The term "mid-day-maddness" couldn't be more appropriate on this hunt.  Was exhausted from the drive out and took a power nap.  Then went out with another hunter in camp to do some Sunday scouting (we both took our bows).  He went up the South slope and I went to the left up the North facing slope.  Setup on a rather large rock area and quickly realized as I drew back to range on the bow, I may roll down the hill if I let it go.  So I cow called and moved down behind a couple of down trees (a natural blind).  Raked a tree and did another cow call as I settled in to sit down.  A few moments later heard a branch break up ridge over my left shoulder.  There it was, a Bull Elk standing up from it's bedding and all I could see were the tips of the main tines coming up from the ground.  I watched as he lumbered down the ridge and stood when he was behind a tree.  I did another soft cow call and he continued (previously I had ranged 5 spots and he stopped behind the tree I ranged at 25 yds.  I drew back and did one more soft cow call and he stepped out.  I let the VAP 350 SS fly from my VXR and it's aim was true.  He pinwheeled out and up the ridge.  I looked for my arrow and couldn't find it, found some sign and heard a wheeze, found more sign and another wheeze along with a comotion.  I decided to back out and go to camp and let'em know I shot an Elk and that I'd need some help tracking.  I stepped in at about 3:30 pm, setup at around 4:15 pm and let the arrow fly at 4:30 pm and once we came back and tracked for about an hour, we found the bull on the south facing slope retired.  
Given I lost my dad in July of 20 and my mom in Feb of 21, this majestic animal and this experience had me pretty shook up (both from an adrenaline standpoint and an emotions stand point).  But at the end of the day, I was able to bring home a magnificient animal to feed my family and a unreal trophy to remind me of that afternoon.

Mid-Day Madness: A Memorable Hunt

method

weight

antler spread (in)

body length (in)

antler tines

land type

distance (yards)

Skb Gun Cases Iseries 4217 Double Rifle / Bow Case

SITKA Traverse Pant 

SITKA Ascent Gloves 

SITKA Stormfront Jacket 

SITKA Cloudburst Pant 

SITKA Mountain Pant 

Sitka Gear Men ' S Sitka Beanie

Mid-Day Madness: A Memorable Hunt

John B

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Elk

Gear tagged in this post

Gear tagged in this post

GoWild

Brian L