Post by: FANATIC on August 02, 2013, 08:57:12 AM
I'm sure your wondering why this is an OIL tag. It's no goat, sheep or moose. You see, I'll be moving east once the season is over. That's right, tree stand whitetails from here on. As a matter of fact, I waited until 10pm the night of the deadline to apply. I decided that if I drew, I'd just beg my wife to stay for my last hurrah.
Fast forward a few weeks, and a few thousand " draw not run" checks. I'm sitting at work and I get a text that says, results out, but site issue, call this number and give them your wild ID. I excitedly dial the number and the nice WDFW employee asks for my number. I give it to him and he says " the bad news is you didn't draw your second choice, the good news is you drew your first!" . I couldn't believe it.
I almost immediately started obsessing over google earth and topo maps looking for areas to check out. I found a few and off I went to put in a couple cameras.
I figured I would have to move them around a little to find some elk but turns out, I scored right away. I waited about 3 weeks and returned to find 750 pics between the 2 cameras. One spot loaded with cows and calves, the other.....bulls.
Of course this wouldn't be a hunt thread without pics, so here are some samples of the trail cam pics. I'll leave out the cows and calves cause everyone knows what they look like.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Ff818e9896ae11db288df729343fbf981.jpg&hash=34b0c42cf7589fcb1a9657bfef0c83519de336a9)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F0e1c88c1897c3019c34ebe54122c1b0f.jpg&hash=cd8c0ff74444a71cef7e9ba35f964ae802541446)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fed95dfb58785a649b2d99ed26a5fd7c9.jpg&hash=5e86fbb850271216fa7938f891755a8a367610ee)
Some small, some pretty good, and then there's this guy. I'll show a couple of this guy cause if you are like me you'll want to see a couple angles.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F5cdb9ada35e538ac0ce56a2aeedebd04.jpg&hash=3498d01dc1e07aafadc5b978208fde359d0e6d78)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F6b356e944544e4b379eb5a8563dc5b45.jpg&hash=0c4d355bc18e30015b4569ee4585d4f07d0b38b0)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Ffa41573ea94e0a76bf64223146945393.jpg&hash=71d64f2a8f7d49bb0ff62b2c6e7d7832a8405657)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fa79c9de2f54fe24b6d00d3d148e6b742.jpg&hash=6babceab00eb4097060789233a7be1ae1b8d9427)
I almost fell over when I saw this one. I've got about 50 pics of him. If you care to guess the score, fire away. There are 3 decent bulls and one big one. I couldn't find pics of the 4th 6x6.
So there you have it. The beginning of my Washington swan song. Follow along if you like. I'll update as I scout more and will try to update during the hunt too. Wish me luck.
Post by: pianoman9701 on August 02, 2013, 08:58:21 AM
Post by: greenhead_killer on August 02, 2013, 09:03:09 AM
Post by: jackelope on August 02, 2013, 09:08:03 AM
Can't frikkin wait...
:tup:
Post by: turkeyfeather on August 02, 2013, 09:12:06 AM
Post by: jackelope on August 02, 2013, 09:15:04 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F03%2Faqa8ymuz.jpg&hash=31266acaf1afc87ddf1d8b939ae0cb40527cb794)
Elk live here. Good sign!
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F03%2Fupapeme2.jpg&hash=c8c613072910bde9048835b44fd1a78c02c590dd)
Post by: jackelope on August 02, 2013, 09:25:20 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F03%2F4yqa2yga.jpg&hash=eb58509de67b85182549e9ddf3f892eacfc70b28)
Post by: jackelope on August 02, 2013, 09:26:33 AM
Post by: MLBowhunting on August 02, 2013, 09:32:58 AM
Post by: FANATIC on August 02, 2013, 09:36:03 AM
what tag?
I'd rather not say at this point.
Post by: zackmioli on August 02, 2013, 10:09:03 AM
Post by: Shawn Ryan on August 02, 2013, 01:28:19 PM
Post by: buglebuster on August 02, 2013, 01:32:27 PM
I don't understand why people are so secretive about this kind of thing, but to each their own :dunno: BUT!!!! GREAT PICS!!! and congrats on the draw and I sure hope you whack that big one, hes a stud :tup: :tup: :drool:what tag?
I'd rather not say at this point.
Post by: jackelope on August 02, 2013, 01:32:46 PM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F08%2F03%2Fqa5yguqy.jpg&hash=914d276ff7e39930091901813aad853d1529210a)
Post by: ELKBURGER on August 02, 2013, 01:38:46 PM
Post by: Rooster1981 on August 02, 2013, 01:57:49 PM
That last bull is a monster, I wish you the best of luck :tup:
Post by: FANATIC on August 02, 2013, 02:27:01 PM
Post by: FANATIC on August 02, 2013, 02:28:45 PM
I know it it's weird and I'm not really sure why but I wanna keep that part to myself for now.I don't understand why people are so secretive about this kind of thing, but to each their own :dunno: BUT!!!! GREAT PICS!!! and congrats on the draw and I sure hope you whack that big one, hes a stud :tup: :tup: :drool:what tag?
I'd rather not say at this point.
Post by: jackelope on August 02, 2013, 02:29:29 PM
327 3/8
Post by: scottfrick on August 02, 2013, 02:39:11 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on August 02, 2013, 02:40:25 PM
Post by: elk247 on August 02, 2013, 02:58:01 PM
Post by: rsarkks on August 02, 2013, 03:05:05 PM
Congratulations on the tag, any one of us would be ecstatic to have that opportunity. Maybe in another few years I will have my chance (with the odds what they are that'll be prob 45 years or more).
Post by: coachcw on August 03, 2013, 06:54:16 AM
Post by: FANATIC on August 03, 2013, 01:35:32 PM
Congrats on the tag , thats good country , just rember to really learn the thermals in there and know what they are gonna do , be one step ahead of them . they will change there habits once preasured , go kill that bull I know you guys are putting in the time for sure . i'd say that's a 340 class bull .Thanks. It does get swirly in there. The good news is even it its super windy everywhere else, this spot is pretty calm cause its a deep thick hole. Thanks for the tip though! I need all the help I can get.
Post by: bowhunterforever on August 03, 2013, 05:04:46 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on August 04, 2013, 08:09:28 AM
I Will be watching this thread. Hope you can tag a beast
Post by: FANATIC on August 04, 2013, 08:58:23 AM
Congrats on the draw. So far you have alot to be excited about. I don't blame You for keeping the gmu secret. Maybe I missed it but what weapon you using?It's an archery tag.
I Will be watching this thread. Hope you can tag a beast
Post by: coachcw on August 04, 2013, 10:41:33 AM
Post by: FANATIC on August 04, 2013, 10:47:16 AM
Are you the one shooting the dz30 ?
No. If your talking about bows, I shoot a Bowtech Destroyer. I'm not sure what a dz30 is. Sounds like it may be a camera.
Post by: coachcw on August 04, 2013, 01:18:52 PM
just ask Josh he will fill you in . Good luck on your hunt,Are you the one shooting the dz30 ?
No. If your talking about bows, I shoot a Bowtech Destroyer. I'm not sure what a dz30 is. Sounds like it may be a camera.
Post by: FANATIC on August 04, 2013, 02:10:29 PM
I'm with you now. I know and have hunted with said dz30 shooter. He's a good guy.just ask Josh he will fill you in . Good luck on your hunt,Are you the one shooting the dz30 ?
No. If your talking about bows, I shoot a Bowtech Destroyer. I'm not sure what a dz30 is. Sounds like it may be a camera.
Post by: 250savage on August 05, 2013, 10:25:50 AM
Post by: FANATIC on August 05, 2013, 08:53:05 PM
Congrats on the draw and good luck. :tup:Thanks!
Post by: FANATIC on August 09, 2013, 07:35:29 PM
Post by: buddy01 on August 09, 2013, 07:41:29 PM
Post by: Browndown on August 09, 2013, 08:13:33 PM
Post by: coachcw on August 09, 2013, 10:48:10 PM
I'm not sure if this is normal, but I can't seem to focus on anything other than elk hunting. Worse than usual. Three weeks and counting. Ill be going to check the cams and look around some more next Friday. I wish I could scout every weekend, but the impending move is taking a lot of my time. The good news is, I have the whole season off. :tup: hopefully I'll have some big bulls to keep you guys occupied next week.your in rut my friend !
Post by: FANATIC on August 10, 2013, 07:24:17 AM
I wondered why my neck was so swollen.I'm not sure if this is normal, but I can't seem to focus on anything other than elk hunting. Worse than usual. Three weeks and counting. Ill be going to check the cams and look around some more next Friday. I wish I could scout every weekend, but the impending move is taking a lot of my time. The good news is, I have the whole season off. :tup: hopefully I'll have some big bulls to keep you guys occupied next week.your in rut my friend !
Post by: ghostshell on August 10, 2013, 07:52:24 AM
Post by: cvandervort on August 11, 2013, 07:18:44 AM
Post by: FANATIC on August 15, 2013, 03:14:49 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 15, 2013, 03:21:36 PM
Going in tomorrow to check my cams and scout around some more. Hopefully have a good update tomorrow night.
You better have a good update.
:tup:
Post by: Curly on August 15, 2013, 03:35:32 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 16, 2013, 06:31:40 PM
Post by: FANATIC on August 16, 2013, 07:00:00 PM
Post by: FANATIC on August 16, 2013, 09:27:23 PM
The camera that had all the cows and calves last time had more of the same. There is a good sized herd or herds is this area. Still no good bulls, but not too concerned about that. With that many cows, there is sure to be a bull or two around in a couple weeks. This camera has pics every day.
The other camera is still producing bulls. Some of the smaller bulls are still around, as well as the bull with the long g4's( I've named him the g4 bull). He comes in about once a week and has a 5pt for a sidekick. To my surprise, there are some new bulls too.
Enough yaking, lets get to the pics. Ill start with some smaller ones.
There's this guy. He seems like he may have the same genetics as the g4 bull.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F0029eb14751ffa196a6f9a652b524271.jpg&hash=bce8bae579558956758b2f1421719726ffde0569)
Then this one.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fa168725c2c26dd0613e83eda64b2aa3e.jpg&hash=fa383ca37f364a2973d9df8cabb91326409f39cf)
This one showed up a couple days ago. Not a very good pic. I think he's camera shy
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F7e808d51981f58f193416525dafd2b11.jpg&hash=cf556e4cf1fdcda2eef4ff866dbd2b260d281d3c)
This is another new one. Short all over.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F5cf1d3981914f7f08b1abb2919bf8d05.jpg&hash=ea0ec4ea781e979c13b0c536f350de2e0d12421f)
You all know this guy. I still get jittery when I see his 4's.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fad22f1ed634a50f5739d3ce9d19e6748.jpg&hash=0e84fc7a1b108a8c7e1c2a5c0e5c6d275acf2af0)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F418066b46f7556aeb59f3d97beb286c6.jpg&hash=e3bf8a1ab6c742b1bb307c9e064a200864b21fc1)
Now for the new kid in town
***Warning***Warning***Warning***
Viewing these pics may have the following side effects: Drooling, foaming at the mouth, uncontrolled cursing, elevated heart rate, inability to focus at work or at home, shaking, and insomnia. If any of these symptoms persist for more than 4hrs, it's ok, it's normal.
We'll start with just one side.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F9754fadc9670b1fef29dea69eb1092bd.jpg&hash=e58b9ac670ca4b04f3d8cef214f2815c3487d65b)
That's right. 7 points. Now both sides.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fc88f8ff25d343db569ccc701f561c50e.jpg&hash=75e81259e67fb867bfb0ea0d701430d6e21b0067)
Your not seeing things, that's a split g5 making it an 8x7! Here's some more.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F10444e47fc36561b459c979627aa3f17.jpg&hash=8345bd81ea807c25ba3dac3009856f8482adcbfb)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fa1b5b530ef0be24dce899dfaa5589f53.jpg&hash=88870af595a0015bfa460e33557dc4e24d62b1ca)
Look at his crazy mains! If you look closely, it looks like his 4 is split on this side.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F09cc795b7fcef737aa1ac67a69d86e4d.jpg&hash=17ab3df89fbd70e0de894721d2a79dfcf8794f5e)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F1fa46948f3795b253fbfd72127a03499.jpg&hash=ee83e3d6fa656296fe0bc85769e21727f87e0eee)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F7439db95f56ef671dea020c593f629c3.jpg&hash=3a6bf1910f1fa8ef0662bb655e5ef137d8787d5a)
Anyone care to guess the score?( not that I care, this bull gets an arrow the second I see it no matter what it scores)
There's one more that I can't find the pic of that has sweet fronts but short main beams. Ill post later if I find the pic.
It was a good day. I checked out a couple more spots that look promising. Can't have enough backup plans.
I will not go back into the area with all the bulls until opening day. Lets hope they stick around. If you thought I was excited before, now I'm gonna be useless until September. It can't come soon enough.
Post by: Huntboy on August 16, 2013, 10:03:35 PM
Post by: johnr060 on August 16, 2013, 10:16:17 PM
Post by: Harborhunter on August 16, 2013, 10:51:37 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on August 17, 2013, 12:46:18 AM
Awsome pictures. Those two bulls are studs!:yeah: :drool:
Post by: jackelope on August 17, 2013, 08:12:10 AM
:yike:
Post by: FANATIC on August 17, 2013, 08:20:33 AM
Post by: wiremonkey on August 17, 2013, 09:47:21 AM
Post by: D-Rock425 on August 17, 2013, 09:53:00 AM
Post by: pd on August 17, 2013, 09:59:50 AM
BTW, no need to give up on elk when you go back east. Lots of guys drive to Colorado for archery....
Wishing you the best on this hunt.
Post by: FANATIC on August 17, 2013, 10:47:08 AM
Fanatic, this is going to have a nice ending!Thanks! I hope it does. I'm actually going to Pennsylvania. There's elk there, it just takes a lifetime to draw a tag.
BTW, no need to give up on elk when you go back east. Lots of guys drive to Colorado for archery....
Wishing you the best on this hunt.
Good luck :tup:good luck to you too!
Post by: bracer40 on August 17, 2013, 11:01:15 AM
Post by: WenHunter on August 17, 2013, 11:33:39 AM
Post by: jackelope on August 18, 2013, 11:51:58 AM
:archery_smiley:
Post by: FANATIC on August 18, 2013, 01:46:40 PM
I think that last bull is 350 and maybe 360. There's only one way to find out for sure.Your right, I should go back, catch it, tie it up and measure it. That's the only way to know for sure.
:archery_smiley:
Post by: jackelope on August 18, 2013, 01:48:10 PM
Post by: whacker1 on August 18, 2013, 07:25:45 PM
Post by: jackelope on August 18, 2013, 07:29:21 PM
tag
The Foxpro and big salmon net tipped you over, didn't it? You just couldn't resist.
Post by: coachcw on August 18, 2013, 07:46:53 PM
Post by: jasnt on August 19, 2013, 10:27:50 AM
Post by: cryder on August 19, 2013, 10:41:10 AM
So I finally drew a tag. An eastern Washington archery any bull tag. After much debate, I've decided to start a thread to document what could be for me, a once in a lifetime tag.
I'm sure your wondering why this is an OIL tag. It's no goat, sheep or moose. You see, I'll be moving east once the season is over. That's right, tree stand whitetails from here on. As a matter of fact, I waited until 10pm the night of the deadline to apply. I decided that if I drew, I'd just beg my wife to stay for my last hurrah.
Fast forward a few weeks, and a few thousand " draw not run" checks. I'm sitting at work and I get a text that says, results out, but site issue, call this number and give them your wild ID. I excitedly dial the number and the nice WDFW employee asks for my number. I give it to him and he says " the bad news is you didn't draw your second choice, the good news is you drew your first!" . I couldn't believe it.
I almost immediately started obsessing over google earth and topo maps looking for areas to check out. I found a few and off I went to put in a couple cameras.
I figured I would have to move them around a little to find some elk but turns out, I scored right away. I waited about 3 weeks and returned to find 750 pics between the 2 cameras. One spot loaded with cows and calves, the other.....bulls.
Of course this wouldn't be a hunt thread without pics, so here are some samples of the trail cam pics. I'll leave out the cows and calves cause everyone knows what they look like.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Ff818e9896ae11db288df729343fbf981.jpg&hash=34b0c42cf7589fcb1a9657bfef0c83519de336a9)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F0e1c88c1897c3019c34ebe54122c1b0f.jpg&hash=cd8c0ff74444a71cef7e9ba35f964ae802541446)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fed95dfb58785a649b2d99ed26a5fd7c9.jpg&hash=5e86fbb850271216fa7938f891755a8a367610ee)
Some small, some pretty good, and then there's this guy. I'll show a couple of this guy cause if you are like me you'll want to see a couple angles.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F5cdb9ada35e538ac0ce56a2aeedebd04.jpg&hash=3498d01dc1e07aafadc5b978208fde359d0e6d78)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F6b356e944544e4b379eb5a8563dc5b45.jpg&hash=0c4d355bc18e30015b4569ee4585d4f07d0b38b0)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Ffa41573ea94e0a76bf64223146945393.jpg&hash=71d64f2a8f7d49bb0ff62b2c6e7d7832a8405657)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2Fa79c9de2f54fe24b6d00d3d148e6b742.jpg&hash=6babceab00eb4097060789233a7be1ae1b8d9427)
I almost fell over when I saw this one. I've got about 50 pics of him. If you care to guess the score, fire away. There are 3 decent bulls and one big one. I couldn't find pics of the 4th 6x6.
So there you have it. The beginning of my Washington swan song. Follow along if you like. I'll update as I scout more and will try to update during the hunt too. Wish me luck.
Post by: robrunwild on August 20, 2013, 03:53:03 AM
Post by: FANATIC on August 21, 2013, 09:58:09 AM
Awesome elk porn! :tup:Thanks! Hope to have more for you once the season starts.
good work boys , go get him !
Thanks coach! We will try!
Post by: FANATIC on August 27, 2013, 08:30:48 AM
Post by: lagnar on August 27, 2013, 09:02:04 AM
I'll watch for updates, hope you have a great two weeks, and shoot the biggest one near the end of the hunt.
Post by: lemondog on August 29, 2013, 09:54:12 PM
Post by: Ironhead on August 29, 2013, 10:11:46 PM
Post by: borntoslay on August 29, 2013, 10:16:33 PM
Post by: FANATIC on September 01, 2013, 11:42:54 AM
Post by: wideleft on September 01, 2013, 12:05:23 PM
Post by: jackelope on September 05, 2013, 10:09:23 AM
Close but no cigar.
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 09, 2013, 10:56:02 PM
Post by: jackelope on September 11, 2013, 08:19:23 AM
Let down and let him walk. We were on our way back to the Jeep to top off our water and head for another canyon and those 2 spikes were 300 yards from the Jeep. On day 8 for him, I'm not going to lie, I think he had some 2nd thoughts. I did too.
I think he's going to stay up there till Friday so he can make it home to see his family before they take off for Pennsylvania.
Post by: coachcw on September 11, 2013, 08:33:43 AM
Post by: jackelope on September 11, 2013, 09:05:18 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F12%2Fzu9a6eza.jpg&hash=55084f06712d104b8077dc3c133a17a4b84c5937)
Post by: FANATIC on September 13, 2013, 10:50:41 PM
It's been a tough 11 days. Terrible thunder storms followed by sweltering heat. I've been into elk most days, and as jakelope said, could have ended it on a spike, or on a cow on a couple of occasions. I had a couple bulls talking above my camp the first couple days, and tried to get on them but never did. The wind would always mess me up, or they wouldn't come in.
On the third or fourth day, I got into a canyon with 3 bulls talking and I went for the lower bull. I was easing through the thick stuff and saw the legs of elk coming by. I quickly set up in a shooting lane and waited as the first couple cows filtered by at about 15yds. I was waiting for the bull when one of the cows took a different route and we ended up face to face at like 8 yds. We had a stare down for what seemed like forever, and she eventually busted.
The highlight was Thursday morning when I had what should have been a season ending encounter with a bull I had on one of my cams on a regular basis. The g4 bull. I was working the timber real slow right at first light, when I heard a snap up to my left. I stopped and listened. Another snap. I dropped to my knees and saw legs. Then horn. I knocked an arrow and waited. He moved into an opening where I could see the sweet spot. Right as I start to shoot, I second guess my yardage estimate so I get a range. He moves. No shot. I wait for him to get clear again. When he does, I draw. Right as I get to full draw, there is a click noise. I think it was my call hitting my binos. The bull hits the afterburner. He's gone. Heartbreaker.
It was nice to get to 40 yds of this bull and draw on him, but I would have liked to let that arrow fly.
Anyway, that's my season so far. I've got two days left, hopefully I can get it done. Here are some pics of the bull hard horned. He's a good bull. Forever burned into my memories.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F18983ee229729e642a7eb7681af36002.jpg&hash=f19715ccf6771f8fc9391b9a34abeaeeb1f62b5a)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F6dedb5dff6fc043d46d87bd5c89e6594.jpg&hash=123ba8da38595470cccf4ca894e155f0fd8987e0)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F3e29ee0fadc08ddf3c0aa05d8529a190.jpg&hash=a1d70b404fc90e2d582379d297a3c3ec6ab9a0f5)
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 13, 2013, 10:56:54 PM
Post by: Birdguy on September 13, 2013, 11:02:06 PM
Post by: bowhunterforever on September 14, 2013, 12:04:36 AM
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on September 14, 2013, 04:20:21 AM
Post by: Solohunter84 on September 14, 2013, 08:49:34 AM
Post by: jackelope on September 14, 2013, 09:15:07 AM
Here's what I can tell you. Fanatic has worked his a$$ off for this and I know that he'll pull it off at the buzzer. He could have ended his season twice when I was there but didn't because he wants a big bull and didn't want to settle for less. If he doesn't kill a bull, it's not for a lack of trying. 11 straight days of awake at 4:30am and out hunting wears a guy out. I now feel like I understand the pressure that these special permits can put on a person a little better. I'm happy that I got to be a part of it, if only for a few days. We hung out in some beautiful country and experienced some stuff a lot of folks don't get to. Go get em brother.
Post by: mtbiker on September 14, 2013, 10:00:55 AM
Post by: elkh8me on September 14, 2013, 10:11:05 AM
Post by: jackelope on September 14, 2013, 10:36:57 AM
How did u do?
He's still doing...
Post by: boneaddict on September 14, 2013, 10:55:07 AM
Here's what I can tell you. Fanatic has worked his a$$ off for this and I know that he'll pull it off at the buzzer. He could have ended his season twice when I was there but didn't because he wants a big bull and didn't want to settle for less. If he doesn't kill a bull, it's not for a lack of trying. 11 straight days of awake at 4:30am and out hunting wears a guy out. I now feel like I understand the pressure that these special permits can put on a person a little better. I'm happy that I got to be a part of it, if only for a few days. We hung out in some beautiful country and experienced some stuff a lot of folks don't get to. Go get em brother.
:tup: :tup:
Weather change coming in Monday, animals should sense it and be crazy tomorrow for him. Here is to positive thinking anyway. I am glad he had the chance at the big boy.
Post by: boneaddict on September 14, 2013, 12:50:23 PM
Post by: Greenhorn on September 14, 2013, 01:49:00 PM
Post by: WalleyeJason on September 16, 2013, 03:10:32 PM
Post by: C-Money on September 16, 2013, 03:19:29 PM
Post by: FANATIC on September 16, 2013, 06:49:03 PM
So I left to hunt again Saturday morning after spending Friday with my girls, and taking them to the airport on sat morning. I arrived at the spot only to find someone parked there. I quickly looked at the map and found a promising area close by. A saddle with a north slope on one side, and open south slope on the other....with water. It had the makings of a good spot. I got ready and started the hike in. Right away it was seeing fresh tracks. The further in I went, the more tracks there was. I was excited. Once I arrived at the saddle, I found that there was a spring making it a lush wet area with nice green grass.
I worked my way through this area methodically and eventually came across this....
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2FDEC96D71-A434-4C92-B5F2-105BA5CBFCE2-2676-0000019524FF8FBF_zps77452f1f.jpg&hash=3fdf8decdf6461f28e5f01caa8f6482608ce0df1)
The bull had just been in this wallow. The mud was still glistening, and it was hot out. There was still bubbles in the water. My heart was racing. I quickly set up and cow called. Immediately I heard branches breaking close. Within 50 yds close. I could hear my heart pounding. This is it. More twigs snap. Closer this time. He's coming. Then, the unthinkable happens, I feel wind on the back of my neck. The twig snapping continues, but this time further, and further, and further away. With nothing to lose, i grab a limb, and start thrashing the brush. No dice. The gig is up. These holes and saddles have the worst swirling wind. I am once again, disappointed. I shouldn't say disappointed, because these close encounters are just as cool as harvesting a bull, you just don't have to hump meat afterwards. I still hunt my way back to my rig. Get back and make a mountain house and relive the moment over and over. I couldn't have done anything different. I just got hosed by the wind again. I decide I'll just sleep there in my jeep so I can listen to bugles that night to help form a plan in the morning. To my surprise, no bugles all night. I had heard bugles almost every night until now. Weird.
The next morning I head into the same area and work the saddle and north slope. Nothing. Back to the jeep I go to eat some lunch. I decide to hunt the wallow again. This time ill just sit on it until the end of my day. As I sit there, I relive my entire hunt. The highs and lows. The close encounters. The Armageddon storms and the heat. It's been an awesome experience. One ill never forget. Then it hits me. This will be the last time I roam these beautiful mountains for who knows how long. An overwhelming sadness comes over me. I love the mountains of the west. I love chasing game in the these mountains. Testing my mental and physical fortitude. Coming back to camp completely worn out and eager to strike out again in the morning. It's hard for me to think about. It's part of who I am.
I sit there as long as I can, not wanting to leave, not caring if I see an elk or not. I finally head back....slowly. The whole drive home I am consumed by memories of this hunt, and of past hunts. I must really love my family i think to myself. I also think of how lucky we are to be able to access these beautiful and wild places. I won't have much of that where I'm going, so cherish and take care of what you have. Ok, enough of the sappy crap.
I've never hunt for such a long stretch. It takes an enormous amount of mental fortitude to do this. Day after day of up early and working it all day. I want to thank Jackelope for keeping me focused. There were many low spots that he helped me work through.
I saw a bunch of critters, had some close encounters and spent 2 weeks in the mountains. What more could you want. Nothing.
I know you guys like pics, so here's some pics of daily motivators for me over the last 2 weeks.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F0DAC39A7-2E10-48F9-BF5C-636916345F06-2676-000001956D390BDA_zps0e5db07d.jpg&hash=f6d33a0730215c23ce02afbe257d6f3775f077da)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2FDC55E45B-0FE3-4D63-AA4C-4A033D2EE1C1-2676-000001957698CB99_zps6472123a.jpg&hash=e616a181f6c07724b6ab46e9fa5c5bc5d9c1f657)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F8039CE31-EA9D-4957-83DF-2570DDB80C20-2676-00000195811BFC1D_zpsd343979c.jpg&hash=c9fa70e63e1fc6a86454e45b314d845f54d14de6)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F8C6298B2-BF3F-4881-BDB4-D1B1F215ADC9-2676-0000019588FC29F4_zps410b2bc4.jpg&hash=089fc5e94a4442e0b5db517537b70d63d6bb4dc5)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F9B4271FD-7AFC-4C82-A3D0-D930788A5D85-2676-00000195A43E3781_zpsd10e7a19.jpg&hash=c2f4d9539c5c992052c4f66a202ede53dc6e8dba)
And here's a memento of my close encounter with the g4 bull
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2FD01BA4BA-58F7-4ECB-9CCE-D78D3939A604-2676-000001954AD12B8D_zps3b61b937.jpg&hash=99d897460ad85427743c4cdda6696f7ac6d43652)
So that's it. My grand finally. Not the ending I had hoped for but that's hunting. I had a great time. Sorry for the long story, but it feels good to get it off my chest. Ill stay a member and maybe post up some east coast tree stand whitetails for you guys to chuckle at.
Oh, and here's another bull that was on the cam.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi245.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fgg80%2Festis75%2F8dcd408da94324001b59aa20a37a9259.jpg&hash=15405b1abac90ef05947968fbb8b54dc7689e7eb)
Post by: coachcw on September 16, 2013, 06:51:43 PM
Post by: FANATIC on September 16, 2013, 06:53:14 PM
Post by: 6x6in6 on September 16, 2013, 07:17:48 PM
By chance, was your this past Saturday afternoon and Sunday hunt 2 draws to the east of where G4 was camera'd and your encounter on Thursday with him? Just curious as I had mentioned to jackelope that it might be worthy to look their as I had pulled a couple bulls out of their in years past. By your description, it kind of sounds like you might have but then a lot of that country sounds like what you described.
Thanks for the story's of your hunt and have a safe trip east. :)
Post by: jackelope on September 16, 2013, 08:02:58 PM
Post by: Ironhead on September 16, 2013, 08:09:14 PM
Post by: coachcw on September 16, 2013, 09:16:07 PM
Post by: FANATIC on September 16, 2013, 09:42:11 PM
You can migrate east knowing that you gave a 110% and got bested by one of the toughest creatures to corner in the lower 48. I admire your resilience here Fanatic.
By chance, was your this past Saturday afternoon and Sunday hunt 2 draws to the east of where G4 was camera'd and your encounter on Thursday with him? Just curious as I had mentioned to jackelope that it might be worthy to look their as I had pulled a couple bulls out of their in years past. By your description, it kind of sounds like you might have but then a lot of that country sounds like what you described.
Thanks for the story's of your hunt and have a safe trip east. :)
Not east of there but close enough that he could have been there too. When I got on him, he was coming from that direction.
Thanks for all the positive comments.
Post by: boneaddict on September 17, 2013, 05:25:24 AM
Post by: JLS on September 17, 2013, 07:26:20 AM
I wish you well on your move, and remember that it's not all that far from Pennsylvania to Colorado! They have elk too....
Post by: jackelope on September 17, 2013, 08:14:09 AM
......and remember that it's not all that far from Pennsylvania to Colorado! They have elk too....
Hah...You're about the 5th person to tell him that.
I see a CO elk hunt in our future.
:chuckle:
Post by: jackelope on September 17, 2013, 08:54:54 AM
About 2 weeks before season started I had the misfortune of having to tell Fanatic that there was a fire in the unit. For me, i felt like i was like having to tell him his dog died. We tried to stay positive but it was hard with pictures of huge smoke plumes, messages from others on here telling me about the fire growing, roads closing, etc. anyway. 2 other friends had this permit too and I could tell panic was setting in. All the work scouting, trail cams, learning roads, miles on trucks, all down the tubes. I'm writing all of this as a testament to sort of make a point. These guys all worked their butts off to get this hunt done and do the best they could to make it happen. I'm done flapping my gums.
A common theme. Headed down into the dark stuff.
The rainstorms sent some serious gully washers down these hillsides. A lot of the fresher sign got washed away.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fa4ega8u8.jpg&hash=1ee8f54b0448d725c7bbbdb314be72256215ae8c)
Sunrises and sunsets were a common theme.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2F5a4unysu.jpg&hash=05aaa94ffa00b5ecad22f0122b24687f0dac9798)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fezaha4u9.jpg&hash=3298931ddb7528a78ac3ae2ca45ac2ef3287f89a)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2F6u9y7yva.jpg&hash=ca6b0f53542ab2dcaa2b2b79a1ae090f1eefc4b9)
Fanatic in a common pose. Staring at the GPS.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fhe5e4yru.jpg&hash=6ef29c43aa69e9b2bb6af84236eb93f051f680e5)
Post by: jackelope on September 17, 2013, 08:58:09 AM
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fhamedypu.jpg&hash=d6d4d0ed3f0f6330cf841ddf57fa2d931607d8ff)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2F5uzy5uba.jpg&hash=1f7c023f2dd2ebe611006f138b6901029864b309)
I called this fire in only to find out it was a controlled burn.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fatemuvyd.jpg&hash=1866ce74cdfaf75518fdd3d78f4f628583a58a64)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Feryrase7.jpg&hash=348f60e2eef579eb46b4cb0d70e4690f139b909a)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fejytaned.jpg&hash=87bf6524a8bd446d39b7ab337f877b345ce59364)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F13%2F09%2F17%2Fmytevaza.jpg&hash=db00209314748760f7fd7cf7a2cbfefbfb019450)
Post by: JLS on September 17, 2013, 10:09:53 AM
......and remember that it's not all that far from Pennsylvania to Colorado! They have elk too....
Hah...You're about the 5th person to tell him that.
I see a CO elk hunt in our future.
:chuckle:
Or Montana, or Wyoming, or Idaho.... :o
Post by: wlandrum on September 17, 2013, 11:51:09 AM
Post by: smartazz171 on September 17, 2013, 12:32:34 PM
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 17, 2013, 12:40:01 PM
Post by: Elkpiss on September 17, 2013, 01:37:55 PM
Post by: Elkstuffer on September 17, 2013, 01:50:59 PM