Guns, Bows, Shooting Sports, and Hunting WOOHOO! Drew a bull elk tag

[AMink]

Well, after many years of trying (many less than some), I drew an elk tag in Nevada. The area is near Ely. Hope I can afford to get there for some scouting ahead of time. I've ordered the dies for my . 338 WinMag so I can get some good loads going. Anyone have a favorite recipe? It's a Ruger M77 All Weather w/ Leupold scope and Timney trigger. I'm also starting the "get in shape" regime:{ Of course, round is a shape! I told my wife that when I drew an elk tag, I'd start working out. That'll teach me to open my mouth. Of course, I'd hate to waste a hard-to-get tag by not being able to do the physical part of what may be a hard hunt in November.



I'm really looking forward to this as Nevada is growing some BIG elk. I took a pronghorn last year, so I'm looking for something else to hang above the mantle.



Any other great hunts planned this coming fall?

 

[WMonroe]

That sounds like a lot of fun. Good luck with the upcoming hunt. One of my goals is to get to one of the western states for an elk hunt, maybe someday.

Will

 

[GHarman]

Well, after many years of trying (many less than some), I drew an elk tag in Nevada. The area is near Ely. Hope I can afford to get there for some scouting ahead of time. I've ordered the dies for my . 338 WinMag so I can get some good loads going. Anyone have a favorite recipe? It's a Ruger M77 All Weather w/ Leupold scope and Timney trigger. I'm also starting the "get in shape" regime:{ Of course, round is a shape! I told my wife that when I drew an elk tag, I'd start working out. That'll teach me to open my mouth. Of course, I'd hate to waste a hard-to-get tag by not being able to do the physical part of what may be a hard hunt in November.



I'm really looking forward to this as Nevada is growing some BIG elk. I took a pronghorn last year, so I'm looking for something else to hang above the mantle.



Any other great hunts planned this coming fall?

Hope you get a BIG'UN. The meat is really good. While working out, remember; "PAIN is GOOD, PAIN is CLEAN, PAIN PROMOTES DISCIPINE". :-laf GregH

 

[TAbbott]

Hey! Congrats on the elk tag! Nevada is supposed to have one of the highest bag to tag ratio's in the country and produces many, many trophy mounts.



I have two friends who got elk tags, went on un-guided hunts, and who both returned with 6x6's. I think you're right to try to make the most of it since a NV elk tag is a once in a lifetime deal. We'll all look foward to seeing some pics, so be sure and take a camera.

 

[AMink]

Thanks! Yes, Nevada is growing some big critters. If successful, I'll have to wait 10 years to put in again. It's six years for pronghorn, and I think the goats and sheep are one only. It's going to be a long time until November!

 

[Paddy McMahon]

As soon as bird season opens(before Elk season) you can pass on the gym workout and head for the hills to get in shape by chasing Chukars. Just another excuse to get out there and have fun. The Ely areas also produces some nice muleys! I've put a few bulls in the freezer with the . 338-you definately are not undergunned. Good luck.

 

[AMink]

Got one!

While it's not a world beater, it was definitely worth the trip. I have never worked so hard in my life. Days of looking, spotting, and driving. Then, the hiking begins. I shot him at just over 9,000 feet. For someone used to 4600', there is no oxygen up there! As you can see, it was a true elk hunt. We had snow, fog, and a long stalk. I got to about 120 yards and let fly. I take pride in knowing that my handloads worked perfectly. A 210 Barnes tipped X bullet did the big work. Now I have 49 more from that box for the coming, um, "enlightened, reasonable gun and ammo laws". :-laf



The tire was the other casualty of the trip. OEM BFG Rugged Trails, 60mph down a good dirt road. Got a little squirmy, then "THUMPTHUMP". Had 40K on them, many on dirt and rock roads. I think they did a great job. Anyone have and take offs?

 

[WMonroe]

Congratulations on the kill!

Will

 

[GHarman]

Nice ELK! Good job on the hunt and the Kill! Really Glad you enjoyed yourself and have the meat to Boot!Oo. Oo. Greg

 

[DWeiler]

Nice bull-only animal i have never had the chance to shoot---lots of moose/deer/and the odd bear. This can/will change soon as my folk retired to northwestern Alberta on a 1/4 section. After 30 years of being restricted to get permission to hunt on private land,now i don't have to. Dad usually calls every second week to give me the tally of the deer/moose/elk he can see on his property from the front deck. Congrates again DW

 

[AMink]

I got the meat back today. Wow! There was a lot more carrying it out in the snow! Filled the freezer and part of the kitchen freezer. Got 13 chubs of salami and a few pounds of game sticks. Wish I knew how to do it myself. Pretty pricey, but the memories are priceless!

 

[DHayden]

Nice Bull... I'm going to put in for an Oryx tag in Feb. Its about as exciting as hunting a cow but the meat is awesome and there should be alot of it.

 

[GCroyle]

AMink,



Congrats on the Bull, nice job and with a handload, that must have been satisfying when it went bang and it went down. Details make the difference.

 

[SBeretz]

Wow, thats awesome. Congrats on the elk. By far my favorite animal to hunt. I am missing elk hunting this year as I am in Afghanistan again, but you guys are keeping the fire lit. Hopefully I can get up to ID next year for elk. Congrats. I got about the same on my tires too, and the Id fireroads took my BFG Rugged Trails also. All the Outfitters run Toyo's cause they say they hold up better on the rugged, rocky roads. I have to believe them, I am 30K of abuse and they are still in great shape. Enjoy the meat, it goes quick. Scotty

 

[AMink]

Thank you all, and SBeretz, thank you especially for doing what you do. You guys (and gals) make me even prouder to be an American. Both my folks are Marines, retired.

 

[SBeretz]

Hey, thats what I do. I love being a Marine, but I like Elk hunting alot to, so there are alot of compromises, elk hunting loses most of the time though. I can't complain though, I love doing what I do, and someday I will pass the torch and get to hunt in CONUS vs Afghanistan/Iraq. Scotty