Pretty excited for my son when he got the draw results that he drew a youth mudflow hunt. Right away we started researching the area, access points, topography, and past results. Talked to several people about what type of bull to expect and genetics in the area. Seemed that a 300 inch bull would definitely be difficult to get, but lots of 5 points and a few small 6 points. Late summer came and we started scouting. With a couple trips down into the mudflow itself we didn't see any elk. We then focused our attention higher up the mountain by castle lake. Lots of elk up that way but no big bills. Small 5s and lots of raghorns. We then looked future up out of the boundary area and found a bachelor hear with 5 big bulls. We watched those elk for a couple weeks before the opener a d they never moved. They were higher than the mountain goats. Figure the mild winter they had no reason to leave. About week before opener started looking in the mudflow itself again. Seen zero cows but found a group of 4 bulls hanging up by the monument boundary. We watched them for 3 days before the opener and put them to bed the night before. Day of the hunt we were up at 345 and gone by 4. Made it to the gate at 530 and started our hike down. Made it to the bottom about 630 and started upriver towards the bulls. Daylight came and still had a mile or so to go so we started glassing and working our way up slow. Sure enough run into elk! 5 different bulls. One really good 5 point but he passed looking for one of the big bulls. Made our way to where we seen the elk the night before and sure enough they were still there. They were about 250 yards out just feeding. There was one 6 point two 5x6 and this bull. He made a great shot. Bull only went 10 yards. He was beside himself. The bull is a 7x5 with huge mass and a club and palmation on one side. Very proud of the young man never complained once the whole season and all the miles and early mornings spent scouting. He did whine about on the second load to the truck. It was just under 5 miles. Thanks for reading and those who sent us info. Take your kids out hunting. It's up to us to pass it on!
