Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: donimator on November 11, 2010, 03:42:44 PM

Title: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: donimator on November 11, 2010, 03:42:44 PM: I have been hunting elk on weekends for at least 6yrs due to having limited vacation. Last year, I was able to put in a solid week in the Crowded Winston Unit. No success last year from our camp, but we did learn tons and had a good plan in place for opening morning. We saw elk in this particular timber thicket a few times and knew that if we went in, the road hunters would keep them there. Opening morning 2010 arrived and we all set out to our designated places we discovered last year. I started the morning glassing the timber line at first light just waiting for it to get a little bit lighter to venture into the timber. I slowly worked my way across the large clear cut and slipped into the dark mossy timber.
I slowly worked my way deeper and deeper until I could not see the edge of the cut. I began working my way across the timber parallel between the creek below and the clear cut. My nerves were on edge the entire time, listening for the slightest crack of a stick or swish of the ferns. As I crossed a small stream, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye. Elk! Just one butt disappears into the timber. I sat there for 10minutes glassing that spot listening to hear and see nothing at all. As I continue on in that direction, at about 9:30 I heard a crack! My heart pumped with excitement just to turn around and see one of my buddies. Doh! We chatted for a minute then went our separate directions through the timber trying to close the distance on the elk butt I saw disappear. At about 10:00 I cross another small stream and spot some super fresh tracks in the mud. I thought, ahh this looks good… then crack! I look up to see an elk slowly moving through the timber to my left. I can visibly see antlers that are fairly tall! I swing up my rifle count 1, 2, 3 points and squeeze the trigger. The bull just merely flinches and moved forward about 15yds, stops and looks at me. I re-chamber another round and squeeze another one off and the bull hits the ground! Then I start shaking like mad and realize I just downed the first elk of my Life.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB060001.jpg&hash=aa2446ff01421445491db2680384f723766006aa)

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I reached a buddy on the radio to call Elk Down! He worked his way back to his truck and headed my way. The other buddy that I had just saw 30min before took over an hour to find me since the forest is so thick. Once he got there we got some pictures and gutted it out.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB060019.jpg&hash=41c978d2e1353920a9a6e5360b761d2594722dee)

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(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB060024.jpg&hash=41a4931edcbc4d5f16cca98c46a0b6e23fba953a)

We looked at the GPS and realized we were only a few hundred yards into the timber and might be able to drag it out hole. 4 hrs later, we were to the rd and were able to get the truck down to it. My buddy and his son that helped with the drag.
< (https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB060028.jpg&hash=6a3533d742706ca2c8274eb6d1255aa112025472)

All Loaded up!
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Saturday evening my best friend showed up to camp. He was just an awe as well as neither one of us had shot an elk.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB070033.jpg&hash=3314a4ddf2a8cfdb06b7d76175905e071c27a847)

I spent Sunday afternoon running to town to get more tarps and game bags to get it all covered up good for the rest of our stay. It was dark by the time we got my elk all covered up and in “storage” mode. About an hour after dark the guys that went out for the evening hunt had not come back yet. We started to get worried thinking they were stuck or broke down. Boy we were wrong! My best friend bagged a nice 4pt as well. They were about ½ mile north in the next thick timber stand they found. No field shots, but a few of our two bulls posing.
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB070037.jpg&hash=9d93d4665b8121e999d7f66caa247995e1646287)

(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi47.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ff165%2Fdonimator18%2FElk%2FPB070035.jpg&hash=767efcca9b436b7493cd0455e644e140f047ef4c)
Crazy Happy Camp right here!
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It was a elk camp we will all never forget! I got them all hung in the garage now with some new chain hoists and are having a big butcher party beginning tomorrow.
Thanks for all the info on this website as well. I have been reading all summer long and last year on what is successful for elk. The deep dark timber is where they are at that’s for sure!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: washelkhntr on November 11, 2010, 03:44:16 PM: Thanks for the pic and write up. Congrats!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: ser300wsm on November 11, 2010, 03:47:47 PM: Awesome, congrats to you both. Great pics... Yes they r in the timber !!!! :brew:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: bushmaster on November 11, 2010, 03:52:44 PM: :tup: :tup: :brew: Nice work, you earned it!!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: wsucowboy on November 11, 2010, 03:56:50 PM: congrats on a good hunt!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Jellymon on November 11, 2010, 04:02:07 PM: These hunts are so much better to see and read about than, "wow another 350 bull off a ranch." Feels so much better when you do it yourself!!!!! Congrats!!!!! :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Austrian Hunter on November 11, 2010, 04:02:57 PM: Nice Job!!!!! That is the best eating there is :drool:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: BENCHLEG on November 11, 2010, 04:11:24 PM: CONGRATS AND NICE JOB. :) :o
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Tony 270 on November 11, 2010, 04:17:09 PM: Thats awesome! Nice pics
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: USAFpj on November 11, 2010, 04:23:42 PM: Congrats! Now that's huntin'. Beautiful timber btw
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Hawk I on November 11, 2010, 04:27:06 PM: Great bulls, and sounds like a fun time
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Yeti on November 11, 2010, 04:47:00 PM: :brew: Congrats!!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: sdwwaverider on November 11, 2010, 05:05:53 PM: Great write up! And awesome Winston bulls :o :drool: Congrat!!!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: tip on November 11, 2010, 05:15:50 PM: Nice job guys!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: donimator on November 11, 2010, 07:54:37 PM: Thanks for all the congrats! Just ate my first elk tenderloin for dinner and WHOA!!! that is some good stuff! I have a feeling when I go to the freezer and have the decision between elk and deer, I will be reaching for the elk first.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: C-Money on November 11, 2010, 07:59:18 PM: Congrats on both elk! What cal rifles did you folks use?
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: donimator on November 11, 2010, 08:15:38 PM: I got mine with a 30-06 using 180gr core lokts. My frient uses a 7mm win mag with core lokts.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Screaminreelz on November 11, 2010, 08:24:49 PM: You guys camped on the 1000 line side?
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: zackmioli on November 11, 2010, 08:25:36 PM: about what elevation were you at?

congrats on the nice bulls. i went out today and hit some timber hard to no avail.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: donimator on November 11, 2010, 08:30:53 PM: About 900ft of elevation. Not the 1000 line. We were camped on DNR Property and drove into wherehauser each day.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: krout81 on November 11, 2010, 08:50:01 PM: YUMMMMMMMY Good Job
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Wea300mag on November 11, 2010, 09:19:08 PM: Well done guys, congrats on your first elk. :rockin:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: vtec on November 11, 2010, 09:56:18 PM: WELL DONE!!!! Congrats on the bulls nothing better than a bull down:)
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: USAFpj on November 11, 2010, 09:58:22 PM: Quote
WELL DONE!!!! Congrats on the bulls nothing better than a bull down:)

Except for maybe a wise ol' lead cow :twocents:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: stickbuck on November 11, 2010, 10:02:20 PM: Great job guys!! Congrats on two nice bulls!!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Michelle_Nelson on November 11, 2010, 11:57:01 PM: Good job guys!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: scout88 on November 12, 2010, 12:40:48 AM: congrats to both of you, nice bulls!!!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: BackStrappin on November 12, 2010, 12:25:00 PM: Sounds like one heck of a Elk Hunt this year for you guy.

2 first time Elk... Nice !
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: BushMonster on November 12, 2010, 12:39:56 PM: Great job guys!

I went down there on Mon/Tues this week and hiked my butt off down near Winston Creek behind some gates and saw one cow.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: tshoote30 on November 12, 2010, 12:49:21 PM: :drool: CONGRATS NICE BULLS!!!! :rockin:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: MIKEXRAY on November 12, 2010, 12:56:52 PM: Awesome, best story I have read on here this year. Congrats, now they get easier " Once you figure it out " Mike
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: WAcoyotehunter on November 12, 2010, 01:13:19 PM: nice job!! all that scouting and hard work paid off bigtime!! :)
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: MLBowhunting on November 12, 2010, 01:55:53 PM: great job and congrats. that is a great memory that will last a lifetime
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Yelm hunter on November 13, 2010, 06:58:13 PM: I don't want you giving us your honey hole information... But with Port Blakely being closed and access to the 3000 line and Green Mt. Road walk in only... Around what road or area did you guys score these bulls on?
Congratulations guys!!
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: SemperFidelis97 on November 14, 2010, 01:34:04 AM: Great write up, and great bulls congrats on a successful year.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Drifterat on November 14, 2010, 06:41:46 AM: Nice job guys!

I love the deep dark timber.
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: Hunter Dug on November 14, 2010, 07:16:55 AM: Way to go guys, must be nice getting the hole bull out in one trip. :brew:
Title: Re: Double Winston Success! 2 Hunters first Elk!
Post by: cashmerekev on November 14, 2010, 09:12:48 AM: Great job! You learned and got a plan and it worked!