2015 Oregon Second Season, Spike-Only Hunt

[TBASTIAN]

Just returned from a great week in the mountains of NE Oregon hunting second season, spike-only elk. Ended up harvesting 2 spikes between the 6 of us.

I took my 11 year old son this year and couldn't have had a better time. Shot this bull within an hour of opening morning. Slipped in on a herd of 40+ elk with three great branched antlered bulls...incredibly hard to see them standing broadside and know you only have a spike tag in your pocket! I ended up making a 458 yard shot on this guy as he cleared the timber, using a Browning A-Bolt, .300 WSM, using 180 grain Barnes TSXs, and topped with a Leopold VXIII 4.5-14 with a B&C reticle.

We spent the remainder of the day quartering and packing him out to the trailhead. Great hunt with great family and friends.

 

[DrMike]

Great job taking your son! Excellent! Fine dining awaits you.

 

[truck driver]

Breaking your son in right and he will be at your side for life. Great picks and thanks for sharing.

 

[Kodiak]

Looks like a steady diet of fine eatin' for the near future.

Well done guys !

 

[SJB358]

Very nice! I know what you mean about seeing those big bulls with only a spike tag in your pocket!

 

[OU812]

Congrats on what looks to be a very fun hunt, one I'm sure your son will not soon forget. Both those spikes look to be very nice sized.

 

[Silentstalker]

My favorite hunts are those I shared with my Dad! Congrats and nice shooting!

 

[sask boy]

It looks like a great time was had . I am sure glad to see your Son with you, I truly believe this time you spent with him is going to pay huge dividends in the future .
Thank you for the story & photos..
It looks like you have some great table fare for this coming winter.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Elkman]

Congratulations, that is a beautiful bull, looks like great conditions also.

 

[khh]

Your son looks like he's having a blast what a great thing . congrats.

 

[cloverleaf]

A spike Elk sounds perfect! Good lookin' young person with you there! That just sounds like a wonderful time. CL

 

[ram161]

Great job on the spike, always a geat time when you can take your kids along.
You seam to have the spike hunt down. I may have to look into the spike hunt for the years we don't draw.
How did your buddies ram hunt go.

 

[TBASTIAN]

Thanks, Charlie. It's a great way to hunt the same unit on the years that you don't draw a branched bull tag. It has really allowed us to get to know the unit better over the last 11 years.

Buddy's sheep hunt went really well. He ended up shooting a 157 5/8" net ram on opening day.

 

[gerry]

Very cool. Your young guy certainly had a great time being out with you.