91
« Last post by eddyr on Yesterday at 07:16:29 AM »
Figured out how to attach pictures. Here's the pics. I assume it just broken bone that healed badly but idk if I should test the meat? Don't know where I would even do it. This is the shank of a hind quarter.
92
« Last post by eddyr on Yesterday at 07:14:07 AM »
So luck 100% played into it. I would watch an area/clear-cuts that had elk sign near it every morning and evening and then in between I would try to go and follow trails. I followed one trail that was very obvious elk trail. A lot of poop and beds so once again it confirmed that elk are in the area. I also knew it was most likely herd of cows because of how many beds there were but I just wanted to see some elk and figured there's a chance that a younger bull might stick with the cows, I know blacktail spikes and forkys like to do that.
Sunday - my first day. A lot of people driving around. No elk.
Monday - still some hunters but much less.
Tuesday - saw only 2 trucks driving around the area I was focusing on. Tuesday evening saw nobody else there.
Wednesday morning weather is nasty, on and off rain, dark with very low visibility. I decided to just drive around my route one last time and then go check out some other areas near Pe Ell. While driving around I was stopping to glass the reprod hills whenever I could. I spotted something around 1200-1500yards, not sure what it was, possibly a bush, couldn't tell because of the rain but looked interesting. I have been constantly saying to my self "it just takes one" so figured I would go back, take the other road to get to that clear cut to check it. Well while driving there looked to my left and saw a group of cows on top of a clear cut just looking at me. About 150-200 yards. Binos on, yep there's a legal bull with them. Heart rate jumps like crazy. I start shaking. Get out the car. Get my rifle, shaking so bad I can't aim. Finally let a round fly, not the best shot, didn't drop him instantly, he just standing there I thought I missed, shot him again. He drops down. This was at around 830am.
I was able to get my car about 20 ft from him which was a blessing because boy they are heavy. Finished quartering him at around 130. That whole day I haven't seen or heard a single hunter driving. Most people seem to give up.
Lessons learned. First of all I need to practice shooting and learn to calm myself. I decided I won't shoot again until I am calm and clear minded, I'm very disappointed in my shots and because of poor shooting some meat was lost.
Second, like you guys said, younger bulls still do hang out with cows.
Third, they were in clear-cuts after a full night of dumping hard rain and wind, possibly because they were hunkered down the whole night without wanting to move much?
Forth, a lot of hunters seem to give up after couple days so staying longer than the other guys is good.
Like I said, i was very lucky. It definitely wasn't me figuring out something, it was just me being in a right place at the right time. In fact I still don't know what would be "bull signs" in comparison to regular elk sign. Nonetheless I am extremely grateful for the meat and I'll remember this bull forever.
93
« Last post by BeerBugler on Yesterday at 06:41:33 AM »
I don’t know what to say except this post is littered with inaccuracies. Unit 77 is in fact a general rifle unit, unit 78 is a premier draw unit, unit 79 doesn’t even exist! The major die off in SE Idaho was the winter that started in 2022 and ended in 2023. And yes, hunting is hard and not fair and especially hard in mid October. With all that being said, if you did in fact have a unit 78 rifle deer tag and paid an outfitter for a deer hunt and only saw one buck, that would be unacceptable . I don’t believe that is the case here. I believe you had a bear river general elk tag which is valid in units 75,77,78. Elk densities in these units are low (although growing) and there’s plenty of nasty country and private property for them to escape to once the shooting starts. Not to mention, there’s 500+ residents that know the country and know the elk all crammed into a 10 day season. Tough place to consistently kill bulls and even tougher place to make a living as an outfitter. Sorry you are not satisfied with the choices you made.
94
Sitting on 10 points. I've had leftovers at least 3 times.
95
 For the first time I passed on waiting for late season.
96
« Last post by ballpark on Yesterday at 06:03:57 AM »
Good things happen to good people 
97
« Last post by Crunchy on Yesterday at 04:53:58 AM »
Yeah looks like primer prices are starting to come down across the board. Bout time.
98
« Last post by hunter399 on Yesterday at 04:30:47 AM »
Something about those antlers sticking out of the pot .
Drives me crazy..... I mean WILD!
Anybody doing there own euro this year.
Share if you like.....I'll start.
Blacktail,muley,WT, elk, share them all big or small.
It's like I can already taste those snack sticks,summer sausage,jerky,backstrap,and my favorite deer enchiladas.....OMG.
99
« Last post by hunter399 on Yesterday at 04:14:26 AM »
Back on topic though.
I'm still gonna say decent to bad. Anybody that's never hunted NE , needs to do it at least once.
You can get a feel for it, access, amount of hunters,all that.
Slim pickings as said is true,it's no slam dunk hunt.
It will never be what it was years ago, predators, access,CWD/blue tongue, just to name a few factors.
I've seen more deer hit by cars on 395 during the month of October,than all summer,I drive it regularly for work.
100
« Last post by hunter399 on Yesterday at 04:00:56 AM »
Slim pickings. Even more so now that all Hancock property is closed. Peak rut for whitetail in those areas is usually Thanksgiving week meaning you will not be hunting the rut.
That Hancock closed will displace some late season camps for sure. A lot of folks don't think it's a big deal, until the 25-50 other hunters are moved to other public lands. Looks like a lot of hunting clubs, whatever ranch, are leasing. Basically turned NE into the rich and elite only for those Hancock lands.
Advertisement
|
Recent Posts