300" bull

[vandeman17]

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]

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]

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

[Pathfinder101]

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]

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]

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]

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

[vandeman17]

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]

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]

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

[bonkellekter]

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

[bonkellekter]

another that is real close

[bonkellekter]

another unique one with double royals

[Craig]

This one is in the 300-325 range.

[400out]

i love it keep them coming!