DIY Bull Elk hunt

ATVs are nice, but that is why I like the area where we go in Wyoming.  No ATVs are allowed off the main gravel road where we set up camp.  If it was any different , they would ruin the whole area in one season because the area would be easy to navigate with one.  As it is there are very few that go more than 1/2 mile off the road, while I don't even start getting serious until I'm a mile or two from camp!  It would sure be nice to have a mule or horse to bring out the meat though.  That is where I'm finding it tougher as each year goes by.  The hunting part is still not bad at all, but getting the animals back to camp is getting a bit much!

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

Mike, We are not planning on using the atv's for anything more than getting stuff back the atv trail from the trucks.  I too would much rather have horses.  But with us planning this from Iraq, and none of us having horses, we are planning to use what we do have.  I agree I don't like to be hunting and listening or seeing atv's running around.  Once we get back in and set up Camp that will be the last time they move until we pack up.  As far as getting the meat out, and without trying to sound like a smart a**, we are all under 30 yet and the guys dont mind packing it out.  We all decided that when one of us gets one the others will come to help with it unless they have bull coming in to them.  But yes horses are the way to go if you have them
 
 
Troy Force
AKA bow_hunt

I'm back from Wis. Had a good trip. Talked to a few guys there about the hunt and like i figgered they were interested. Depending on how things are going with the economy next year, My cuz and a good freind are interested. I told them to join the forum and that way they can keep in touch with what is going on. The only problem is they know most of my stories and I can't stretch them anymore.

The vacation didn't quite go the way i wanted and I didn't get in touch with some guys. Like my hound buddies so I have no dog power for the cat hunt. Plus there is another guy I want to invite on this elk hunt. I'll just call him though.

Glad to see you made it back safe and sound bro.

Gary Scheel
NAHC LM,RMEF LM,NRA Member, Lonestar Bowhunter, TexasHogHunter Pro Staff Member

Yeah, good to know your low-flyin' trip thru Nodak din't bother you with some of the nasty weather we've had lately ... good thing we din't try to make any connections this time, my days have been so full I would've had a tuff time gettin' away for much of a visit ...

Son #1 and his boys were out last weekend, and after he helped me finish the main construction of the chainlink fence, we played a bit of golf, went to the range to check the zero on the 'dog guns, shot at a few dogs (found another place sorta by accident, not a lot of critters, and they've been shot at a lot by the rancher's family, but it wuz fun -- also heard of a place only about two hours away where three guys have already tumbled more than a thousand of 'em, and they've yet to bring out anything stronger than a .22 Long Rifle ... almost unlimited number of 'em, despite poisoning efforts last fall ... so, we'll hafta check that out some time before the snow flies, mebbe around deer season, when we're out that way ... ) and then we went fishin' for a few hours ... sorta a full weekend, tacked onto the regular long-hour-day werk week ...

All of life is six-to-five against, just enough to keep you interested. (Damon Runyan)

Gravity makes all the important decisions ... (John R. Powers)

NRA, REMF, PF, NAHC-L, NAFC-L, KC, NPPA

Must be nice to be half my age and able to carry a lot of weight!!!  I guess I'll just have to come out and shoot a big one so you can show your backpacking skills, LOL!  Stay safe over there and know that we appreciate your service!!!

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

I just moved this to the top to keep the conversation going on this thread. otherwise we might not make it to page 24.

Good plan, 'rik ... I get lost perty easy so any help I can get is appreciated ...

All of life is six-to-five against, just enough to keep you interested. (Damon Runyan)

Gravity makes all the important decisions ... (John R. Powers)

NRA, REMF, PF, NAHC-L, NAFC-L, KC, NPPA

hey bow-hunt, You still out there? havn't heard from you lately. Hope all is good as can be in your neck of the woods.

I keep messin' deadeyerik's thread up, so here it is back on top!

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

NAHC-L, NRA

Not my thread. Belongs to Bow-hunt. I just made a post awhile back that I figgered we'd hit 24 pages on it before the hunt. If we keep going like this it will prolly be more. I'm expecting a big push just before the hunt.

I stand corrected. But, it's back on top where you wanted it to be!

The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

NAHC-L, NRA

I just got back from Wyoming on Wednesday afternoon.  I went out to help a friend and a BB Brother on the NAHC from ND that had never shot an elk and drew our area with 3 PPs.  We were into them every day and Bryan shot a  gorgeous 6x6 with his bow the third night.  The rut is very late out there due to the record high temperatures the last few weeks and guys with October rifle tags should really hit it big this season. The bull scored 280" and was perfectly symetrical, but I can't seem to get the picture off the email Bryan sent me to post it on this BB.  We saw a lot bigger ones that could have been taken with a rifle, but hunting with a bow is a different story.  I also saw a ton of antelope and a lot of good mulies on the trip and can't wait until late October to get back out there to fill my tags!

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

I believe I seen the guys story on another forum. Sounds like it was a good time. Good luck on your hunt.

Top,
 Send me the email and I will see what I can do for ya again to get it in here.

Gary Scheel
NAHC LM,RMEF LM,NRA Member, Lonestar Bowhunter, TexasHogHunter Pro Staff Member

Gary:  I just sent you an email with the two elk pictures.  Thanks!!!

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

I got it in under the elk hunting post top. Nice animal.

Gary Scheel
NAHC LM,RMEF LM,NRA Member, Lonestar Bowhunter, TexasHogHunter Pro Staff Member

Thanks for the help Sir!!!

Mike Stephenson
aka Topgun----30-06

I've hunted zones 16 and 17 in Idaho and shot two 6x6 bulls with the rifle. I love it out there. I seriously wanted to move out there but I had a choice, stay married or move to Idaho. Staying married won out for now. LOL

Dude? I seriously have to ? your dedication to our sport. You must get your priorities straight.