There is a lot to be said for a hunt ready broadhead.
This picture taken just 15 minutes before my bull encounter
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I shot this public land bull Sept 3 with my Toelke SS recurve, ElkMaster. 35-ish yards, complete pass-through, Abowyer broadhead. At my draw the bow is pulling 54#s.
I called him to me from his cows twice using a bugle followed by panting. First time he came in straight on and behind brush. I waited him out (3 or 4 minutes) and when he turned away and couldn't see me I raised my bugle and called again. This time he circled to my right, stopped and chuckled. I knew I had him then! The bull then walked across in front and below me. There was one good window for the arrow but it had to be quick. I raised my SS, expanded into anchor and watched the arrow vanish into him. A red splotch appeared at that spot. To say I was psyched is somewhat understating my mood. He walked off and died on a steep slope nearby.
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The flies were atrocious and I was so concerned about the temps I barely took time to take a couple pictures before getting right to the work of packing him out and I spaced putting my bow in the photos.
But you can see it, barely, upper right corner of the elk picture. I did one trip that evening and three the next day. Last trip got me back to camp at 4:30. A rugged haul for this 62 year old.
Even though it was 2 miles one way I was able to remain on the same contour most of the time and that made a big difference.
This was the cleanest bull I have ever shot. He was fat too, 3 inches deep over his haunch.
Last load. I had to move some 80lb bags of cement just before the hunt and my load weights were north of that. This is where an advanced pack system earns the price tag.
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What a beast! Congratulations!
Tim B
Good Job. Congrats!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! That's a NICE Bull!!!
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Outstanding bull-must be in great shape to have packed it out yourself, congrats.
Wow! That's awesome.
Congrats on a great bull!
Bisch
That is amazing congratulations!
Impressive!
This photo shows how big the bull was. His shoulder was also layered in fat. The exit wound is just out of frame.
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Flank steak the size of a turkey platter. Note the nice texturing. Perfect for faitas!
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The brisket was also stellar, about 2 inches thick.
Got family? Your basic Christmas roast!
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A "small" roast for 6.
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I cook my deer or elk with an olive oil glaze/salt & pepper rub. On my grill it is put on the rotisserie at max heat to sear. Then turned down to around 325-350 with maple bark scales in the smoker.
Look tasty? Ooooh yeah....
Awesome animal sir! Congratulations! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
What time did you say dinner was? Congrates :thumbsup:
Beautiful bull, congrats.
Outstanding!!
Good job all around meat looks excellent
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Impressive to say the least, and that is what it's all about
He was a stud elk. You did it all the hard way. Congratulations!
Great story and what a giant! That meat looks so good too. Congrats! I have always wanted to try the abowyer heads. Not sure why I haven't.
Thanks everyone for the kind remarks. Its been a LONG time since I have visited tradgang. Life has been very busy with a new business and family. If packing out a bull elk alone seems hard, try being a step-dad!
That is a dream, until you look at how big he is and you have to get him out, alone, dream turns into a nightmare. BUT you have the rest of your life to relive a job well done and the sense of satisfaction must be huge. On public land no less...
My mouth is watering as I text this.
Congratulations on the whole thing! The hunt, the bull, the roast- everything.
Congratulations for you hard earned bull and cooking skill
WoW! Fantastic :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations on a great Bull. That was one heck of a shot! :thumbsup:
Congratulations. what a great hunt, with great results!!!
Quote from: doubleo on October 12, 2021, 04:39:24 PM
Congratulations on a great Bull. That was one heck of a shot! :thumbsup:
Thanks everyone. I owe the shot, really, to my bow, ElkMaster. It is very forgiving of release errors and other such lapses in form. If I ever miss it is never right or left, only too high or too low. It took me a few years to match up with a bow but when I did I made my vow:
"never will we part"
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Great looking bull. Looks like it should have been a 6 trip pack out!
What a great hunt and Bull Elk! I have have done the DIY Elk hunt and the processing and packing out is a lot of hard work! Congratulations and appreciate your sharing the story.....
Congratulations Joshua!
Your elk is incredible, and one that most of us only dream about.
Thank You for taking us along.
A superior harvest...Congrats!!!
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Congrats!
Congratulations!
You done good.....Really Good!
Congrats on a fine bull. Just awesome! Great looking meat too. Your family should enjoy plenty of great meals from that bull.
What state did you find such an nice bull?
Congrats! Awesome bull, and that meat looks amazing!