Hunting Forum

In another forum (elkcamp.com) prior to elk season, I was looking for a camp to join for this elk season (my first). I was planning on being in camp with a buddy from my unit but just before I deployed in March he was killed in an auto accident while on TDY in Germany.  I found a place with another vet and headed out to a wilderness area in the Routt for second rifle season with resonable expectations. We got to our camp site (the very end of the Jeep road) on Wed before opener and set up camp, cut fire wood and set up the outhouse prior to opening. The area is beautiful. Well, the first day of the season my host and I went out about 1.5 miles from camp over a ridge to a meadow to set up stand positions about 600 meters apart. As the morning started, there were 5 yotes running the meadow two of them settled on a gut pile directly across from me. I was gonna let them walk but after an hour I took the male. Twenty minutes later I saw my first bull in the wild. As I swung around to fire my buddy pulled the trigger first. His dropped the bull with a 230m shot. His picture is the one without glasses. Sunday all we saw was a Muley doe and fawns in another meadow. On monday we chanced it to go back to the first spot. The first hour and a half of light were uneventful. About 0900 or so things got interesting real quick. First my buddy started shooting at a cow at about 150m. She was moving through some trees and it took him 4 shots to connect. She fell in 20 yards. about 10 seconds later I see a group of three bulls a ways out there and laser them. the closet was a 5x5 at 363 yards. I went over my ballistics in my head and waited for him to clear the others. My only shot was a neck/spine shot. I held the crosshairs just over its head, fired and hit him at the junction of the neck and spine. He dropped instantly. So, all and all we were 3 elks for 3 days hunting and then 2 days worth of meat cutting...a little more ont he trip later, but I am bushed now SFC B

Welcome
Thanks for your service and sharing your hunt.

And now you're going to be hooked for life. For me, no other big game can compare to a big bull. Congrats!

Thanks and Congrats!

Congrats on your success! It sounds as if you had a great experience!

congrats on a great hunt.I do have a question though, what state were you hunting that your buddy was able to kill two elk in a year? here in idaho we are only allowed one,just curious

Congrats.  Like was said before.  Now you'll be hooked.  Nothing like elk hunting.  If you ever get a chance to get out during the rut.  I suggest to get out there.  That will get into your blood.  You can hear them 24-7 during the rut bugling.  It's the neatest thing to listen to in my opinion.  One thing though.  Elk is a hard critter to hunt.  You won't be successful every time you go out.  I've gone two years without connecting.  It's fun being out there even if you aren't successful.

Thanks for your Service and congrats on your Elk! Where were you hunting (State)?

BigRig, I put in for draw on muley this year (still saving Elk and Sheep), may have enuff to draw a tag on the muley. If so, I want to schedule a few extra days and come meet you and AzSlim!

I am in CO and we were hunting NE of Glenwood Springs, not quite to Yampa. I live in CO Springs. This year, since I know where I am hunting I put in for both deer tags, a cow tag and I will get a OTC bull tag Also put in for an RFW doe prongie. Should be a busy fall.

Tom:  My wife and I are in Terrell, Tx.  for now.  Her job sent her to work in Dallas.Actually, they shut the plant in Tucson down.  So, it was move here or try to find another job at the age of 56 for her.  I said lets go ahead.  I can get work easier than her because I drive trucks. That was a few years ago.  When she retires from Texas Instruments.  We will go back to Tucson.  But,  depending on where your going in Az.  We are on your way.  If your going southern. Like Tucson.  We are just a few miles from I-20.  And, about 20 from I-30.  In fact,  Two of the secondary roads between I-30, and I-20 go right thru Terrell. They are 34 and the 205.  Can't miss either one of them.  Well, I guess you can.  But, there are signs saying Terrell on I- 30.  We are right between both roads.

rig, if I draw AZ, will probably fly to closest airport and rent a car.
But I may hunt TX again next year for exotics.....hunted Uvlade area last time, flew into San Antone....

From a vet to a vet I know this comes late and you may decide not to go back to this page, but I am glad that you did get to go on such a great hunt. Moreover I am glad you got your elk. I am also hoping someday I too will have the chance to go on an elk or moose hunt. I enjoyed the pics you posted of your hunt. Thanks for making time to share your experience with us. SFC B

I check back regularly and appreciate your thoughts.  It was a great time and I am jumping with excitement to go again this year.  Getting an elk my first time out was truly a blessing and a bonus.  A moose is pretty much my once-in-a-lifetime goal (hopefully with my kids).  Who knows, I may hit the lottery!!