Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: Tony 270WSM on September 15, 2009, 05:02:07 PM

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Title: Close, but not a winner
Post by: Tony 270WSM on September 15, 2009, 05:02:07 PM

So this morning I went to a place my old neighbor showed me last year (and back then he said I could go to any place he shows me) in search of a bull. Last year he kept seeing a nice 5-point bull there just before opening day of rifle season. First season I should specify. Since nobody there had a first season tag he took me out and, unfortunately, we couldn't find him. Well this morning I decided to give it a try hoping he made it through both rifle seasons and the first two weeks of archery. Is a bit of a drive to get to, but it is worth it.

Got to the spot, still dark out, so I close my eyes and sleep for a few minutes. Check the light, go back to sleep. Wake up, light looks good so get my stuff and go. There is a nice meadow just three or four minutes off the logging road and as I came up to it, I immediately spotted some elk. Cows and calves, fine with me.

Range them from my position, 111 yards, a bit too far for a bow. Creep up, get behind some trees and range again, 60 yards to a cow that came my way. Little far still, am about to creep up to some tall grass and close the distance another 10 yards when I see some more elk coming out. Another cow, another cow, holy man... a nice, big 6 point bull! Man is he looking good!

Forget a cow, I want that bull... He's way too far and following the cows, but since they're headed my way, I stepped back to where I was and stayed in the trees. Would rather stay there and be concealed than go up to the tall grass and be spotted easily should they pass by. Well thats all fine and dandy, but the bull had other ideas. Came around, starting herding up his cows and pushed them into the tress. Oh no... not coming towards me, but could potentially spot me if I tried to move up now. I stay where I was and hoped he'd come closer.

They start heading in, he's following so I blow a couple cow calls. Looks over at me, back to his ladies. Call again. Looks at me, doesn't buy it and come. As he is heading in, I get a clear view, but he walked away and to the woods rather than staying on his present line. Ranged him at 74 yards. Now I'm wishing I had gone up another 10 to the grass plus had a potential opportunity before he walked away. That was that...



Went into the woods not long after and found the cows before they spotted me. Couldn't see him, didn't know where he was, till he told them to hurry up or come with him or whatever he was saying. Let out a loud bark or huff or whatever you call it. Just out of sight, but way out of range and too much brush. Might try for him Sunday.

Title: Re: Close, but not a winner
Post by: ICEMAN on September 15, 2009, 08:58:50 PM

Very cool. Hope it works out for you.