derek p
09-29-2012, 11:20 AM
This season started out much like the past seasons however their was one small difference. This year I would try Elk hunting. Not being an elk hunter this meant lots of reading, watching videos, endless hours spent looking at maps, and of course the "bugling" in the garage. Im sure the neighbors thought I was nuts.
We scouted out our little area a few days before the opening and found some nice wallows, trails, and even saw a few small spike bulls so we were confident that the little ridge we campled on would cough up a herd bull.
Opening day saw lots of local hunters on the roads and trails which actually worked in our favor. All the activity had pushed the elk further into the bush which is exactly where we were spending all our efforts. Day 1 we saw over 15 elk, lots of spikes and 3 points, a few cows and a decent 5 point that I watched for at least 15 minutes, but try as I might there was just no more points.
Day 2, and the temperature had dropped a fair bit the sun was shining there was no wind a picture perfect morning to be out hunting. My buddy and I had split up and were in the process of still hunting thru a large sloped treed section when everything fell into place.
In this particular area the bull elk are very silent, rarely do you hear a bugle but you will hear the cows. I had just crossed a small meadow and re entered the old growth when I heard the distinct mew of a cow elk, followed by a branch breaking, I dropped to my knees and searched down low, below the branches for any sign of the elk. I caught a glimpse of running legs and knew the elk were headed to the small clearing. Running as quietly as possible I moved back the way I had come. Glancing to my left I saw the animals break into the clearing and stop. I noticed the cows first and finally the bull walked out to join the ladies, a quick count gave him 5 points but then he turned his head just an inch and there it was!!!! The split 5 and 6 points!!! At this point the bull had enough and had just started to bolt when I touched off the shot. I had just shot my first elk. Wow, I felt like I was a little kid again.
http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578363_10151194101610861_1977494033_n.jpg
http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303863_10151194373530861_107585643_n.jpg
http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561578_10151194738275861_691598580_n.jpg
We scouted out our little area a few days before the opening and found some nice wallows, trails, and even saw a few small spike bulls so we were confident that the little ridge we campled on would cough up a herd bull.
Opening day saw lots of local hunters on the roads and trails which actually worked in our favor. All the activity had pushed the elk further into the bush which is exactly where we were spending all our efforts. Day 1 we saw over 15 elk, lots of spikes and 3 points, a few cows and a decent 5 point that I watched for at least 15 minutes, but try as I might there was just no more points.
Day 2, and the temperature had dropped a fair bit the sun was shining there was no wind a picture perfect morning to be out hunting. My buddy and I had split up and were in the process of still hunting thru a large sloped treed section when everything fell into place.
In this particular area the bull elk are very silent, rarely do you hear a bugle but you will hear the cows. I had just crossed a small meadow and re entered the old growth when I heard the distinct mew of a cow elk, followed by a branch breaking, I dropped to my knees and searched down low, below the branches for any sign of the elk. I caught a glimpse of running legs and knew the elk were headed to the small clearing. Running as quietly as possible I moved back the way I had come. Glancing to my left I saw the animals break into the clearing and stop. I noticed the cows first and finally the bull walked out to join the ladies, a quick count gave him 5 points but then he turned his head just an inch and there it was!!!! The split 5 and 6 points!!! At this point the bull had enough and had just started to bolt when I touched off the shot. I had just shot my first elk. Wow, I felt like I was a little kid again.
http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/578363_10151194101610861_1977494033_n.jpg
http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303863_10151194373530861_107585643_n.jpg
http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/561578_10151194738275861_691598580_n.jpg