Sons first Elk

[bearskinner]

Nothing is better than hunting, and enjoying the outdoor lifestyle with family, and friends. When my son expressed interest I getting back into hunting, now that he is an adult, on his own, I jumped at the opportunity. Getting set up and planning for quite sometime, we needed to get this hunt accomplished in 10 days he was able to get off work. As a child, he had a plethora of hunting handguns available to use, from my stash. He picked up a great all around hunting rifle, in 300Win Mag. I was using my FA83, in 41 mag. The weather absolutely cooperated with cold fairly clear days, in a great area, staying with friends. The area has Lots of deep cuts and draws, we were about an hour back in from their ranch, so we had a Side by Side for travel in and out.

[reflex264]

Huge congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

[bearskinner]

With lots of deer in the area, we need to watch our movement, to not spook anything and bust a stalk. We were peeking into the deep draws, and doing lots of glassing for movement, hoping to spot a couple worthy bulls as they crossed openings between cover. Late in the morning, we spotted a dandy bull closely following two cows, dropping into a deep draw. We worked out the ridge we were on, hoping they would continue the line they were following. It’s hard to believe, when you can’t see movement for 40 minutes, but they were working up the draw to a nice opening, right where we had set up. Mike made a perfect heart shot, and I clearly heard the slap of the 200 grainer. No ground shrinkage at all, a nice thick 6x7 basket Bull. Almost perfect timing, the icy breeze settled, and the sunshine made the chores easier, so we could get back out for me.

[kings6]

Awesome story and pictures Sir!

[contender]

Pass along our heartfelt "Congratulations" and shake his hand for us!

KUDOS!!!!!!!

[bearskinner]

Walking the draws, it was too noisy, and thick to be productive, not to mention deer looking at us, staying out of the biting cold morning wind.

[45MAN]

A HUNT WITH A SON, AN EXCELLENT HAPPENING.

[bearskinner]

Back to glassing over the edges, looking across for movement. At close to 200 yards, we spotted a group of Elk cruising the rim of a canyon. Needing to get closer, we hoofed it over to a point, looking across the deep draw, about 150 yards across. I had a solid rest, and was eyeing a little 6x6, and about an 8’ window opening. A quick whistle, stopped him for the shot, which was true. I always believe in paying the insurance, even though the Bull was down, anchored him thru both shoulders. I was able to recover that bullet after a full pass thru if both shoulders, the bullet was a lump just under the hide of the off side.

[bearskinner]

Parting out two Bulls into 6 huge ice chests is a bit of a chore, boning it all out, even trimming rib meat, we got the truck loaded, and packed with ice.
We took off for home with a couple hours of light( after the another day of knife work). Once home, a buddy cam over to the ranch, to help us trim and slice, and get everything loaded into the two big freezers. Another long day of work, which left only one day to relax, before Mike had to get back to work.
Time spent out in the wilds with family and friends is absolutely priceless. We’re working on a couple more hunts in the next couple years. Something to look forward to!

[bearskinner]

A picture across 2 draws, at over 300 yards, thru my revolver scope, with cellphone.
Nothing like a solid tripod rest.

[kevshell]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

Awesome trip. Congratulations.

[bearskinner]

Here’s a recovered 260 grain , 41 cup point bullet. Still weighed 249 grains after full pass thru of elk shoulders.
Found in a bubble under the off side hide.

[junebug]

Well done guys!

[iwsbull]

Most excellent, getting to hunt with your son and both of you bagging trophies.

[hampton]

Congrats to you both!  Most excellent!