This was my 17th year to apply for a special limited Elk hunt area in Colorado, and I FINALLY drew. I do not have the license in hand yet, but looking at my ID# on the Colorado website shows that I was successful. smiley_thumbsup smiley_thumbsup
This looks GOOD to me. :)
Draw Species Draw Results You will be mailed Pref Pts Year
ELK SUCCESSFUL LIMITED LICENSE FOR 1ST CHOICE 17 2012
ELK UNSUCCESSFUL REFUND CHECK 16 2011
ELK UNSUCCESSFUL REFUND CHECK 15 2010
congrats, how long have you been applying, is it 17 years for 17 bonus points?
Is that an either sex tag? Which area did you draw for? Some of the guys I have hunted with got either sex for Area 26.
Yup, 17 years. One point for each unsuccessful year. Mine is a Bull Elk tag in area 61, which in in the Uncompahgre National Forest West of Montrose. 8)
Sometimes it pays to be unsuccessful ;) :D
Unit 61 is a good choice,,,, hopefully between now and then it does not catch fire like what is going on in my most favorite elk area ever, the Gila Wilderness in New Mexico,,,,,,big fire.
Nice draw MM, I'm jealous. That's beautiful country over that way. Make sure you post pictures of your monster bull this fall. Is that an archery or rifle tag?
It is the second rifle season. I still did not and would not ever have enough preference points to draw muzzle loader or first rifle.
Better pack your long johns and a snow shovel ;D
We go every year second season, just not in this specific area. Hopefully we will get some weather.
Magic, I am absolutely sure you'll have some weather! :D
:D Yup, we will. :D
I am busy studying maps. A friend in Grand Junction, Co. sent me a couple that came in the mail today. Since this is absolutely a "once in a lifetime" opportunity, it's also an "all of my eggs in one basket" situation. There can be no coulda, woulda, shoulda.
Congrats Magicman! Myself and two friends are applying for the same unit but for the muzzleloader season. Only when we were about five years into the project (that is, last year) did I fully realize how long of a process this was going to be!
It's a truly great area to work or hunt. I worked out of Montrose for the FS one summer and spent most of the time on the Uncompahgre Plateau. For Colorado it's about as flat as can be and that unit has some enormous bulls. I was seeing what I thought were huge bulls at the beginning of July!
Have gun and I expect to see some pictures this coming fall.
Clark
I thought ML, and then 1st Rifle, but the preference point creep was faster than my birthdays. I finally had to face up to reality and apply for what I had a chance to draw.
Good job! In my mind anyway, just have fun, forget about the coulda woulda shoulda stuff :). I've never hunted elk out there and don't have a clue how hard it is to draw a tag just know that some of the best hunts (deer) I ever had never amounted to anything but a lot of fun and no deer!
Finally. ;D Last year you and your son,I think,went? I enjoyed following that thread. Good luck. When do you go?
Congratulations!
My pastor just spent a week in and around Montrose (one of his cousins lives there); first time he'd ever been 'out West' and he is just ecstatic about the whole experience.
The license is finally in my hands. Well actually, it is now locked in the safe.
PatD laid it on the kitchen counter so that I would see it as soon as I walked into the kitchen.
I'll be spending an hour each day on the elliptical, plus squats, lounges, etc. I've gotta get these bones limbered up. That plus going from 300' to 9600' is a shock to the system.
You could just come over and saw on my manual mill. That will limber you up, fast :D.
That is exciting.
How are ya gonna work on the elevation exercise....climb the tallest tree several times a day? :D
Lets see, 62 times up a 150' tree will make the 9300', right?
MM, just stay out of the pear tree for the exercise. Besides it not tall enough to climb. Them ole bones will work just fine. bg
Good luck on your hunt Magicman. Do you get a mule deer tag too? I just received my elk tag for a bow hunt in the Idaho Panhandle. Joined the gym to work on strengthening my legs & cardio. I lived in Montana for 8 years & still remember how rugged those rockies are. Nothing like the sound of an elk bugling at daybreak 8)
jim
Congrats on drawing and good luck MM.
The times I have hunted at altitude when in my mid 60's to early 70's I acclimated by about the 3rd day.
Did do some moderate conditioning before the hunts.
Perhaps my work as a forester helped.
Drew Muzzle gun in 2004 in the Routt NF south of North Park 9,000 to 10,000 ft.
Luckily got both Elk and Muley then.
Had to wait only 3 years to draw Muzzle loader tag in 2009, but had no success.
Son Mark and i are off to Jackson Hole WY to hunt cow elk and antelope in late Sept.
congratulations, i have always wanted to take a elk with my sharps 74' 45-70 rifle. have fun :)
Quote from: treefarmer87 on June 24, 2012, 02:01:38 PM
congratulations, i have always wanted to take a elk with my sharps 74' 45-70 rifle. have fun :)
Always wanted a 45-70; usta do a little gunsmithing......way back when. Got an old Siamese Mauser in the closet; they can quite easily be converted to a 45-70 and handloads can be made to approximate a .358 magnum. Never happen now..........too old and too many other things to do.
Quote from: jdtuttle on June 23, 2012, 06:56:27 AM
Good luck on your hunt Magicman. Do you get a mule deer tag too?
No, never a deer tag when Elk hunting. That way, I can concentrate on what I am after. Plus, I would never want to compete with my wife's Mule Deer.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/Pat_s_B_C_Buck.JPG)
PatD's B&C Mule Deer.
Pat shot a gnarly-looking racked Mulie there! I like it.
magicman didnt you have a post of when she killed it? i think i remember it, that sure is a nice one.
Nope, no post of her with the animal.
Notice the down turned tips. My theory is that they were so long and stuck out so far that during velvet he bent them while eating. They are also very rounded on the tips.
i heard in the velvet stage the horns are bendable like pipe-cleaners, thats why you see the wierd looking racks sometimes
Exercise helps for the joints and muscles,, But there ain't nothing you can do to overcome altitude issues coming from 300' to 9000', :-[, You already know that tho'. I used to live in New Mexico for 20plus years, guided archery Elk and Mule Deer hunts. I had people tell me they were going to hit the gym and this and that. Which is fine for overall conditioning. They get up to camp elevation and tell me they are shortwinded, what's wrong... No wonder, 8500-9000 is pretty slight on O2.
I'd always have a easy day or two at camp piddling around before hunt day if possible, traveling around showing off the mountians and sights, then the 1st day of hunt, would always have the "easy day" on flatter terrian, then if not successful that first day, it was game on.
We always get out there a couple of days early. That and drinking plenty of fluids is about all that can be done for the altitude change.
How close are any of the forest fires out there, Lynn, in relation to Montrose?
No danger at all so far. Of course with the 100° heat, and dry conditions, one lightning strike or careless person could cause much havoc.
Here is a LINK (http://www.inciweb.org/) that I have been watching.
What caliber - rifle type are you planning to bring? From what I understand, 300-400+ yrd shots are not uncommon when hunting elk. Quite a bit further than the whitetail hunting I'm accustomed to.
Browning A-Bolt 30-06 with 165gr. Nosler Accubonds or Federal Premium NP. I deer hunt with a .280, and carry it as a spare in case there is a rifle or scope failure. Last year I did have a scope failure. This year the '06 is wearing a Zeiss.
Range estimation is critical.
Nice choice on that Zeiss MM. Nothing like crystal clear glass that won't fail you. I'm a big fan of the Barnes Triple Shock when it comes to elk hunting, but Nosler Accubonds are tried and true as well.
The Accubonds and the Partitions shoot to the same zero. The Accubonds seem to hold the edge on accuracy.
I do not have anywhere on my place where I can shoot beyond 300 yards. Too many trees and hills.
I need to upgrade the glass on my deer rifle, it's got a Leupold 3-9 x40, which is fine in the day, but it's not very good in low light. I've had to pass on a few deer because of it.
:D :D
Lookin for some 'night vision' ?
;)
Good luck Magicman. That is a great tag. Sounds like you already have a local contact but I have spent a lot of times in those hills and if you need anything let me know. Always looking for a reason to do some scouting.
Just wanted to add I live in Grand Junction.
I have hunted the white mountain portion near Wolcott Col several times .Have seen many cow elk during deer season but never in my life a bull .
A 45/70 Gov will knock down an elephant but it has an arc about like a morter shell .I'm thinking the good old 30:06 is a better choice .It will reach out and get them ,a 45/70 will not .Now don't confuse the 45/70 with the "Quiggley down under " buffalo rifle .I'm thinking that was a 45/110 .
For Elk, Mountain Goat, and Moose, I shoot a .338 WM.
My father hunted the hills of Colorado since 1964 .He knew a gent from Lyman Colorado which is right over the western border of Kansas and looks just about like western Kansas .Miles of nothing .
The old gent was a meat hunter .Got mule dear by the dozens every year ,tags supplied by land owners ,two deer limit in those days .Still illeagal but kind of looked the other way at in those days for residents .
That old coot had a 50/95 Sharps buffalo gun.,black powder and it would reach out just about like Quiggleys .
According to my father the old boy only took big bucks and every one was a head shot which he seldom missed even at over 400 yards with open sights .He had one thing in mind,meat .He packed them out with a pair of mules,a jack and a jenny .One he rode at times and shot right off their backs with that hand cannon .
He passed before I got a chance to meet him but I guess from what they say he was tough as wang leather .
Shilo Arms Company does sell a fully-functional, and firing, replica of Quigley's .45-110 rifle for $3,000.
Probabley just as well it's 3 grand ,no more buffalo to shoot a half a mile away . :D
i love mine, its not a shiloh though. its a dixie arms, i put a wm. malcolm scope on it , it runs all the way down the barrell. i need to put pics of it on here.
With a powder charge like that, which end of the thing is the most deadly?
I see bulls around my place now and again. Here's a trail cam
pic from last spring.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/21709/tc3-12.JPG)
The wife and I were coming home late in the evening a couple of weeks ago and this bunch were in the driveway.
Beautifull animals. I hunt with a marlin lever in 308 express no scope necessary. CBD
The first cow elk I ever saw was a behind view and I thought I was seeing the rear of a mule .My Lawd those things are huge .
There's been a number of grizzly's move into this area the past few years.
Every gut pile had a griz on it last season, they've associated a gun shot to
the dinner bell. A guy got killed and partly ate 4-5 years ago dressing out
an elk up on the Clearwater WMA. FWP denied any grizzlys were in the area
till a local sent them a video she shot in her yard, sow with two cubs--sow wearing
a tracking collar..I had a big boar in my orchard year before last..then theres the
big tom lion that killed a deer outside my bedroom window lasts summer....thats
a night sound that will make a fellow sit up in bed fast. heard the deer squeal like
a pig stuck under a gate, then the growl, then quiet..my dogs found the buried remains 100 yds
away from the house. he makes me nervous...seen his tracks following the elk many a time,
he's a good 180# tom...huge track 30+" stride neighbor called me the other day letting me know
he saw him cross onto my place in the middle of the day, he's not afraid of humans at all . I've
made a loop out hunting and found his tracks on mine.....
Where are you located in W MT ?
Quote from: Al_Smith on July 11, 2012, 09:03:26 AM
The first cow elk I ever saw was a behind view and I thought I was seeing the rear of a mule .My Lawd those things are huge .
Yep there sure are! Oughta try backpacking a Bull out by yourself.. It's often said the hunt is over when the Elk drops, then the work begins.,I don't think it's the weight of the frieghtpack I dispise so, I've come to believe it's the gravity I dislike... ;D ;D
Yup, I have done my share of packing out elk, deer, and antelope. It seems that the packs are heavier and the trails are longer. No matter, I have no intention of quitting while I am this young. ;D
That's the spirit! ;)
Backpacks make you a bit more appreciative of the critter. I like your determination the Magicman !! Keep it up!
I guided a co-worker once on a Mule Deer hunt in northern New Mexico. He took a nice 5x5 we had stalked for the better half of a morning up till mid day. The deer moved closer to where we had parked the truck actually as the day wore on, he killed it about 1 mile from the head trail to the truck, overall 1.5-2 miles from the truck. It had a decent rack, and a fine winter hide. My friend wanted the hide to have tanned.
I quartered it out, hung it in bags, took the skull/horns and left him at the kill with my .45, while I hiked out to fetch my freight pack and leave his rifle at the truck.
My friend was sorta gravity challenged and not in the best of shape for the 8000 foot elevation. I rolled the hide up and fashioned shoulder straps for him to carry out the green hide. I deboned all the meat, bagged and loaded the entire load into the freight pack, thinking I could make a single trip out, since I had already made the trip out to fetch the pack, and it was getting late quick up there. I did not want 2 more tirps in/out. Well that deer got pretty heavy by the time we made the head trail. There was a downfall I wanted to sit on and take a breather before making the last leg of the trek slightly uphill rest of the way to the truck. As I was attempting to set down with the backpack still on, my intention was to let the rear bottom rack of the pack rest on the log to relieve the load on my back. I did not know if I could swing it back up on my back if I were to take it off.
Well, the freaking rack slid off the log, and I followed it backwards, landing on the ground on the back side of the log,,, all the time my friend laughing his butt off at me, all the while trying to take a few pictures of my predicament. David was in complete tears laughing at me, I said help me up sucker,,Or at least roll me over,,, he couldn't stop the laughing. He said I looked like a turtle wallowing around that someone had turned over on it back and could not get up. He came close to packing it out the rest of the way on his own. >:( >:(
Somehow that meat off that deer was the best tasting venison I had even eaten that night at camp. My back still hates me for that hunt.
::)
Quote from: Magicman on July 16, 2012, 10:49:17 PMNo matter, I have no intention of quitting while I am this young. ;D
There's a current thread on another forum where I hang out about being old. How old is "old"? Just a state of mind? Looks like you're about a year older and are SEVERAL pounds lighter than me. 8)
It may well be a state of mind, but believe me it also affects my ability to walk, (running is out) climb, sit, lift, pee, and oh yeah, my state of mind also. :)
I know a widowed lady who finally gave up elk hunting in her
early 80's, but she still gets her 2 deer and antelope every year. A
friend came with her to help with the elk so she always split
it with him. She's lived in the mountains all her life and
is in remarkable shape..
I attended a funeral of a friend,55 looked fit, who went elk hunting
and dropped dead afterdowning a bull and was getting on his horse....
and I know of a few more that were forced to quit hunting after a heart attack that
happened while pulling out a downed elk...I take conditioning
seriously in that respect , but when your times up it's up. Hiking and
trail running are what I do year round to keep in shape besides the
daily work on the farm..I keep a qh/draft cross horse just for
packing game..A lady friend of my wife skidded elk with her
draft cross one season @ $100+ a pop, the guys gave her
tons of meat and plenty of tips, she did something like 20+ a week
for a month..not bad for a girl :D
I've never had the occassion to drag out an elk but I have plenty of mule deer .
My cousin who also lives in Grand Junction in '74 was in excellant physical condition as was I .We had to drag out of a canyon two big bucks,around a 1000 feet up hill .Good old Ron was huffing and puffing just as much as I was and he lives at a higher altitude than I .
The locals around around Wolcott Col .used to say that only goats and damned fools go into red canyon . :D
A bit less than three months to wait. It will not matter how many hunts I take in the future, but if I miss one now that is ONE hunt I can never make up!
Very true! We can look back on past hunting seasons, and we can look forward to the future. When the truth be told, the only one that matters is the one happening now, this year.
October is finally here. All of my activities are centered around my season opener on the 20th. :)
LESS than 3 weeks!
WOO HOO!!! 8) smiley_flipping horn_smiley
Breath in breath out, breath in breath out, breath in breath out (don't forget to breath ;)) Wish you the best of luck on a fun trip.
Drink plenty of water and take small steps. I spent some time at my rifle range today. :)
I also brought my hunting clothes home today. It's time to sort through and make decisions.
We leave one week from today. I spent part of yesterday raising the enclosed trailer. The higher profile on the F250 would require a lower receiver hitch, plus the trailer was too low anyway since it has a "drop axle".
Anyway, all I needed was a couple of axle saddles and I did pick up a couple of new U bolts. It was then a relatively simple matter of moving the spring hangers from below to above the axle. That raised the trailer 4½" which was satisfactory.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo063_28Small29.jpg)
Magicman, I pray you did not run over that jack,,,,,again. ;D
Two new tires on the ground and the spare is new. The clothes are sorted, boots waterproofed, and the trailer is loading out nicely. I guess that I should have sawed a few more days, because I have too much time on my hands.....Naaaaa. ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo070_28Small29.jpg)
The 4-wheeler went first and then the generator. The ice chests are empty. The clothes hang on a rod across the front of the trailer.
You are going to have to do a bunch more sawing just to pay for the new tires :D.
Five local (within 25 miles) and two road trip (200 miles) are on the schedule when I get back. All are 15+ log jobs.
At $3.50-$3.75+ for gas, my fuel bill will be the ouch. :o
I hate to pre pack like that. when it comes time to leave I always ask myself "did I remember this"
and have to rip the whole packing job apart to confirm that I did.
so now I take a space and lay everything out. guns, packs, sleeping, personal , ect and just before I leave I can put it all in the truck at once. then I know I have everything.
if you are prepacking like that, make a list so you don't do like I do. I would always think about something and have to pull the whole deal apart to find what I thought I didn't or did put in there
good luck on the elk hunt, sounds like a nice trip
Magicman, What route will you be taking to Colarado?
North. :D
Shreveport, Dallas, Amarillo, Raton, Pueblo, Montrose.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/Image0037.jpg)
We always try to time our travels so that we can stop at the Big Texan. food3
I unloaded the truck today, but I did remember to keep that little squirt bottle of Bluecreeper in the truck.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/2410/DSCN0383.JPG)
My corner of the carport gets a bit cluttered. :)
Today was the final packing, loading, hooking up, and getting ready for blast-off. There were a few hitches, but overall things went well.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo074_28Small29.jpg)
We should be eating at the Big Texan 24 hours from now, and will stopover in Dalhart. That will put us in Montrose by mid-day Thursday.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/Photo076_28Custom29.jpg)
The traditional whiskers and hat are ready to go.
The Forestry Forum lost a good friend last year while I was in Colorado, so I wore my Red Shirt in his honor today.
Is that a compass on the side of your watch band?
With your beard and hat......you look like you should have been on "GUNSMOKE". smiley_thumbsup
(That's a compliment). :)
Hope you "harvest" a BIG one!
Good luck to you and your son. Have fun and enjoy yourself and the company of your son. I know he will enjoy your company. ;D
Yup, I've already switched my watch from my working watch to my hunting watch. That is a Suunto compass on the watchband. There is another on my Garmin GPS lanyard.
This is that old Hat's 35th trip.
good luck, and keep us posted on the hunt.
Good luck MM and keep us posted as to what you encounter. bg
Good Googly moogly this thread is 5 pages long and he hasn't even had his opening day grits breakfast yet. ::)
Hope you get a nice tender one MM!
Looks like you were one of the last to see the Big Texan MM. It burned down today....
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/10/19/4348039/big-tex-on-fire-at-state-fair.html (http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/10/19/4348039/big-tex-on-fire-at-state-fair.html)
hopefully the next thing that burns after magic man see's it is a tenderloin off a 8x8 bull elk
Great news from Pat (Mrs. Magicman)!
Quote from: PatD on October 24, 2012, 09:51:50 PM
Just wanted to let everyone know Lynn Magicman bagged a 6x6 This afternoon. very proud of him.
Good for Lynn. He works hard at this and deserves a trophy. :)
He is a man of some accomplishment.
That's great news. Good for the magicman. 8)
That is good news. That will be some good eating. Looking forward to pictures of the mighty fine eating.
that is fantastic news, lots of work go into these hunts, good job MM
Great news, I know he earned it as well as deserved it, do you suppose he took any pictures for us? :D
Quote from: sandhills on October 25, 2012, 09:33:15 AM
Great news, I know he earned it as well as deserved it, do you suppose he took any pictures for us? :D
Of himself or the Elk? ;D ;D :D :D
Congrats MM. I look forward to pics of the elk.
That's a special elk on a special day.
Well done!
Congrats to you Lynn, you deserve it. Elk roast instead of chicken crispin ? Naahh, stick with the chicken... ;D
Are ya'll kidding? No pics....it didn't happen. :)
Slow down, David. They're still out in the wilderness.
Pinney, maybe elk on a stick for sampler. I like the chicken also. There will be more photos taken than his computer will hold of this special hunt. Cant wait. bg
OK, elk is big enough, we need an elky roast. When elks fly. Cutting crew. Fireside chats.
Yeah, that's the ticket.
Quote from: clww on October 25, 2012, 09:37:11 PM
Slow down, David. They're still out in the wilderness.
I know....I was reciting the forum's most famous saying. :)
Perhaps. I thought your favorite saying was something along the lines of, "Make mine a Wood-Mizer"!
Quote from: clww on October 26, 2012, 07:17:36 PM
Perhaps. I thought your favorite saying was something along the lines of, "Make mine a Wood-Mizer"!
Shaken......not stirred. :)
:D
I'm done on here until Lynn gets back.
My favorite word is BARBECUE. :D
Way to go Lynn 8) 8) 8)
That's good news for sure
Elk steaks on Friday night before the pig roast ;)
Congrats Lynn. I know you work pretty hard each year to get one.
Looking forward to the pics ;D
Quote from: thecfarm on October 26, 2012, 07:41:41 PM
My favorite word is BARBECUE Grits. :D
(The power of the keyboard :D).
Every ones knows that is not true. Hard to barbecue g...s. :D Or at least I think it would be. I sure don't know.Them things don't come that far North. kinda like a walnut tree. Someone has to bring it this far North.
Thank you, my friends, for the kind and encouraging words.
Yes, I got home late last night, and yes, I did get a very nice bull elk. I'll have tons of unpacking to do along with unloading the truck camper and reloading my sawmill tools, etc.
I noticed that some of you noticed the day (date) that I bagged the bull. October 24th. That morning started with me standing on the mountain at 9600 feet and watching the morning dawn with a bright red sunrise. The evening closed with a red sunset. It was truly a red shirt day, so I will always wonder who was watching over me.
I will have a story and pictures as I have time to sort through it all.
Glad to hear you are home now. Unpack,unwind now.
Thanks for the update. Sounds like a trip of a lifetime. Lots of miles to travel but,home safe again. Life is good. bg
Glad you're home Magic. smiley_love We missed you! ;D
Congratulations on a successful hunt MM digin1
We left Wednesday AM before breakfast, ate a steak at the Big Texan the day before the "Cowboy" burned, and arrived at our chosen hunting spot Thursday evening just in time to set up camp.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0082_28Small29.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0081_28Small29.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0084_28Small29.JPG)
Most of the Aspens had dropped their leaves, but a few remained.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0088_28Small29.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1192_28Small29.JPG)
Of course the mountains were awesome as usual. This was looking out over Aspen trees that looked like twigs.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1198_28Custom29.JPG)
When this Aspen fell, it was split by another standing tree. Ouch.
My Elk season opened Saturday AM, and we were immediately looking at two elk cows when it got first light. An hour later I passed up a 75 yard shot at a 4X4 bull. Later that morning we saw a spike and about 6 cows.
We hunted in a completely different spot the second day. That afternoon we saw a very nice 5X5 bull. He went into an Aspen draw with his cows so we closed the distance to about 300 yards and set up. Surely they would feed back out into the opening later that day. They did, but he quickly walked through thick Oak Brush at over 400 yards and did not really become clearly visible until over 500 yards. I am comfortable shooting at 400 but not 500 yards.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1203_28Custom29.JPG)
This tree kinda looked like a urinal.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1199_28Custom29.JPG)
OK, I was just posing, but we were having fun.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1201_28Custom29.JPG)
Bear claw marks going up an Aspen tree.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1204_28Small29.JPG)
Now, where does a bear..........
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1195_28Small29.JPG)
Here we are out on an overlook glassing for Elk sign. The wind was gusting and we were really taking a beating.
We would try a completely different spot the next day.
:D :D :D :D :D Magic..... :D :D :D :D :D........good pics.......thats all I'm gonna say......... :D :D :D :D :D
My legs were not able to completely recover between one day's climb and the next day's beginning. We were always in the sleeping bag before 9:00 PM and up at 4:00 AM, but it just did not seem like enough. We always ate plenty of good food at night and carried various trail bars, etc., but I still lost over 5 lbs. My toes took a beating.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1249_28Small29.JPG)
I had failed to realize that my toenails were too long. :-\
Because of this, we made a decision to drive the truck 12 miles around to the bottom of the mountain and ride the 4 wheeler back around to the starting point. We could then hunt the 4½ miles through without having to make the return trip in the dark.
The last day that I hunted began with the threat of a weather front coming in as the red sky morning indicated. By noon, the winds were gusting heavily, and by mid afternoon, trees and tree limbs were falling around us. Some quite close, even too close. The GPS told us that a trail was nearby, so we made our way to it and began our descent and were really thinking about the next day's hunt.
As I looked to my right I saw a cow elk's head about 65 yards away, sticking up above the grass and fallen trees. We immediately started closely examining the area and soon found other elk bedded down. Two spikes, a large bull with very broken antlers. All of his tops were gone leaving only the brow and bez tines. Then we saw him. A good bull with 5 nice points on one side. The royal had failed to split on the other side making him a 4X5, but good. I decided to shoot, but that was not possible with him lying down. He was just beyond a log, plus an animal's vitals are hard to reach when bedded. I would have to be patient and wait for him to stand and wait I did. I looked at my watch...4:00. I eased over to a larger 14" Aspen, planted my shooting stick, not knowing that at 5:30, I would still be standing there. He stretched his neck out and laid his head on the ground for a while, then twisted it around and rested it across his body for a while. My feet and legs were numb for sure. Marty was behind me continually scanning everything and also looking at the area that was hidden from me beyond the Aspen that I was standing behind.
"Move your rifle to the other side of the tree and shoot". Marty's voice was commanding, and because of our relationship together, I completely understood and trusted it's meaning. I moved my rifle from the right to the left side of the Aspen, but could see nothing but cows because the newly arrived bull was behind a tree. When he stepped out I was ready. He was quartering toward me, so I slipped a Nosler Accubond in just to the rear part of the near shoulder which traveled completely through him and lodged under the skin on the off side. His legs stiffened and he turned and started walking away. I quickly moved the rifle to the right side of the Aspen and fired a "going away" quartering shot. This bullet lodged under the skin on the opposite side. The 6X6 bull simply toppled over. The time elapse had been less than 5 seconds and the shots were less than 60 yards. We walked to the bull and a firm handshake and hugs were in order. Together we had done it. This quest had begun 17 years ago when I first applied for this limited area elk license. This area encompasses approximately 1100 sq. miles or approximately 7.5 million acres. :o Only 200 licenses are issued with 34 going to Colorado nonresidents.
Picture taking was first while we still had light, after which a gentle snow began to fall.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1205_28Small29.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1213_28Small29.JPG)
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1210_28Small29.JPG)
This picture emphasizes the antler width which was 38".
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1218_28Small29.JPG)
While this was certainly not the largest bull in the area or even the largest that we saw, he was plenty large enough for this ole Redneck country boy. Now the real work begins.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1222_28Small29.JPG)
The first cut was made with my John Neeman knife.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1221_28Custom29.JPG)
That knife was awesome.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1224_28Small29.JPG)
We used the "gutless" method where we proceeded to skin out the top side, remove the quarters, loin, and tender before rolling him over and doing the same on the other side. Limbs were laid across a couple of logs forming a shelf so that the air could circulate. The meat was then liberally dosed with black pepper to prevent bear, coyote, and other predator damage.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1226_28Small29.JPG)
The head, antlers, and cape which I weighed today at 65 pounds were carried out. The kill site was a bit over 2 miles from the truck.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1268_28Small29.JPG)
Elk are the only hoofed animal that have canine (eye) teeth. As they age, these "ivories" wear and produce a beautiful wear pattern. I have worn an elk ivory pendant around my neck for years, but it will be replaced with one of these for sure.
My sincere thanks go to my wife, PatD for allowing me to have this time off, to Marty's wife and family for sharing him with me, to Marty just for being the Son that he is, and to Wood-Mizer for providing the income means that allows me to enjoy this special time. Thanks also to my Forestry Forum Friends, that may take the time to read these ramblings.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN0107_28Small29.JPG)
We were greeted with a beautiful RED sunrise on our way home.
Man, some really GREAT pictures.
HOWEVER.....With feet like that, DON'T ever say anything else about my legs! :D :D :D :D :D
I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff didn't move your feet to the Restricted Topics......or maybe the Wood Shed. ;D
Great story Lynn, congratulations!
I think I should maybe create a podiatrist board and a separate gallery for it so I never have to see that again!.
What a great story with the best results. Those poor toes have to be some very abused puppies to get like that. Anyway,MM am glad for your perfect hunt and now you owe Marty a trip back for his help. bg
Quote from: Jeff on October 28, 2012, 12:53:04 PM
so I never have to see that again!.
:D :D :D :D :D :D Ya made me spit my coffee out :D :D :D :D :D :D
Great job Magic! Thanks for the post and pictures, that truly is some remarkable country and to have success in it just adds the icing on the cake.
Congratulations on your trophy
Thank you for sharing your story. You expressed it beautifully, almost as if you'd been writing a rough draft for 17 yrs. ;)
Now I'd tend to those feet (ouch) before firing that mill back up. lol
Mike at Norwood
Even with the abuse, those poor old dogs carried me many miles. With the switchbacks, we averaged between 6-8 miles each day. I just had to suck it up, suffer, and keep going. :-\
Thanks Mike. The left side is actually even worse now. :o
Congratulations on your success Lynn!
Thanks for posting your story, and the pics!
Now when you start sawing again, you'll especially enjoy your operators seat.
All that traveling without taking a step! ;D
Congrats, MM!! Great hunt and even better story! Nicely done. 8)
JM
Quote from: Magicman on October 28, 2012, 10:32:57 AM
The time elapse had been less than 5 seconds and the shots were less than 60 yards.
The longest five seconds of your life I'll bet. ;D
Congratulations, that'll make a great mount! Hope you've got high ceilings! :D
I just got back home from the taxidermist. He is going to use a slight left turn and downward sloping form which should make him fit nicely in the Cabin Addition. Now I gotta finish the Cabin Addition, but first I gotta finish 5 saw jobs that are waiting.
Nice Bull!!!!
congrats
Congratulations MM, I don't know much about Elk but that guy sure looks impressive :)
Hope the feet mend soon, those battle scars arn't the sort you probably show off outside of friends. Bet you're glad of the Wood-Mizer and not chasing a Swing mill around
MM
Thanks for letting us in on the hunt. Thrilling outcome, and much better than the times I've been elk hunting. (But the toe "jammin" was similar.) ;)
Great tradition you and your son have going. :)
I still can't get over them BORED FEET! :D
Nice bull and great pictures and story, thanks for scharing.
Congrats Buddy !
Were the bulls very vocal during your hunt?
As much as I enjoy the hunting aspect of Elk, I have always purely loved the chase of the hunt, communicating with the elk, attempting to match wits and intriguing their interests with calls. I have always said, If I never pull back the string on an elk, I appreciate the time they had given to me being in their company.... Ov' course my toes ain't as purdy as yours either.... ::)
We heard bugles the first morning and the second evening. None after that. I am really surprised that the bull I shot did not bugle because he had at least 10 cows and we saw 4 other bulls in the group.
Quote from: Magicman on October 29, 2012, 12:36:17 PM
We heard bugles the first morning and the second evening. None after that. I am really surprised that the bull I shot did not bugle because he had at least 10 cows and we saw 4 other bulls in the group.
MM, do you think he was 'top dog' or a satellite bull?
I just re-read some the story and went to the Neeman site to look at the knives. They are so overbooked they've stopped taking orders. :o ...not that I was about to order one, too rich for my blood atm.
JM
There is no question in my mind that he was the top dog. None of the other bulls made any move toward any of the cows, and when he came up the hill with his nose in the air, he was checking cows.
The John Neeman knife was awesome. The blade is Rockwell C 61, which is hard. I can still cut paper with the blade after skinning and butchering that bull elk. I noticed that they have bumped their prices up and yes, they are booked up and have quit taking orders for now.
Here is a LINK (https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,59351.msg864901.html#msg864901) to the thread when I got my Axe and on the 3rd page when I got the Knife.
Nice bull there MM. When I was growing up in Colorado those teeth you took a pic of were called whistle teeth or bugle teeth. I don't know this but heard they use them to make the bugle.
Congrats Lynn,
Nice bull. great story and pics.
When you use the gutless method do you fore go harvesting the tenderloins?.
i went to Wyoming and managed to get a cow as i only drew the cow tag. dressed and boned in the field the conventional way.
She was an old gal and even the tenderloins are chewy.
Quote from: customsawyer on October 30, 2012, 04:20:11 AMcalled whistle teeth or bugle teeth. I don't know this but heard they use them to make the bugle.
Thanks Jake, Yes, this is commonly said, but in fact they serve no purpose with the bugle. They are also referred to as "ivories", but they are not ivory, just canine teeth.
Quote from: Magicman on October 28, 2012, 10:32:57 AM
We used the "gutless" method where we proceeded to skin out the top side, remove the quarters, loin, and tender before rolling him over and doing the same on the other side.
Quote from: petefrombearswamp on October 30, 2012, 06:33:52 AM
When you use the gutless method do you fore go harvesting the tenderloins?
Thanks Pete, To your question, notice what I said that was removed. I did call them "tender" not tenderloin, but each was removed. They are fairly easily removed from either a hanging or lying animal by going in just behind the last rib and the pelvic. Since they are only attached to the backbone, just push the gut down and slide one hand in while carefully trimming the tender from the backbone with the other. We never gut deer, whether dressed on the ground or hung on the rack, and we get it all.
Great story and photos of the sucessful hunt.
re: gutless method, nice to hear others using that too. I had started that as well during early Sept archery seasons when the weather was still hot beginning around 9am. When you have a bull down solo, you'd better work fast or it'll spoil. That thick hide and hair retains a lot of heat. Meat spoils qucikly and when all's tallied up, that meat gets prudy expensive by the pound especially for an out of state hunter. Can't afford to waste any..
I always carried a small emergency tarp,rope and chessecloth meat bags in my backpack. But it was those solo 7 or 8 backpack trips in/out (depending on how far in) fetching out the meat really makes a man appreaciate that animal even more.
Congrats on a very successful trip. Hard to beat spending quality time with your son, and you got a bull elk to boot. I bet that elk will be very tasty.
Thanks, the meat is still on ice, and cutting up day is tomorrow. I'll be trying out that vacuum sealer.
Since tomorrow is Halloween, it is Gumbo night. Maybe elk on Thursday.
Elk gumbo ;D.
Nope, I don't mess with the little woman's cooking. I added a bag of frozen crab claws and stuff one time. Never again.
I don't mess with the little woman's cooking.
Quote from: Magicman on October 30, 2012, 10:20:49 PM
Nope, I don't mess with the little woman's cooking. I added a bag of frozen crab claws and stuff one time. Never again.
I don't mess with the little woman's cooking.
Did Magic get his wings clipped? :D
I know what you're talking about.....I messed with the cooking once....and only once. :)
My first thought was to get a skull mount, but after getting the bull down, I decided that maybe I would get a full shoulder mount, and packed the whole 65 pounds down off of the mountain.
After measuring and doing some soul searching, a shoulder mount just will not work. It would become something that we would have to live with instead of enjoying.
I am going to do a plaque mount and use the natural head hide as a covering.
Nice bull, MM!! Dad was an outfitter here in MT for 35+ years... I always love the stories !!
Quote from: Magicman on October 28, 2012, 04:27:31 PM
I just got back home from the taxidermist. He is going to use a slight left turn and downward sloping form which should make him fit nicely in the Cabin Addition. Now I gotta finish the Cabin Addition,
I tell most people that's the reason I'm building a log cabin-somewhere to hang up all my animals.
But I changed it since that post. There was not enough room so that we could enjoy it rather than "living" with it. Elk are huge animals. It is going to be an antler mount and using the skin from the head as a covering.
I have one on loan to Bass Pro Shops, and another at a brother's house. Once we are done with the cabin, they are coming back home. ;)
We bought this piece of Redwood burl when we were in California in 1997, and I have always wondered what I would ever do with it.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1362_28Small29.JPG)
Well, today was the day. I put a coat of Danish Oil on which darkened it more than I expected, but is is what it is.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1369_28Small29.JPG)
A front view of the finished mount. I am temporarily borrowing PatD's picture hanging spot. ;D
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/20011/DSCN1375_28Small29.JPG)
It will be moved to the Cabin when that room is completed.
Very nice!
The oil turned it right into Walnut.
Yes, that is very nice!
Well done!
That will really be nice in the cabin. :)