First Day, First Bugle, First Elk

[Nice Racks]

Opening day finally came and on my first bugle ever with a Phelps Signature Locator reed, I was able to get this 4x4 to come in for a 26 yard shot. My first elk ever! Not the biggest guy in the woods, but in my eyes, he is as good as any. Very tired as I just got back from elk camp. Will post more detail later.

Opening day found me still hunting this old logging trail that I had been scouting all summer long.  After an hour or so, I noticed a mound about 20 feet high just off the trail that I had never noticed before, so I decided to get on top and take a look around.  This is as good as a tree stand I thought, the wind is in my face, so I figured what the heck, and I took out my mouth reed and grunt tube that I purchased from Jason Phelps.  Up until this year I was never able to use a mouth reed, because of my gag reflex problem, but for some reason these calls didn't cause that.  Nervousness was running through me as I raised the grunt tube for my first ever bugle while hunting.  I'm not sure if I hit the 2-3 note locator sound or not, but I thought it sounded ok to me.  I put my tube on the ground, and also my quiver then scraped away the leaves to make it a little quieter.  I looked up and was really surprised to see something walking up the hill. At first I actually thought it was a moose because of how black he looked, but then I realized there aren't any moose in the area. Boy was I excited. This can't be happening. He worked his way up to the old logging road, tuned left and was coming right for me.  As he closed the distance I moved ever so slightly to get ready for the shot and he busted me. It became a staring contest.  His head was low to the ground looking up at me, and I was in the squatting position looking down at him.  After about a minute in that position, my thighs were just absolutely burning, so I ever so slowly went to my knees. He stared at me for another minute and decide I was a fern or something. He proceeded down the road and again and busted me for a second time when I drew back.  He took a few leaps then stopped and looked back to figure out what I was.  I realized I still had the reed in my mouth and gave the sickest sounding cow call that anybody has ever produced.  I just knew he was gone after hearing that one, but he immediately turned and came walking into the woods and offered a 26 yard shot.  I went a got my friend and we recovered him. It was surreal that this actually happened. My first thoughts were of my Dad, and was wishing he was alive so I can share this moment with him. We were able to winch him out with the truck and took care of him right the on the road. No pack out required at all.  John pointed out that I achieved something that other hunters can tie, but will ever beat.  I called in a bull on my first ever attempt with a mouth reed, and killed it.           

[Turner89]

   Sweet!

[washelkhunter]

Congrats!

[hunting4sanity]

Congratulations!  I know I would have been taking a shot and hopefully notching my tag if I was in your place.

[cedarriver]

Congrats! Beautiful bull.

[CAMPMEAT]

Who cares about size......nice bull.

[sakoshooter]

A real trophy. Congrats.

[MikeC]

A Beauty! Congrats

[BOWHUNTER45]

Any elk is a good elk ... Those Phelps Calls are the sheeeet ...

[Bigluke1981]

Very cool, congrats!!!

[runningboard]

looks about the size of my ex-wife's first bull, best eating bull we've ever had. even my butcher told me not to be too generous with that one, keep it for yourself was his advice. 
congratulations on a fine bull 

[lokidog]

looks about the size of my ex-wife's first bull, best eating bull we've ever had. even my butcher told me not to be too generous with that one, keep it for yourself was his advice. 
congratulations on a fine bull 

How would your butcher know that unless he was sampling the goods?   

 

Nice bull, congrats on breaking the ice.

[Hoyt Head Hunter]

Congrats!

[Natures Way]

Nice job! congrats!

[Stick em]

Wow, nice job on a great looking bull.