2013 Idaho Elk Hunt

Talk about North American big game hunting.
JDB
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Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:43 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Savage VLP 204 w/ Konus Pro M30 8.5X32x52
Location: Boise Idaho

2013 Idaho Elk Hunt

Post by JDB »

Had a great elk hunt this year in Idaho.

My hunting partner scored first at 8:30 opening morning. By the time I made it to where he had dropped his animal he had it half way worked up.
It was a very nice low 300 class bull.

Image

Determined to get an elk of my own I walked in before dawn to a spot where I would have good visibility. My goal was to monitor two openings on the far side of a brush choked ridge that was heavily used.
I had picked the right place. The sound of antlers on tree's is unmistakable in the pre-dawn darkness. Similar to the hollow clattering of children playing with wooden swords. This animal was close and moving towards me. As I sat there in the dark I was screaming silently for it to "SLOW DOWN" it was still dark. My prayers were answered as the far ridge went silent and dawn slowly crept its way up from the east.

I sat for another hour afraid to blink. The clearings I was watching were small and elk move quickly. To get a shot would require quick identification if the antlers and good shot placement. A bad shot would mean the end of my season, tracking a wounded animal in brush so thick and tangled it takes an hour to move 100 yards.

Then a huge pale tan form to appeared and was gone as it stepped between two tree's. My heart was beating hard in my chest. I was on my rifle with good position 170 yards and legal shooting light. The massive tan shape stepped in to the second clearing head down feeding as it walked along. My window of opportunity was quickly evaporating the clearing was only 30 feet wide. "Give me some antlers" I was thinking anything is fine. I have 3 kids I don't hunt for trophies I am in it for the meat. Then he raised his head I saw the flash of dirty white tips on chocolate brown bone. That was all I needed.

Image

2 Tags in camp and 2 elk in the bag.
Bill K
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.204 Ruger Guns: also now, a Savage switch bull barrel in 204R. 23 inch SS
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Re: 2013 Idaho Elk Hunt

Post by Bill K »

Fine looking animals and they will make for some very good eating.. Thank you for sharing. Bill K :)
acloco
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Re: 2013 Idaho Elk Hunt

Post by acloco »

JDB - Congrats to both of you!!!

Great elk.....Thank you for sharing!!!!!!
JDB
New Member
Posts: 32
Joined: Fri Apr 23, 2010 7:43 pm
.204 Ruger Guns: Savage VLP 204 w/ Konus Pro M30 8.5X32x52
Location: Boise Idaho

Re: 2013 Idaho Elk Hunt

Post by JDB »

Thanks,
While it was only a small 6x6 no-where near the size of the one my partner landed. My antlers actually fit inside his without touching. It is my biggest Elk I am working the skull into a European mount I will post pics when its done.

This one tastes great. Just had some bacon wrapped backstrap. Mmmmm Mmmmmm good.

JDB
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