Coach Report post Posted October 20, 2010 This is a follow-up to the youth cow hunt in 3A/3C. Sunday, my oldest son, Matt got his first elk (http://forums.coueswhitetail.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21584), and today we got Nick into them on one of the most exiting hunts I've ever been on. You'ld think with Halloween right around the corner the rut action would be pretty much over. We got out to our spot about a half-hour before daylight, and both myself and Forest Ninja Eric had *promised* Nick we would get him his chance. As daylight drew closer we had 3 bulls bugling their heads off, so we knew it was going to be a good morning. We sat tight until we were confident which way they were moving, then we made a plan and kicked it into high gear. We moved down the ridge into position where we knew they would be heading at first light and picked up the herd at the top edge of a burn moving our way. We really took our time making sure not to get in too close too fast, and got Nick set up with the bipod out ready for the shot. Sure enough, the cows start filtering in and we told him to just settle on one, wait for her to stop and take the shot. It was still a fairly long shot for an 11 yr old at 306 yards initially, and the first shot rang out but missed cleanly. All of a sudden, it was like the flood gates had opened up. Elk started pouring out of the trees like ants off an anthill. They had no idea where the shot had come from and actually ran toward us. A group settled into the trees just 200 yards below, and Nick repositioned and fired once more. This time it was a perfect hit and the cow dropped like sack of potatoes. All this time, the elk were still pouring out of the trees, and you could hear bulls clashing horns and bugling all over. The cows had split into a few groups but the bulls rounded up the entire herd and pushed them straight at us. All we could hear were hooves and rocks as the entire herd was barrelling right up the hill toward us and we were actually starting to think we might be right in the middle of a stampede! Luckily, they veered off at the last second and the entire herd of at least 7 bulls and 50+ cows ran past at 70 to 80 yards - it was like a sea of elk pouring past. Eric and I just stared at eachother in amazement. We had no idea the herd was that big. When the dust settled, we put our binocs up and saw Nick's cow on the ground. This is what makes hunting with kids so much fun. Nick was SOOO pumped, he jumped up in the air, hollered a little bit, man he was so happy to have his first elk down. Once again, a huge thanks to Eric. He really was awesome coming out to help us, and making sure it was exactly what a youth hunt should be - FUN. The boys had a blast - I learned a LOT by watching him, both about how elk move, and about what makes hunting fun instead of work and stress. I can't say enough about how he made this such a positive experience. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Az_Outdoors Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Congrats! Way to hang in there and get it done. A lifetime of memories. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted October 20, 2010 What an awesome experience for a youth hunter to see. I wish I could of seen that. Congrats to Nick on his first elk! You have to be a proud dad to be able to get both your sons an elk and to enjoy the great outdoors with them. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted October 20, 2010 What an awesome experience for a youth hunter to see. I wish I could of seen that. Congrats to Nick on his first elk! You have to be a proud dad to be able to get both your sons an elk and to enjoy the great outdoors with them. Thanks! I couldn't be more proud of both of them. They held their composure, kept their spirits high, worked their tails off and never complained - I pushed them pretty hard - I could go on all night. I'm so happy for both of them to have had such an exiting hunt. Proud papa for sure. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjwking Report post Posted October 20, 2010 That is so cool. Awesome job and great shooting. Congratulations to you and your boys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
elkhunter Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Great job! That's what it is all about, your boys will never forget this, I still remember the jr elk hunts I did with my father 10 years ago and no doubt that will happen with your boys, congrats to both! Since the rut is still goin there, I am sure the Oct bull elk hunt (startig this friday) will be off the hook! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
willhunt4coues Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Congrats on a great first elk. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stanley Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Awesome!!!!! Good for Nick!! S. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
standman Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Way to go Nick!! Congrats. Your family's cup runeth over with elk meat this year. Awesome! Brian Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcelkhunter Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Congrats!! Those youth hunts are the best!! My most memorable hunts have been on youth hunts. I have been fortunate to be on many, although have recenlty about run out of kids to take since all my kids and their friends are too old now. Looks like I have to go recruit some kids until my grandkids are old enough to go!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowhuntaz1 Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Nice cow Nick!!! i hope Mine will be as big as yours!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Great job Nick. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
azpredator@work Report post Posted October 20, 2010 Great job. Congrats again! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
loco4coues Report post Posted October 21, 2010 way to go! thanks for sharing Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EagleEye Report post Posted October 21, 2010 Man you guys are good my daughter has 4.5 yrs to go congrats good hunting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
