Got home at noon today after another successful elk hunt. We got to the ranch at 2 pm. Monday, not enough time left in the day to beat the brush. Tuesday, was out the door a little late to hike all the way up to that high meadow where we saw more than 100 elk feeding on the snow free hillsides the day before. By the time I reached the area, not a one. Gone. Tried another section and saw no animals except deer and antelope. Called it a day. Was cold in the am, but warmed to mid 30's each day and no wind.

Wed. I got my ass out of bed much earlier and was out the door by 6 am. It took me 90 minutes to get to where I needed to be for any action. The snow had a thick crust and was quite noisy walking up that long grade. Right at sun up I spotted a nice bull not 200 yds. off. Things were looking good. I decided to walk up another 300 yds. for a better view when all of a sudden six cows and a few calf's appeared. I had no cover at all and I got made. The lead cow stepped out a few more yards while I was shouldering my M70. At her stopping I put a 180 gr. Nosler centered in the chest just like last year, standing off hand. The distance paced off at about 175 yards at an uphill angle. One shot DOA. My wife joined up with me later after I radioed her of needing help. She had heard the shot and was getting ready for a hike.

That was the longest drag back to camp I have ever had to do. Luckily half was down hill over snow, mud and rocks. All snow in the shady areas. Arrived back at 2:30 pm. That area is packed with coyotes, kept the carcass close and covered overnight with the outside light on.

The following pictures contain some graphic scenes typical of when an animal gets whacked with a bullet.

Viewer discretion is advised.

http://s766.photobucket.com/user/seveno ... t=3&page=1

Another great hunt for some meat in the freezer! Must be nice Bob. Just out of curiosity what caliber where you using you didn't mention? I know it wasn't one of your 6.5s using a 180gr bullet.


Dee

The tried and true .30-06 Springfield cartridge. Recipe is 180 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip, 56.0 grs. IMR 4350, Federal nickle cases, CCI 200 primer. Don't need no stinking magnum, bullet placement is everything. Maybe next time I may try a 7-08 with some Hornady 139gr. GMX loaded hot. My last three animals were under 200 yd. shots.

I'm beginning to think Nosler is putting some magic on their bullets. Older son dropped four deer in their tracks with Nosler 125's. It floored him, because he thought that bullet was too light.

With all this good luck. Are we to expect a nice Elk Bar-B-Que at the next High Power Match?


Hey good job, glad someone got out and had some luck, along with good skill.

I'm thinking Elk steaks on the grill in April ;)

Nothing wrong with good old fashion cup and core bullets designed for hunting big game. Just put it where it will do the most good.

Grizz, forget BBQ in January. I will bring a package of elk pepperoni sticks to share.

259, you will not have to wait till April AZ HP for good eating meat. We are taking the camper and heading to Yuma in mid Jan. to see Bant, York and shoot some with the Yuma chapter of Geezers with Guns. Retirement is good.

One of my Friends relatives had an anterless tag here in unit 27, they went an hired a guide and he put them on a calf and one of them shot it. Had to taste pretty darn good, but that was some expensive meat!

Bob Mc Alice wrote:Nothing wrong with good old fashion cup and core bullets designed for hunting big game. Just put it where it will do the most good.

Grizz, forget BBQ in January. I will bring a package of elk pepperoni sticks to share.

259, you will not have to wait till April AZ HP for good eating meat. We are taking the camper and heading to Yuma in mid Jan. to see Bant, York and shoot some with the Yuma chapter of Geezers with Guns. Retirement is good.

Life is good

Yummmmmmy.
Innocent

Works for mew, Elk is Elk.


Thanks.

I feel your pain when talking about dragging out your elk, those days are gone forever for me. I resolved several years ago, if I cant back the truck up to it I aint gonna shoot it.

No elk down here in jowjah. Dang it. That's a good looking cow you got. I haven't been able to get out hunting yet this deer season. When i get back from Germany in a couple weeks I'm gonna see if i can't get out and bump a deer and a hog or two.