collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: What makes a big bull  (Read 8388 times)

Offline time2hunt

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2010
  • Posts: 2784
  • Location: Ellensburg
What makes a big bull
« on: June 21, 2023, 11:58:41 AM »
We beat up the what makes a big buck thread! So let’s move on over to elk. I know a lot of people have there methods but it take a lot of time to master it. I usually run out of fingers and toes .  52 mains 30 inch mass and 20 inch G1-G5 per side puts you at the magical 400 mark.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Local 3482

Offline NWWA Hunter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 492
  • Location: Western Washington
  • Groups: NRA, RMEF, DU, MDF, SCI
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2023, 12:05:00 PM »
We beat up the what makes a big buck thread! So let’s move on over to elk. I know a lot of people have there methods but it take a lot of time to master it. I usually run out of fingers and toes .  52 mains 30 inch mass and 20 inch G1-G5 per side puts you at the magical 400 mark.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I passed one of those once


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Take your kids into the outdoors. They are our future. Support conservation by joining and participating in future through NRA, SCI, RMEF, Wild Sheep or any of the other great organizations.

Offline Rainier10

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 16001
  • Location: Over the edge
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #2 on: June 21, 2023, 12:07:09 PM »
Extra points.

You can get to 350 with a typical six. Above that to 370 can still be done with a typical six but after that you really need good mass and extra points.

And 400 is a really special bull. Most would be thrilled with 320-350. 350 is what I consider a pretty good bull, up to 375 is really good and after that it’s just freaking big!
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline time2hunt

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2010
  • Posts: 2784
  • Location: Ellensburg
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2023, 12:14:45 PM »
I’m with Rainier I’m all about Mass and character. The other thing is the genetic make up of the unit. We are spoiled in the state of Washington we have a lot of units that produce big caliber bulls.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Local 3482

Offline Rainier10

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Explorer
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2010
  • Posts: 16001
  • Location: Over the edge
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #4 on: June 21, 2023, 12:31:14 PM »
Big G4’s are a must for a typical 6 to be big but really every point has to be big.

More points make up for shortcomings.

I think mass is the most difficult to judge for me.

In the colockum thirds are short typically. It has to be a genetic thing but it could be a good thing as well. Maybe when thirds are coming in they are transitioning to different food at a different elevation.  :dunno: I just know small thirds are a thing in 328.

I will say after looking at lots of bulls over the years I can get close on the net score most of the time but every time I see a freaking big bull that’s exactly what it is, freaking big.
Pain is temporary, achieving the goal is worth it.

I didn't say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it.

Every father should remember that one day his children will follow his example instead of his advice.


The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of HuntWa or the site owner.

Offline muleyslayer#1

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 667
  • Location: Eatonville
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2023, 12:31:34 PM »
Kinda same with mule deer for me. I’m looking at mass and tine length. Especially the mains, I think if a bull has great 3rds he’s usually gonna be a great scoring bull. But to get to that 400” is gonna take something special. Tine length, mass, extra points etc. more times than not most guys are seeing 300”-320” bulls when they think they saw a 340-360 bull. I’ve personally seen 2 bulls that were either just shy of 400” or over it. When you see a bull if that caliber it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It’s almost like a dinosaur walking.

Offline vandeman17

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+12)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jul 2007
  • Posts: 14484
  • Location: Wenatchee
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #6 on: June 21, 2023, 01:06:25 PM »
First thing I look for is length of royals and if the fronts extend to the nose or close. Generally a bull with good royals and fronts will score well
« Last Edit: June 21, 2023, 01:52:17 PM by vandeman17 »
" I have hunted almost every day of my life, the rest have been wasted"

Offline 2MANY

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jun 2013
  • Posts: 5059
  • Location: Yup
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #7 on: June 21, 2023, 01:12:04 PM »
Ask the local cows.

Offline Tbar

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+26)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 3043
  • Location: Whatcom county
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #8 on: June 21, 2023, 01:17:15 PM »
We beat up the what makes a big buck thread! So let’s move on over to elk. I know a lot of people have there methods but it take a lot of time to master it. I usually run out of fingers and toes .  52 mains 30 inch mass and 20 inch G1-G5 per side puts you at the magical 400 mark.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I passed one of those once


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
More like you passed one that dwarf those numbers!

Offline Tbar

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+26)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 3043
  • Location: Whatcom county
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #9 on: June 21, 2023, 01:23:53 PM »
Big G4’s are a must for a typical 6 to be big but really every point has to be big.

More points make up for shortcomings.

I think mass is the most difficult to judge for me.

In the colockum thirds are short typically. It has to be a genetic thing but it could be a good thing as well. Maybe when thirds are coming in they are transitioning to different food at a different elevation.  :dunno: I just know small thirds are a thing in 328.

I will say after looking at lots of bulls over the years I can get close on the net score most of the time but every time I see a freaking big bull that’s exactly what it is, freaking big.
:yeah:
Short thirds are prominent in many areas. I am usually looking for the 300 inch mark on the westside.  In my areas it gets tough to field judge due to vegetation.  That said there are several guidelines for the 300 inch mark that make it easier for me. Also agree with when you see a true giant, it's not hard to decide.  The few giants I've been around have grown on the ground vs shrunk.  :twocents:

Offline Huckleberry

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Mar 2008
  • Posts: 166
  • Location: Sedro-Woolley
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #10 on: June 21, 2023, 01:29:06 PM »
Age, mass and character. Good time length and some extra points are icing on the cake. Score is a fun number to play with but I want the WOW factor. If your initial thought on a quality tag is more along the lines of “I should be shooting now”…enough said. A quality tag deserves a quality animal. Inches is only part of the equation. This was my one shot at a big coastal Rosie and until this year my only quality tag. Do they get better, absolutely…I’ve just never seen it in person and wasn't going to look.

Now will someone please show me a sheep picture I might find interesting.

Offline Buck Rub Jr

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 715
  • Location: Wetside
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #11 on: June 21, 2023, 01:44:47 PM »
I’m no pro but I’ve been able to get pics of a lot of great bulls on cams. I think knowing what a bull scored that I got on cam helped me with judging the other ones I got pics of. I’m a sucker for long beams and whale tails. I always find myself looking at how much beam is between times  3rds and royals and on the backs. But again I’m no pro. These are my favorites I’ve got so far. I’d put them around that 360 ish mark. Got some great bulls on cam from this spot that year
They is where you aint and you aint where they is.

Offline kentrek

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 3493
  • Location: west coast
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #12 on: June 21, 2023, 02:43:15 PM »
250-280 west side general tags
280-320 rockies general tags

North of 5 years of age is pretty cool on otc tags

Quality tags might get you north of these numbers..body size will mess with score a bunch but I want the thing to look twice the size of the other elk, big ol gut, chest and neck

Offline johnbmyersii

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Apr 2021
  • Posts: 252
  • Location: Dryside
  • Groups: BHA
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #13 on: June 21, 2023, 03:19:57 PM »
Main beam length and tine length more than mass to me. Character is a big plus and this bull checks the boxes for me

Offline Mtnwalker

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2015
  • Posts: 2278
  • Location: Selah
Re: What makes a big bull
« Reply #14 on: June 21, 2023, 03:21:44 PM »
Main beam length and tine length more than mass to me. Character is a big plus and this bull checks the boxes for me

How long are the main beams on that bull?

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Yard bucks by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 11:20:39 PM]


Yard babies by Feathernfurr
[Yesterday at 10:04:54 PM]


Pocket Carry by bb76
[Yesterday at 08:44:00 PM]


Seeking recommendations on a new scope by coachg
[Yesterday at 08:10:21 PM]


Sauk Unit Youth Elk Tips by high_hunter
[Yesterday at 08:06:05 PM]


Jupiter Mountain Rayonier Permit- 621 Bull Tag by HntnFsh
[Yesterday at 07:58:22 PM]


KODIAK06 2025 trail cam and personal pics thread by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 07:07:33 PM]


MOVED: Seekins Element 7PRC for sale by Bob33
[Yesterday at 06:57:10 PM]


3 pintails by metlhead
[Yesterday at 04:44:03 PM]


1993 Merc issues getting up on plane by Happy Gilmore
[Yesterday at 04:37:55 PM]


A lonely Job... by AL WORRELLS KID
[Yesterday at 03:21:14 PM]


Unit 364 Archery Tag by buglebuster
[Yesterday at 12:16:59 PM]


In the background by zwickeyman
[Yesterday at 12:10:13 PM]


A. Cole Lockback in AEB-L and Micarta by A. Cole
[Yesterday at 09:15:34 AM]


Willapa Hills 1 Bear by hunter399
[Yesterday at 08:24:48 AM]


Bearpaw Outfitters Annual July 4th Hunt Sale by Threewolves
[Yesterday at 06:35:57 AM]


Sockeye Numbers by Southpole
[July 03, 2025, 09:02:04 PM]


Selkirk bull moose. by moose40
[July 03, 2025, 05:42:19 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal