Post by: Astonb86 on September 18, 2016, 01:21:06 PM
Wednesday September 14, I was bow hunting near Goat Mountain North of Cougar, WA and next to Mt. St. Helens. I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone. He had a recurve and when I asked if I could tag along he said sure. Later down the trail we ran into some elk. I drew back and got a cow, it was a perfect shot, right through the lungs. He too drew back and missed another elk. Afterwards my elk ran down the hill and the two of us began down the hill after her, following her blood trail. We followed the trail to an access road, prior to reaching the road Ray said “hey I left my bag Im going back” I said ok and he returned up hill. I then found my cow on the other side of the road. Nervous to bump her I watched as she lay there. I waited for maybe a ½ hour for Ray to return. The climb wasn’t that far and I assumed he’d be back. He never showed. I quickly pulled up my GPS and searched for a route to access this area since it was near a gravel road. Luck be it there was one. So I ran off down the hill to get my truck. Down the road I stopped and thought to tag her. So I returned wrapped my tag on her leg and ran close to 3 miles down old abandoned roads back to my truck. I must note I didn’t gut or quarter the cow because I didn’t have a pack with me, it was in my truck, hence the mad dash back. Once at my truck I quickly drove into the spot and with help of my GPS I returned to where she lay. I looked around and couldn’t find her anywhere when all of a sudden I came upon her gut pile and lungs. I was so outraged I couldn’t believe it. Someone had stolen my kill. It could have been Ray or any other hunter that came upon her. I jumped back into my rig but before I did I found my tag laying in the dirt. I drove around all that day questioning every hunter I came across if they knew or had seen my kill. No avail.
I know there’s not much you can do in a situation like this. My mistakes were trusting other people and believing she would remain untouched. I should have taken her or at least part of her with me and then also hid her with brush or relocated her body for further retrieval. Needless to say I already feel really stupid, I have been working tirelessly for the past 2 years for my first bow hunt and when I finally got that kill I don’t know if it was sheer excitement that fogged my judgement or what but I will not be making that mistake twice. I wish people had more integrity and didn’t steal someone else’s kill. Although a giant part of this is my own fault I can’t help but blame the person who actually committed the action of finding a downed animal then harvesting it fully knowing they didn’t kill it. Adding insult to injury returning home to your family and telling them what happened is less then pleasant especially when you have young children that root you on.
Post by: predatorpro on September 18, 2016, 01:26:46 PM
Post by: Tbar on September 18, 2016, 01:40:51 PM
Post by: JakeLand on September 18, 2016, 01:49:45 PM
They stole it plain and simple your tag was on it and that sucks definitely call the wdfg and show pics and explain what happened it's worth a shot
Post by: Halo on September 18, 2016, 01:58:11 PM
Post by: h20hunter on September 18, 2016, 02:12:50 PM
Post by: ghosthunter on September 18, 2016, 02:27:48 PM
And the few times I have left a animal to get help or other gear. I have devised a method to mark the animal for latter identification, should I return and find someone else loading my animal.
No help in the op scenario.
But even If someone got my animal to their camp. A game agent could easily determine the animal was mine.
There is several ways to do it, if you give it some thought.
Very sad folks behave this way. I have never wanted an animal enough to steal some one else's. Very sad.
Post by: Dan-o on September 18, 2016, 03:03:45 PM
Don't freak out if you need to leave another animal sometime... I think game theft is rare.
I've left any animals alone to go get a cart and never head one stolen.
Post by: cooltimber on September 18, 2016, 03:05:39 PM
Post by: greatnw on September 18, 2016, 03:28:04 PM
Doubt you'll get another tag, but worth the ask.
Tough. Don't know what is wrong with people. Hope this guy gets what coming to him.
Post by: Buzz2401 on September 18, 2016, 03:35:27 PM
Post by: KFhunter on September 18, 2016, 03:40:21 PM
If anyone else has this happen to them remember to take inventory of vehicle plates if you see some parked behind a locked gate or parking area. That would help more than anything else other than catching him red handed. :violent1:
Post by: MtnMuley on September 18, 2016, 03:59:56 PM
Post by: bear hunter on September 18, 2016, 05:10:51 PM
Post by: pcal on September 18, 2016, 05:50:26 PM
Post by: crowinghen on September 18, 2016, 06:37:56 PM
you're not to blame- the Richard that took your elk is to blame! I can't believe there are people who would do that!
Report it and get another tag- so so sorry this happened to you! I hope they choke on it.
Post by: cooltimber on September 18, 2016, 06:43:16 PM
Post by: Don_D on September 18, 2016, 06:51:48 PM
Hope you get another tag out of the deal.
Post by: kellama2001 on September 18, 2016, 06:59:38 PM
Post by: SkookumHntr on September 18, 2016, 07:15:07 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 18, 2016, 08:03:33 PM
Was that pic taken from the road?
Post by: bankwalker on September 18, 2016, 08:28:44 PM
Always carry a blank card or business card with you. If you ever have to leave a kill alone for any length of time. Stick this card with your name, number, wild I'd number etc etc with the animal. Tightly roll the card up and slide it into the mouth of the animal. Deep into the cheek. A place you can inform wdfw of. And a place no hunter would really think to look....well until now since I spilled the beans.
Post by: hendog on September 18, 2016, 08:35:44 PM
He called the Game Warden & he said He had been trying to catch some tweekers who were ridding Quads in the area. He new them by name but, just did not have enough to arrest them. The Game Warden signed my friends tag and said he could continue to hunt. He however never ended up getting another one.
Post by: TONTO on September 18, 2016, 08:56:13 PM
That realy sux though. I would defenatly report the theft though. If your tag was attached and the perp removed it that is theft, hard to say you found a randomly lost elk with a tag attached.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 18, 2016, 09:06:32 PM
I just said that, look at page 5 in the hunting regulations. however you should have not left the cow, with out gutting it.period.Not a Washington hunter, but I never gut my animals. Gutless method only here. And if I am solo I always go get game bags and the pack frame before I pull the quarters off so I can keep them clean.
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 18, 2016, 09:09:34 PM
Post by: Astonb86 on September 18, 2016, 09:21:32 PM
How long was it there? The fact that they took the time to gut it makes me think it was there a little longer then you say. Its possible they felt it was gonna go to waste since you didn't gut it. But they still should of just gutted it and waited. Sounds like a total d-bag thing to do. But I know I would be really pissed if I came up to an animal tagged in the Fall and not gutted. I am sorry this happened to you but please be a little more prepared next time. Your knife should be on you at all times. Get another tag and learn from your mistakes and go get another. I doubt it was that RAY guy it was most likely some drunks driving around.Most definitely, I too believe it was someone else but its possible it was him too. All in all like you say a big part of it was my inability to act and gut and remove her from the woods. I timed my trip from dropping the waypoint and running then driving back took under an 1 1/2. Still a long time in the grand scheme of things.
Post by: Astonb86 on September 18, 2016, 09:23:50 PM
I bet "Ray" stashed the meat in a hidey hole and waited for you to come back to discover the theft then leave again. Was his truck parked anywhere nearby? You won't remember the plate but maybe you can remember the make/model/color.I didnt see any other vehicles once I was up there. I did however see a couple pass by on the way up but there was a network of roads in that area and they could have come from anywhere. Afterwards I did question anyone I saw.
If anyone else has this happen to them remember to take inventory of vehicle plates if you see some parked behind a locked gate or parking area. That would help more than anything else other than catching him red handed. :violent1:
Post by: Astonb86 on September 18, 2016, 09:26:14 PM
He might of seen your cow and knew if he took off. He could get to his rig and when you hiked back that he would be long gone. I always drag off and hide my game If I have to leave it. I also tag, gut, and take lots of pictures to I D it. Little crazy but some people are Big D's Sorry for your loss. Just report it and get a 2nd tag. You didn't bring home a animal. So report the tag a lost.Most definitely, I did talk to an older hunter down the way. He said something similar, told me he had a bull stolen out of his truck once but now he quarters it and hides it close to the truck until he has the entire thing down. Then he will load it up so he has a good view of his truck.
Post by: jmscon on September 18, 2016, 10:45:03 PM
Don't let it get to you! It's really crappy what happened but stick with it and bring your pack and or knife with you every time! Take a quarter with you back to the truck or camp when you go back for a cart or pack frame.
Hope you can get back out there and get one to take home!
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 19, 2016, 05:57:48 AM
I just said that, look at page 5 in the hunting regulations. however you should have not left the cow, with out gutting it.period.
That depends on how long it took him to get to the truck and back. And, had he gutted it, it would've taken even less time for the thief to take it out.
Why is this post not in Elk Hunting?
Post by: Astonb86 on September 19, 2016, 07:02:51 AM
Thats probably a user error on my account, Im new to the forum and was trying to figure that out...I just said that, look at page 5 in the hunting regulations. however you should have not left the cow, with out gutting it.period.
That depends on how long it took him to get to the truck and back. And, had he gutted it, it would've taken even less time for the thief to take it out.
Why is this post not in Elk Hunting?
Post by: Old Man Yager on September 19, 2016, 07:54:29 AM
Post by: jackmaster on September 19, 2016, 08:06:22 AM
Post by: JMARSHALEK on September 19, 2016, 08:21:11 AM
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Astonb86 on September 19, 2016, 08:26:41 AM
Dude you really didn't do anything wrong at all, in the time it took you to get back the elk would have still been fine, and like someone else stated it would have aided them in getting it out quicker, my money is on RAY and I would spend the rest of the elk season and deer season up there hoping to bump into ARAY again, you will be able to tell but his eyes if he is the one who jacked it as soon as you see him.. What a flying pile of human excrement!! I hope RAY falls on one of his own arrows!!!Haha thanks brother! Yeah I do hope karma catches who ever took it. Ray told me where he was camping so afterwards I went there and couldnt find him. I spent the whole day looking. Planning on going back up there sometime this week.
Post by: WSU on September 19, 2016, 08:33:48 AM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 19, 2016, 10:01:29 AM
Dude you really didn't do anything wrong at all, in the time it took you to get back the elk would have still been fine, and like someone else stated it would have aided them in getting it out quicker, my money is on RAY and I would spend the rest of the elk season and deer season up there hoping to bump into ARAY again, you will be able to tell but his eyes if he is the one who jacked it as soon as you see him.. What a flying pile of human excrement!! I hope RAY falls on one of his own arrows!!!Haha thanks brother! Yeah I do hope karma catches who ever took it. Ray told me where he was camping so afterwards I went there and couldnt find him. I spent the whole day looking. Planning on going back up there sometime this week.
Yep, told you that and you were at ease with him knowing where he was supposedly camped? He has probably done this before is my guess. If he didn't get an elk why did he leave?
Post by: 12Gauge on September 19, 2016, 10:17:22 AM
Stolen game is one reason I do not hunt alone, most importantly getting hurt out there.
Always hunt with trustworthy person.
Post by: pd on September 19, 2016, 11:33:59 AM
Would be tough to hide an elk, but if I get a deer, I won't drag it all the way to the road, if I have to leave it and walk to my truck, I'll leave it in the brush, and then go get my truck.
:yeah:
I also will not half-load my vehicle with meat or horns. I stash everything in the brush, until all of the meat that other gear is ready to load. Especially the rack---I would never put antlers in my truck, and then go back for meat.
Post by: JDHasty on September 19, 2016, 12:13:55 PM
Post by: sumpnz on September 19, 2016, 12:16:21 PM
Not sure if this was mentioned. But here is solid advice.
Always carry a blank card or business card with you. If you ever have to leave a kill alone for any length of time. Stick this card with your name, number, wild I'd number etc etc with the animal. Tightly roll the card up and slide it into the mouth of the animal. Deep into the cheek. A place you can inform wdfw of. And a place no hunter would really think to look....well until now since I spilled the beans.
Knew of a guy that was able to reclaim a stolen elk because he stuffed the spent .375H&H casing from the round he'd used to kill it up the nose of the elk. Thief not only didn't know it was there, he (unsurprisingly as .375H&H isn't exactly ubiquitous) had a different caliber rifle. Obviously not a perfect solution while archery hunting, but I guess there's no reason you couldn't carry something like an empty shell casing or some other durable but unusual item to do something similar.
Post by: Fish4Fun on September 19, 2016, 01:49:27 PM
Not sure if this was mentioned. But here is solid advice.
Always carry a blank card or business card with you. If you ever have to leave a kill alone for any length of time. Stick this card with your name, number, wild I'd number etc etc with the animal. Tightly roll the card up and slide it into the mouth of the animal. Deep into the cheek. A place you can inform wdfw of. And a place no hunter would really think to look....well until now since I spilled the beans.
I did something close to the hidden card 40 years ago on a spike bull. Only being 16 I needed some help so I was going to run down the road to camp and get help. My Old Man chewed on me for leaving my elk up the road. I said think about this, no way out of here except past our camp, and then I pulled out the TONGUE, that I cut off and stuffed in my pocket. I said, they would have to try to explain to a warden how I have that if I didn't shoot it and tag it. Another one of the little ideas to use if you are alone and have to leave a critter alone. :tup:
Post by: boneaddict on September 19, 2016, 01:55:12 PM
Post by: Moe the Sleaze on September 19, 2016, 02:26:06 PM
Post by: DaveMonti on September 19, 2016, 02:28:07 PM
Something doesn't sound right with this story.
How so?
Post by: Muleyslyr on September 19, 2016, 04:21:14 PM
Something doesn't sound right with this story.
Oh lord...here we go.. There's always one.
Post by: Timberstalker on September 19, 2016, 04:24:20 PM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on September 19, 2016, 04:32:32 PM
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on September 19, 2016, 04:51:04 PM
Something doesn't sound right with this story.
I was thinking the same thing. No ordinary man could have retrieved an elk by himself in that short amount of time. Generally it take a while to gut it, he would have to split it into a few pieces to load it in his truck, and he had to decide right after the shot to do it, in order to get it out in time.
You may not have noticed OP, but Chuck Norris had actually been in a stare down with that cow, when you came along and shot it, you ruined his hunt. However, he can move much faster through the brush than you and a quick snap of the elk finished it. He then felt nature calling and after returning from his bathroom break he saw you had tagged his prize, he threw the tag on the ground in disgust and carried the elk out under his arm leaving the entrails for the scavenger that you are. You are fortunate that you didn't catch him, I hear he likes elk meat and doesn't like being called a thief.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 19, 2016, 05:07:59 PM
Something doesn't sound right with this story.
First off this isn’t a sob story or a cry for help, I just wanted to share my misfortune so others may learn from my incompetence. This is my first year bow hunting and my second year since high school actually hunting so I have a lot to learn and the curve is sharp.
Wednesday September 14, I was bow hunting near Goat Mountain North of Cougar, WA and next to Mt. St. Helens. I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone. He had a recurve and when I asked if I could tag along he said sure. Later down the trail we ran into some elk. I drew back and got a cow, it was a perfect shot, right through the lungs. He too drew back and missed another elk. Afterwards my elk ran down the hill and the two of us began down the hill after her, following her blood trail. We followed the trail to an access road, prior to reaching the road Ray said “hey I left my bag Im going back” I said ok and he returned up hill. I then found my cow on the other side of the road. Nervous to bump her I watched as she lay there. I waited for maybe a ½ hour for Ray to return. The climb wasn’t that far and I assumed he’d be back. He never showed. I quickly pulled up my GPS and searched for a route to access this area since it was near a gravel road. Luck be it there was one. So I ran off down the hill to get my truck. Down the road I stopped and thought to tag her. So I returned wrapped my tag on her leg and ran close to 3 miles down old abandoned roads back to my truck. I must note I didn’t gut or quarter the cow because I didn’t have a pack with me, it was in my truck, hence the mad dash back. Once at my truck I quickly drove into the spot and with help of my GPS I returned to where she lay. I looked around and couldn’t find her anywhere when all of a sudden I came upon her gut pile and lungs. I was so outraged I couldn’t believe it. Someone had stolen my kill. It could have been Ray or any other hunter that came upon her. I jumped back into my rig but before I did I found my tag laying in the dirt. I drove around all that day questioning every hunter I came across if they knew or had seen my kill. No avail.
I know there’s not much you can do in a situation like this. My mistakes were trusting other people and believing she would remain untouched. I should have taken her or at least part of her with me and then also hid her with brush or relocated her body for further retrieval. Needless to say I already feel really stupid, I have been working tirelessly for the past 2 years for my first bow hunt and when I finally got that kill I don’t know if it was sheer excitement that fogged my judgement or what but I will not be making that mistake twice. I wish people had more integrity and didn’t steal someone else’s kill. Although a giant part of this is my own fault I can’t help but blame the person who actually committed the action of finding a downed animal then harvesting it fully knowing they didn’t kill it. Adding insult to injury returning home to your family and telling them what happened is less then pleasant especially when you have young children that root you on.
THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT PERPLEXES ME, I WAS THINKING HIS TRUCK WAS UP HILL BECAUSE ROY WENT UP HILL AFTER HIS BAG, BUT ASTON WENT DOWN HILL AFTER FINDING HIS ELK TO GO TO HIS TRUCK. :dunno:
Post by: KFhunter on September 19, 2016, 05:27:58 PM
Something doesn't sound right with this story.
I was thinking the same thing. No ordinary man could have retrieved an elk by himself in that short amount of time. Generally it take a while to gut it, he would have to split it into a few pieces to load it in his truck, and he had to decide right after the shot to do it, in order to get it out in time.
You may not have noticed OP, but Chuck Norris had actually been in a stare down with that cow, when you came along and shot it, you ruined his hunt. However, he can move much faster through the brush than you and a quick snap of the elk finished it. He then felt nature calling and after returning from his bathroom break he saw you had tagged his prize, he threw the tag on the ground in disgust and carried the elk out under his arm leaving the entrails for the scavenger that you are. You are fortunate that you didn't catch him, I hear he likes elk meat and doesn't like being called a thief.
Who say's the thief hauled it to their truck? They probably stashed it a ways away in the brush then sat and waited for the OP to return, find the thief, giggled at his temper tantrum and cursing, then packed it out hours later. They probably stashed their truck or atv as well if they've been doing this for awhile.
Post by: Becky on September 19, 2016, 05:34:51 PM
THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT PERPLEXES ME, I WAS THINKING HIS TRUCK WAS UP HILL BECAUSE ROY WENT UP HILL AFTER HIS BAG, BUT ASTON WENT DOWN HILL AFTER FINDING HIS ELK TO GO TO HIS TRUCK. :dunno:
Why is that perplexing? He said he met Ray alone on a trail, he didn't say "I met a man named Ray at the top of the hill on the trail-head where we both parked our trucks with our gear and walked down the hill together." ... He said - "I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone."
Unless you're hung up on him saying he went "down a trail", which is a figure of speech that many people use when they go along a trail (up or down in elevation), then not sure what part of the story says he also had his truck parked up the hill?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 19, 2016, 05:38:57 PM
Post by: lokidog on September 19, 2016, 05:45:32 PM
THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT PERPLEXES ME, I WAS THINKING HIS TRUCK WAS UP HILL BECAUSE ROY WENT UP HILL AFTER HIS BAG, BUT ASTON WENT DOWN HILL AFTER FINDING HIS ELK TO GO TO HIS TRUCK. :dunno:
Why is that perplexing? He said he met Ray alone on a trail, he didn't say "I met a man named Ray at the top of the hill on the trail-head where we both parked our trucks with our gear and walked down the hill together." ... He said - "I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone."
Unless you're hung up on him saying he went "down a trail", which is a figure of speech that many people use when they go along a trail (up or down in elevation), then not sure what part of the story says he also had his truck parked up the hill?
:yeah:
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 19, 2016, 05:48:15 PM
THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT PERPLEXES ME, I WAS THINKING HIS TRUCK WAS UP HILL BECAUSE ROY WENT UP HILL AFTER HIS BAG, BUT ASTON WENT DOWN HILL AFTER FINDING HIS ELK TO GO TO HIS TRUCK. :dunno:
Why is that perplexing? He said he met Ray alone on a trail, he didn't say "I met a man named Ray at the top of the hill on the trail-head where we both parked our trucks with our gear and walked down the hill together." ... He said - "I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone."
Unless you're hung up on him saying he went "down a trail", which is a figure of speech that many people use when they go along a trail (up or down in elevation), then not sure what part of the story says he also had his truck parked up the hill?
:yeah:
THE MODS ARE GANGING UP ON ME! :chuckle:
JUST WAS WEIRD TO ME, THAT'S ALL. :sry:
Post by: Mauser on September 19, 2016, 06:10:00 PM
Post by: Muleyslyr on September 19, 2016, 07:11:38 PM
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 19, 2016, 07:18:55 PM
Amazing that guys are gonna come on here and try and pick his story apart! I'm sure dude didn't swallow his pride to come on here and make up some BS story just because. I totally believe Ray stashed that Elk and came back later to get it. Could've easily gutted it and drug it off into some thick crap. Guess we'll never know, but cut the guy some slack!
WASN'T TRYING TO PICK HIS STORY APART. :twocents: BUT I DO BELIEVE RAY IS EATING ELK NOW. ;)
Post by: snake on September 19, 2016, 07:19:35 PM
Post by: csaaphill on September 19, 2016, 07:36:37 PM
No one has asked though did you notch the tag or just tie it to it's leg? If not then you could still use same tag, but if so then yeah report it lost and get another one. Not sure if there's a late hunt over there or no but worth a shot.
I'd report it as well I think you never know.
It does suck that crap like that happens I've heard horror stories worse than this happening that's for sure. Where armed confrontation came of it. :yike: and the ones pulling the gun weren't even the ones who'd shot that animal :bash:
If nothing more if you have a deer tag still go get a deer. :tup:
Post by: Astonb86 on September 19, 2016, 08:44:21 PM
Yes thank you, we did meet down the hill at the trail head and I meant we continued on the path which actually went up hill... A lot :chuckle:THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT PERPLEXES ME, I WAS THINKING HIS TRUCK WAS UP HILL BECAUSE ROY WENT UP HILL AFTER HIS BAG, BUT ASTON WENT DOWN HILL AFTER FINDING HIS ELK TO GO TO HIS TRUCK. :dunno:
Why is that perplexing? He said he met Ray alone on a trail, he didn't say "I met a man named Ray at the top of the hill on the trail-head where we both parked our trucks with our gear and walked down the hill together." ... He said - "I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone."
Unless you're hung up on him saying he went "down a trail", which is a figure of speech that many people use when they go along a trail (up or down in elevation), then not sure what part of the story says he also had his truck parked up the hill?
Way to look out Smossy's Girl :tup:
Post by: Astonb86 on September 19, 2016, 08:47:09 PM
Amazing that guys are gonna come on here and try and pick his story apart! I'm sure dude didn't swallow his pride to come on here and make up some BS story just because. I totally believe Ray stashed that Elk and came back later to get it. Could've easily gutted it and drug it off into some thick crap. Guess we'll never know, but cut the guy some slack!Hey thanks man, yeah already feel like crap just spreading the word. Dont want anyone else making my mistake but Ill take the heat regardless it was a stupid move and I can admit that.
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 19, 2016, 08:54:40 PM
Yes thank you, we did meet down the hill at the trail head and I meant we continued on the path which actually went up hill... A lot :chuckle:THAT'S THE ONLY THING THAT PERPLEXES ME, I WAS THINKING HIS TRUCK WAS UP HILL BECAUSE ROY WENT UP HILL AFTER HIS BAG, BUT ASTON WENT DOWN HILL AFTER FINDING HIS ELK TO GO TO HIS TRUCK. :dunno:
Why is that perplexing? He said he met Ray alone on a trail, he didn't say "I met a man named Ray at the top of the hill on the trail-head where we both parked our trucks with our gear and walked down the hill together." ... He said - "I was alone and began down a trail near Kalama Horse camp around 6 am. On my way I ran into another bow hunter, “Ray” from Centrailia, who also happened to be alone."
Unless you're hung up on him saying he went "down a trail", which is a figure of speech that many people use when they go along a trail (up or down in elevation), then not sure what part of the story says he also had his truck parked up the hill?
Way to look out Smossy's Girl :tup:
OK, NOW IT MAKES SENSE. :tup:
I HAD MY FIRST DEER TAKEN FROM ME, I KNOW YOUR PAIN IT SUCKS. :'(
Post by: DaveMonti on September 19, 2016, 09:25:41 PM
Amazing that guys are gonna come on here and try and pick his story apart! I'm sure dude didn't swallow his pride to come on here and make up some BS story just because. I totally believe Ray stashed that Elk and came back later to get it. Could've easily gutted it and drug it off into some thick crap. Guess we'll never know, but cut the guy some slack!Hey thanks man, yeah already feel like crap just spreading the word. Dont want anyone else making my mistake but Ill take the heat regardless it was a stupid move and I can admit that.
I really don't think you did anything stupid. You put your tag on it, so anyone who came across it would know it was found and claimed. As far as field dressing it, I've left game in warmer weather for longer and have had no problems. For some reason, folks here in Washington think that if you don't gut and quarter and get meat on ice within 15 minutes of it dying, you'll spoil the meat. I've never had meat go bad, even by leaving an animal over night on a warm fall evening when I didn't want to bump it. Turns out it it was a good hit and it didn't go far, but with a night over 70 degrees, the meat was fine.
The person or people who took your elk are just flat out poor examples human beings. They are wrong, not you.
Keep working hard and you will have plenty of freezers full of game in the future!
Post by: jagermiester on September 19, 2016, 10:25:52 PM
Post by: Becky on September 19, 2016, 11:08:37 PM
The person or people who took your elk are just flat out poor examples human beings. They are wrong, not you.:yeah:
Keep working hard and you will have plenty of freezers full of game in the future!
You know the worst part about this. The scumbag that took this elk only did it so he could appear successful to the people in his life. The truth is he's not only an unsuccessful hunter he is also unsuccessful at life. I hope Every bite of that elk taste like guilt. I don't care how long you were away from that elk or weather or not it was tagged or out in the open or whatever. If I and most every other guy on this forum came upon a dead elk. We would look for the successful hunter and pitch in and help. Next time will be better. Good luck deer hunting Aston.:yeah: :yeah:
Yes! I hate hearing/reading about theft of animals. I've read quite a few stories on here where kills were taken at gunpoint, I know in my family there was a couple that had their animal stolen. Why is that a thought in someone's mind?! It's so disgusting, I'm pretty sure they're not starving homeless migrants who need the meat to survive, they're doing it for the trophy/bragging rights/story! What is wrong with those individuals. You should be hunting for personal accomplishments and providing for yourself or your family. You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket. It's such a disheartening theft to steal someone's kill when they worked so hard at getting mentally (mostly) and physically prepared to take a life and these parasites just show up and treat it like it's theirs for the taking. :bash: </rant>
Post by: Timberstalker on September 20, 2016, 05:32:14 AM
You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket.
It just got really weird in here.
Post by: jackmaster on September 20, 2016, 06:36:00 AM
or a huge smoked sausage :peep:
You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket.
It just got really weird in here.
Post by: coachcw on September 20, 2016, 06:40:21 AM
Post by: crowinghen on September 20, 2016, 08:22:09 AM
I will never gut another elk in less its laying in a road which also will probably never happen where I hunt . Sucks that we have to worry about such dushe bags .Move on and learn a lessen , maybe cut off the head or a ear and take it with you next time or change areas .
That's what my husband said- take the head- I guess it's illegal to have a game animal in your possession w/o the head?
anyway thanks for sharing to remind us to be on the alert, sorry this happened to you.
Did you talk to the WDFW about it?
Post by: Becky on September 20, 2016, 08:24:27 AM
Family Guy reference :chuckle: but really just pointing out how ridiculous it is to steal meat.
You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket.
It just got really weird in here.
Post by: TriggerMike on September 20, 2016, 11:06:48 AM
Post by: Landowner on September 20, 2016, 03:16:16 PM
Wonder what a few whiskies do to this story. :chuckle:
Post by: ldjbuff on September 20, 2016, 03:30:12 PM
Post by: andrew_in_idaho on September 20, 2016, 03:43:49 PM
The thing I've never understood about stealing someone else's animal is the why of it. Nowadays I almost seem to try and avoid tagging out early just to avoid the end of the season, granted I am in Idaho and I can deer hunt for 4 months if I wanted to chase seasons from unit to unit, but I just can't fathom how anybody could get any satisfaction from stealing another's kill. I love game meat and always try to make sure my freezer is fully stocked at seasons end but I could never bring myself to the level of needing to steal someone else's hard earned kill.The person or people who took your elk are just flat out poor examples human beings. They are wrong, not you.:yeah:
Keep working hard and you will have plenty of freezers full of game in the future!You know the worst part about this. The scumbag that took this elk only did it so he could appear successful to the people in his life. The truth is he's not only an unsuccessful hunter he is also unsuccessful at life. I hope Every bite of that elk taste like guilt. I don't care how long you were away from that elk or weather or not it was tagged or out in the open or whatever. If I and most every other guy on this forum came upon a dead elk. We would look for the successful hunter and pitch in and help. Next time will be better. Good luck deer hunting Aston.:yeah: :yeah:
Yes! I hate hearing/reading about theft of animals. I've read quite a few stories on here where kills were taken at gunpoint, I know in my family there was a couple that had their animal stolen. Why is that a thought in someone's mind?! It's so disgusting, I'm pretty sure they're not starving homeless migrants who need the meat to survive, they're doing it for the trophy/bragging rights/story! What is wrong with those individuals. You should be hunting for personal accomplishments and providing for yourself or your family. You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket. It's such a disheartening theft to steal someone's kill when they worked so hard at getting mentally (mostly) and physically prepared to take a life and these parasites just show up and treat it like it's theirs for the taking. :bash: </rant>
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Post by: DOUBLELUNG on September 20, 2016, 04:47:40 PM
Post by: splitshot on September 20, 2016, 05:18:23 PM
Post by: Grit dog on September 21, 2016, 10:26:08 AM
also take some pics of him and u with the elk. mike w
Good idear there!
If he didn't want his pic taken there's your sign!
I didn't know hunting had to be like friggen CSI!
Carry a small broken trail cam to hang out of the way when you go back for help? With a note saying " look for the other cameras too"?
Leave a gamies business card taped to the elk when you leave?
Hiding something or marking the elk is great, if you find the perp or animal, but stolen is stolen. How do you check quarters or game bags hanging in every camp?
Fake rattlesnake coiled up next to it?
Trip wire or 2 to make me wonder what else you booby trapped?
I'd think most game theives or theives in general you're not going to get the first timer, so creative ways to make them leave your stuff alone are more appropriate.
Post by: The Gobble-stopper on September 21, 2016, 10:49:14 AM
I found the elk! Check out the first pic/ first post on this subject. The elk appears to be laying down right in the middle of the pic.. Another quality piece of detective work on my part. Problem solved! :chuckle:Something doesn't sound right with this story.
I was thinking the same thing. No ordinary man could have retrieved an elk by himself in that short amount of time. Generally it take a while to gut it, he would have to split it into a few pieces to load it in his truck, and he had to decide right after the shot to do it, in order to get it out in time.
You may not have noticed OP, but Chuck Norris had actually been in a stare down with that cow, when you came along and shot it, you ruined his hunt. However, he can move much faster through the brush than you and a quick snap of the elk finished it. He then felt nature calling and after returning from his bathroom break he saw you had tagged his prize, he threw the tag on the ground in disgust and carried the elk out under his arm leaving the entrails for the scavenger that you are. You are fortunate that you didn't catch him, I hear he likes elk meat and doesn't like being called a thief.
Who say's the thief hauled it to their truck? They probably stashed it a ways away in the brush then sat and waited for the OP to return, find the thief, giggled at his temper tantrum and cursing, then packed it out hours later. They probably stashed their truck or atv as well if they've been doing this for awhile.
Post by: The Gobble-stopper on September 21, 2016, 10:52:23 AM
I will never gut another elk in less its laying in a road which also will probably never happen where I hunt . Sucks that we have to worry about such dushe bags .Move on and learn a lessen , maybe cut off the head or a ear and take it with you next time or change areas .I never leave the head with the animal. Makes it harder for a thief to prove he shot the animal. And I never gut the animal if I have to leave it. Takes longer for a thief to get it out of the woods before I come back loaded down with fire power ready to have a nice talk. Of course unless its hot weather. But then again I will not hunt on a hot day.
Post by: cavemann on September 21, 2016, 11:17:13 AM
As for everyone giving the guy a hard time as Monday morning quarterbacks, this is why people don't share stories.. Good on Aston for sharing an experience we can learn from. Welcome to the site Aston, not everyone on here is a jack wagon. Thanks for sharing and good luck man.
Post by: Astonb86 on September 21, 2016, 11:43:06 AM
Hey Aston, you can hunt with me anytime.. There is no reason we shouldn't be able to leave a dispatched animal in the field to come back and get it.. There are plenty of hunters on here that have killed animals and needed more than one trip to pack it out.. Gutted, quartered, tagged, not gutted and tagged, skinned, not skinned... A thief is a thief and can still take a gutted animal plugged with cards, shells, pennies and other methods.. If stolen, it's stolen and it still makes the thief a thief.. Good luck to you in your future hunts and adventures and don't let this discourage you.Hey thanks man. And yeah it makes sense, I think a lot for things need to be factored but at the end I can only learn from my mistakes. Next year will be different and I have already begun training again, not that I ever stop.
As for everyone giving the guy a hard time as Monday morning quarterbacks, this is why people don't share stories.. Good on Aston for sharing an experience we can learn from. Welcome to the site Aston, not everyone on here is a jack wagon. Thanks for sharing and good luck man.
Careful I may take you up on that offer. Im looking for a good hunting partner, someone that will go the distance. Always looking for good people.
Post by: Astonb86 on September 21, 2016, 11:45:35 AM
Spoke with WFWD and let them know what happened, continued to hunt these last couple days. Yesterday was my last, cant afford to come out again. Better luck next time, thanks all for the words of wisdom and or support. Good learning experience, I will get better having experienced this. Good luck to you all hope you season turned out well. 8)
Post by: rosscrazyelk on September 21, 2016, 04:00:56 PM
Sorry to hear
Post by: WSU on September 21, 2016, 04:05:14 PM
I had a animal stolen from me when I was a kid. Strong armed more like it.
Sorry to hear
Same with me, although I was 15 or 16. In my case, I tracked the elk from where I shot it and there were two guys standing over it that made it clear it was theirs.
Post by: csaaphill on September 21, 2016, 04:16:22 PM
Update to all.good for you keep at it next time it's yours, not some thief's.
Spoke with WFWD and let them know what happened, continued to hunt these last couple days. Yesterday was my last, cant afford to come out again. Better luck next time, thanks all for the words of wisdom and or support. Good learning experience, I will get better having experienced this. Good luck to you all hope you season turned out well. 8)
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 21, 2016, 04:42:31 PM
Bum deal there is lots of scum out there.
Post by: Astonb86 on September 21, 2016, 08:13:31 PM
Oh man whats up austin! Mark was just telling me this story and i put it together. Its matt w.Small world, yeah super crappy but what are you going to do. I have considered coming up that way a time or two but I dont know. Didnt have great luck during rifle season in high school. You guys do have some good spots for birds though maybe Ill come for that.
Bum deal there is lots of scum out there.
Post by: tgomez on September 21, 2016, 10:36:49 PM
Post by: Vandal44 on September 22, 2016, 04:35:33 AM
Post by: Duckgtr on September 22, 2016, 08:30:12 AM
Hey Aston, you can hunt with me anytime.. There is no reason we shouldn't be able to leave a dispatched animal in the field to come back and get it.. There are plenty of hunters on here that have killed animals and needed more than one trip to pack it out.. Gutted, quartered, tagged, not gutted and tagged, skinned, not skinned... A thief is a thief and can still take a gutted animal plugged with cards, shells, pennies and other methods.. If stolen, it's stolen and it still makes the thief a thief.. Good luck to you in your future hunts and adventures and don't let this discourage you.- Ray
As for everyone giving the guy a hard time as Monday morning quarterbacks, this is why people don't share stories.. Good on Aston for sharing an experience we can learn from. Welcome to the site Aston, not everyone on here is a jack wagon. Thanks for sharing and good luck man.
:chuckle: couldn't help it
Post by: Bill W on September 22, 2016, 08:39:09 AM
Anyways he was down on the coast and shot one on the other side of a small river. As he was getting ready to find a way across another guy walked up to the elk and was working on tagging it. He told my friend he wouldn't be able to get across before it was tagged. Words were passed and my friend told me he shot the other guy's rifle in the floor plate to disable it. There was no discussion on who's elk it was after that. The 70's were a different era and people were different back then.
Post by: JDHasty on September 22, 2016, 08:51:09 AM
I had an older guy tell me about one that was almost stolen from him in the 70's. The older guy had a bit of the wild man in him, probably why we got along back then.
Anyways he was down on the coast and shot one on the other side of a small river. As he was getting ready to find a way across another guy walked up to the elk and was working on tagging it. He told my friend he wouldn't be able to get across before it was tagged. Words were passed and my friend told me he shot the other guy's rifle in the floor plate to disable it. There was no discussion on who's elk it was after that. The 70's were a different era and people were different back then.
I have a friend who shot one across the Clearwater River back in the 1980s and he had some guys giving him the finger etc as they proceeded to steal his elk.... it did not work out well for them.
Post by: OutHouse on September 22, 2016, 08:51:27 AM
Post by: JDHasty on September 22, 2016, 09:17:34 AM
Harry Callahan: Anybody can tell I didn't do that to him.
Chief: How?
Harry Callahan: Cause he looks too damn good, that's how!
Post by: Astonb86 on September 22, 2016, 12:28:52 PM
:chuckle: Haha well playedHey Aston, you can hunt with me anytime.. There is no reason we shouldn't be able to leave a dispatched animal in the field to come back and get it.. There are plenty of hunters on here that have killed animals and needed more than one trip to pack it out.. Gutted, quartered, tagged, not gutted and tagged, skinned, not skinned... A thief is a thief and can still take a gutted animal plugged with cards, shells, pennies and other methods.. If stolen, it's stolen and it still makes the thief a thief.. Good luck to you in your future hunts and adventures and don't let this discourage you.- Ray
As for everyone giving the guy a hard time as Monday morning quarterbacks, this is why people don't share stories.. Good on Aston for sharing an experience we can learn from. Welcome to the site Aston, not everyone on here is a jack wagon. Thanks for sharing and good luck man.
:chuckle: couldn't help it
Post by: Astonb86 on September 22, 2016, 12:31:16 PM
That sucks!!!! I know the feeling. I shot a 5x4 whitetail above 150" 8 years ago and had someone steal my deer heading back to my vehicle to get my pack frame. When I returned my buck was gone, only a gut pile remained. It was my biggest whitetail I have ever harvested and was also my longest kill shot at 387 yards. I don't know how people can even do it. You got that elk, so hold your head high. Sorry about your luck. As for the POS who stole it, as the say Karma is a .....!>:( Sounds like a greater loss than mine. I would be livid had that happened to me. At least we have the memories of the action. Cant take that away. :tup:
Post by: npaull on September 22, 2016, 12:41:09 PM
Post by: Billy Fudd on September 22, 2016, 02:28:54 PM
Post by: scottr on September 22, 2016, 09:57:32 PM
Not sure if this was mentioned. But here is solid advice.
Always carry a blank card or business card with you. If you ever have to leave a kill alone for any length of time. Stick this card with your name, number, wild I'd number etc etc with the animal. Tightly roll the card up and slide it into the mouth of the animal. Deep into the cheek. A place you can inform wdfw of. And a place no hunter would really think to look....well until now since I spilled the beans.
Easier than this, use a dollar bill. One half with you, the other hidden in your elk. Waterproof and serial numbers that match.
Post by: DaveMonti on September 22, 2016, 10:15:22 PM
Let's get real, we're not hunting in Little House on the Prairie days where everyone is only as mobile as their horse and everyone knows one another.
I always thought that the best way to stay out of trouble is to avoid it. Same can be said here, the best way to keep your game is to prevent it from being stolen.
Post by: RC3 on September 23, 2016, 12:43:58 PM
Post by: Fullabull on September 24, 2016, 10:36:16 PM
Post by: The100Road on September 24, 2016, 11:05:14 PM
Hey Aston, my dad was talking to an elderly fellow overlooking the big clear cut who told him about your story. We have hunted that area and camped above horse camp for the last ten years or so.was really sorry to hear the story but glad you are sharing it here. I drive a dark red Ram with licence plate ELKNUT. If you ever need help there, come find me.is your name Ray? :sry:
Post by: Jimmy33 on September 25, 2016, 08:05:18 AM
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Post by: Fullabull on September 25, 2016, 07:42:17 PM
Post by: The100Road on September 25, 2016, 08:01:16 PM
No Road, I'm 56 and my dad is 76. Would take a lot younger guys to get an elk out in such a short period of time. Takes me a long time to get and elk quartered and moved. But I have helped others pack out elk and I'm always willing to lend a hand. That's what real hunters do.just being a smart*** :tup:
Post by: GregE on September 26, 2016, 10:53:56 PM
Definitely check out the gutless method, gets the meat up to cool and Clean..
Post by: LeviD1 on October 02, 2016, 09:08:13 AM
Post by: M_ray on October 03, 2016, 05:37:26 PM
And no may name isnt Ray as some think my screen name suggests ;)
Post by: KFhunter on October 03, 2016, 05:39:02 PM
Centrailia isnt all that big how many "Ray's" can there be? :dunno:
And no may name isnt Ray as some think my screen name suggests ;)
Maybe the thief's name wasn't really Ray but a screen name he uses ;)
Post by: M_ray on October 03, 2016, 05:44:53 PM
Centrailia isnt all that big how many "Ray's" can there be? :dunno:
And no may name isnt Ray as some think my screen name suggests ;)
Maybe the thief's name wasn't really Ray but a screen name he uses ;)
Yeah good point but I'd still give it a try, Its not that expensive to do a people search or you could just take the 19.95 and go hang out in one of the bars in town and prob get an ID on the guy before you know it! :tup:
Post by: Allen23 on October 09, 2016, 05:47:54 PM
Post by: Piscatory_5 on October 13, 2016, 12:24:16 AM
Post by: Torrent50 on October 13, 2016, 07:51:39 PM
Post by: Thefishguy77 on October 18, 2016, 03:55:54 PM
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