THANKS!
I suspect you already earned your place as a MM legend. Well deserved!
RUS
eelgrass
Long Time Member
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CAelknuts, in case you get in late.
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1:59 4th GameChannel
TV: NBC
ScoreboardFull Scoreboard NFL - Week 1
Sunday, Sep 7Cincinnati vs Baltimore Cincinnati 10
Baltimore 17
Final Box Score
NY Jets vs Miami NY Jets 20
Miami 14
Final Box Score
Kansas City vs New England Kansas City 10
New England 17
Final Box Score
Houston vs Pittsburgh Houston 17
Pittsburgh 38
Final Box Score
Jacksonville vs Tennessee Jacksonville 10
Tennessee 17
Final Box Score
Detroit vs Atlanta Detroit 21
Atlanta 34
Final Box Score
Seattle vs Buffalo Seattle 10
Buffalo 34
Final Box Score
Tampa Bay vs New Orleans Tampa Bay 20
New Orleans 24
Final Box Score
St. Louis vs Philadelphia St. Louis 3
Philadelphia 38
Final Box Score
Dallas vs Cleveland Dallas 28
Cleveland 10
Final Box Score
Carolina vs San Diego Carolina 26
San Diego 24
Final Box Score
Arizona vs San Francisco Arizona 23
San Francisco 13
Final Box Score
Chicago vs Indianapolis Chicago 29
Indianapolis 13
1:59 4th GameChannel
TV: NBC
B
bullmania
Guest
CA,
I hope you get a shot at a monster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Post!!!!!!!!!!!
BULL
I hope you get a shot at a monster!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great Post!!!!!!!!!!!
BULL
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 08:32AM (MST)[p]I was up at the cabin on Cove Mountain Saturday to do some work. When we left saturday night, we were in between where the road forks to go toward Monroe and Glenwood and the Fish Hatchery. It was about 8:45 PM and standing right in the middle of the road was a 6X6 bull that would score out around 330. It just stood there while I came to a full stop. There was as calf elk just off the side of the road but because it was dark I was unable to see any more elk. I am sure that there must have been a little herd tht the bull was herding around. I never thought I would see an elk in that area during this time of the year. Makes me wonder if they had been busted out by some ATV riders further up the mountain. Good luck finding a good one CAelk
J
JREDBUCK
Guest
Thanks for sharing your hunt with us. I've been in and out hunting these past couple of weeks and with the limited time on the computer I have been reading your posts regularly.
Good luck and remember the last day can be as good as the first day.
-JRED
Good luck and remember the last day can be as good as the first day.
-JRED
CAelknuts
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,825
RE: So very close, twice!
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 12:20PM (MST)[p]We got so close yesterday, twice. The first time was a total accident, as we were driving over to get cleaned up and then hunt a tank that I found and which looked like a great spot. As we're driving down one of the many roads in the unit, we round a bend and there's a cow starting to cross the road, but she turns back as soon as she sees the pickup. As we reach the point where she was, we see about 8 other elk on the other side that had already crossed. I quickly stopped, grabbed my bow and release and told Nick to drive the truck out of there pronto. I then dove into the bushes alongside the road, hoping the herd had a good bull that stil wanted to cross. It did.
After about 10 minutes, I noticed movement to my right, and all I could see above the brush at 17 yards was a BIG set of antlers. This bull had a wide whale tail and great lower tines. I didn't need to see anything else. As he stepped forward, his view was blocked and I came to full draw. Once he hit the edge of the road, though, he hit a fast trot before he even came back into my view. Even at that close distance, I wasn't going to shoot a trotting elk. I mewed at him, but that only made him go faster. As he trotted up the hill on the other side of the road, I noted that he had a nice spread, probably over 40" and would probably score in the 360+ range. So close. It would have been very strange to shoot such a great bull while wearing Teva Sandals, blue jeans and an Arizona Diamondbacks grey T shirt.
We went on to our shower camp and I elected to sit on the tank that we found a few days ago, while Nick went to get cleaned up. I made a nice ground blind at a choke point about 100 yards from the tank and began sitting around 2:45. Nothing happened until just before dark, but then I started hearing branches break a few hundred yards out in front of me. This wasn't where I expected the elk to come from, as there was a heavily used trail 23 yards in front of me, and most of the elk had been coming down that trail. With only about 15 minutes of shooting light left, a nice bull suddenly appeared between two pines. He was at marginal range, but heading toward the water on a course that might bring him within range. I didn't get a great look at his antlers, but did get enough to figure out that we was at least a 330" bull, and he was going to get shot if he presented an opportunity. He stopped right in front of me, and his head was hidden by a tree, but I could see his entire shoulder and all the way to his back legs. I put the range finder on him, and it read 54 yards. He was just a little bit too far for me to take an ethical shot, so I waited for him to come to the break in the log fence near where I was sitting. Instead, he jumped the fence effortlessly and headed toward the tank. He was quickly joined by two other mature bulls at the tank, while a fourth bull raked a tree about 100 yards out front. Since I was more or less pinned down, I had to wait for them to leave the tank and then I walked out to meet Nick, who was waiting about 1/2 mile away.
It was a very fun evening, and even though we didn't score, we're getting closer by the day. I'll do an update on our experience this morning when we return tonight, but suffice it to say, it was EXCITING.
I'll leave you all with a question. How close does a bull have to be to see his nose run? Or to be able to see the individual hairs on his velvet spike antlers?
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 12:20PM (MST)[p]We got so close yesterday, twice. The first time was a total accident, as we were driving over to get cleaned up and then hunt a tank that I found and which looked like a great spot. As we're driving down one of the many roads in the unit, we round a bend and there's a cow starting to cross the road, but she turns back as soon as she sees the pickup. As we reach the point where she was, we see about 8 other elk on the other side that had already crossed. I quickly stopped, grabbed my bow and release and told Nick to drive the truck out of there pronto. I then dove into the bushes alongside the road, hoping the herd had a good bull that stil wanted to cross. It did.
After about 10 minutes, I noticed movement to my right, and all I could see above the brush at 17 yards was a BIG set of antlers. This bull had a wide whale tail and great lower tines. I didn't need to see anything else. As he stepped forward, his view was blocked and I came to full draw. Once he hit the edge of the road, though, he hit a fast trot before he even came back into my view. Even at that close distance, I wasn't going to shoot a trotting elk. I mewed at him, but that only made him go faster. As he trotted up the hill on the other side of the road, I noted that he had a nice spread, probably over 40" and would probably score in the 360+ range. So close. It would have been very strange to shoot such a great bull while wearing Teva Sandals, blue jeans and an Arizona Diamondbacks grey T shirt.
We went on to our shower camp and I elected to sit on the tank that we found a few days ago, while Nick went to get cleaned up. I made a nice ground blind at a choke point about 100 yards from the tank and began sitting around 2:45. Nothing happened until just before dark, but then I started hearing branches break a few hundred yards out in front of me. This wasn't where I expected the elk to come from, as there was a heavily used trail 23 yards in front of me, and most of the elk had been coming down that trail. With only about 15 minutes of shooting light left, a nice bull suddenly appeared between two pines. He was at marginal range, but heading toward the water on a course that might bring him within range. I didn't get a great look at his antlers, but did get enough to figure out that we was at least a 330" bull, and he was going to get shot if he presented an opportunity. He stopped right in front of me, and his head was hidden by a tree, but I could see his entire shoulder and all the way to his back legs. I put the range finder on him, and it read 54 yards. He was just a little bit too far for me to take an ethical shot, so I waited for him to come to the break in the log fence near where I was sitting. Instead, he jumped the fence effortlessly and headed toward the tank. He was quickly joined by two other mature bulls at the tank, while a fourth bull raked a tree about 100 yards out front. Since I was more or less pinned down, I had to wait for them to leave the tank and then I walked out to meet Nick, who was waiting about 1/2 mile away.
It was a very fun evening, and even though we didn't score, we're getting closer by the day. I'll do an update on our experience this morning when we return tonight, but suffice it to say, it was EXCITING.
I'll leave you all with a question. How close does a bull have to be to see his nose run? Or to be able to see the individual hairs on his velvet spike antlers?
RE: So very close, twice!
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 12:23PM (MST)[p]CA,
Good call and discpline on your part. Stick with your limits and don't push it. A wounded and possibly lost animal isn't worth stretching your limits. The suspense is killing us all. Hang in there. Send some pics when you can. Your going to score. This is a great adventure.
Dave
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 12:23PM (MST)[p]CA,
Good call and discpline on your part. Stick with your limits and don't push it. A wounded and possibly lost animal isn't worth stretching your limits. The suspense is killing us all. Hang in there. Send some pics when you can. Your going to score. This is a great adventure.
Dave
I
isayNUNYA
Guest
RE: So very close, twice!
CAnuts, Just got off the Mt for a shower and run erands heading back up in a minute. Stop bye the Mossback camp mid day or in the evening and shoot the sh!t. Good luck bud, been seeing some good bulls just not he one.
Later, Wayne
---------------------------------------
"I needed a cheesy signature saying like everyone else"
CAnuts, Just got off the Mt for a shower and run erands heading back up in a minute. Stop bye the Mossback camp mid day or in the evening and shoot the sh!t. Good luck bud, been seeing some good bulls just not he one.
Later, Wayne
---------------------------------------
"I needed a cheesy signature saying like everyone else"
rmanwill
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 6,206
Keep hunting hard and don't give in to spmething you won't be happy with or a bad shot. Keep doing what you hav done all hunt. The bull is just around the corner and then you can fill us all in with the happy ending to this exciting story. Thanks for the excitment and all your time will in the hills. GO GET HIM!!!!
FishlakeElkHunter
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 1,177
Dan, Good to hear things are getting a little better for you!!!! We had a VERY close call with my buddy up on Fishlake this morning too. They are finally starting to heat up a little. Hoping to get his bull down tonight.
Good luck man.....
Jason
Good luck man.....
Jason
L
life2extreme
Guest
The suspense is KILLING ME! Good luck and KILL ONE!!
Aim Center Mass
Aim Center Mass
Buxndiverdux
Active Member
- Messages
- 138
RE: So very close, twice!
Good Luck CAelknuts! Your play by play is very entertaining. I hope you shoot a monster! I'm headed out Friday Morning. Can't wait!
Good Luck CAelknuts! Your play by play is very entertaining. I hope you shoot a monster! I'm headed out Friday Morning. Can't wait!
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 08:23PM (MST)[p]CA
This has been excellent, I look forward to reading your updates every night.
Because of my ML elk hunt last year I can relate to your hunt in a lot of ways. I remember wondering how and when all my efforts were going to pay off amongst all the close calls and also the feeling of dispair each night when I went to bed knowing I had one less day. And due to this thread I am feeling exactly like that again...behind my computer...miles away!!! You have a talent my friend.
My opportunity came when I least expected it. I believe that is how your hunt will end. All these close encounters will be topped by that one awesome encounter you weren't even expecting and everything will go your way.
Keep at it...Good Luck
?Here?s to the hero's that Git-R-Done!!?
This has been excellent, I look forward to reading your updates every night.
Because of my ML elk hunt last year I can relate to your hunt in a lot of ways. I remember wondering how and when all my efforts were going to pay off amongst all the close calls and also the feeling of dispair each night when I went to bed knowing I had one less day. And due to this thread I am feeling exactly like that again...behind my computer...miles away!!! You have a talent my friend.
My opportunity came when I least expected it. I believe that is how your hunt will end. All these close encounters will be topped by that one awesome encounter you weren't even expecting and everything will go your way.
Keep at it...Good Luck
?Here?s to the hero's that Git-R-Done!!?
Silentstalker
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 3,135
Well Put out4elk,
I can not agree more! This is a terrific thread that I keep checking daily! I have hunted the LE archery hunt twice now. Both hunts were a nervous waiting game! Just when you think the odds are stacked against you, wham! You nail a nice bull!
Keep after it CA! It will happen soon I am sure! Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated on your adventure! Good luck and shoot straight!
Chad
I can not agree more! This is a terrific thread that I keep checking daily! I have hunted the LE archery hunt twice now. Both hunts were a nervous waiting game! Just when you think the odds are stacked against you, wham! You nail a nice bull!
Keep after it CA! It will happen soon I am sure! Thanks for taking the time to keep us updated on your adventure! Good luck and shoot straight!
Chad
antlerrick
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,626
LAST EDITED ON Sep-08-08 AT 10:06PM (MST)[p]Dan,
Sounds like tomorrow may be the day.
May the elk gods be with you and things work out as you are planning! Sorry I missed you but that is a long rough road up the mountain and I wanted to get home before it was too late!
Hope the box you found was better than cup o' noodles!! LOL
Good luck man...the time is getting close!!!!!
Sounds like tomorrow may be the day.
May the elk gods be with you and things work out as you are planning! Sorry I missed you but that is a long rough road up the mountain and I wanted to get home before it was too late!
Hope the box you found was better than cup o' noodles!! LOL
Good luck man...the time is getting close!!!!!
CAelknuts
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,825
RE: Antlerrick is DA MAN!!!!!
OK everyone, before I give an update on an excellent day, I need to give a shout out to Rick Farnsworth, aka Antlerrick. When we got back to camp tonight, probably around 9:30, there was not only a charger for my computer sitting on our table.....THERE WAS A PIZZA!
We're pretty tired, and to see something like that brought up here by someone from town, which is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from our camp, was really special.
Rick, we can't thank you and Beverly enough. You guys are a class act! We appreciated that more than you can guess.
OK everyone, before I give an update on an excellent day, I need to give a shout out to Rick Farnsworth, aka Antlerrick. When we got back to camp tonight, probably around 9:30, there was not only a charger for my computer sitting on our table.....THERE WAS A PIZZA!
We're pretty tired, and to see something like that brought up here by someone from town, which is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from our camp, was really special.
Rick, we can't thank you and Beverly enough. You guys are a class act! We appreciated that more than you can guess.
L
LOCHSA
Guest
Hope your hunt goes great, cool story, thx.
califhuntn
Active Member
- Messages
- 793
Ahh the anticipation. This is much more entertaining than the Faider game. Is tonight the night. Time will only tell. Fingers are crossed.
JR
JR
califhuntn
Active Member
- Messages
- 793
RE: Antlerrick is DA MAN!!!!!
That just makes a good story even better. So what happened?
JR
That just makes a good story even better. So what happened?
JR
O
Oregonbowhunter
Guest
This has been the most suspensful thread ever! I have been so excited to read this thing every day, hoping each time I check it there will be an update. I hope you are able to get a nice bull if you haven't already on your evening hunt.
M
mtdream
Guest
RE: Antlerrick is DA MAN!!!!!
>OK everyone, before I give an
>update on an excellent day,
>I need to give a
>shout out to Rick Farnsworth,
>aka Antlerrick. When we
>got back to camp tonight,
>probably around 9:30, there was
>not only a charger for
>my computer sitting on our
>table.....THERE WAS A PIZZA!
>
>We're pretty tired, and to see
>something like that brought up
>here by someone from town,
>which is about a 1
>1/2 hour drive from our
>camp, was really special.
>
>Rick, we can't thank you and
>Beverly enough. You guys
>are a class act!
>We appreciated that more than
>you can guess.
ALWAYS cool to hear of other people stepping up to help others...things like that make life long friends, and is what actually even drew me to elk hunting!!!
Antlerrick, your welcome at my camp fire ANY time!!!
>OK everyone, before I give an
>update on an excellent day,
>I need to give a
>shout out to Rick Farnsworth,
>aka Antlerrick. When we
>got back to camp tonight,
>probably around 9:30, there was
>not only a charger for
>my computer sitting on our
>table.....THERE WAS A PIZZA!
>
>We're pretty tired, and to see
>something like that brought up
>here by someone from town,
>which is about a 1
>1/2 hour drive from our
>camp, was really special.
>
>Rick, we can't thank you and
>Beverly enough. You guys
>are a class act!
>We appreciated that more than
>you can guess.
ALWAYS cool to hear of other people stepping up to help others...things like that make life long friends, and is what actually even drew me to elk hunting!!!
Antlerrick, your welcome at my camp fire ANY time!!!
rmanwill
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 6,206
This thread really bings to light and shows what hunters in general are all about. At least the majority of the ones I have hunted with and met in the back country hunting!!! It's funny how hunters can really strike up a friendship so quickly on the mountian and count on other hunters when away from home and civilization. Infact I believe many of us feel like we know CAelknuts and would consider him a friend, I know i would and he would be welcome in my hunting camp anytime!!!
Now let's hear about the hunt today, it's getting late - just kidding. You have us all on pins and needles waiting to hear about the latest!! I hope it's success, but if not there is tomorrow and we will all be wishing you the best of luck!!!
Now let's hear about the hunt today, it's getting late - just kidding. You have us all on pins and needles waiting to hear about the latest!! I hope it's success, but if not there is tomorrow and we will all be wishing you the best of luck!!!
CAelknuts
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,825
RE: How close does an elk have to be?
OK, I ended my mid-day post with the question of how close an elk has to be to see his nose run, now I can get around to giving you an answer.
This morning, we started out in the area where we bumped into the big bull yesterday, when we were on our way to get cleaned up. This area is small aspen and pine covered hills, really pretty easy country to walk in.
We weren't hearing anything, when a bull gave out a weak bugle around 7:30 or so. We got on him as fast as we could, but he was traveling and only calling about every 15 to 20 minutes. We figured the bull was probably about 400 yards ahead of us, and we decided to get to a small cluster of pines and then try calling to get him to answer so that we could better pinpoint his location. As I approached the pines, I bumped a young 6 point bull that was standing on the other side of the trees. He took off, but not terribly spooked as I don't think he realized what I was. Anyway, we knelt down right where we were, about 20 yards from the trees we wanted to be in. Nick heard another elk give out a EEUK off to our left, so he cow called and before we could move to set up, the bull was coming in on a string. I was to Nick's right, and even though he could see the bull clearly through the trees, I could not. However, I could follow his progress to us by watching his shadow on the aspens. It was pretty neat to track him by watching the shadow go from tree to tree. The bull was a 5x5, bigger than a raghorn, but not a monster 5 point. Anyway, he came in to about 20 yards, and circled us a bit trying to determine what we were. He was withing 25 yards for a couple minutes, sometimes an easy broadside shot, but we're not going to shoot a bull like this at this point in the hunt. He never did end up busting us, but moved off slowly and quietly.
Once that bull was safely out of sight, I asked Nick to get about 30-40 yards behind me and set up our 'flat cow' and do some calling. Flat cow is my Montana elk butt decoy. Pretty soon, we had a herd feeding silently toward us through the aspens, but I didn't realize that Nick couldn't see most of the elk. I could see about 15 or so elk coming across my front, from the right, and turned to motion for Nick to be quiet so that they could just feed to me on their own. This is where it really got to be fun.
When I turned back toward the elk, there was a spike that was looking out from the pines that we originally intended to set up in. The bull was less than 20 yards from me, and when Nick saw him, he decided to play with him, not realizing that I had an entire herd feeding toward me. The spike came toward me and I can tell you that at a distance of five or six yards, you can see their nose running and can see the hairs on their velvet very distinctly. So, there is your answer about how close they have to be to see their nose run. The spike stood looking at me for well over a minute at this close distance, and then he turned to walk away....and he bedded down 12 yards from me!
For those who aren't bowhunters, this may seem unreal. I was fully camo'ed, but did not have my face painted with camo cream. I've only got about 8 days of beard and was a bit dirty, so my face didn't shine too much. I was wearing gloves and standing in front of some aspen and pine trees, so my outline was broken up a bit. The key to all of this working without spooking that little bull was holding absolutely still while he craned his neck every which way, trying to figure out what I was. That bull tried to figure me out for a long time, and at one point our eyes were burning holes in each other and I dared not blink. My kids and I used to enjoy having 'staredowns' when they were little, but I never figured I'd have one with a 400 pound spike elk at less than 20 feet. I won!
Nick still couldn't see the rest of the herd, so he started messing with the spike. He got him up and looking around, while all I wanted was for him to go away since I was sure that the herd bull was going to show up at any time and I didn't want Mr. spike to blow up when I drew my bow. By now the herd had also bedded down, about 35-40 yards right in front of me. I was sure that there was a herd bull and I was in an excellent position to take him when he stepped into view. After all, I had about 15-16 live decoys sitting right in front of me, all wihtin archery range. Each time the spike would start to wander off, Nick would turn him around and keep him right next to me. He was having fun with this, but I was about ready to strangle him!
Finally, after a good twenty minutes, the wind shifted and the herd got a whiff of human scent and they all took off, but not too badly spooked. The funniest part was, the spike was looking around(about 15 yards from me at this point)like he couldn't figure out why everyone had left. He kept turning around trying to decide what to do, when finally he wandered off in the general direction of the rest of the elk. Nick came up and I told him that I was ready to beat him for keeping that spike in my lap with all the other elk bedded right in front of me, and he answers with 'I didn't know they were there.' That was the first time I realized that he couldn't see the other elk, even though he was less than 70 yards from them. We never did see the herd bull, but with two sattelite bulls and the spike, I figured there had to be a mature bull with them, he was just not visible from my location. The entire time we were with these elk, perhaps 30-45 minutes, they never made a single sound, other than when the 5x5 gave that EUUK at the beginning.
It was a great morning, one everybody who enjoys September elk hunting should get to experience.
This evening, I again sat the same tank as last night. There are a few bulls working that area, and I thought we were going to get a shot this evening, until three guys who were dressed in full camo came over the ridge, right into the elk that were heading into the tank. The elk took off, and I came out from my hide to get their attention and let them understand that I'd appreciate them leaving without further screwing up my hunt. As soon as they saw me, they turned and left but the evening was pretty much a bust after that. No other bulls came in after that, and there was another guy scouting who kept blowing his bugle and educating the bulls that lit up with their own calls right at dark. I don't think these guys had any idea that I was hunting right there, and they really ended my chances early tonight.
Tomorrow, we're going to hunt the same area as this evening, and hopefully won't have to deal with interference from guys who's hunt hasn't even started yet. These were pretty much the first guys we've encountered off the roads and trails on foot, and we're hoping they check out some other areas tomorrow.
If all goes according to plan, we'll be packing an elk out tomorrow. We feel like we've got these elk figured out, and I plan to be there the entire day, waiting for my chance to take one of the nicer bulls we've seen.
Thanks to antlerrick, I'll be able to give another update tomorrow night, unless we're still on the mountain.
Thanks again, Rick! We really enjoyed the pizza.
OK, I ended my mid-day post with the question of how close an elk has to be to see his nose run, now I can get around to giving you an answer.
This morning, we started out in the area where we bumped into the big bull yesterday, when we were on our way to get cleaned up. This area is small aspen and pine covered hills, really pretty easy country to walk in.
We weren't hearing anything, when a bull gave out a weak bugle around 7:30 or so. We got on him as fast as we could, but he was traveling and only calling about every 15 to 20 minutes. We figured the bull was probably about 400 yards ahead of us, and we decided to get to a small cluster of pines and then try calling to get him to answer so that we could better pinpoint his location. As I approached the pines, I bumped a young 6 point bull that was standing on the other side of the trees. He took off, but not terribly spooked as I don't think he realized what I was. Anyway, we knelt down right where we were, about 20 yards from the trees we wanted to be in. Nick heard another elk give out a EEUK off to our left, so he cow called and before we could move to set up, the bull was coming in on a string. I was to Nick's right, and even though he could see the bull clearly through the trees, I could not. However, I could follow his progress to us by watching his shadow on the aspens. It was pretty neat to track him by watching the shadow go from tree to tree. The bull was a 5x5, bigger than a raghorn, but not a monster 5 point. Anyway, he came in to about 20 yards, and circled us a bit trying to determine what we were. He was withing 25 yards for a couple minutes, sometimes an easy broadside shot, but we're not going to shoot a bull like this at this point in the hunt. He never did end up busting us, but moved off slowly and quietly.
Once that bull was safely out of sight, I asked Nick to get about 30-40 yards behind me and set up our 'flat cow' and do some calling. Flat cow is my Montana elk butt decoy. Pretty soon, we had a herd feeding silently toward us through the aspens, but I didn't realize that Nick couldn't see most of the elk. I could see about 15 or so elk coming across my front, from the right, and turned to motion for Nick to be quiet so that they could just feed to me on their own. This is where it really got to be fun.
When I turned back toward the elk, there was a spike that was looking out from the pines that we originally intended to set up in. The bull was less than 20 yards from me, and when Nick saw him, he decided to play with him, not realizing that I had an entire herd feeding toward me. The spike came toward me and I can tell you that at a distance of five or six yards, you can see their nose running and can see the hairs on their velvet very distinctly. So, there is your answer about how close they have to be to see their nose run. The spike stood looking at me for well over a minute at this close distance, and then he turned to walk away....and he bedded down 12 yards from me!
For those who aren't bowhunters, this may seem unreal. I was fully camo'ed, but did not have my face painted with camo cream. I've only got about 8 days of beard and was a bit dirty, so my face didn't shine too much. I was wearing gloves and standing in front of some aspen and pine trees, so my outline was broken up a bit. The key to all of this working without spooking that little bull was holding absolutely still while he craned his neck every which way, trying to figure out what I was. That bull tried to figure me out for a long time, and at one point our eyes were burning holes in each other and I dared not blink. My kids and I used to enjoy having 'staredowns' when they were little, but I never figured I'd have one with a 400 pound spike elk at less than 20 feet. I won!
Nick still couldn't see the rest of the herd, so he started messing with the spike. He got him up and looking around, while all I wanted was for him to go away since I was sure that the herd bull was going to show up at any time and I didn't want Mr. spike to blow up when I drew my bow. By now the herd had also bedded down, about 35-40 yards right in front of me. I was sure that there was a herd bull and I was in an excellent position to take him when he stepped into view. After all, I had about 15-16 live decoys sitting right in front of me, all wihtin archery range. Each time the spike would start to wander off, Nick would turn him around and keep him right next to me. He was having fun with this, but I was about ready to strangle him!
Finally, after a good twenty minutes, the wind shifted and the herd got a whiff of human scent and they all took off, but not too badly spooked. The funniest part was, the spike was looking around(about 15 yards from me at this point)like he couldn't figure out why everyone had left. He kept turning around trying to decide what to do, when finally he wandered off in the general direction of the rest of the elk. Nick came up and I told him that I was ready to beat him for keeping that spike in my lap with all the other elk bedded right in front of me, and he answers with 'I didn't know they were there.' That was the first time I realized that he couldn't see the other elk, even though he was less than 70 yards from them. We never did see the herd bull, but with two sattelite bulls and the spike, I figured there had to be a mature bull with them, he was just not visible from my location. The entire time we were with these elk, perhaps 30-45 minutes, they never made a single sound, other than when the 5x5 gave that EUUK at the beginning.
It was a great morning, one everybody who enjoys September elk hunting should get to experience.
This evening, I again sat the same tank as last night. There are a few bulls working that area, and I thought we were going to get a shot this evening, until three guys who were dressed in full camo came over the ridge, right into the elk that were heading into the tank. The elk took off, and I came out from my hide to get their attention and let them understand that I'd appreciate them leaving without further screwing up my hunt. As soon as they saw me, they turned and left but the evening was pretty much a bust after that. No other bulls came in after that, and there was another guy scouting who kept blowing his bugle and educating the bulls that lit up with their own calls right at dark. I don't think these guys had any idea that I was hunting right there, and they really ended my chances early tonight.
Tomorrow, we're going to hunt the same area as this evening, and hopefully won't have to deal with interference from guys who's hunt hasn't even started yet. These were pretty much the first guys we've encountered off the roads and trails on foot, and we're hoping they check out some other areas tomorrow.
If all goes according to plan, we'll be packing an elk out tomorrow. We feel like we've got these elk figured out, and I plan to be there the entire day, waiting for my chance to take one of the nicer bulls we've seen.
Thanks to antlerrick, I'll be able to give another update tomorrow night, unless we're still on the mountain.
Thanks again, Rick! We really enjoyed the pizza.
H
huntmancam
Guest
rmanwill, very well put. To think that just this one single thread has made us all feel like CA is now our close friend is amazing. Like stated above, I'm are rootin for ya. Its great to hear from you everyday. And I think I speak for all of us when I say thank you for taking the time out of your intense and amazing hunt to fill us in and keep us updated. Your already a hero in my book
sageadvice
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 11,849
This story has me hooked. Awsome doesn't describe how fun it has been to follow, almost it seems, as part of the hunt! Thanks!!
"!!!!!READ FAST !!!!" ROTFLMAO!
Joey
"!!!!!READ FAST !!!!" ROTFLMAO!
Joey
logslinger
Active Member
- Messages
- 505
Caelknuts I hope you get the monster that you are working so hard for, but not too soon. I would miss reading your posts. Good Luck!!!!!!
R
rutnelk
Guest
Good point logslinger, Dan can you wait until the last day of your hunt to kill your bull? Just kidding, it sounds like today may be the day.
Tuffbucker
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,035
THREAD.OF.THE.YEAR.........now get er done! Thanks for all the updates, it is helping keep me sane, since I still have a month plus until hunting season!!
Best of luck, get a good one!
Best of luck, get a good one!
B
bearman
Guest
RE: Do you have a camera
The story is great to read every day some pictures of the hunt would be great. Good luck!
The story is great to read every day some pictures of the hunt would be great. Good luck!
Y
Youtah
Guest
This is pretty much an epic read Imho! I just wish I drew for something! It's my 2nd year not drawing anything and this thread is KILLING ME!
Good luck to you, hopefully this weather will help keep you quiet! I love hunting when the grounds soft!
Good luck to you, hopefully this weather will help keep you quiet! I love hunting when the grounds soft!
O
oddhntr
Guest
RE: How close does an elk have to be?
this is great!, you being able to make journal entries while on a mountain.
Thank you for sharing!
this is great!, you being able to make journal entries while on a mountain.
Thank you for sharing!
antlerrick
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,626
The archery hunt runs thru Friday and then the rifle hunters get their turn. Dan is just waiting for the right bull now. I'm looking out my back door and the Monroe is getting drenched right now. In fact, I can hardly see the mountain.
He will have some great stories tonight, believe me!
He will have some great stories tonight, believe me!
antlerrick
Very Active Member
- Messages
- 2,626
I don't know but this could be a sign.
There is a huge, beautiful rainbow that lands right on top of Monroe right now. Maybe Dan has got his pot of gold!
Got my fingers crossed!
There is a huge, beautiful rainbow that lands right on top of Monroe right now. Maybe Dan has got his pot of gold!
Got my fingers crossed!
elkantlers
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 3,734
M
MJRELKFREAK
Guest
and so it is. lol i hope some of you guys with rifle tags plan on taking your laptops to camp also. this one has just upgraded the high country hotline. come on and seal the deal.
H
hunter1
Guest
just finished packing for my elk hunt friday here in arizona, and made the popcorn to wait for the latest update and cant wait its better then watchin csi vegas!! i am rooten for you ya buddy put the smack down on ole freak nasty!
I don't care oif you kill a little 330 350 bull cause this thread is as close to a hunt then you will ever get, plus you have some writing skills!! Just stick one already, I look at this thread everyday and wonder what kind of crazy fourwheeler will chase the big Spider bull out to you, cause if any one that deserves to get him is you....GOOD LUCK!!! Thank you for the story.........
Lionking
Lionking
C
Chef
Guest
I am really enjoying your posts.
Here is to you tagging a bull you've seen in your dreams.
Here is to you tagging a bull you've seen in your dreams.
U
UTodd
Guest
Come on elknuts, you are driving all of us other elknuts.....nuts.
S
stinkystomper
Guest
I'm goin 2 utah next year. im lookin forward to a hunt where the pack job is a piece of cake. shoot an elk, stick your thumb out n bam... ur back in camp. redneck hitchhiking. does utah sell quad tags or are they a protected species. come on elknut we gotta know. and don't forget details about the big moster u saw. we want vivid details pleeeeeease!!!!
CAelknuts
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,825
RE: It's finally happened!!!
When we got out of the truck this morning, we had four different bulls bugling around us. That is the first morning since we've been here that the elk are bugling good. They started getting with it yesterday, but today was outstanding. We got onto a herd at first light that held about a dozen or so cows and calves, four or five sattelite bulls and one herd bull. We got to enjoy watching two bulls fight. They were really getting after it, lots of antler crashing, pushing and a big dust cloud. Once the elk fed out of sight, we began paralleling the herd. As soon as we got into thick timber, we moved in as close as we dared and set up. We promptely called a 5x5 in to 17 yards from me. Next, about ten minutes later, we called in a sattelite 6x6 to 20 yards of me. He ended up spooking for some reason I didn't know. When I asked Nick about it, he told me that flat cow, our Montaan elk decoy, had fallen over. He said when the decoy fell down, that bull immediately peeled out of there. Finally, we got the herd bull to come in. It was quite thick and we only got him to 40 yards and no shot was offered so when he finally moved off, so did we.
This afternoon, we sat a tank that I'm seeing some elk on, but around 6:00 we got a major soaking from a Thunderstorm. We hid under some pine trees, but after more than 30 minutes of steady rain, we decided to head for the truck as we were getting pretty wet. While our afternoon hunt was a bit washed out, it was nice to get in to camp at a decent hour for a change. Nick had a little excitement while we were sitting the tank. I was on stand, and had him behind me about 25 yards away with the decoy. He was watching a chipmunk that was gathering stuff in front of him. It disappeared, but a bit later he felt something on his shoulder, and when he turned his head to the right, found out that the chipmunk was a couple inches from his nose! I don't know who got a bigger surprise out of that. Nick jumped, and I'm sure the chipmunk did as well!
As for the title of this message, "It's finally happened", I meant the rut seems to be kicking into high gear. I know, some of you thought I meant I finally tagged a bull. Not yet, but tomorrow, if a 6 pt bull comes in and offers a shot, he might be in trouble. I'd love to kill a giant bull, but we're having some great experiences with these bulls and one of these times I'm going to shoot one, regardless of whether he's a giant, or just a nice bull. This is one hunt where I don't plan on going home with a tag in my pocket.
When we got out of the truck this morning, we had four different bulls bugling around us. That is the first morning since we've been here that the elk are bugling good. They started getting with it yesterday, but today was outstanding. We got onto a herd at first light that held about a dozen or so cows and calves, four or five sattelite bulls and one herd bull. We got to enjoy watching two bulls fight. They were really getting after it, lots of antler crashing, pushing and a big dust cloud. Once the elk fed out of sight, we began paralleling the herd. As soon as we got into thick timber, we moved in as close as we dared and set up. We promptely called a 5x5 in to 17 yards from me. Next, about ten minutes later, we called in a sattelite 6x6 to 20 yards of me. He ended up spooking for some reason I didn't know. When I asked Nick about it, he told me that flat cow, our Montaan elk decoy, had fallen over. He said when the decoy fell down, that bull immediately peeled out of there. Finally, we got the herd bull to come in. It was quite thick and we only got him to 40 yards and no shot was offered so when he finally moved off, so did we.
This afternoon, we sat a tank that I'm seeing some elk on, but around 6:00 we got a major soaking from a Thunderstorm. We hid under some pine trees, but after more than 30 minutes of steady rain, we decided to head for the truck as we were getting pretty wet. While our afternoon hunt was a bit washed out, it was nice to get in to camp at a decent hour for a change. Nick had a little excitement while we were sitting the tank. I was on stand, and had him behind me about 25 yards away with the decoy. He was watching a chipmunk that was gathering stuff in front of him. It disappeared, but a bit later he felt something on his shoulder, and when he turned his head to the right, found out that the chipmunk was a couple inches from his nose! I don't know who got a bigger surprise out of that. Nick jumped, and I'm sure the chipmunk did as well!
As for the title of this message, "It's finally happened", I meant the rut seems to be kicking into high gear. I know, some of you thought I meant I finally tagged a bull. Not yet, but tomorrow, if a 6 pt bull comes in and offers a shot, he might be in trouble. I'd love to kill a giant bull, but we're having some great experiences with these bulls and one of these times I'm going to shoot one, regardless of whether he's a giant, or just a nice bull. This is one hunt where I don't plan on going home with a tag in my pocket.
T
tbone30
Guest
RE: It's finally happened!!!
You DOG!
You had me all wound up!
I got bull fever just reading that title and then wham!
Don't do that again, that is not nice. Good luck tomorrow. Hope you stick a good one.
You DOG!
You had me all wound up!
I got bull fever just reading that title and then wham!
Don't do that again, that is not nice. Good luck tomorrow. Hope you stick a good one.
CAelknuts
Moderator
- Messages
- 3,825
RE: Redneck Laundromat
I thought some of you might get a chuckle out of how we've been keeping our clothes clean up here. We have a tub that is meant for washing dishes, and we get some creek water and use scent free soap and wash the clothes. That's when I do some of my posts at mid-day, when I've been doing the laundry. For the agitate cycle, well, lets say that's manual labor. It does get me kinda wet. We then just hang our clothes on the ropes we use to tie off the tarp that sits over our kitchen, so the whole place starts looking like someone's clothesline from a long time ago?
Several times, we've needed to leave camp before things are dry enough, so we dry it the 'redneck' way. We just hold our wet clothes out the windwo while I drive. They get dry pretty quick when you're driving 20 mph, but we do get some weird looks from some of the people we pass. I just told Nick we're operating a redneck laundromat.
I thought some of you might get a chuckle out of how we've been keeping our clothes clean up here. We have a tub that is meant for washing dishes, and we get some creek water and use scent free soap and wash the clothes. That's when I do some of my posts at mid-day, when I've been doing the laundry. For the agitate cycle, well, lets say that's manual labor. It does get me kinda wet. We then just hang our clothes on the ropes we use to tie off the tarp that sits over our kitchen, so the whole place starts looking like someone's clothesline from a long time ago?
Several times, we've needed to leave camp before things are dry enough, so we dry it the 'redneck' way. We just hold our wet clothes out the windwo while I drive. They get dry pretty quick when you're driving 20 mph, but we do get some weird looks from some of the people we pass. I just told Nick we're operating a redneck laundromat.
N
NeverStopHuntin
Guest
RE: Redneck Laundromat
Sounds like you are getting close. Maybe tomorrows the day.
Sounds like you are getting close. Maybe tomorrows the day.
M
MJRELKFREAK
Guest
RE: Redneck Laundromat
pack your rain gear forcast said moore rain. have fun tomarrow.
pack your rain gear forcast said moore rain. have fun tomarrow.
M
markhunts
Guest
RE: Redneck Laundromat
Good luck, I know how you feel. I hit that point and shot a smaller bull than I really intended, but it's all about the hunt, the family, friends, and the experiences you had that will last a lifetime. Thanks for keeping us all on the edge of our seats. It was fun coming in late at night after I'd been out hunting, and see what you'd wrote. Seal the deal today. You deserve it. Mark.
Good luck, I know how you feel. I hit that point and shot a smaller bull than I really intended, but it's all about the hunt, the family, friends, and the experiences you had that will last a lifetime. Thanks for keeping us all on the edge of our seats. It was fun coming in late at night after I'd been out hunting, and see what you'd wrote. Seal the deal today. You deserve it. Mark.
B
BUGLEMN
Guest
I SAY THAT WHAT EVER BULL CAelknuts KILLS THAT IT GOES ON HTE FRONT PAGE OF MONSTERMULEYS FOR THIS AWESOME THREAD. WHAT DOES EVERYONE THINK. I LOVE THIS THREAD!!!!!!!!!!
BUGLEMN
BUGLEMN
T
TK
Guest
I have really enjoyed this blow by blow thread. Having up to the minute info. on your hunt is great. I look forward to checking in on your updates everyday. I guess I am hunting vicariously through your hunt until I leave next week for my Elk hunt. I hope your hunt has a happy ending.
Buena Suerte' from Texas
Tom
Buena Suerte' from Texas
Tom
OwnMoreBone
Active Member
- Messages
- 737
BUGLEMN,
I agree with you, CAelknuts has kept me going in wait for my LE Dutton hunt which starts on the 24th. I really hope he tags his bull today, with the storm yesterday it should be fantastic today on the mountain. Again CAelknuts good luck to you today and I can't wait until we get your post today. (Hopefully with pictures of a toad)
OMB
There's room for all of God's creatures, right next to the mashed taters and gravy.
I agree with you, CAelknuts has kept me going in wait for my LE Dutton hunt which starts on the 24th. I really hope he tags his bull today, with the storm yesterday it should be fantastic today on the mountain. Again CAelknuts good luck to you today and I can't wait until we get your post today. (Hopefully with pictures of a toad)
OMB
There's room for all of God's creatures, right next to the mashed taters and gravy.
Well you reeled me in! I thought I was going to see some pictures. Well your last post left me with a vision of you two driving down the road in your skiveys drying your clothes! Can't imagine what the guys passing you think is going on.:^)
Good luck and I hope you shoot the bull of a lifetime! Great thread!
Good luck and I hope you shoot the bull of a lifetime! Great thread!
fullcurl74
Active Member
- Messages
- 368
Wow, I haven't looked at MM for a while. Noticed this post this morning, and finally finished reading the whole thing. Best thread I've ever read on here. I wish I was in the elk woods right now, but reading CA's tales will give me my fix.
Maybe you're in range right now. Get 'em.
Maybe you're in range right now. Get 'em.
B
BigWooley
Guest
use your spidey sense!!!! hes out there get em.
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." -- Abraham Lincoln
"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." -- Abraham Lincoln
calelknuts, I am loving this like everyone else who has layed eyes on this thread. I just also would like to say thanks for the ride, this is unbelievably awesome. I to find myself checking in every chance I get looking for an update, good stuff. The best of luck to you in these closing days of your hunt. Sounds to me like a great success already, not always about the size of harvest or any harvest at all. I dont think that will play a factor though, thanks again and good luck.
A
Antlers_Ink
Guest
RE: Redneck Laundromat
Certainly one of the all time best threads. How often do you get the chance to read an up to the minute blow by blow of a great adventure. Put this one in the hall of fame threads for MM.
Certainly one of the all time best threads. How often do you get the chance to read an up to the minute blow by blow of a great adventure. Put this one in the hall of fame threads for MM.
A
Antlers_Ink
Guest
I'm going to have to check back in a couple of hours to see if your hands are bloody. Good Luck.
M
MJRELKFREAK
Guest
wow 9,30 pm and still no post. great report to come im betting.
U
UTodd
Guest
Here I sit all broken hearted,
today's NUTS post hasn't started.
NUTS is out chasin a big ol spidey
His clothes didn't dry, so he's in tighty whiteys.
I may as well be on death row..
waitin for my fix from on the Monroe.
today's NUTS post hasn't started.
NUTS is out chasin a big ol spidey
His clothes didn't dry, so he's in tighty whiteys.
I may as well be on death row..
waitin for my fix from on the Monroe.
