Author Topic: 300" bull (Read 12349 times)

vandeman17 · « **on:** July 28, 2010, 03:35:00 PM »

I have kind of a weird question for you guys. My dad and I are going on a guided elk hunting trip this September and have been discussing strategy as far as what we hold out for and when we start to lower our standards. We want to get a respectable bull but aren't holding out for a monster by any stretch. I have done alot of research, seen alot of shows and feel like I have a pretty good idea of judging a score for a bull. I was wondering if anyone has any pics, links to pics etc of some 300" bulls. I have tried to search online and can find alot of pictures of big bulls, 350" bulls and all that but it would be nice to have some in the 295"-305" range. I would like to have a few to show the old man so he can have an idea of what I see as our "bottom end" bull, at least for the first few days of the hunt.

Elkpiss · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2010, 04:39:27 PM »

Where you guys going if you dont mind me asking? Maybe i can tell you if you should hold out or not by how good of spot you are at..

vandeman17 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2010, 04:43:31 PM »

We will be hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Northwest Montana.

Pathfinder101 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2010, 04:57:15 PM »

Based upon that, I would ask your guide what a reasonable size to hold out for is. There are Wolves in the Bob, and grizzlies. I know some big elk come out of there, but I am not sure what the ratio is. You may be looking to take the first 6 point you see...
The quickest way to judge an elk is to look for the G5 (the next point right behind the Royal). If it is small, then you are looking at a young 6 point (probably "first year 6"). If that point is longer (8" or 9"), your bull is probably approaching the 300" mark, if it is almost as long as the royal point, then you are looking at a trophy bull. Of course all the other points are what actually makes the bull score well, but that G5 is a good, quick indicator.

Crowns · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:17:50 PM »

I agree 100% with Pathfinder here. That is the very quick way. Obviously its the entire rack that scores, like he says. I use a variation of this. That would be my first glance to see his 5ths. Next look over is for flaws. Do any points look considerable shorter? Broken? Missing all together? And then its 3rds. Generally speaking thirds make a B&C bull. All too often bulls lack the length. This all happens extremely fast. It comes with time and seeing lots of critters. Just my

Here is your 300". Thirds are weak. No width. But on a quick judge you cant always get them looking right at you.

vandeman17 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:27:03 PM »

We have talked to the owner as well as some of the guides and they say their average bull is between 275" and 325" so that helped solidify our thoughts about 300" as our baseline. I agree with the quick field judging and that is how I do it is by first looking at the G5 then I look at the fronts to see if they go out to his nose or longer and compare those to the G3. All in all, since I haven't shot a bull before, I will be happy with any bull but it is still a fun challenge to try and find a good bull since we are going with an outfitter.

Crowns · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:34:33 PM »

307 Gross with a 40" spread. I think it was around 295 Net Typ.

vandeman17 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:39:01 PM »

I would be happy with both those bulls. First morning it would be tough to shoot him but at the same time, it would be just as tough to pass him up. Since we are hunting the rut, I am basing part of my decision on the over pursuit of the bull too. If we play cat and mouse with him, he puts on a great show and it is just a really memorable stalk then I might take him just for that reason. My dad has always told me that some of his "best" trophies are the ones that gave him the hardest challenge and most memorable hunt!

carpsniperg2 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2010, 05:52:16 PM »

yep that is spot on ask the guide what the average bull will score that they are taking if its 275" i would not think twice about passin on a 300" bull he would be takin a dirt nap

. but if there avg is 350" i would pass on a 300" bull.

SkookumHntr · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2010, 06:39:49 PM »

-This Bull is right in the range your lookin 4, Its a Rosy though.

bonkellekter · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2010, 07:08:39 PM »

Here is an older bull that mad his way back down to the 300" mark

bonkellekter · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2010, 07:14:00 PM »

another that is real close

bonkellekter · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2010, 07:19:27 PM »

another unique one with double royals

Craig · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2010, 07:45:03 PM »

This one is in the 300-325 range.

400out · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2010, 07:53:34 PM »

i love it keep them coming!

bonkellekter · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2010, 08:50:14 PM »

another... closer to 330

DOUBLELUNG · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2010, 09:18:32 PM »

Lots of good advice. Also ask your outfitter about their success rates. If 50% of their hunters tag a bull, you may wish to pop your bull cherry with the first legal bull. If 90% tag a 6 point, maybe hold out for the top 1/2 of average. Ultimately, presented with a harvest opportunity, if you want him, kill him. You don't owe anyone anything except your own satisfaction with the animal you kill. I've rarely seen a first-time successful elk hunter who wasn't pleased with a branched bull.

dromero · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2010, 09:20:38 PM »

Elk Hunting the west by Eastman has a section on field judging elk.

coachcw · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2010, 10:23:14 PM »

The bob has some toads , i killed a 372 bull there and have seen a few others in that range . I'd look for a heavy bull with eye gaurds that tip the nose if his g2 and threes match kill him he'll be 300 if he tops out then the 325 plus range will be met . that beeing said the wolve's will push those bulls into the steep crap be prepared for a trek. Good luck.

bonkellekter · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2010, 10:32:12 PM »

and a couple more - 353 on the left 345 0n the right

whacker1 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 28, 2010, 10:36:39 PM »

great thread - lots of great advice

jackelope · « **Reply #21 on:** July 28, 2010, 10:45:45 PM »

there's 13 pages of smoke blowing and stuff here.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,29512.0.html
You might find some good info there. There's a ton of pics.

whacker1 · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2010, 06:41:41 AM »

Thanks Jack - I love that thread

400out · « **Reply #23 on:** July 29, 2010, 09:43:13 AM »

I also will be huning big boys this fall and I love this post it is helping! I've never had the opportunity to do much field judging nor the need to, so I myself hope I can get it done! hope there are some different one to look at could help

jackelope · « **Reply #24 on:** July 29, 2010, 09:47:57 AM »

Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 09:43:13 AM

I also will be huning big boys this fall and I love this post it is helping! I've never had the opportunity to do much field judging nor the need to, so I myself hope I can get it done! hope there are some different one to look at could help

In my opinion you should get a really good idea as to what a 320" bull looks like and hold out for something like that.

I think Boneaddict's NM bull on the 1st page is right in that 320-330 range.
Shoooooot.............

400out · « **Reply #25 on:** July 29, 2010, 09:55:15 AM »

Quote from: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 09:47:57 AM

Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 09:43:13 AM
I also will be huning big boys this fall and I love this post it is helping! I've never had the opportunity to do much field judging nor the need to, so I myself hope I can get it done! hope there are some different one to look at could help

In my opinion you should get a really good idea as to what a 320" bull looks like and hold out for something like that.

I think Boneaddict's NM bull on the 1st page is right in that 320-330 range.
Shoooooot.............

Yeah me too! hey are going up there this weekend? I think me and hoyt2002 are going to be up there sat night.

jackelope · « **Reply #26 on:** July 29, 2010, 10:08:45 AM »

I'll be there the weekend of the 13th. Not sure how long I'll be down...maybe till Tuesday the 17th?
Gonna spend a few days in the Tucannon unit.

400out · « **Reply #27 on:** July 29, 2010, 10:33:47 AM »

Quote from: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 10:08:45 AM

I'll be there the weekend of the 13th. Not sure how long I'll be down...maybe till Tuesday the 17th?
Gonna spend a few days in the Tucannon unit.

O yeah I forgot about that! god luckon tying one up

Pathfinder101 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 29, 2010, 10:51:28 AM »

These bulls are both out of the "Bob" a few years back. Both well over 300", but keep in mind, these are taken by local guys that hunt the Bob every year on horses. Just FYI.

vandeman17 · « **Reply #29 on:** July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM »

This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me!

400out · « **Reply #30 on:** July 29, 2010, 10:58:21 AM »

Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM

This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me!

Pictures on the ground are one thing, but I have to see some walking around in and out of trees, hiding behind cows, head down! lots of factors that add to the uncertainty

Pathfinder101 · « **Reply #31 on:** July 29, 2010, 11:01:57 AM »

Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 10:58:21 AM

Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me!
Pictures on the ground are one thing, but I have to see some walking around in and out of trees, hiding behind cows, head down! lots of factors that add to the uncertainty

You mean like these guys? (All WELL over 300" by the way...)

vandeman17 · « **Reply #32 on:** July 29, 2010, 11:03:45 AM »

Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 10:58:21 AM

Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me!
Pictures on the ground are one thing, but I have to see some walking around in and out of trees, hiding behind cows, head down! lots of factors that add to the uncertainty

Agreed and in the heat of the moment, alot can change but at least we have a baseline of knowledge.

jackelope · « **Reply #33 on:** July 29, 2010, 11:12:16 AM »

Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM

This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me!

Click the link I posted in reply #21 in this thread. There's 13 pages of pictures, dead, alive, sheds, etc.

vandeman17 · « **Reply #34 on:** July 29, 2010, 11:24:41 AM »

Quote from: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 11:12:16 AM

Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me!

Click the link I posted in reply #21 in this thread. There's 13 pages of pictures, dead, alive, sheds, etc.

That was the link I was referring too and I really appreciate you adding that. It made me that much more excited to get out and chase them around soon. I am counting down the days!