Well we did not get this guy. Partner took a 6x6 for his first elk but I do not have permission to post a photo.
The trip started Sunday night before season with us about 200 yards from our base camp site and spotting a large sow with cub. She had not seen us and ambled down the hill to the game trail we were following and turned down it towards us. When she got to 15 yards I thought she was more than close enough and I moved and started talking to her to let her know she was not alone. She took the hint and left rather quickly to my relief. The thought of her and her cub crossed my mind a few mornings before light when I would leave camp and evenings coming back after dark.
Best chance I had was a very nice 6x6 at 20 yards but he was face on or quartering to me for about 15 minutes tearing up the wallow and bugling to get the "cow" to come out to him and leave the small bull. Turned sideways as I came to a draw but immediately turned back to face me. Never gave me the last little bit I needed. Did see multiple branched antler bulls under a hundred yards. Called in others close with no visual before getting busted.
Had a huge bull at least as big as this guy with better 5th and 6th at 70 yards opening evening but he had little interest in my cow calling. I heard him bugling and got in front of his path as best I could as he was moving from my left to right down hill of me. I gave a cow call and he stopped broadside and looked for about 15 seconds before continuing on. I am good to 70 yards at the range but no way hunting. He did look like a really big target though.
Did get into 1 bull's herd of 15 cows with him ripping up a tree out of sight 70 yards away. Finally a cow at a couple yards tensed and started walking away fast and took the rest with them.
Partner worked hard to get himself in the right place at the right time and had his bull follow a cow out for a 30 yard quartering away shot. went less than 100 yards.
Hunted hard all season and had a fantastic time. Passed easy shots on cows and spikes. Only saw 1 hunter in our area the whole time, I guess no one else was crazy enough to go in there this year. Packed out my partner's bull 6.5 miles. A successful year as our goal was to get a bull between us then go for a trophy. His bull is a trophy for Washington especially as his first elk. Came really close to going 2 for 2. Now I am either reliving the season or daydreaming about late season for a cow.