Post by: et1702 on October 08, 2012, 01:34:45 PM
That evening there were 80 to 120 cows spread out along the tree line for a couple miles with numerous bulls all around different groups of cows w/herd bulls fighting off all the satellites. But, it was warm and even the big boys had to leave the cows and come down to the water hole for a quick swim to cool off and then trot back up the hill where the action was located. Within 20 minutes of sitting at the water hole, I already had two smaller satellite bulls that came down and were rolling in the mud at the far end. They just decided to wait until the cows came down for the evening. But, the bigger bulls would come down, drink some water, go for a swim and then back up the hill. Before I got set up at the water hole, I saw a nice 345/350 bull came down and did just as I mentioned. So, I was just lying in the grass on the back side of the earthen dike and waiting to hear splashing before seeing if it was the bull I wanted. When I heard one splashing in the water hole, I peeked up over the top of the dike and all I saw were the tops of BIG antlers. I knew he was a big one and I didn't even do a quick count. I just got my knees up underneath me and then drew my bow as I straightened up to shoot over the top of the dike. I estimated 40yrds and put the pin behind his shoulder, settled in and touched off. At this point, the bull was standing in the water and the arrow hit right at the water line. A perfect lung and heart shot, as he was slightly angled away and I was shooting downhill. When the arrow hit he bucked like a mule and ran through the water and then trotted up the hill where he bedded down about 100yrds away. I watched him and his head was getting heavy. He dropped his head a couple times and I thought he was done. Then, he stood up and I thought "oh *censored*." But, he only took a couple steps and then put his head down. He then buried his brow times in the dirt in front of him to stabilize him from falling over. I could see him getting wobbly in the hind end and then he just did a four-legged flop onto his side and was down for good. Obviously, all this only took a couple minutes, but it seemed like forever. Absolutely amazing to see it all, rather than just hearing the crashing in the trees when they go down. Like I said, I didn't really judge how big he was when I first saw him at the water hole. So, when I walked up to him, I was absolutely amazed. Then, I saw how big he really was, plus the double brow tine too! Lots of Mass, long tines and he scored 359 & 3/8 as non-typical 6 X 7!!! The Valles Caldera crew estimated that he was between 700 and 800lbs on the hoof and was approx. 7 to 8 years old. I also gave them the heart and kidneys for further evaluation of herd heatlh.
An absolutely amazing place!!! Wish I could live there. In the meantime, I'll continue buying lottery tickets every year!!! I’ve attached a couple pics for everyone.
ET
Post by: Maligator on October 08, 2012, 01:43:32 PM
Post by: Bigshooter on October 08, 2012, 01:46:10 PM
Post by: wamuledeer on October 08, 2012, 01:49:56 PM
Post by: christopheri on October 08, 2012, 01:52:23 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 08, 2012, 01:56:20 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 08, 2012, 02:03:09 PM
Post by: 270Flat on October 08, 2012, 02:09:24 PM
Post by: Wea300mag on October 08, 2012, 02:14:52 PM
Post by: et1702 on October 08, 2012, 02:22:33 PM
ET
Post by: BIGMIKE on October 08, 2012, 02:45:00 PM
Post by: ellensburgpo on October 08, 2012, 02:52:31 PM
Post by: jackelope on October 08, 2012, 02:55:22 PM
Post by: et1702 on October 08, 2012, 02:59:53 PM
Congrats again, Ed. Beautiful bill..,Glad you got the pics to work.
Hey Josh, Thanks for the help w/resizing the pics!
Take care,
ET
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on October 08, 2012, 03:00:01 PM
Post by: FSTaxidermy on October 08, 2012, 03:18:08 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 08, 2012, 03:44:00 PM
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on October 08, 2012, 04:41:55 PM
Post by: Fullabull on October 08, 2012, 04:55:56 PM
Post by: Button Nubbs on October 08, 2012, 05:00:22 PM
Post by: Basket Rack on October 08, 2012, 07:58:18 PM
Post by: bearhunter99 on October 08, 2012, 08:11:34 PM
Post by: dewandgin on October 08, 2012, 08:20:56 PM
Post by: ribka on October 08, 2012, 08:58:37 PM
What are you going to do for an encore?
A 180 mule deer buck late archery? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Big bulll congrats
Post by: nwhunter on October 08, 2012, 09:06:33 PM
Post by: SniperDanWA on October 08, 2012, 09:50:25 PM
Nice story, congrats on a beautiful bull and experience !!! :tup:
:yeah: x2
Post by: Mfowl on October 08, 2012, 10:00:42 PM
Post by: Bluesdude on October 09, 2012, 06:17:03 AM
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 09, 2012, 06:22:17 AM
Post by: Elkpiss on October 09, 2012, 07:09:43 AM
Post by: et1702 on October 09, 2012, 07:18:44 AM
Ed
What are you going to do for an encore?
A 180 mule deer buck late archery? :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Big bulll congrats
Hey Tom,
You bet, that Entiat late archery tag of mine is still waiting to be filled. Come on over w/me and hunt Swakane for your doe tag, or general Buck. I've been getting some great intel on both Swakane and Entiat and plan to go familiarize myself before the snow flies.
ET
Post by: Elkrunner on October 09, 2012, 07:44:29 AM
Post by: lokidog on October 09, 2012, 07:53:08 AM
Post by: cedarriver on October 09, 2012, 08:17:18 AM
Post by: et1702 on October 09, 2012, 09:35:23 AM
Very nice ED. I take it this was your first time draw for this permit.
Thanks! Actually, this is the second time I've hunted the Caldera. I was lucky enough to be drawn the first time I applied there in 2007, and I've been applying EVERY year since. In 2007, I was chasing around a 380 bull all week that we nicknamed Ole Growly, because he roared instead of bugling. It came down to the last few minutes of the last day of the hunt. I had no less than 12 different bulls all coming down the hill. But, it was getting dark and I shot a spike that stepped out into the open. But, saw lots of big bulls and had several shot opportunities during the week. Just got greedy and wanted Ole Growly. Again, this is the best place on earth that I've ever hunted elk, and I've hunted in just about all the western states. So, I'm buying tickets again this year!!!
ET
Post by: iRem on October 09, 2012, 01:05:42 PM
Post by: elkoholic1 on October 09, 2012, 01:13:35 PM
Post by: et1702 on October 09, 2012, 01:45:50 PM
Awesome man, that is a dream hunt right there.. I bet you got alot of :tup: on your drive home with that hog in the back of your truck like that!... Congrats on your success!>.
Yes, lots of :tup: during the drive home and every time I stopped for diesel fuel I had several guys come over and ask if they could take pictures. It was 1400 miles of driving. So, after first day I put him in the 5th wheel for the rest of the ride home, as I didn't want to take any chances of him growing legs and walking away while I was sleeping in the trailer...lol
Post by: trophyhunt on November 12, 2012, 10:33:12 AM