Califelkslayer
Long Time Member
- Messages
- 4,078
I just got back last night from my Unit #7 elk hunt. Had a great hunt. My stuff was #@&%ed up because I was on fires for 22 straight days and only got home 1 1/2 days before I left to Wyoming. No shooting of the bow, horses out of shape and me fat.
We were into 300-330 bulls every day. Hot, dry the first 5-6 days. Then showers every afternoon. The bulls got vocal. Had a great time. I just couldn't pull those herd bulls from their dozen or so cows no matter how sexy I sounded. I believe I need to get more agressive with the bugle when I'm within 125-150 yards of these bigger bulls instead of trying to sweet talk them in with cow talk. Anyways, I called a 5 point satelite bull in the next to last day and did him. My partner was 75 yards in front of me, set up as we had a good bull 200 yards above us. I almost landed my bull in his lap. He died on the opposite side of the tree he set up under. He had the strangest look on his face because he never heard me shoot.
I thought hard the night before about shooting a "lesser" bull. I thought I would rather kill a satelite bull with my bow then a 300+" bull with the rifle. Plus my dad (77 years young) has a hard time getting to where the bulls are. Now when we go back in rifle season I can carry his gear and even his rifle in the dark. Get him to the elk. I have total confidence he'll get it done with a rifle.
Leaving on the 6th for our antelope hunt with my wife and son, that should leave me 2-3 days to scout the elk before rifle season. I have an idea of where to have my dad opening day but something better and easier might pop up with some scouting.
Everytime I miss a September or two chasing elk in the rut, I forget how much I love it. I hooked again!! I hope everyone's seasons have been, or are going to be as good as mine has been so far.
We were into 300-330 bulls every day. Hot, dry the first 5-6 days. Then showers every afternoon. The bulls got vocal. Had a great time. I just couldn't pull those herd bulls from their dozen or so cows no matter how sexy I sounded. I believe I need to get more agressive with the bugle when I'm within 125-150 yards of these bigger bulls instead of trying to sweet talk them in with cow talk. Anyways, I called a 5 point satelite bull in the next to last day and did him. My partner was 75 yards in front of me, set up as we had a good bull 200 yards above us. I almost landed my bull in his lap. He died on the opposite side of the tree he set up under. He had the strangest look on his face because he never heard me shoot.
I thought hard the night before about shooting a "lesser" bull. I thought I would rather kill a satelite bull with my bow then a 300+" bull with the rifle. Plus my dad (77 years young) has a hard time getting to where the bulls are. Now when we go back in rifle season I can carry his gear and even his rifle in the dark. Get him to the elk. I have total confidence he'll get it done with a rifle.
Leaving on the 6th for our antelope hunt with my wife and son, that should leave me 2-3 days to scout the elk before rifle season. I have an idea of where to have my dad opening day but something better and easier might pop up with some scouting.
Everytime I miss a September or two chasing elk in the rut, I forget how much I love it. I hooked again!! I hope everyone's seasons have been, or are going to be as good as mine has been so far.
