I'd notch him

[furbearer365]

I would for sure.  Age and area doesnt always mean every bull will be a 400 incher.  Some seem to grow better than others and some seem to just lack the growth.  I think killing a bull in his prime or just on his way down is a good feet no matter how large (or lack there of) it may be.  I think he is a great bull

[Dan-o]

I've drawn three pretty good quality elk tags in my life - all within a 6 year period.   

I've never hunted where I'd have thought twice about taking that bull.   I shot a bull similar (a little smaller from the looks) to that one and then the next day saw a MONSTER.   I didn't regret taking the one  did for a moment.   

The only sad part of taking the bull in your pics is that my pics wouldn't turn out as good as yours.

I always love opening threads that start with your pics.

You truly have a gift.....

[boneaddict]

Thanks Dan-o

[norsepeak]

Nice lookin critter there bone.  I'd hang a tag on him too, ate tag soup this year for elk, and you're right, it don't taste worth a darn!

[Bean Counter]

I'm glad to hear Bone has an idea of an upper limit for standards *phew*

 

[boneaddict]

The longer its been since I shot a moose (ie....one or two full freezers), the lower those standards drop.   Its much easier to be selective when the shelf is full of meat.

[Miles]

The longer its been since I shot a moose (ie....one or two full freezers), the lower those standards drop.   Its much easier to be selective when the shelf is full of meat.

It's funny how that works.  The last 4 years I've been far more selective than years past because I couldn't fill my freezer anyway (can't bring the meat back to Germany).  I was especially selective this year since it would be the last year here in Germany, and starting next year I'll be putting meat in the freezer again.  Some of those deer that got a free pass these last few years may not be so lucky in 2012.

As for the elk in this thread, I wouldn't even hesitate at pulling the trigger.