Bugling bulls, broken hearts, and a short, short, blood trail(pics now on page 5)

[MnFn]

l missed this the first time,  I guess.  Really great story and very well told.  I have hunted elk four times unsuccessfully and could appreciate all you went through.

Your lesson learned about "once you set up on a elk, trust it and don't move" really resonated with me.  My best opportunity to shoot a nice bull was when I set up by a series of wallows.

I was about 15 yards from one with good wind.  After a couple of hours I decided to move around as this was the first time I had been in this area, and there must be a better spot over that ridge...

As dark was approaching,  I returned by the wallow to meet up with my son.  It was raining and I put on my rain gear.

I was about 75 yards away from the wallow, on the ridge when I heard what sounded like a dog running through water splashing like crazy.  Yup, no dog, it was a nice bull .  As he hit the wallow where I had set up,  he rolled onto his back with legs up into the air and thoroughly doused himself!

Then he stood up and trotted away.  That  picture is forever etched in my brain.

Anyway,  I wish more guys would tell their stories like you did.
thanks,
Gary

[Howitser]

A think o beauty, is a joy forever

[awry]

Great Great Story!
Thanks for bringing it back up.

[two4hooking]

The "Malachi Crunch"!  Anybody else old enough to remember Happy Days?!

Great shot and bull.  I missed a chance at a similar bull last year and I can't wait for September!

Way to go!

[Bill Turner]

This story was just as good today as it was in 2013. Enjoyed it then, loved it this time around. Great way to open a new hunting season. Hope the hunter still frequents this site.

[Trumpkin the Dwarf]

This story was just as good today as it was in 2013. Enjoyed it then, loved it this time around. Great way to open a new hunting season. Hope the hunter still frequents this site.

Hey Bill! Glad to hear you liked the story. I not only frequent tradgang still, I resurrected my own post! Bad form maybe, but I wanted to read it again myself.

[wooddamon1]

Not bad form at all, I enjoyed it again. Heck of a story and I'd listen to my brother too if he could take pics like that! Good stuff.

[Bill Turner]

Glad your still with us my man. A lot have come and gone. Hope you have another great story to tell this year. From one Texan to another, "Keep'um sharp and shoot straight". 

[BRONZ]

Those are some fish tails! Well done sir!

[Hud]

Have you returned to the same bowl if not it is time to make a return visit. Good luck and thanks for a ride on your roller coaster.