Post by: BLUEBULLS on September 30, 2011, 06:41:16 PM
As always, I was checking the permit draw every few minutes just like most of you. I kept getting the “draw not run yet” and then finally it happened. First thing I saw was “unsuccessful” for quality elk, which was a bummer like always but even more so this year as I had applied with my Grandpa for a couple quality muzzy tags. Second thing I noticed was a whole bunch of “selected”. I ended up drawing a bull permit, cow tag, and 2nd deer tag. The bull tag I had drawn wasn’t one to make me start screaming but I knew I finally had a chance. My excitement dwindled as I looked up results of some friends and found that our family and friends had drawn some of the best quality tags in the state, both deer and elk. I wanted to be a part of as many hunts as possible and knew that I had a chance to go and call some of the best bulls in the state so my planning was stressful. To top it all off, my wife and I drew deer tags in Oregon in a remote unit that I know fairly well and knew that we had a chance at good deer. Most of the hunts were spread throughout September and early October so I was going to be busy.
I started scouting my unit in the summer and made a few trips between the end of July and the end of September when the hunt started. My enthusiasm turned south after 3 trips without seeing an elk and only finding small amounts of old sign. Each scouting trip did provide a little information which was like putting together pieces of a puzzle. By watching sign, I slowly learned the habits of these elk I would be hunting and finally, the day before the hunt I found the sign I had been waiting for, fresh tracks. Most of the tracks I found were left by cows/calves but being that it was the end of September, I knew there was a bull or 2 in the neighborhood.
Opening morning found me at an ambush point between feeding and bedding areas. At first light we spotted 2 elk, a cow and possibly a small bull. A few vehicles on a distant road pushed these elk back the way they had come and our day was down to looking for more sign. After finding a few more pieces to our never ending puzzle, we had decided that these elk primarily move in the dark and our time behind the glasses wasn’t going to be effective without continuously moving. Day 1 ended with no more sightings.
Day 2 found me alone and glassing at first light. After the sky lighting up, I knew that my chances of glassing an elk up moving was gone. I decided to search for tracks and hoped that they’d tell me a story. After following dusty trails for a mile or so I finally found where pair of elk had moved through, once the evening before and then back that morning. I knew it was a cow/calf pair that I was following but hoped a bull would be keeping tabs on them. With a constant wind making it tough to glass, I left the tracks hoping I knew the country and bedding areas well enough now that I could sneak in close and glass each draw. After several draws with old beds and sign but no elk, I was getting worn down. It was getting late in the morning and I decided to hike to a vantage point which would allow me to glass several draws and washouts in the general direction the elk had been travelling. Immediately upon cresting the ridge, I spot a bull about a mile away. I had decided at this point that about any bull would do so I started planning my stalk. The bull was standing but I knew he would bed soon and stay there for the day. After glassing for another 20 minutes, I noticed that he had a cow bedded 15 yards above. I took the cow into consideration and also recognized that there were likely more elk bedded nearby. The bull finally bedded and off I went on a 2 mile course that would help me get the wind right and the angle I needed to come in from above, undetected. After about 2 hours of nervousness and bull fever, I was now at a point that I could get my sneaky feet on and ready my gun. I had to give myself some time as I had a serious case of bull fever. I had tingling hands, pounding heart, the whole nine yards. I thought to myself, “man I love this, this is the reason I hunt! Sure hope I don’t have a nervous breakdown… Is this worth it, all this stress I’m putting on myself, am I going to pass out right now? Am I going to screw this up? Take your time dumba$$, settle down!” I finally calmed myself down and started moving in. As I crept closer, I knew things could explode at any moment. I had been ranging the opposite side and knew that I was within 75 yards of the bull. I took about 20 more minutes to creep in and the wind was doing well to cover up any noises I was making. Finally I saw tines sticking up. The bull was bedded in the bottom not 30 yards away. I had come in perfectly and had some large sage between the cow and myself. I inched closer to insure a clean shot once the bull stood. After 15 minutes I was freezing and decided to make something happen. With the muzzleloader on the bi-pod and the sights on his rack, I started to howl like a coyote. It tool probably 25 howls and 5 minutes to get an elk to stand. The cow stood first along with her calf that I had not yet seen. I knew something was about to happen so I stroked the safety and rubbed the trigger. Once the cows had me figured out they moved towards the bull causing him to become uneasy and stand. He was broadside at 25 yards staring me down. After going through a capper worth of caps and a few that I’d dug out of my pocket, the gun still wouldn’t fire!!! I was freaking out, everything was perfect and now this! After a few hundred choice words and some quick gunsmith work, I had the gun torn apart, load pulled, reloaded and ready. It was too late, the elk were now about 200 yards out and kicking up dust. I tried to follow them but in the open country, they were gone. After all of this I was ready to pull out and go use my cow tag as I didn’t think I could handle any more stress. I was able to get back to the truck and make a call to my dad who was able to convince me to hang in there. I headed out to get ready for day 3 and try to find a good counselor in town. Back at my cousins house where I was staying I got more encouragement to keep hunting and after a few drinks, I had the fire again!
Day 3 found my cousin along with me to help glass and pack me out in case the same thing happened again. We decided to search for tracks while glassing at first light. After going a short distance it started to rain. The rain became heavy enough that I was concerned about keeping my gun dry. We decided to take refuge in the truck and ended up glassing a couple of small bulls through the rain covered windshield. The cool rain had kept them out feeding a few minutes longer than normal. After watching these 2 yearling bulls and waiting for them to crest the hill we planned my route. My stalk ended up taking me on a 2 mile course which allowed enough time for both bulls to disappear. We ended up hiking some new areas in search of sign but realized we had better stick to our original area as it was the only place that we knew the elk were using. Day 3 ended with no more sightings.
Day 4 was to be my last day of this trip and after my wife had talked me into hunting Oregon with her, I thought it might be my last chance at a bull all season. I was alone again and decided that with the success we had locating elk previously, my plan would stay the same. Luckily I found fresh tracks within a ¼ mile of the truck. After following tracks through the same area as I did on day 2 I figured I knew where they were going. I left the tracks hoping that my knowledge of the terrain would allow me to find them before they saw me coming up there back trail. The first draw that I was to pass looked good and I knew that elk used it to bed. I glassed this draw carefully for about 15 minutes and then told myself that there were no elk in it. I should have known better and there was one small portion of the washout that I hadn’t glassed. I crested a saddle that would allow me a vantage point to several draws and happened to glance back at the small draw that I had ruled out. I noticed a small dark spot in the one area I couldn’t see earlier. I threw the glass up and there he was, a bull!! All alone, bedded in a great spot to sneak. He was facing me and I figured he saw me. I knew my only choice was to head straight away from him as if I was leaving the area and go for him once I was out of sight. It felt just like day 2, and I started beating myself up all over again. This time was worse as I knew it was my fault and not my powder. I had a good plan of attack on this bull but knew that he’d have to stay put for to kill him. I finally got out of sight and started working my way towards him. I had good wind and good angle that I could come in from so I started the bull fever thing all over again, same as day 2. Once I knew I was almost within earshot of him I slipped on my sneaky feet and readied my gun. My heart was pounding with every step I took. After sneaking in real close to where he was bedded earlier, I still couldn’t see him. I was in good range of where he should be but I was getting concerned that he had already moved out. After a few more yards I still saw nothing and I could see almost all of the draw. The only part that I couldn’t see was hidden by the sage I used as a reference for my stalk and for cover to hide me. I decided that I should creep through the sage knowing that I was so close he might hear me and explode out of there but I was only maybe 20 yards from the only spot I couldn’t see. Finally at about 15 yards I spot tines!!! All kinds of things are going through my mind now! I watch him for a few minutes and can tell by his rack that he’s bedded quartering away. Since he doesn’t know that I’m there, I figure I’ll creep in until I have a shot. At 12 yards I can see vitals. The first shot hit him from above and entered on the right of his spine and was a killing shot but as he ran off I was unsure. He stopped at 30 yards and I hit him again. I scrambled for a speed loader as quick as I could as he didn’t react to either shot. By the time I looked back up, he was side stepping with blood pumping out of the goody box and fell over. I had done it! He isn’t the biggest bull around or even the biggest that I had an opportunity at that week but he’s a good solid 6 and I’m plenty happy with him.
Due to the terrain, animal densities, animal behavior, and a number of other complicating factors, this was one of the toughest, most discouraging hunts I’ve been on. I feel very fortunate that I was successful and really appreciate the advice given by a few on this site. So far our group has killed a few quality animals and also ate a few tags but the times we’ve experienced have been nothing short of awesome. With a few tags still to go, this year is shaping up to be the best ever for me.
Thanks,
BLUEBULLS
Post by: runamuk on September 30, 2011, 06:50:54 PM
Post by: throttlejocky20 on September 30, 2011, 06:59:19 PM
Post by: Huntbear on September 30, 2011, 07:04:03 PM
A proper punishment is needed
:bdid:
He has referenceda hunt. Alluded to success, and failed to post the required pics.
Post by: rosscrazyelk on September 30, 2011, 07:11:52 PM
Post by: runamuk on September 30, 2011, 07:22:35 PM
Good thing I have a pic on my phone... maybe if I knew how I could post it..LOL
you know.... I gave my number to a couple people so I could see pics of your bull last year :chuckle: if there are pics of a big bull they must be shared..or else...I will start crying :'( :'( :chuckle: :chuckle:
blue bulls needs strung up :bash: :bash:
Post by: archery288 on September 30, 2011, 07:31:50 PM
Good thing I have a pic on my phone... maybe if I knew how I could post it..LOL
I have one too... And I know how to post it... :yike:
But I wont... Congrats man!
Post by: bankwalker on September 30, 2011, 08:58:03 PM
Post by: carpsniperg2 on September 30, 2011, 09:03:27 PM
Post by: yelp on September 30, 2011, 09:11:39 PM
Post by: wastickslinger on September 30, 2011, 09:37:43 PM
Post by: high country on September 30, 2011, 09:49:15 PM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on September 30, 2011, 09:57:13 PM
You need to slam your nuts in a door jamb.:yeah:
Post by: youngbuckslayer on September 30, 2011, 10:19:39 PM
Post by: youngbuckslayer on September 30, 2011, 10:19:57 PM
Post by: Fullabull on October 01, 2011, 12:08:03 AM
Post by: bucklucky on October 01, 2011, 01:21:47 AM
Post by: Huntbear on October 01, 2011, 07:18:17 AM
Post by: gunnarnewt on October 01, 2011, 08:01:56 AM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on October 01, 2011, 08:39:15 AM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on October 01, 2011, 08:45:41 AM
Post by: bucklucky on October 01, 2011, 08:49:13 AM
Post by: runamuk on October 01, 2011, 08:56:34 AM
Post by: 400out on October 02, 2011, 06:22:18 AM
You need to slam your nuts in a door jamb.X2 :bash:
Post by: yelp on October 06, 2011, 11:39:06 AM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 06, 2011, 12:16:09 PM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on October 06, 2011, 12:26:33 PM
Post by: jackmaster on October 06, 2011, 12:31:45 PM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 06, 2011, 12:33:15 PM
I could post more pictures of the "Lost Hunter"... I also have pictures of "The Lost Bugler"
I might have a lost shed hunter one too. :chuckle:
Post by: Mr Mykiss on October 06, 2011, 01:07:18 PM
Post by: bucklucky on October 06, 2011, 01:27:06 PM
Post by: jackmaster on October 06, 2011, 02:09:53 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 06, 2011, 02:30:32 PM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 06, 2011, 02:52:44 PM
Post by: hogsniper on October 06, 2011, 04:25:01 PM
Post by: jackelope on October 06, 2011, 04:59:02 PM
I call BS. Something fishy. Photoshop?? I bet it is a 2X1 that he doctored up.
I agree, he told me it was not a big bull.
WTF Jake...
Congrats on that not-so-big bull.
Whatever dude...
:tup:
Post by: runamuk on October 06, 2011, 05:16:14 PM
Post by: 400out on October 06, 2011, 05:47:32 PM
Post by: nwhunter on October 06, 2011, 07:41:07 PM
Post by: SniperDanWA on October 06, 2011, 07:44:07 PM
Post by: BLUEBULLS on October 06, 2011, 09:51:52 PM
He's a dandy! The boys are sure giving you a hard time :chuckle: :chuckle:
That's what makes it fun. Thanks for the comments. I'll post a story when I have something other than my wife's purple phone to use.
Post by: steeleywhopper on October 06, 2011, 10:29:46 PM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 06, 2011, 11:07:29 PM
He's a dandy! The boys are sure giving you a hard time :chuckle: :chuckle:
That's what makes it fun. Thanks for the comments. I'll post a story when I have something other than my wife's purple phone to use.
Same purple phone you had with you the other day and when we went shed hunting?
Now get your WA buck tag filled next weekend and start thinking bulls again. Im going to need help. Holding my caps that is.
Post by: BLUEBULLS on October 07, 2011, 07:18:02 AM
He's a dandy! The boys are sure giving you a hard time :chuckle: :chuckle:
That's what makes it fun. Thanks for the comments. I'll post a story when I have something other than my wife's purple phone to use.
Same purple phone you had with you the other day and when we went shed hunting?
Now get your WA buck tag filled next weekend and start thinking bulls again. Im going to need help. Holding my caps that is.
haha, post a pic of your key chain :chuckle:
Post by: Huntboy on October 07, 2011, 07:57:52 AM
Post by: HUNT on October 07, 2011, 08:00:22 AM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 07, 2011, 08:40:50 AM
He's a dandy! The boys are sure giving you a hard time :chuckle: :chuckle:
That's what makes it fun. Thanks for the comments. I'll post a story when I have something other than my wife's purple phone to use.
Same purple phone you had with you the other day and when we went shed hunting?
Now get your WA buck tag filled next weekend and start thinking bulls again. Im going to need help. Holding my caps that is.
haha, post a pic of your key chain :chuckle:
:chuckle: :chuckle:
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 07, 2011, 09:04:18 AM
Post by: BLUEBULLS on October 12, 2011, 11:02:12 AM
Post by: wastickslinger on October 12, 2011, 11:16:45 AM
Now go get a buck!
Post by: SnakeEyes on October 12, 2011, 11:20:32 AM
Post by: jackelope on October 12, 2011, 11:23:55 AM
Post by: stewcamp on October 12, 2011, 12:47:34 PM
Post by: bucklucky on October 12, 2011, 02:32:42 PM
Post by: 10heiau on October 12, 2011, 03:02:31 PM
Post by: Elkpiss on October 12, 2011, 03:10:37 PM
Post by: Mr Mykiss on October 12, 2011, 03:31:43 PM
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 12, 2011, 08:22:26 PM