2017 Colockum Muzzy Bull Hunt

[cmiller85]

I don't post a lot on here like I would like due to a lot sentiments noted in the Lurkers...and Esteemed members thread (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,216934.0/topicseen.html), but I am on here pretty much daily and I agree that the forum is as only as good as we make it.

So with that, I figured I'd start a thread in regards to my 2017 Colockum Muzzy bull tag.

It just so happens that this tag is the only tag/hunt that I've ever killed an elk on. I drew this tag with my Dad back in 1998. I was 13 years old back then and had been hunting for a few years so that was an exciting hunt to say the least. I ended up killing a 250 class 6 point. As a 13 year old, I was on top of the world. My Dad took his bull a couple days later; another 6 point in probably the 280 range or so. It was the first time he had killed a mature bull as well. As we packed my Dad's elk out that day we jumped a herd of probably 200 head that proceeded to run across the open valley in front of us. We counted over 30 bulls in that herd, including six 6 pt. bulls; two of which were just monsters. I'm sure my memory has made them grow, but I'd put them at 380-390" bulls with what I know today.

Ever since seeing those monster bulls I've been bitten by the "trophy" hunting bug; always looking for that animal that would eclipse that magical minimum score to make the record books. In terms of elk hunting that means that I haven't killed anything since I was 13. Over the years I've passed on numerous cows, spikes, and 4-pts during my general archery seasons while only getting glimpses of the bigger herd bulls through the trees. But the basic truth is, I just love to hunt! The challenge of the hunt, the camaraderie with my hunting partners, and just generally enjoying God's creation is all I need to truly thrive. And so, I am fulfilled each and every season.

So, this year I was  shocked to see that I had wiped the board in applying for special permits (outside of OIL tags of course). After drawing the multiseason elk, I drew antlerless 49 Degrees North, Colockum Muzzy bull AND Entiat Archery Buck. I'm very excited and can't hardly wait!

Because of my disdain for our point system (yes, even as my pockets overflow with permits  ), I will no longer be applying for Quality deer and elk in Washington so my goal on these hunts will to be go big or go home.
My Dad drew the only muzzy tag for the colockum in 2011 and shot a 366" gross bull that netted 353", so naturally that sets the bar at a minimum right? I can't be out done by the old man!    But in all seriousness, my goal will be that 360" B&C minimum so I'll be looking for a bull I think will go 375" on the gross. So after 19 years I'm back! And this time I'll be looking for bloodlines of one of those monster bulls I saw all those years ago!

It's going to be super tough, but I have no doubt that it can be done. My biggest obstacle to being able to hold out mentally will be knowing what caliber of bulls are running around out there this year. If I know there is a monster out there then holding out will get slightly more easy. I am prepared to eat this tag; which for me, only translates to having a longer hunt.  So all of you archery tag holders and the one person with the rifle tag, save one for me will ya? 

[Holg3107]

Awesome, Tagging along for the ride...

[carpsniperg2]

That's a huge score on all those tags!!!! Congrats and look forward to more posts and hopefully some critters hitting the ground for ya.

[Duckhunter14]

Can't wait to see what you end up putting your tag on! Ill be in there helping one of the few other lucky muzzleloader tag holders (if my buddy has his moose tag filled by then). Really a great year to draw the tag. Amazing feed and the season is a week earlier than the general season. Hope I see you in there and we can share notes. Best of luck in your quest for a monster.

Clint

[Duckhunter14]

Hey lets see a pic of your dads bull!

[cmiller85]

Hey lets see a pic of your dads bull!

It's actually my avatar pic.

[carpsniperg2]

That's a stud bull. Once in a life time type bull

[Duckhunter14]

Awesome old STUD bull! Thanks for sharing. Hope you can outdo him, as long as it's an inch bigger! 

[Tschaefer72]

Thanks for sharing so we can join you along in the journey. What a hunting season this will be for you no matter the results. That is a beautiful bull your dad got as well. Good luck and go get em!

[kevinlisa06]

Good luck on your hunt!


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[Bob33]

What a monster. That is so cool! Congratulations.

[SeatoSummit88]

Sweet Baby Jesus, that's a monster! Congrats to you and your dad! 

I saw a bull like that once...in Cabela's...on a wall...

[Stein]

Wow


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[Jpmiller]

Looking forward to tagging along on your hunt. Good luck!

[Mark Brenckle]

Looking forward to tagging along on your hunt. Good luck!

[NOCK NOCK]

Congrats on all the draws, should be an epic season, and thanks for sharing.

[bowhunterforever]

That's a huge score on all those tags!!!! Congrats and look forward to more posts and hopefully some critters hitting the ground for ya.

[Skyvalhunter]

Would you shoot a bull comparable to your dads bull?

[cmiller85]

Would you shoot a bull comparable to your dads bull?

That's a super tough question. If I thought it would make 360" net I'd shoot. My Dad's bull would have netted 360" if he would have had the matching 3-1/4" 7th point. That's how close he was. So the matching 7th, or something as small as a 1/2" more average length on each point or if he was 6" wider all would have tipped him over the mark.

He's so close that I personally would not be able to field judge the difference if he stood next to a 360-370" bull. So the answer is....more than likely. The only way I wouldn't be able to is if I see a bull that looks like he'd go 380-390+. I mean it would have to be something truly exceptional to "help" me pass on a bull like my Dad's; and even then, I feel like, deep down, it is still negotiable depending on a number of variables.

[mburrows]

Thats awesome good luck and enjoy the hunts!

[howlow]

I will be hunting during the archery season I spend lots of time there pm your number and maybe I can help u locate your dream bull

[carpsniperg2]

I will be hunting during the archery season I spend lots of time there pm your number and maybe I can help u locate your dream bull

Very nice offer, glad to see people willing to help.

[cmiller85]

I will be hunting during the archery season I spend lots of time there pm your number and maybe I can help u locate your dream bull

I appreciate the generosity. PM sent! 

[howlow]

I look at it this way those quality tags don't come very often so I figure If I help someone out maybe when I get drawn some will share info with me on my someday quality anything   lol   

[carpsniperg2]

I look at it this way those quality tags don't come very often so I figure If I help someone out maybe when I get drawn some will share info with me on my someday quality anything   lol   

  I agree and look at it the same way.