Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: vandeman17 on July 28, 2010, 03:35:00 PM

Title: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 28, 2010, 03:35:00 PM: I have kind of a weird question for you guys. My dad and I are going on a guided elk hunting trip this September and have been discussing strategy as far as what we hold out for and when we start to lower our standards. We want to get a respectable bull but aren't holding out for a monster by any stretch. I have done alot of research, seen alot of shows and feel like I have a pretty good idea of judging a score for a bull. I was wondering if anyone has any pics, links to pics etc of some 300" bulls. I have tried to search online and can find alot of pictures of big bulls, 350" bulls and all that but it would be nice to have some in the 295"-305" range. I would like to have a few to show the old man so he can have an idea of what I see as our "bottom end" bull, at least for the first few days of the hunt. ;)
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Elkpiss on July 28, 2010, 04:39:27 PM: Where you guys going if you dont mind me asking? Maybe i can tell you if you should hold out or not by how good of spot you are at..
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 28, 2010, 04:43:31 PM: We will be hunting in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Northwest Montana.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 28, 2010, 04:57:15 PM: Based upon that, I would ask your guide what a reasonable size to hold out for is. There are Wolves in the Bob, and grizzlies. I know some big elk come out of there, but I am not sure what the ratio is. You may be looking to take the first 6 point you see...
The quickest way to judge an elk is to look for the G5 (the next point right behind the Royal). If it is small, then you are looking at a young 6 point (probably "first year 6"). If that point is longer (8" or 9"), your bull is probably approaching the 300" mark, if it is almost as long as the royal point, then you are looking at a trophy bull. Of course all the other points are what actually makes the bull score well, but that G5 is a good, quick indicator.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Crowns on July 28, 2010, 05:17:50 PM: I agree 100% with Pathfinder here. That is the very quick way. Obviously its the entire rack that scores, like he says. I use a variation of this. That would be my first glance to see his 5ths. Next look over is for flaws. Do any points look considerable shorter? Broken? Missing all together? And then its 3rds. Generally speaking thirds make a B&C bull. All too often bulls lack the length. This all happens extremely fast. It comes with time and seeing lots of critters. Just my :twocents:

Here is your 300". Thirds are weak. No width. But on a quick judge you cant always get them looking right at you.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 28, 2010, 05:27:03 PM: We have talked to the owner as well as some of the guides and they say their average bull is between 275" and 325" so that helped solidify our thoughts about 300" as our baseline. I agree with the quick field judging and that is how I do it is by first looking at the G5 then I look at the fronts to see if they go out to his nose or longer and compare those to the G3. All in all, since I haven't shot a bull before, I will be happy with any bull but it is still a fun challenge to try and find a good bull since we are going with an outfitter.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Crowns on July 28, 2010, 05:34:33 PM: 307 Gross with a 40" spread. I think it was around 295 Net Typ.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 28, 2010, 05:39:01 PM: I would be happy with both those bulls. First morning it would be tough to shoot him but at the same time, it would be just as tough to pass him up. Since we are hunting the rut, I am basing part of my decision on the over pursuit of the bull too. If we play cat and mouse with him, he puts on a great show and it is just a really memorable stalk then I might take him just for that reason. My dad has always told me that some of his "best" trophies are the ones that gave him the hardest challenge and most memorable hunt!
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 28, 2010, 05:52:16 PM: yep that is spot on ask the guide what the average bull will score that they are taking if its 275" i would not think twice about passin on a 300" bull he would be takin a dirt nap :chuckle:. but if there avg is 350" i would pass on a 300" bull.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: SkookumHntr on July 28, 2010, 06:39:49 PM: -This Bull is right in the range your lookin 4, Its a Rosy though.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: bonkellekter on July 28, 2010, 07:08:39 PM: Here is an older bull that mad his way back down to the 300" mark
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: bonkellekter on July 28, 2010, 07:14:00 PM: another that is real close
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: bonkellekter on July 28, 2010, 07:19:27 PM: another unique one with double royals
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Craig on July 28, 2010, 07:45:03 PM: This one is in the 300-325 range.

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_4163-1.jpg&hash=88c4dc9b46cd6bf5a6e084e6518519dda8d9196a)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fv411%2Ftruck1%2FIMG_4159.jpg&hash=6a156ee86b29a863341121c3b673084567c7d9fd)
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: 400out on July 28, 2010, 07:53:34 PM: i love it keep them coming! :drool:
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: bonkellekter on July 28, 2010, 08:50:14 PM: another... closer to 330
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on July 28, 2010, 09:18:32 PM: Lots of good advice. Also ask your outfitter about their success rates. If 50% of their hunters tag a bull, you may wish to pop your bull cherry with the first legal bull. If 90% tag a 6 point, maybe hold out for the top 1/2 of average. Ultimately, presented with a harvest opportunity, if you want him, kill him. You don't owe anyone anything except your own satisfaction with the animal you kill. I've rarely seen a first-time successful elk hunter who wasn't pleased with a branched bull.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: dromero on July 28, 2010, 09:20:38 PM: Elk Hunting the west by Eastman has a section on field judging elk.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: coachcw on July 28, 2010, 10:23:14 PM: The bob has some toads , i killed a 372 bull there and have seen a few others in that range . I'd look for a heavy bull with eye gaurds that tip the nose if his g2 and threes match kill him he'll be 300 if he tops out then the 325 plus range will be met . that beeing said the wolve's will push those bulls into the steep crap be prepared for a trek. Good luck.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: bonkellekter on July 28, 2010, 10:32:12 PM: and a couple more - 353 on the left 345 0n the right
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: whacker1 on July 28, 2010, 10:36:39 PM: great thread - lots of great advice
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: jackelope on July 28, 2010, 10:45:45 PM: there's 13 pages of smoke blowing and stuff here.
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,29512.0.html (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,29512.0.html)
You might find some good info there. There's a ton of pics.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: whacker1 on July 29, 2010, 06:41:41 AM: Thanks Jack - I love that thread
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: 400out on July 29, 2010, 09:43:13 AM: I also will be huning big boys this fall and I love this post it is helping! I've never had the opportunity to do much field judging nor the need to, so I myself hope I can get it done! hope there are some different one to look at could help :dunno:
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 09:47:57 AM: Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 09:43:13 AM
I also will be huning big boys this fall and I love this post it is helping! I've never had the opportunity to do much field judging nor the need to, so I myself hope I can get it done! hope there are some different one to look at could help :dunno:

In my opinion you should get a really good idea as to what a 320" bull looks like and hold out for something like that.

I think Boneaddict's NM bull on the 1st page is right in that 320-330 range.
Shoooooot.............
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: 400out on July 29, 2010, 09:55:15 AM: Quote from: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 09:47:57 AM
Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 09:43:13 AM
I also will be huning big boys this fall and I love this post it is helping! I've never had the opportunity to do much field judging nor the need to, so I myself hope I can get it done! hope there are some different one to look at could help :dunno:

In my opinion you should get a really good idea as to what a 320" bull looks like and hold out for something like that.

I think Boneaddict's NM bull on the 1st page is right in that 320-330 range.
Shoooooot.............

Yeah me too! hey are going up there this weekend? I think me and hoyt2002 are going to be up there sat night.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 10:08:45 AM: I'll be there the weekend of the 13th. Not sure how long I'll be down...maybe till Tuesday the 17th?
Gonna spend a few days in the Tucannon unit.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: 400out on July 29, 2010, 10:33:47 AM: Quote from: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 10:08:45 AM
I'll be there the weekend of the 13th. Not sure how long I'll be down...maybe till Tuesday the 17th?
Gonna spend a few days in the Tucannon unit.

O yeah I forgot about that! god luckon tying one up :chuckle:
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 29, 2010, 10:51:28 AM: These bulls are both out of the "Bob" a few years back. Both well over 300", but keep in mind, these are taken by local guys that hunt the Bob every year on horses. Just FYI.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM: This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me! :bow:
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: 400out on July 29, 2010, 10:58:21 AM: Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me! :bow:
Pictures on the ground are one thing, but I have to see some walking around in and out of trees, hiding behind cows, head down! lots of factors that add to the uncertainty
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Pathfinder101 on July 29, 2010, 11:01:57 AM: Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 10:58:21 AM
Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me! :bow:
Pictures on the ground are one thing, but I have to see some walking around in and out of trees, hiding behind cows, head down! lots of factors that add to the uncertainty

You mean like these guys? (All WELL over 300" by the way...)
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 11:03:45 AM: Quote from: 400out on July 29, 2010, 10:58:21 AM
Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me! :bow:
Pictures on the ground are one thing, but I have to see some walking around in and out of trees, hiding behind cows, head down! lots of factors that add to the uncertainty

Agreed and in the heat of the moment, alot can change but at least we have a baseline of knowledge.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 11:12:16 AM: Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me! :bow:

Click the link I posted in reply #21 in this thread. There's 13 pages of pictures, dead, alive, sheds, etc.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 11:24:41 AM: Quote from: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 11:12:16 AM
Quote from: vandeman17 on July 29, 2010, 10:55:02 AM
This has been a great thread so far guys and with the combination of the link to the previous thread, should provide my old man and I some good resources for judging how big the bull is. Once again, the forum has come through for me! :bow:

Click the link I posted in reply #21 in this thread. There's 13 pages of pictures, dead, alive, sheds, etc.

That was the link I was referring too and I really appreciate you adding that. It made me that much more excited to get out and chase them around soon. I am counting down the days!
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Deer slayer on July 29, 2010, 11:39:17 AM: Quote from: dromero on July 28, 2010, 09:20:38 PM
Elk Hunting the west by Eastman has a section on field judging elk.
I was told that this book was great for judging. Just bought it on amazom.com.
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Redbeard13 on July 29, 2010, 12:41:39 PM: 312" gross 308 1/4" net, Washington State 2008
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: BoomWhop on July 29, 2010, 01:09:00 PM: here is one @335 Gross @ 320 net
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: jackelope on July 29, 2010, 01:10:42 PM: Quote from: BoomWhop on July 29, 2010, 01:09:00 PM
here is one @335 Gross @ 320 net

400out needs to pay close attention to this kind of bull...
;)
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: Skyvalhunter on July 29, 2010, 01:15:15 PM: Hey that looks like Ken's elk!!!
Title: Re: 300" bull
Post by: carpsniperg2 on July 29, 2010, 01:23:17 PM: what a stud wasnt he taken with a smoke pole as well :drool: