Bone is back from Idaho

[boneaddict]

Sorry guys, no bone for me this year.  The hunt was fantastic with even the worst conditions possible for bowhunting.  It was 80t-90 every day, with lows dipping into the 50's.  Yes great camping, but not so good with hunting.  Throw a Full moon in there from dusk til dawn and you get not alot of daytime action.  Every morning and evening I was on bulls though. LOTS of action.  I had kill shots almost every outing. 

Idabooner and I pitched the walltent and found a nice place to camp Monday.  We then went and cut some camp wood.  I personally like to dump old growth trees and then have enough wood for the winter, but Idabooner figured since I usually tag out opening, then have to haul all that wood home, maybe I should be more practical.  With a pile of wood in, I headed to the woods.  We were basically going in totally blind.  Not much for internet help, or any help actually, except for some names of some areas from Hornseeker.  I managed to print off some free maps off of the internet.  This is the FIRST time I didn't have every map you could buy of a hunting area. 

I scouted a bit and as the evening approached, I was checking out the headwaters of my area.  The first spot I stopped I let out a cow call, and a misplaced calf came barrelling in.  that was the most lonesome elk I think I have ever seen.  I am guessing Momma got shot or something.  I did manage to get her pic for you guys.  throughout the whole trip I kept thinking of MichaelJ asking where are the pics.  Most of the time I was seriously hunting and the camera stayed in the pack.  SORRY!  Anyway, I left her and then saw a couple more cows.  I closed on them and Had my first kill opputunity.  It was a 4 point raghorn at less than 20 yards standing there staring at me.  I definately didn't want to shoot him, but thought about it just to harangue Idabooner because he is always complaining that I cut his camping trips short.  Then another bull stepped out of the brush broadside at about 20 yards.  He was a bit bigger, but still not what I was after.  I felt good about the area, and headed back to camp.

The next morning, I was back.  This time I had one screaming in the hole below me.  It was virtually impossible to get onto him with the way the wind was blowing, but I tried.  He was a nice 320 bull and I closed the gap to about 60 yards until the wind decided to whip a bit, and sent them over the ridge into the next hole.  I was done there and went to another local and sure enough had two bugling.  One was across the gut from me on top of the ridge and one was over the mountain.  Down the hill I went.  For the most part about half way down I was wondering what in the hell I had gotten myself into.  This was the worst brush I have ever been in, and believe me that is saying something.  I got into some tremendous elk sign, no wonder, no man would ever be stupid enough to do this.  The damn bull kept going lower and lower.  Now there were about 4 of them and the herd bull was screaming.  Just about the time I caught up with them, I hear a truck.  What hell, the main road was right there.  There were bulls on both sides of the road, and these hunters kept driving by.  The bulls flat outdistanced me and that hunt was over.  Now I had to hike OUT of the hole.  I thought seriously about thumbing a ride, but.....  I was too wasted for much of an evening hunt so Dad and I did some more scouting for a new spot to try.  This time we got some nice sunset pics and then got to see some damn nice MOOSE county.  We saw out first bull moose right at dark.  They also were not enjoying the summer weather. 
       The next morning I was back in the same ole spot and I had two bulls screaming to the hole to the left.  I found a new access point and went in.  I managed to close the gap, going in silent, to about 40 yards.  Its pretty frustrating being that close but not being able to get a shot.  He was anoterh 320 bull with his harem.  They finally pulled out, mostly because of another 320 bull that was there harassing him trying to pick up a few more cows.  I managed to get to within 20 feet of him, yes, feet not yards, and still couldn't get a shot.  HOW FRUSTRATING.  I was feverishly waiting for a shot oppurtunity when all of a sudden here came a group of hounds, hot on a bear.  They flew by, and here comes another one off the other side of me.  WHAT ARE THE ODDS?  The elk disappeared into the abyss.  I pulled out  we decided to run to town to get some ice for the cooler and to call home.  On the way out I saw a camp that resembled Hornseekers description of his Dads.  One the way back in, I stopped and sure enough it was him.  He came up later and BS'd with us.  That was a nice visit.  I went out for the eveing and saw several cows, a Spike, and another moose.  That was all nice.  The next morning I was back where I lost the two bulls.  Nothing was talking at all.  I continued down the ridge and heard one down in another drainage.  I pinpointed him and closed the gap.  Of course he had to be on the opposite side of the canyon from me.  Not being of sound mind, off I went.  OK, now this was officially the thickest *censored* I have ever been in.  I couldn't even see the ground.  Then I was aided off the mountain after I walked through a bald faced hornets nest.  I managed to escape most of the wraith, but got two in the ass and one in the forehead for my efforts.  I slipped in on the bull, but he was rude and decided not to wait for me.  That was disgusting.  I got back to camp and Hornseeker Sr. was there with his hounds.  He took care of them then came back to camp and gave us a guided tour of the area.  We really enjoyed his stories and his outdoorsmanship.  Now I see why Hornseeker and I are always on the same page.  I took his local knowledge and my elk abilities and managed to put together an awesome afternoon hunt.  At 4 pm when it was pushing 90 out, I came across a sceaming pissed off herd bull.  I dove off the mountain into the hole.  AGAIN!  I got to the bottom of the draw and was fighting wind when all of a sudden a 200 class bull steps out at 30 yards or under.  He stood there broadside smacking some devils club to the gorund.  BLESS HIS HEART.  I was thinking about dumping him, but decided to let him walk when all of a sudden the herd bull screamed right next to me.  It was on.  I climbed the ridge to get above him to avoid the wind and approached silently.  I closed the gap and I was within 30 yards of a screaming 280 bull and his cows and about 50 yards from a 340 bull.  Now the decision.  Do I drop this gorgeous bull and let the big one walk, or do I stick to my goal of beating my NM bull.  Arrow knocked, I let the 280 bull walk.  This whole time these guys were just screaming at one another.  I kept waiting for my chance.  The 340 bull charged the 280 bull and ran him up the hill, then whirled, dove at a couple of his cows and headed them down the canyon, my wind right on his ass.  The hunt was done.  The 280 bull grabbed his cows and headed up the ridge.  I followed, but no chance.  I somehow made it out of the hole and got back to my truck by dark.
I could hardly move the next morning.  I told Idabooner that no way in hell I wanted to go back in there.  I showed up in the morning and there were two rigs of folks hunting there now.  the bulls were singing.  I bet there were close to 50 bulls singing, all very low.  One rig pulled out to move lower on the mountain.  I decided to go back to my old spot, and there were two rigs there now.  I guess the weekend warriors had arrived a day early.  I could hear my 340 bull and his following and he was moving back up the canyon.  i made it back over there to find that those other guys had just looked into the hole, then pulled out.  Over the hill I went.  Three bulls carrying on.  Of course they decided to go silent on me, with a 4th bull screaming on the ridge next to me.  I had heard this bull for three days now as well.  I snuck into the hole right on top of the big bulls wallow.  I ran into the middle of his herd.  I ahd a calf withing 10 yards of me and a bunch of his cows.  I cow talked my way into them.  He was just out of sight across the creek from me.  They were moving up the draw and I was trying to stay with him.  I closed the gap to within 30 yards but all I could see was his legs.  that was the best I was going to do.  He pulled his cows and climbed the ridge.  I couldn't keep up.  No way can you.  I screamed at him, cow talked him, everything.  He didn't care.  I felt like pissing in his wallow just to discourage him later.  I pulled out of the hole and it was 10.  HOT as hell.  the other bull was still calling to me as he probably heard me climbing the hill.  I walked away.  I went back to camp and Idabooner and I pulled stakes.  Now its soccer games and little girls.  I'll try to get some pics up, nothing too special as again I was busy trying to anchor one.  Now I need to decide to go back, go to Montana, or go back to work and call it a not so successful, successful hunt. 

[Hunting Cowboy]

Thanks for the update! Been wondering how things went.

[LITTLEBUCK]

Always enjoy your posts Bone. Sounds like a fun hunt even with the weather the way it was. Get them next time.

[hard hunter]

Loved your story, reminded me of my hunt in Idaho.  Better luck next time.

[boneaddict]

Thanks guys, were you over there recently hardhunter.

[groundhog]

Hey Bone,
Good to hear you had a good hunt in Idaho. Sounds like you had a great time and as you know once you start passing on nice bulls you are rolling the dice. Way to stick to your guns though! Maybe a quick trip to Montana is in order! I would offer to go along except I am leavin in the morning for Kodiak till mid Oct. You need to get back out there the weather is finally cooling off! Good luck !!!

[scoyoc5]

great write up bone. thanks for taking time to share you hunt

[robodad]

Nice to see your back Bone and had an awesome time while there. It is great to read your adventures even if there is no critter on the ground, you always seem to make the best of the time you have out there, Nice work !!!

[Wea300mag]

Great story Bone, now where are the pics? Just kidding!!!

[high country]

when ya going back?

[Ray]

Boneaddict,

Great story. I have never been in the middle of anything like that but I sure would like to some day. I need to figure out some time to get some elk hunting done. Glad you had some free time to get away and enjoy yourself.

-Ray

[boneaddict]

I thought you and Jack were heading out Ray?  Its very exciting, and I think elk are one of the smartest animals to hunt, at least with a bow.  I know that can be argued against blacktails and whitetails and stuff, but just what my opinion is.  The country they are in is absolutely challenging to say the least.   I'm not sure High Country.  I could be headed back Monday, or even tomorrow night, but I am having some family time first.  I am not sure if I will save my time for my later hunts or head back.  Its so tempting.  I think I finally figured out a bunch of bulls, and once the crowds leave I think I could have a legitimate crack at that 340 bull.  VERY tempting.   Montana was on my agenda, but seriously a 12 hour drive and gas, I am just not sure. I think I figured out it cost me a dollar about ever 4 miles. 3 miles if pulling out trailer and big camp.

[Ray]

I thought you and Jack were heading out Ray?

Well these bears kept popping their heads out of the bush and gave me a fever I had to put out. I think he is out right now. I hope he tags one.


I wish you luck if you go back. 

[Rhinoron247]

I think the pics tell the whole story!   Kidding  Great story and seem to be a popular tale so far this season.

[PolarBear]

Glad your back in one piece.  Cool story, sounds like you had a good time.  Yeah, where da pics man?

[Todd_ID]

Successful hunts don't end with animals on the ground but with memories that will last forever.  It sounds like you had more success than most I've been hearing about.  Good luck if you decide to go back.  BTW, which tag do you have?  I may be able to be of some assistance if it's an area that I know.

[boneaddict]

You are %100 correct Todd.  I have a freezer full of meat already, so it was all about antlers and the experience this fall.  As cool of an idea as it was to have three six points to hang on the wallthis year, and the contests we have on here, though that was more for just fun and support.   I have a Montana elk and Panhandle tag.  I can't remember if its A or B but the one that caters to archery.  I have been bouncing the idea around to go back to Montana, but Idaho was so much fun and about $400 cheaper in gas. 

[MichaelJ]

SWEET write up bone!  Sounds like you guys sure had  a good time!  Pretty cool your pops is able to go with you on all these adventures... You guys sure seem to have a lot of them!

Funny you mention me and pictures...  Saturday morning after we'd glassed the morning, I told my bro I was heading up to the top of the upper most ridge to get some pictures, as I knew the backside was a sheer cliff and offered no better glassing.  I was thinking of all the ppl here on the site and how they'd like to see some more pics... After already hiking an hour straight up in the dark, my bro gave me a crazy look after I mentioned the idea, but we powered up the ridge and got some decent photos, but it was grey and overcast so nothing to profound... lol

Michael

[robodad]

and the contests we have on here, though that was more for just fun and support.

So does that mean you are done hunting out of state and are out of the contest ?? Remember it is not just for the hat but also $500 that would cut down on the gas bill for sure !!!

BTW Are there any critters killed yet that need to be scored for the contest ??

[boneaddict]

Archery288 is in it with his Caribou and that is it as far as I know....well both caribou I guess.  If I won Robodad, I'd probably just give the money to the family.  Though it would be nice to pay for some gas or maybe a mount.   I might go back tomorrow.  I haven't decided yet.  If I stay and save some vacation then I can help with moose or get some moose photos.  If I go, I can have another shot at a big bull.

[robodad]

Wow that's a tough call, hopefully it will work out for you that you can do both !!!

Has Jon had those beasts scored yet ??

[Hornseeker]

You goin bone or what? did you write up MT?

E

[boneaddict]

Kids are on the bus and I am out of here.  No I haven't written anything up yet.  I suppose I should before I forget, but I think these guys are getting tired of me telling them how I keeping letting them walk.  I've spilled some I think talking about wolves.  I told Passion catch and release is more practical becasue then if you shoot one you have to get it out of the hole.  I don't have as many friends as Bucklucky does.

[MichaelJ]

  I don't have as many friends as Bucklucky does.

Nonsense!  Just all your stinkin spots are so far away! lol that and you're a pretty secretive dude bone! lol
Good Luck!

Michael

[boneaddict]

   I suppose Michael.   That and most would look at where I go and say thats your problem.  Booner always says take a fork and slat shaker with you becasue thats the only way you'll get him out.

I almost got him, but it didn't work out.  Maybe next year.
 
I got there and was going to camp where I could black access to one of my hunts.  It had rained HARD and there was a dry spot there where someone just pulled camp.  I decided to go back to the spot which we had stayed at before.  It was muddier than hell where the walltent sat.    I pitched my tent a little closer to the rocks out of the mud.    Then I went to check out the other spot I hunted.  By the time I got back, a camp moved into where I was going to pitch a tent.   I went to go do the afternoon hunt on the big bull and there was a rig there.  I'm like WTF.  So I parked where Ernies Dad and I went for that little walk, and I walked out that ridge and started a call.  I heard a bull coming in silently.  It took him about 5 minutes to respond but he was coming in quick.  I knocked an arrow and got ready.  I seen his antler tips coming in.  He stepped out at 10 yards broadside.  I was at full draw.  It was a 6x6 young bull.  Easy pack to the truck.  I almost released.  I let him walk.  The wind cahnged and he was gone.  I then did another call or two and ended up over in moose country.  I got one elk answer and  grunted up a moose.  He was coming in but it was getting dark so I left him.  I figured my best chance was to get in the spot early on that big bull, and maybe the guys would back off.  I got up at 345 and was at the spot by 4.  I sat in the dark and listened to the herd bull screaming down in the hole along withthe 280 bull.  The 200 bull was on the ridge.  About 545 the first rig showed up up above.  I opened my truck door so the light would come on.  He seen it and turned around.  I then slipped into the woods.  I was trying to figure out the wind as it whips around alot as it was coming in crosswise of the canyon.  At this time 2 more rigs show up above and they stop to take in the scene.  It was almost light and I was almost into position. They moved on.   Then I find a fresh moose rut pit that was dug that night.  I went a little further and I could smell the moose.  I gave a grunt and sure enough he answered.  I stopped to dig out my camera to take a picture of the sunrise.  At this time another moose started grunting answering me and the other fellow.  I took a sunrise picture with two moose grunting, one less than 50 yards away and three bulls bugling, including a 350 bull less than 200 yards away.  Would have been cool to have audio with my pics.  I couldn't resist the moose and I was in good position for some pics so I stayed to play.  That was my downfall. I guess I was just having too much fun and enjoying myself too much.  The 350 bull was screaming about every 45 seconds. The little one came in but winded me before I could get his pic.  The big one was coming in strong.  He walked right by the 350 bull, one bugling and screaming and one grunting.  I bet that would have been cool to see.  About this time another rig shows up.  These dorks get out of their rig, slam the door, let off two hoochie Mamma squeezes then bugle.  Everything in the woods went silent.  The moose quit, and so did all three bulls.  INSTANTLY.  I never heard another sound out of the moose or herdbull or the 200 bull.  The 280 bulged twice more throughout the morning, and I was on his ass.  I had got Daisy's bug and had about a 101 temp so wasn't feeling the best.  I slipped off of a log over the creek and landed square on my lower back on the log. got to love those wet logs.   I saw a flash of light and stars, then I fell to the gorund about 4 feet below, and layed in a pile in the devils club patch for awhile. First thought that comes to mind is damn dude, you fall at least once a year..... The 280 bull laughed and gave me his last bugle.  I picked myself up and went after him, but he lost me of course.  He sure has been tearing the *censored* out of that hillside.  I managed to make it back to the truck and then I pulled stakes.  I was going to go check out a different spot that one of our good members shared with me, but I decided that sporting the fever I had and a stiff back that was really killing me now, it was good.  I waved to the *censored* on the way out and said next year.  I came home to the same crap I did last time.  I guess I should have stayed out there and camped, but there was no one to talk too but fired up moose and bulls.  A rig drove by with the little 4 point I passed on in the back of his truck.  I guess he won't be growing up.  There were alot of guys in the woods this time, especially for a Wed.

[Hornseeker]

ya gave it a good shot...

[American Rattlesnake]

Dang, Bone, what a hunt.  Sure wish I was savvy enough to see all the critters you do out there.

Congratulations and I hope your back heals up quick. 

[bowsandhose]

sounds like fun except the dorks the fall and the fever 

[boneaddict]

It was all fun.   Who gets to stand on a mountain, 33 degrees, beautiful sunrise with a bull moose grunting 50 yards away, one closing from 500, a 350 bull 200 yards away with a 280 SCREAMING at each other and another squeeky bull on the ridge watching it all.  I mean if I could paint a picture with sound.   

The *censored* I usually hunt I am lucky to have two eyes still or two knees.  i was just thankful for the cooler moister conditions.  It was miserable before and the bees were nasty.  If you did shoot one, I have no idea how you could take care of him without a bee suit on.

[boneaddict]

I guess here is the picture, you just add the sounds.

[boneaddict]

was I in Idaho or the Margaret?

[boneaddict]

.

[boneaddict]

.

[boneaddict]

.

[elkaholic]

great pic....

[bowsandhose]

very nice

[Todd_ID]

Hmmmm.  Bone, I think you and I hunt the same in different parts of the state.  I went in once this year to find seven camps, not including mine, in a 1 mile stretch of the road.  However, in the holes I always hunt, I never saw another soul.  Talking to each of the guys in the camps out there I have learned that nobody gets quite far enough back: "So did you make it back to the second fork of the creek back in there?"  "Oh, no, I hit the bugle hard from the trail where the first fork is.  That second fork is way too hard to get back to.  I tried once a couple years ago, but I gave up after an hour of fighting the brush."  "Hmph, well, good luck the rest of the season." "Thanks, you too."  Meanwhile, I have a trail brushed out that only I know into and beyond that area.  Hunting hard is very important in popular areas because the bulls know exactly how far they have to go to not be harrassed by hunters.  That's the distance you have to go every time.  Getting back to camp before dark is rarely a good option if you are serious about consistently killing a bull.  That being said, I punched my tag on an average-to-good six point that was 4 miles in through brush that you had to walk on top of to move for most of the way (man, I need to start hunting with my buddies or closer to the road).  I think I have found the limit of what one person can physically accomplish in the elk woods, and I don't plan on doing it again.  That hole is a big red X on the map for me from now on because it is too tough to get a bull out of without a small army to help.  But it is fun to have 5 bulls screaming every time you go in there; maybe another 11 months will remove that X off the maps.  We'll see.

By the way, great pictures!  I wish I would have had my camera with me several times.  I was 5 yards from 4 cows for over 5 minutes that would have made a great video.

[Elknut1]

 Bone, thanks!! In my opinion you had a very successful season, fortunately success can be measured in many forms!!!! You experienced one of the best forms!! It will build lasting memories no one can take away!!! Thanks!

  ElkNut1

[billythekidrock]

 Bone, thanks!! In my opinion you had a very successful season, fortunately success can be measured in many forms!!!! You experienced one of the best forms!! It will build lasting memories no one can take away!!! Thanks!

  ElkNut1

+1

[WDFW-SUX]

Love that cow pic she looks tasty

[Skyvalhunter]

Its all good Bone you got one of those coveted Wa derr tags. Its early yet.

[boneaddict]

Thanks guys, indeed I felt like I had a good hunt.  Hard to explain to everyone that I didn't notch a tag.  THey are so used to it I guess.  Simply, my freezer is still full, and I have killed enough bone not to be too ancy.  I had my goals on those big ones.   I didn't need to kill to be successful.  I admit, a couple times I questioned that line of thinking but held firm.  Yep Todd, thats exactly it about the holes.  You can sit there and stare down into it all day, but odds are, he isn't coming out of it.  I had the exact same thought process when I came down a whole moutnain and don't think I ever saw the ground.  I thought what the hell am I going to do if I shoot him down here. 
Paul, I enjoyed employeeing some of your techniques and thought of your words alot while on the mountain.  THere were a couple times I wish I had listened a little better as I just couldn't get that big *censored* to commit.  Thats hunting though.  Its hard to compete with 30 demanding cows, when you are one.  Had a great time and enjoyed carrying that Trad bow along.   I could have nailed a couple shots with the compound that I didn't think I could do with the Trad, but that is ok too. 
You are right Sky, I have two great hunts still to go with alot of photography.  I was serious about my hunting, so didn't take near the amount of pics I could have or maybe should have, but I figure I didn't have time to be screwing around when the big guy was giving me that chance.  Hopefully I painted enough pics for you guys to paint your own mental shots of the hunt.