My first branched bull

[7mm short mag]

My first branched bull came to me the first 30 minutes of opening day. I was hunting the thick river bottoms with my new knight muzzle loader. I walked out to the river and heard a bull bugling then saw a small heard of elk going through the thicket. I hustled to get in front of them, the bull was just screaming and I was so pumped up I was shaking and breathing hard. The cows walked through an opening and the bull hung up rubbing an alder I could see it but not the shot I wanted so I was waiting then a couple cows caught my sent and let out a bark and took off running, the bull turned to look and gave me a perfect shot so I took it. It acted like it wasn't even hit so I reloaded and ran up to where it was standing then I heard horns hit brush and some thrashing, my bull was down. I saw it was a nice 5x5 like I thought wooo hooo!!!!  It was the first time I got to hunt bulls during the rut and it won't be my last, I'm hooked!

[7mm short mag]

I'm new to this, still trying to figure out the posting of pics.

[bucklucky]

Congrats on your bull, hunting the rut is a blast. I dont hink there is anything better.

[bonkellekter]

Congrats - I love hunting all critters but elk in the rut is by far #1 in my book

[funkster]

Congrats! Nothing beats a bugling bull and the rush that comes with it. My buddy had the multi-season elk tag and I helped him during muzzy season and it was a blast. Just like archery with a few added yards you can shoot! He made a few rookie mistakes and we could not get it done, even having a little rag horn with in 40 yards Elk roast for the holidays for you,again congrats.

[mtndew]

I shot my 6 point this year while he was raking a tree, and a second six point was screaming from less than 300 yards away (in the open). Had my choice of two nice mature bulls..what a rush! The rut is the best!! Congratulations to you, 7mm short mag!

[WAPITIHUNTER]

I really don't care much for elk hunting in the rut, but dang nice bull!!!!

First Bulls Rock!!!!

[jaredpost]

Nice bull!

[Quackwhacker]

Very nice bull.  Hunting elk in the rut never get old.

[Kowsrule30]

Way to go!!!! Hunting the elk rut is priceless.... 

[GoldTip]

Congrats on a great first bull, or third bull or 18th bull.  Good job, musta really felt like working that day, get a bull and cut a load of wood too!