Spedray
Well-known member
I have been elk hunting for 20 years, have killed some bulls, but finally feel like I know what I am doing. I have been hunting this bull since the second week of September but was now able to get it done during rifle season.
I saw some amazing scenery along the way and love to spend September and October in the mountains chasing bugling bulls.
With the opening of rifle season we made the mad hike of 2 miles straight up the valley floor to the top of the mountain. We made it half an hour before shooting time to the saddle where we had been chasing elk all fall to the sound of them bugling. As the sun rose we where surrounded by elk but that same sun we shineing right in our eyes, and we couldn't pick out the herd bull, much less see threw our scopes. The bad thing about a bugling bull during rifle season, is that it draws a crowd. People that started hiking at first light where staring to show up at the saddle now. The elk caught wind of another group hiking below them and took off away from them but sidehill too us. I ran to another opening as they made there way to the dark bedding timber. As I caught up to the herd the bull was herding all the cows and I aligned my scope and fired at a reasonable 150 yards. He dropped in his tracks, leaving me with the best birthday a man can have.
I was lucky enough to have three great guys to help me pack out my biggest bull to date. The nice thing about hunting straight up the mountain is that when you do shot something it's an easy hike straight back down. With all the knowledge I learned this year I kind of feel like I am starting to get a hang of things and can't wait for it all to start again next year!
I saw some amazing scenery along the way and love to spend September and October in the mountains chasing bugling bulls.
With the opening of rifle season we made the mad hike of 2 miles straight up the valley floor to the top of the mountain. We made it half an hour before shooting time to the saddle where we had been chasing elk all fall to the sound of them bugling. As the sun rose we where surrounded by elk but that same sun we shineing right in our eyes, and we couldn't pick out the herd bull, much less see threw our scopes. The bad thing about a bugling bull during rifle season, is that it draws a crowd. People that started hiking at first light where staring to show up at the saddle now. The elk caught wind of another group hiking below them and took off away from them but sidehill too us. I ran to another opening as they made there way to the dark bedding timber. As I caught up to the herd the bull was herding all the cows and I aligned my scope and fired at a reasonable 150 yards. He dropped in his tracks, leaving me with the best birthday a man can have.
I was lucky enough to have three great guys to help me pack out my biggest bull to date. The nice thing about hunting straight up the mountain is that when you do shot something it's an easy hike straight back down. With all the knowledge I learned this year I kind of feel like I am starting to get a hang of things and can't wait for it all to start again next year!
