Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: brianb231 on September 15, 2014, 03:48:28 PM

Title: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: brianb231 on September 15, 2014, 03:48:28 PM: Our group has hunted together for the past 20 odd years and is a very close group. 8 plus guys that we now call the (East Side Elk Mafia). My father passed away in 2009 and our oldest member (72 years) in the group is Ed (Fast Eddie). He is Trophyhunt’s Dad and BrianMTSinc’s uncle. I consider him my uncle as well or another father in the woods. He finally drew a Peaches tag for archery. He is disabled and cannot travel far from roads or down or up any hills so it was going to be a challenge. We decided that we were going to do everything we could to get him in a position to harvest his first and probably last branched antlered bull elk. We had several bulls returning calls to us but not many that would travel up to us or that we could get Ed into a postion that he could shoot despite the world class calling. LOL. We did get him in on a pig of a bull in a place we call “The Farm”. After a half an hour of calling in the late afternoon this bull comes storming in and presents a broadside shot to Ed. It had to be about a 315-320 bull. I was so excited for him I was pissing myself as I was calling it in. He pranced in front of Ed and BrianMTSinc. Ed shot and he was soooo excited I thought he was going to have a heart attack!. He was overcome with joy and excitement from the experience. We thought he laid the smackdown on the bull only to find out that he had missed. But the experience itself was exhilarating and considered a win anyway. We had a few other close calls but the days were starting to catch up with Ed and he decided that he was done with the hills and canyons and asked that if we got a bull going again that I shoot it for him as his companion (legally holding his companion card). We then went to a place that we call “Hell”. It always holds elk but we did not go there with Ed originally due to its extreme terrain. We drive as close as we can to the edge of Hell and we all get out and Ed is out with his bow as well but is not venturing far from the truck at this point. So Trophyhunt and BrianMTSinc start the calling sequences for me. I setup on the canyon side hill next to a small group of pines. I heard the usual dragonesque bugle from the bottom of Hell that we call the Dragon bull. I knew he would not come all the way up to us. But we heard other elk in the area. I look to my right and I see a bull coming straight up out of hell at a quick pace coming to the calls from BrianMTSinc and Trophyhunt but he was going to pass me at about 40 to 60 yards so Brian and Trophy ran to my left and gave those sweet sounds and the bull veered towards me. At 60 yards I drew and at 15 yards he stopped behind the only thing he could that would prevent me from taking my shot. A giant root ball from a tree that had fell over. :yike: He paused…. then heard another bugle and sweet cow sounds that he could not resist from the guys behind me. He started past me and I cow called to stop him at 10 yards. I let the VAP V1 blast right through both lungs and I cow called again and he stood there… :tup:…………! Then he took about 10 trotting steps away and flipped ass over teakettle down the hill and luckily caught his horns on a tree or he would be another 150 yards down into Hell and another couple hours to get out! :IBCOOL:. When I saw him go down in sight I yelled out loud and we celebrated after I tossed my bow and fell to the ground. It was an awesome group harvest. My job was the easy one at 10 yards. :chuckle: It would not have happened without everybody involved in the calling and Ed’s tag and overall spirit of the group. In the end Ed filled his tag and created memories that will last a lifetime. The smile on his face says it all. This bull is not a monster but it represents the result of our teams determination and love of “Fast Eddie”! I hope Ed can be with us for a few more years in camp hunting or not. Cherish this time with your Dad Jerry (Trophyhunt). He has brought our group tremendous joy and laughter, usually at his expense, LOL!
Enjoy the Photos.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2FIMG_6907_zpsa3a81337.jpg&hash=686d3e4ceae7be8241e14503588f958258b87710) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/IMG_6907_zpsa3a81337.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2Freceived_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_0_zpsb53a0718.jpeg&hash=fd604af582484d983757e4f5ef4045880913d597) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/received_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_0_zpsb53a0718.jpeg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2F20140913_224507_zpsf53ebb13.jpg&hash=c7f7eea28fc0e5dacc3d3840f05313d3ec9a45a9) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/20140913_224507_zpsf53ebb13.jpg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2Freceived_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_19_zps8118beba.jpeg&hash=0ad8c0ce0b97e65c8de663d014709e65a5bcde98) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/received_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_19_zps8118beba.jpeg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2Freceived_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_16_zpsad240070.jpeg&hash=eab8144413ebc1158dc319d533db6bc6cbaf362d) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/received_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_16_zpsad240070.jpeg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2Freceived_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_15_zpscac8cc7d.jpeg&hash=e28c7fdbca6d5eddc07e652b3eb26dc91d61c36d) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/received_m_mid_1410740452477_6baf3e1a941acc8803_15_zpscac8cc7d.jpeg.html)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi105.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fm229%2Fbrianb231%2F20140913_223836_zpse570f884.jpg&hash=ae6911b2a5ee60930f05760e16dcabd5b64097fa) (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/brianb231/media/20140913_223836_zpse570f884.jpg.html)
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: LittleJohn on September 15, 2014, 03:55:54 PM: AWESOME !!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: bearpaw on September 15, 2014, 04:00:06 PM: awesome, way to gitter done.... :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: billythekidrock on September 15, 2014, 04:00:23 PM: Congrats to all involved.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 15, 2014, 04:03:18 PM: Thanks for posting bri, great job! That night was very emotional, these guys gave up their own hunts to help my dad try to kill his first bull, thanks again guys! You archery guys know how much work and determination it takes to fill a tag, this was a great group effort and I was blessed to be part of it. This was the last day my dad was going to hunt, he was just getting too exhausted. Hard work, determination and a bit of luck made this happen. We got this bull within 20 minutes left of light, last minute bull! Thanks again you guys, love the "Eastside Elk Mafia"!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: SnakeEyes on September 15, 2014, 04:05:04 PM: Very Cool! Congrats!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: bearpaw on September 15, 2014, 04:05:23 PM: Quote from: trophyhunt on September 15, 2014, 04:03:18 PM
Thanks for posting bri, great job! That night was very emotional, these guys gave up their own hunts to help my dad try to kill his first bull, thanks again guys! You archery guys know how much work and determination it takes to fill a tag, this was a great group effort and I was blessed to be part of it. This was the last day my dad was going to hunt, he was just getting too exhausted. Hard work, determination and a bit of luck made this happen. We got this bull within 20 minutes left of light, last minute bull! Thanks again you guys, love the "Eastside Elk Mafia"!

wow, even better :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: MLBowhunting on September 15, 2014, 04:16:17 PM: Nice job. Love this kinda stuff. :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: BENCHLEG on September 15, 2014, 04:18:02 PM: Great work jerry. Congrats now it's time to go get another with the muzzy.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: rtspring on September 15, 2014, 04:26:51 PM: Congrats! Peaches has been slow for archery guys. I think the muzzy guys should do very well...

Steep and deep!!!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 15, 2014, 04:29:52 PM: Quote from: BENCHLEG on September 15, 2014, 04:18:02 PM
Great work jerry. Congrats now it's time to go get another with the muzzy.
3 weeks and we are going at it again, it should be a great hunt in the white river. Thanks for the compliments guys.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: Odell on September 15, 2014, 04:34:33 PM: nice job guys, great work!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: Bigbuckoholic on September 15, 2014, 04:39:41 PM: White river is an awesome hunt! Good luck!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 15, 2014, 05:20:40 PM: Great story thanks for sharing :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: gunnarnewt on September 15, 2014, 05:23:56 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: Elkaholic daWg on September 15, 2014, 05:34:53 PM: Congrats! :tup: Good to get the patriarchs tag filled. I'd bet he has some great stories too!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: tjthebest on September 15, 2014, 06:20:12 PM: Great story! Great hunt!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 15, 2014, 07:28:14 PM: Also want to add, we heard wolves twice two different days up the spring creek rd on top. The locals at jacks were also talking about hearing wolves.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: kevinlisa06 on September 15, 2014, 08:45:58 PM: Way to go great story!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: RB on September 15, 2014, 08:54:45 PM: Very cool! :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: Todd_ID on September 15, 2014, 09:05:22 PM: For those who are new to the sport...this is what hunting is about. It's not about how well we outsmarted that spike, but it's about how hard we worked to help that old guy in camp. I'll gladly give up the entire season to be able to help that guy who has done so much for my family, lifestyle, career, obsession. :tup: Guys!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: winshooter88 on September 15, 2014, 09:20:06 PM: Great job guys for sticking with it! Congratulations to Fast Eddie, That's a great bull. It's great that all of you helped make a memory that none of you will ever forget.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: Huntboy on September 15, 2014, 09:50:00 PM: Congrats, job we'll done.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: liljozie495 on September 16, 2014, 06:14:28 AM: Great write up and story and congrats guys! :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: jackmaster on September 16, 2014, 06:46:06 AM: i cant see it getting much better than that :tup: :tup:great job ed, way to stick it out, it doesnt matter how old you are if you still have the passion and desire :tup: i love reading stories like this and they are even better when they are about people you know personally, elk maffia aint know joke, thats for damn sure :brew:to many more seasons...again congrats ED your hard work paid off bigtime !!!!!!!!!!! hunts with sons and dads like this is what its all about, and daughters of course which we both have :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: rsrobins on September 16, 2014, 08:09:22 AM: Love how it all played out.Great job guys!!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: cedarriver on September 16, 2014, 08:18:06 AM: Now that's great! Congrats and good job!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: h20hunter on September 16, 2014, 08:33:49 AM: Thats outstanding. You can tell from Fast Eddies face.....he is lit up and knows that is his bull. Yeah you pulled the trigger, well done, but that is his bull all the way around. The photos of the group tell it all.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on September 16, 2014, 08:35:48 AM: Glad it worked out! :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: DUGANDEER on September 16, 2014, 08:41:35 AM: Awesome job! congrats to you all.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: elkoholic1 on September 16, 2014, 08:45:30 AM: :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: brianmtsinc on September 16, 2014, 11:26:17 AM: Thanks for posting the story and pics BrianB! :tup: And thanks again for putting such a perfect shot on a great bull! That "hell hole" is no joke and all of us are grateful we didnt have to head down that hole in the dark :yike: :yike:!!!

Fast Eddie is my uncle and is solely responsible for creating a love and passion of hunting in my life. Many years ago while still in the Navy, I came home for a weekend and my Father and I paid Uncle Ed a visit (he became "Fast Eddie" many years later ...lol ). He happened to be out back shooting his bow. He asked me to try it out - I loved it - so he GAVE it to me!! I couldn't believe it! That day lead to countless memories in the elk woods and I will forever be grateful for his love, kindness, mentor-ship and the laughter he has brought to us all over the years.

This hunt was one of the most fun hunts I have had in years! Last year I had the Peaches Archery tag along with Brian B and we worked so hard, that to be honest, maybe some of the "fun" was lost. But this year was all about spending time with Fast Eddie and giving it our all to get him his first bull! In fact, if I remember right, in 40+ years of him hunting, he has never killed an elk with his bow. (Correct me if I am wrong Throphyhunt). :dunno:

We had MANY close encounters due mostly to the outstanding calling from Brian B :tup: :tup:, but several of those close calls were ended with a truck driving by us (mostly people scouting for later hunts). We of course knew that could/would happen with our limitations, but we worked through those frustrations by simply appreciating the time together and the experience of the beautiful bugling bulls.

When Fast Eddie shot at the 320+ class bull in "the farm", it was one of the best experiences ever! I was right next to him letting him know when the bull was coming (bad hearing) and helping him set up for the shot, and I would have bet he layed a perfect shot on that bull!! There was hugging, laughter and even tears as we believed Fast Eddie had just killed a daddy bull! We were shocked to find that dry arrow the next day, but just figured it was good news because the hunt could continue :) .... And it did, and ended with great success!! :tup:

I am blessed to have such a great Uncle that has always loved me, and my friends, and although he is 72 and disabled, I am praying we have a couple more years left. He is a good man that put up with a bunch of "young kids" over the years as we all grew into the men we are today. I'm am positive it was not easy at times .... :chuckle: :chuckle:

Life is good, God is Great, and I am truly blessed be a part of the East-side Elk Mafia!!

Now on to finding my White River Muzzy bull...... :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: brianb231 on September 16, 2014, 11:52:54 AM: Well said. :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 16, 2014, 12:49:44 PM: He has only killed one elk many years ago and it was a cow. Very nice write up cuz! :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: floatinghat on September 16, 2014, 01:46:59 PM: What a great legacy and tradition you guys have. Congrats and well done Eddie.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: rosscrazyelk on September 16, 2014, 03:37:48 PM: Good story boys. . Can't wait to hear about the white river hunt.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: brianb231 on September 16, 2014, 04:16:05 PM: Thanks for the kind words everyone. We will keep you posted on the white river in a new thread coming soon.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: TheHunt on September 17, 2014, 09:31:18 AM: Great team work... Thanks for sharing and congratulations to the hunter
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: 257 Wby Mag on September 18, 2014, 02:35:31 PM: Very cool jerry. Congrats!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 18, 2014, 02:38:37 PM: Quote from: 257 Wby Mag on September 18, 2014, 02:35:31 PM
Very cool jerry. Congrats!
thanks Judd, good times indeed!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 26, 2018, 06:13:46 AM: Re-read this story after looking for my original post about my dads disabled tag, can't believe it was 4 years ago. And here we are on the verge of another chance for my dads first bull, I just thank God we have this chance.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: SteelheadTed on September 26, 2018, 06:24:29 AM: We call wish to be in a hunting group like that! Good stuff
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: coachcw on September 26, 2018, 06:32:43 AM: Congrats on a great hunt. Nothing better than being in the woods with good friends and family.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: CedarPants on September 26, 2018, 07:20:56 AM: Amazing story, glad it all came together for you guys!!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: trophyhunt on September 26, 2018, 07:22:53 AM: Sorry if re-posting such an old thread is confusing, hope to add to it in a few days! Thanks guys
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: CedarPants on September 26, 2018, 07:27:19 AM: Quote from: trophyhunt on September 26, 2018, 07:22:53 AM
Sorry if re-posting such an old thread is confusing, hope to add to it in a few days! Thanks guys

I had missed the original story, so catching up on it brought a smile to my face this morning :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 26, 2018, 08:57:50 AM: That the way to get them on the ground. Looks like a great group of guys.
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: elkrack on September 26, 2018, 09:05:31 AM: I don’t know how I missed this jerry but congrats to your dad Jerry! :tup:
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: boneaddict on September 26, 2018, 09:15:46 AM: Neat story
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: bearhunter99 on September 26, 2018, 09:15:46 AM: Great story and congrats to all involved!
Title: Re: East Side Elk Mafia Strikes again with emotional Peaches Tag
Post by: jackmaster on September 26, 2018, 07:38:39 PM: Go gettem Ed !! Crack a big one :tup: