Hunting Washington Forum
Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Astonb86 on September 18, 2016, 01:21:06 PM
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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.
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If it was me I'd report it and see if you can get a replacement tag...essentially your tag was stolen....worth a shot! Sad that other hunters would do this....
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Very unfortunate young man. It's not unique though. I am not sure why people think it's acceptable behavior but it happens quite often. Sorry to hear, keep your head up and contact enforcement and try cashing Olympia with a case number.
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:bash:
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
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That just sucks. I hope Karma catches up with them.
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Thats low indeed. Id try and get a 2nd tag.
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I have gone over these scenarios many times in my head.
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.
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Sorry to hear it, but you will persevere.
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.
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read hunting regs page 5
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Need to report it for the good of the order. WDFW may be familiar with Ray.
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.
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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.
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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.
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:
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Sad deal man. If it was "Ray" or not, he's a DB for bailing out in the first place. Knew there was gonna be some work involved, so he bailed. Good chances are he also was the guy to take the knife to the downed cow. Pretty sickening to know this happens quite often these days.
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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.
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Get down to the licence place and replace your tag as lost.Get out scouting and get on another legal elk and put this lesson to work for you.Never ever trust some guy you meet up with as your partner unless you are sure he's a regular guy. I would of said to him after he miss his shot,how about we share this elk that I just shot and shake hands on it like adults do. I never seen a bunch of John Waynes like I read on this site.Do we all live in a world of our own? Do you not share what you harvest to those who are less able or lucky to harvest game? I would have told the guy right there that I wished he would have gotten his shot to connect but how about helping me track the cow and shared it.I have hunted with parties and some guys were never lucky to kill a deer or elk in many years but everyone got to share the meat as they all worked to help those who were lucky enough to make the shot by packing it out and in camp by doing chores,cooking food and telling lies around the fire. Get 'er done and forgive as the bitterness will eat on you to the point of you never enjoying hunting again.
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That sucks! My hubby had an elk stolen from him- he too had to come home and tell me how he'd shot an elk, but had it taken.
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.
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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.
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That's a heck of a hard way to learn a lesson on your first animal. Sorry to hear it, I suppose whoever got that cow felt they had a right to it. These days it seems like integrity is in pretty short supply.
Hope you get another tag out of the deal.
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Sorry for your luck, a tough lesson learned. My buddy had his elk stolen this year in Naneum. He waited to trail it after the shot, then found a gut pile at the end of the blood trail. People suck in general, but you expect better from a fellow hunter :bash:
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How did you attach your tag to the elk?
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I think Ray knew exactly what he was doing, and knew the area well. Once he saw were the elk went knew he could get to his truck and get it out before you could catch him. He was probably close by watching you until you left, and then went to work on the elk getting gone before you got back. :twocents:
Was that pic taken from the road?
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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.
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The same thing happened to a friend of mine a couple of years ago. He tagged & gutted his Cow and went back to his truck to wait for help to get it out. It was in a walk-in only area. When they got back to the Cow it was gone & there were fresh Quad tracks all around were the Cow had been.
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.
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In the case of a cow and having to leave it, couldn't you cut out a tooth and take it with you, Not too hard to determin later, if need be, that the tooth in your pocket matches the missing tooth in cow's mouth.
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.
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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.
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That's pretty low, I doubt some random dude found your elk and was able to get it out alone before you got back. Hell, who can load a whole elk in their truck alone??? I suspect Ray knew he could get it out before you got back and was watching you. Kudos to you Ray, now we have even more reasons to not trust our fellow hunters.
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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.
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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.
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:
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.
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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.
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That friggin sucks! And on your first kill at that! Call it in for sure, you never know what can happen.
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!
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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?
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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?
Thats probably a user error on my account, Im new to the forum and was trying to figure that out...
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Man that sucks. 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. Sucks that you can't trust people these days, even another Hunter.
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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!!!
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Man that sucks. I agree with most of these guys in that you need to report it to Wdfw. I would also call around to local butchers to see if your cow was dropped off around that time by a guy named Ray. Hope you get your tag back and bag a bigger one.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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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.
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I too had my first elk taken. It's a bummer for sure, but there's more elk in the woods.
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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?
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Ray looks very guilty.
Stolen game is one reason I do not hunt alone, most importantly getting hurt out there.
Always hunt with trustworthy person.
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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.
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Had a friend wake up to an El Camino backed up under the meat pole. This happened 35 years ago and they got the meat back. IIRC, it was a couple quartered elk. I don't remember everything about the incident but it did involve a high speed chase on Hwy 101.
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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.
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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:
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Very ingenious of you.
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Something doesn't sound right with this story.
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Something doesn't sound right with this story.
How so?
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Something doesn't sound right with this story.
Oh lord...here we go.. There's always one.
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Let me get the popcorn and TINFOIL! :chuckle:
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:tinfoil:
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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.
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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:
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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.
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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?
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I've known more than one game warden who carries an indian head penny or mercury dime that can be slipped inconspicuously into a carcass or part thereof, to later be able to confirm that animal was the same one earlier encountered.
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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:
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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:
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This stuff happens more than we like to think. I went back with a friend to pack his animal out a few years back only to find his tag tied to a stick in the middle of the gut pile. On another occasion, an acquaintance packed his buck out to the road and then went for his truck. When he returned, the deer was gone and his tag was in the middle of the road.
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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!
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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. ;)
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You did nothing wrong. Some things in life just happen and there is nothing you can do about it. Either way, you had a successful hunt and you should focus on that.
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Well............ Welcome to the forum and grats on getting back into hunting, or taking it up. My moneys on Ray as well. He's going with you at first to help with your elk then all of a sudden say's he forgot his bag and is later gone from the camp ground he said.
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:
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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?
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:
Way to look out Smossy's Girl :tup:
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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.
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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?
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:
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. :'(
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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!
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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.
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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!
:yeah:
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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You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket.
It just got really weird in here.
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You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket.
It just got really weird in here.
or a huge smoked sausage :peep:
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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 .
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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?
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You want to steal something go stuff your pants with ham at a supermarket.
It just got really weird in here.
Family Guy reference :chuckle: but really just pointing out how ridiculous it is to steal meat.
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Were there no drag marks on the ground around the gut pile? Were you not able to tell if it was dragged to the road and loaded in a vehicle or if the ground was disturbed in any other way?
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Bizarre.
Wonder what a few whiskies do to this story. :chuckle:
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So sorry to hear about your elk
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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!
:yeah:
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>
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.
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You didn't do anything stupid. A criminal committed a crime, and your property was stolen.
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also take some pics of him and u with the elk. mike w
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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.
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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.
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:
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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Update to all.
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)
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I had a animal stolen from me when I was a kid. Strong armed more like it.
Sorry to hear
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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.
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Update to all.
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)
good for you keep at it next time it's yours, not some thief's.
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Oh man whats up austin! Mark was just telling me this story and i put it together. Its matt w.
Bum deal there is lots of scum out there.
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Oh man whats up austin! Mark was just telling me this story and i put it together. Its matt w.
Bum deal there is lots of scum out there.
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.
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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 .....!
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This is not the first story I have heard about an elk being stolen. I don't know how a person could steal another individuals elk. I would report my tag s lost and get another tag.
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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.
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.
- Ray
:chuckle: couldn't help it
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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.
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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.
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I've taken a little time to examine this thread and it made me come to a disturbing conclusion. This thievery happens so often it means when hunting public land we have to pursue the wounded animal even if it means we push it out of range and perhaps never find it or have an opportunity to put it down. Those instances where the elk could otherwise be left alone to die now have to be pursued differently i.e. do not let it rest and die because some criminal will steal the kill. This could result in more lost animals. I hope you find the guy...
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And Harry Callahan has an excuse.
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!
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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.
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.
- Ray
:chuckle: couldn't help it
:chuckle: Haha well played
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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:
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I really can hardly believe stuff like this happens. So, so low. Sad that there are people who behave this way, and sorry it happened to you.
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Tag in the ear. Cut off head. Take with you or hide well away from the carcass. Sorry for your loss.
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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.
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I know all this talk of leaving something in the animal that can be used to identify it as yours is well meant, but has anyone actually done this, found the animal that was stolen, and had a LEO there to find the secret stash and recovered their animal? Sounds like a lot of "Ha, I can outwit a thief" back patting, but once your game is gone, you've got to find the thief in possession of the game and have quite a few things line up just right to get your meat back. I'd bet that most of the folks that plant something on their game and have the game stolen lose the game AND whatever they planted on it. I'd also bet most folks stealing game are butchering it themselves instead of taking it to a processor.
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.
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Sorry about how it all went down. Good learning experience, one thing I'd say for advice is to always have a knife with you. I also don't gut my animals anymore but, I don't agree with some others if I was going to wait any length of time at all i'd gut it. I am more on the get it on ice as fast as you can boat!
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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.
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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:
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Inbelievable
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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.
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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:
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CArry enough stuff with you to take care of your critter. A knife, several lengths of para cord will get you started. Add some marking ribbon to help you find your way back. Maybe to a spot near the downed ELK but not right to it given the experiences shared here.
Definitely check out the gutless method, gets the meat up to cool and Clean..
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Always hunt with your pack elk hunting imo. Specially if your walking in someplace. Every time I have ever thought I may not need something I end up needing it. If you can afford it purchase a pack that is also a pack frame in one. Sorry to hear about your elk. I have yet to get one so I know how I would feel.
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Centrailia isnt all that big how many "Ray's" can there be? :dunno: might be worth the 19.95$ for a people search?
And no may name isnt Ray as some think my screen name suggests ;)
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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 ;)
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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:
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You spend enough time in the woods, you're gonna run into some strange things and people. I have heard all kinds of stories from people getting back to their tent after a long day of hunting only to find other campers helping themselves to everything and sleeping in it, all the way to stollen horses. It is unfortunate that there are people out there that think only of themselves. Hind sight is always 20/20 and if you don't learn something every time you go out and enjoy the outdoors, you're doing it wrong. And I have never heard of any old timer looking back on his hunting career and not having a couple hiccups in it. Chin up and use it to keep you hungry for next year!! Good luck.
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Dad always told me "If you have to leave cut off the head and hide it". Maybe take the udder too. Dad did have a deer stole from him from the trunk of his car back in the day. He contacted the game warden and eventually go ta call to come identify it. He told them it had a silver dollar size white spot on one hip and the heart and liver were on a forked stick up in the chest cavity. they caught the guy at a check station, which was pretty common back then too...When I get one down I'm usually calling for help from someone and at least letting them know I have killed something. Hope you reported it.
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Just a thought. Stop by Lucky Shot in Chehalis (Centralia) and tell them about what happened. Describe Ray to them. Probably not a lot of people named Ray (if it is really his name) that shoot a recurve. They are a pretty popular shop/range in that area and might know who the guy is.
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Never shot an elk myself but dad always used to cut an earoff or the tung with him. Also had a buddy that used to tear a dollar bill in half and stick one half deep in the cheek.
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