After my failed attempt at arrowing a bull in September, I found myself packing for the rifle season the 14th of October. Just to make things worse, it was the day after a massive early snow storm had just rolled through and dumped over a foot of the snow. Knowing this and assuming there was a lot more snow on the mountain, I was positive the elk wouldn't be where I normally prowl the timber. In the years past, I've been unable to locate even one elk during rifle season, especially after a heavy snow. I was told last year by the game and fish biologist that the elk had moved out because of the depth of the snow and how early it had dumped. I was positive this would be the case this year. Upon our arrival to the area, my hopes started to lift. It was evident that the mountain did not receive as much snow as other areas of the state. After unloading and setting camp up, it was all so apparent we were going to be the only camp in the area. Years past there was an over whelming amount of camps in the area along with the unnecessary roaring of four wheelers ripping up and down the road. After a disappointing first morning hunt in-which I found nothing but a big, fresh bear track, I began making my way back towards camp. I was making my way along a meadow when I spotted 30 - 40 elk feeding slowly down to the meadows edge. I frantically scurried around looking for the bull. There had to be a bull with that many cows, I thought. Finally locating the bull, there was no doubt he was a shooter. Of course, they were well out of range for the rifle I'd decided to take on my journey today…my 45-70. I ranged the bull at 398 yards as he feed down towards the edge of the meadow. It was a chore to keep my pulse rate down and not rush things. I circled the meadow and drew closer to the herd as they feed. I had cut the distance to just over 300 yards, still a bit far. Picking a spot close to the edge, but yet far enough back that the elk could not spot my movement, I started to range and glass the herd, trying to determine whether they were going to slowly move towards my right or feed out into the meadow. A single cow made her way directly in front of me, so I picked a spot and got ready…ranging her at 175 yards. I was hoping the herd would follow. Unfortunately, it quickly became evident that this would not happen, as the rest of the herd began to meander off in the opposite direction toward the middle of the meadow. As they moved out, I ranged the cows, all of which appeared to be on the same path at about 250 yards. It seamed like hours as they feed out, and of course the bull stayed on the hillside at least 400 yards from the cows. Finally, he started to move towards them, evidently on the same trail. I ranged a lone pine tree that the cows had passed at 268 yards. As he began to pass that tree, I put the crosshairs at the top of his back and fired the first round. Nothing! After cycling the action, I elevated it just a bit higher and fired again…still nothing! The bull simply walked towards the cows. Again, I adjusted and fired. This time I distinctly heard a loud thud, but the bull acted as if nothing happened. Again, I raised the elevation a bit more and touched another round off. Again, I heard the loud thud, but still the bull walked towards the cows as if nothing was going on. Frantically, I started to reload, firing a couple more times with the same effect. The bull made his way into the middle of the cows, now facing away from me. The entire herd had bunched up and starting to line out back in the direction from which they had come. With a bit of anticipation that the bull would turn and give me a broadside shot again, I waited. The bull started to sway from side to side, then backed up a few steps and collapsed. I knew he had not completely expired as his antlers were still up, and not laying off to one side. The herd then swung around in the opposite direction, still standing in the middle of the meadow until I started to crawl through the snow towards the bull closing the distance to around 98 yards. Then I sat up on my knees, getting ready to shoot. At that point, the bull swung his head to the right catching a glimpse of me, bolting to his feet staggering in the direction of the departing cows. I hurriedly fired two more shots, (my last 2) hitting him behind the right shoulder. As the bull staggered towards the creek, he stopped in the middle, turning towards me, lowering his head defiantly. Then, he collapsed in the middle of the creek. Wow, the bull carried his length on the fronts as well as 16 inch 3rd's. After packing him out the next day, I was still overwhelmed at his size. I gross green scored him in camp at over 340 gross!
Than you need to checkout this site and join in the coin contest, this months coin is a NGC 1962 PF-64 CAMEO FRANKLIN HALF. Hurry and join before you loss your chance to win this free coin deadline is March 31st, and there will be a new coin each month in the contest.
Hey everyone. I have somethings that are perfect for hunters. A New dehydrator. Perfect to make jerky. Keep the meat you get freeze burn free with a vaccum pack and bags. I have this ALL up for sale on my page. Come take a look. There are alot of other great items there also. I will also be adding Tekan II broadheads today also. Thanks.
How come sponsored links can have pictures of, and advertise the sell of choke tubes when ebay wont even let me sell all the Remington choke tubes I have. Post a reply, or email me at jake45463@yahoo.com
Hey everyone...I am new to the NH. I just wanted to let everyone know what I had up for sale that is for hunting. How is everyone doing? How is everyones sales going?
in alberta, in order to sell your mount, you must first obtain a permit to sell and then have the head in your possesion for a period of three years.. what are the laws in your state or province?????
Aaron's Outdoors will be filming the 4th Annual VHA Shoot-off & 10th Annual 3C's Hunt in Millen Ga 30442. Hosted by the Ogeechee River Varmint Hunters Club, April 16th through the 19th 2009.
Yes that is right, Aaron's Outdoors will be filming the Mr. Coyote Shoot and the 4th Annual VHA Shoot-off & 10th Annual 3C's Hunt!
Hosted by the Ogeechee River Varmint Hunters Club, April 16th through the 19th 2009.
Mark your Calendars!
Yes, the 4th Annual VHA Shoot-off is 2 days. There will be a * NIGHT-TIME Mr. Coyote Shoot that will take place and each participant will call (Hand or Electronic) their Coyote and as the Coyote target runs across a 100' (will be lighted) opening (+/_ 150-200 yards, the range will be announced) the Hunter gets 5 shots (15 seconds) to kill his Coyote. When the Light goes out the shooting stops...
This is a seperate shooting event with a Grand Prize awarded to Mr. Coyote, the WINNER. *(0-Dark-30 which means 30 min past sunset)
The daytime Shoot-off is @ 5 lifesized Varmints from +/- 35 yards out to +/- 200 Yards (as previously shot before). Cash and Prizes awarded to 1st, 2ed and 3rd place winners.
This years 3C's Fee will be $100 per person attending and that includes your 10th Annual official 3C's T-shirt and as in the past we will house you in a Spartan manner yet Feed you well 2 X !!!
Please send your 3C's fee so I receive it by 3/15/09. Each 3C's participant will get their Door Prize @ arrival...
Mark your Calendars so you don't miss this Fun event!
Please send your 3C's entry check payable to:
Thomas M Ferruzza 475 N. Carpenter Rd Titusville Fl 32796-2206
I was just poking around in the community section and found this Hunting Community. I was blogging on the Ebay blog and decided I would look around and see what was over here.