huntazelk Report post Posted October 17, 2011 My son Hunter grew up with hunting in his blood and he says hunting is his favorite thing to do. How could you not with name like Hunter! My son drew his first elk tag this year so we decided to make it count. As soon as I finished my early archery bull hunt in another unit I began scouting for Hunter's hunt. I immediately found some nice bulls with two nice shooters. This was my second choice bull but he was much more consistant on his routine than the bigger bull. I watched this bull for almost a week before the hunt started. I told Hunter about the bulls I had been watching and he got really excited for the hunt to start. Opening morning we were out there before light. To get to where these bull were hanging out we had to hike in a ways and pass up a bunch of bugling bulls in the dark on the way. As we got closer we could hear our bull's very unique bugle. At first light we got into position where we were able to glass him up on the oposite ridge pushing his cows up into the thick timber. I ranged him at 530 yards and couldn't believe that he was already heading to his bedding area. I cow called and he would respond back but kept pushing his cows up the ridge. I couldn't believe as I thought our morning hunt was over already. Hunter was prepared to make a long range shot if needed as he was packing my 338-378 Wby and he has done a lot of practice. I cow called a little more and we saw a smaller bull come out of the trees. As I called, Hunter said, "Dad, there is a bull right there!" I thought that it was the smaller satellite bull as I could not see it. I soon glassed it up and found that it was out big bull heading our way. I told Hunter to get ready as it was our bull and it was coming our way. Hunter set up on the shooting sticks and I kept calling. That bull just kept coming and coming so I told Hunter to just wait for him to come all the way in. The bull dropped into the ravine just below us where we could no longer see him. I told Hunter to watch for the antler tips coming up the hill. We could hear him getting closer but we could not see him. We didn't know exactly where he was going to come up the ridge we were on so it made it a little nerve racking. We then heard that unique bugle right in front of us as his antler tips started rising up in the air just 30 yards away. The bull stopped to bugle, perfectly broadside to us at less than 30 yards. I told Hunter to shoot and when I didn't hear that cannon go off I told him to shoot again. I didn't realize but there were some branches blocking Hunter's shot as he told me he didn't have a shot. The bull immediately turned and took off down the the ridge the way he had come. I had Hunter get ready and told him that we would shoot him as came up the other side. Hunter got set up and as the bull started up the other side at about 90 yards I cow called and stopped him. Hunter shot and the big bull stumbled and took a step back. I said, He is still standing shoot him again and this time Hunter's shot put him right on the ground. Hunter was ecstatic. He couldn't believe he had just killed his first elk and it was a monster. Hunter had just shot his first elk by 0630 AM opening morning. I needed a string to tie to his foot to keep him from floating away as he was on cloud 9. Good job Hunter your off to a great start. Rod Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucky2hunt Report post Posted October 17, 2011 Wow Hunter..... I'm speechless.... Absolutely beautiful bull congratulations! And to have him at 30 yards bugling at your dad's calls is incredible. Way to make your shots count, very very cool!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted October 17, 2011 Awesome Bull! Congrats! I think you'll need that string for a long time to come, I know I would! LOL! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brian Payne Report post Posted October 17, 2011 That thing is a thumper! You'll have to let us know what he tapes out at. Congrats to Hunter. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pine Donkey Report post Posted October 17, 2011 That's a stud bull. Congratulations! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted October 17, 2011 First bull or your 50th bull it just doesn't get any better than that. That is a toad of a bull Hunter. Congratulations Hunter and a big thaks to Dad for helping out. Can't wait to see your next bull. Thanks for sharing. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Koury Guide Service Report post Posted October 17, 2011 That is an awesome bull. A huge congrats to all involved. Great G4 and G5 on that toad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Will K Report post Posted October 17, 2011 That is a awesome bull. Congrat's to all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues 'n' Sheep Report post Posted October 17, 2011 Congrats on a great bull! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkaddict Report post Posted October 17, 2011 Great bull!! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cramerhunts Report post Posted October 17, 2011 Congratulations on a GREAT bull! Way to go, that beast is awesome. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowhuntaz1 Report post Posted October 17, 2011 What a great bull. Good job Hunter Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted October 17, 2011 What a fantastic bull! Great job Hunter, congrats on a hunt you will never forget. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
.270 Report post Posted October 17, 2011 now that's a good bull. good job all around. excellent bull. Lark. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcelkhunter Report post Posted October 17, 2011 That's one heck of a bull! Love all these kids with the name Hunter!! Congratulations. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
