elk hunt

[Guy Miner]

For several years I've made reference to a high country elk hunt that I enjoyed in Wyoming. There wasn't a digital camera along on that trip, and I didn't have a scanner so I couldn't share the photos with you guys. Santa brought me a scanner this Christmas, and my kids hooked it up for me yesterday. Here's some photos from the hunt:

Sittin' on a horse - sort of amazed that I was on top long enough to get a photo. Yes, that's a stout-loaded 629 .44 mag on my belt.

Elk on the ground. Paused long enough to shed the hunter orange for the photos. This deer hunter was a little taken aback by the sheer size of a bull elk.

Elk was taken at about 180 yards with one shot through the boiler room with a 175 grain Nosler Partition from my 7mm Rem mag.

Again, I must Thank my wonderful hunting partner who made this trip happen. Without his horses, gear and guidance, I'd have never managed to do this.

 

[nodak7mm]

Great Story and Pix, thanks for sharing Guy!!

Rod

 

[CZ]

Great hunt, great animal and vy nice pics, GUY could you extend the story of the hunt- how many days,short or long shot, reaction of the animal,..........
Congratulations for ur nice elk.

 

[Guy Miner]

Okay, twist my arm and I guess I'll tell more of the story! :grin: First off - this was the best hunt I've ever done. Period. A Wyoming buddy invited me to come elk hunt with him. I managed to draw a tag and off we went. If you want to hunt elk in Wyoming for 2009, I think the applications have to be in this month by the way.

We horse-packed in nine miles from the trailhead and set up camp at about 9,000', several days before elk season. The season opened in late September. We spent several days scouting, hiking, fishing, and getting acclimated to the altitude. During that time we found a few elk, not many. We then left them alone until opening day.

On opening morning we hiked quietly about a mile from camp, and bugled a few times. Two different bulls answered and came to the call. I took this nice 6x6 at about 180 yards. At the shot he took a few hesitant steps forward, then collapsed. The bullet had gone through his chest, probably nearly 3' of penetration as I recall. It exited the off-side with about a half-inch hole. I figure bullet performance was excellent!

We quartered the elk, and I spent the morning carrying elk parts down the hill to where we could get the horses. We spent the night in camp, then loaded up the horses again the next morning and rode the nine miles to the trailhead. Dropped off the hide & head at a taxidermist, then the quarters at a meat processor, treated ourselves to a restaurant meal for lunch and rode nine miles back to camp in a snowstorm. Were mostly tent-bound for three days while the storm dumped snow on us. Played cribbage, talked, read, and cared for the horses and kept the wood stove burning.

After the storm, we took a ride through the high country, couldn't re-locate the elk. Broke camp and headed out. Seems to me that we spent 10 days in the high country, including about four before the season.

It was one mighty fine hunt, and I couldn't have done it without the help of someone who was very experienced and very well equipped for elk hunting.

Regards, Guy

 

[JDMAG]

Sounds like a dream come true! great story, and elk. I love these kind of reads!

 

[FOTIS]

That is what I am talking about! Awesome!

 

[Powerstroke]

Guy,

Awesome story & beautiful bull... good long lowers ! Congrats

 

[JD338]

Guy,

That is a great bull and a great story, thanks for sharing it with us.
You look on that 4x4 too.:lol:

JD338

 

[russ808]

Good one Guy. That is one huge animal.

 

[str8meat]

congrats on a darn fine bull

 

[cloverleaf]

Guy- there are moments in life when we define ourselves as truly blessed. I dont know if Hunting should ever be on the top ten of that list but that looks like a strong contender for #11!! Congrats on a great story and A fine bull!! CL

 

[JDMAG]

Your right hunting shouldn't be religated to the top 10....it should be in the top 5

 

[froggy]

Looks like a truly awesome hunt Guy! Isn't great to no other people who have horses. Like they always say, it's not what you know...it's who you know.

 

[Greg Nolan]

Guy,

Awsome hunt awsome elk. (Big ain't they) Congrats :grin: . I'm just guessing but there's something about elk hunting that just sets the hook in a person. Kind of like I hear about Africa. Thanks for sharing your experience and pictures.
Good Hunting
Elkhunt :grin:

 

[nomosendero]

Fine animal, congrats & thanks for the pics.

 

[honkeetonkin]

Fantastic Guy, absolutely fantastic :grin: . Reminds me of an old Jack O'conner story.

 

[Guest]

Very good photography. Exceptional hunt and very nice Elk. Just doesn't get any better.....unless it is another nice comparable hunt. You did good.
Apprediate you posting it.