Hunter’s Journal

It is the third day of the hunt and all of the other hunters in camp, including Rob’s long time friend Jon, have harvested a bull.  After seeing Gary and Jon harvest a bull with muzzleloaders, Rob was ready for his turn with a stick and string. The afternoon before we had spotted a small five point running some cows around and decided to get a closer look at him. However, when we arrived to where they were supposed to be, they were gone! So we moved on to another location that afternoon, but no luck.  The morning of the third day Rob opted to go back and look for the five point we had seen the day before. After glassing for about 45 minutes I spotted a bull elk on the hillside. Rob was ready to do some stalking.  After gearing up, checking for release, arrows, and bow we headed for the elk. Walking as quiet as one can through dead sticks and noisy brush, Rob stopped and pointed out some cows working their way up the draw. We dropped in our tracks, nearly busted. Checking the wind we set up uphill and back from the elk. After putting Rob into position Jon and I retreated back a few yards and settled in. I left Jon with the camera and snuck down the hill to setup the montana decoy, then worked my way back to Jon. Now the fun begins!! I started cow calling and working that bull and his harem towards us. It took some convincing but they started to come, but they were working up instead of across. I told Jon to stay put and started moving lower into the draw, trying to work the bull down towards the decoy. It worked! I could just see his antlers, and was hoping that Rob could see him coming. The bull finally stopped, looked to his right where the cows were and I could see Rob appear out of the brush to his left less than 20 yards away. I called and Rob let one fly. The bull took off and I could see that he was hit in the boiler room. After doing our jumps and high-fives, we went to tracking. After only 150 yards Jon spots the bull, I see it and then Rob the last one to the spot sees his trophy. As you can see in the pics, Rob’s bull is a huge-bodied, massive, mature 5×6.  What a hunt!!!! Rob and Jon, both first time elk hunters, are able to harvest elk and see each other’s hunts. Definitely a hunt to remember. Congrats to the both of you!!!

Chanse