Had this posted under the 2011 Elk thread, but Im an archery hunter through and through so I thought Id post it over here with a touch more detail for archery folks. Lots of scouting, some good shooting, and some luck got me this bull on opening morning, thankfully we got out of there before the heat wave really set in...
So the details... No calling, not one fake elk noise was used on this bull. We spot and stalked to an ambush spot to take this bull. During 2 different 4 day scouting trips this bull ignored all calling, and was more than happy to let the satellite bull go running all around chasing cow and bull calls. This bull was glued to a group of cows, and was pretty quiet, I wouldn't have know he was even in the heard had I not watched them for 4 days from a good distance away. I didnt feel like he was at all motivated to leave his cows for anything, and since there were no other elk around and no hunting pressure (right there anyways) I dont think he would have responded to my poor calling anyways. So we decided to ambush them between bedding and feeding thanks to good scouting, we found a pinch spot with good shooting lanes. There's no question shooting my bow year round helped. Luckily he was the first one who walked into the lane, I had time to range him, and he never knew I was there, even after a good double lung pass through he stood right there. I know everyone likes the idea of calling in a big bull, but unless your some sort of Will Primos or Glen Berry, Im not convinced thats the best public land big bull technique. No doubt its a good tool to have in the box of course. (just my 2 cents) what do I know this is my first archery bull... I do know I wouldn't hunt with anything less than brand new broadheads, a solid arrow like Easton's FMJ, and if you haven't used a Havalon Pranta to skin and bone an animal your missing out...
I guess thats it...
RS
