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Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: fisheral87 on October 30, 2015, 12:41:45 PM


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Title: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: fisheral87 on October 30, 2015, 12:41:45 PM
I drew the Goose Prairie Bull Tag this year. I had spent some time in the area but spent several weekends expanding my knowledge of the area, sometimes solo, sometimes with good friends. My hunt would be a solo effort due to the hunt falling on a work week. I anticipated this hunt because it would be my first opportunity to hunt branch antlered elk. i spent the weekend prior to my hunt refining my understanding of the trails and ground in the area I had decided to hunt. I pieced together a couple routes I felt were consistent travel routes but the first couple days of the season seemed to change behavior in the area. I found some animals late in the first day of the hunt but they were on the hoof and running by the time I laid eyes on them, I was not in the best position. With some good intel from some fellow hunt WA members I changed my game plan a bit and focused my efforts on a smaller area that seemed to be holding/funneling animals. I found a herd early morning but was in a bad spot again and didn't get a good opportunity. I tried some calling to try and get the bull to reveal himself but again was unsuccessful. A little frustrated I took the opportunity mid day to catch a nap in the sunshine. During which I decided to pick a spot to sit for the evening in the same area. I should have known better. I made it about two hours into the sit before I got bored and cold and decided to get up and work around the area a bit. The ground was a series of small hills and cuts and draws that had good feed and cover. I had crept slowly along side hill through a couple of these cuts and on the last one, heard an animal move on the other side, not spooked, just moving along in the brush. As I continued side hill on the uphill slope of the current nob, the front side cut revealed itself and I could see antlers. The bull raised his head, chewing his dinner and by some miriacle did not notice me frozen, not twenty yards away. Lowering his head to continue feeding I took a step forward to reveal his high shoulder and took aim, he raised his head again and I made the most of my opportunity.

To those I met along the way, thank you for your fellowship.

Al



Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: Dan-o on October 30, 2015, 12:50:24 PM
Very cool!

Thanks for the story!
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: lonedave on October 30, 2015, 12:55:40 PM
Congrats!  You need to send that last picture to Steve and Lenny....I think they'd like it!
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: wsucougs8 on October 30, 2015, 01:23:23 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on October 30, 2015, 01:27:12 PM
 :tup: Nicely done mister. 
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: nw_bowhunter on October 30, 2015, 01:54:55 PM
cool..congrats
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: Boneyard72 on October 30, 2015, 02:02:24 PM
Now that's a HEAVY pack, strong work!!   :tup:
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: Killercolin on October 30, 2015, 02:37:56 PM
Great job! Nice bull!
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: HUNTINCOUPLE on October 30, 2015, 02:41:26 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 30, 2015, 04:44:27 PM
It was nice to meet you Al! I'm glad you got it done. Wish we would have been around for the pack out. Glad you were closer to the truck than we were. Heath
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: Mark251 on October 30, 2015, 05:21:16 PM
Congratulations  :tup:
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: fisheral87 on October 30, 2015, 05:34:16 PM
No worries Heath.

It was my turn. :tup:

Al
Title: Re: Goose Prairie Bull Success: First Branch Antlered Elk
Post by: emac on October 30, 2015, 06:44:28 PM
Once again congratulations on the bull Al. It was great meeting you and glad you got it done. Wish we would of been still in the area to help you get it outta there. But you got it done all by yourself. Great work

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