Giant WY Elk is Dead

WY ME

Very Active Member
Feb 4, 2014
549
47
Wyoming
The Big Bull 2015.jpg2016 Refuge Elk Sheds.jpgThe Big Bull 2017.jpgThe Big Bull 2018.jpg

The legendary Wyoming elk known as "The Big Bull" has left the the Nat'l Elk Refuge for the last time. I don't have the skinny on what caused his death yet, I just hope it wasn't by the wolves. After his skull gets cleaned up I'll get a score on him. He was one truly enormous bull which I'm sure at one point grossed 440". I scored his sheds in the 430's but I know I didn't give him the spread credit he deserved.
 

kidoggy

Veteran member
Apr 23, 2016
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just hope he did a good job passing down his genetics.


only thing better then killing the big one yourself is finding his sheds or him after he expired naturally!


I actually do hope the wolves got him.much better way to go then a long winter starving.
 
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Dos Perros

Member
Jul 1, 2015
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One wonders where a bull like this could have survived so many hunting seasons. I?d have to think very likely he spent most his days on public land.


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Fink

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Apr 7, 2011
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West Side, MoMo
It's to bad but I expected it to happen soon... he was looking bad last year. Here's a picture from one of his biggest years. I sure would like to see him once he's cleaned up


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Gawd.... What a bull. How'd he navigate through the timber?!
 

wy-tex

Veteran member
May 2, 2016
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SE Wyoming
Did you find the lower jaw? It sure would be cool to get his teeth aged. If G&F will not do it for you in Jackson, we can take them to the lab in Laramie for you, where we live.
I'm betting they would like to know also.
I think we saw that bull on my bison hunt on the refuge last winter. What a stud.
 

ElkTrout

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Feb 2, 2012
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Parker, CO
What a tremendous animal! Hope it was old age and not predators! Thanks for sharing!


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WY ME

Very Active Member
Feb 4, 2014
549
47
Wyoming
Did you find the lower jaw? It sure would be cool to get his teeth aged. If G&F will not do it for you in Jackson, we can take them to the lab in Laramie for you, where we live.
I'm betting they would like to know also.
I think we saw that bull on my bison hunt on the refuge last winter. What a stud.
Good idea. I just called the beetle guy and asked him to save some teeth and we'll get him aged. I'm real curious how old he is as well.
 

ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
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Feb 3, 2014
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One wonders where a bull like this could have survived so many hunting seasons. I?d have to think very likely he spent most his days on public land.


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He was, and the Gros Ventre hides many big animals.
 

ScottR

Eastmans' Staff / Moderator
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Feb 3, 2014
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The legendary Wyoming elk known as "The Big Bull" has left the the Nat'l Elk Refuge for the last time. I don't have the skinny on what caused his death yet, I just hope it wasn't by the wolves. After his skull gets cleaned up I'll get a score on him. He was one truly enormous bull which I'm sure at one point grossed 440". I scored his sheds in the 430's but I know I didn't give him the spread credit he deserved.
Did you find him?
 

WY ME

Very Active Member
Feb 4, 2014
549
47
Wyoming
Did you find him?
No, he died on the refuge. I help the boy scouts every year with the sorting and scoring of antlers. I spoke to a couple of the FWS guys this afternoon and they weren't even aware that the bull had died. I was hoping they could enlighten me as to the cause of his death. Scabies is always a big problem here. The hair on this bulls head looked good but I never saw his neck or body. I just hope the wolves didn't cut his life short as I look forward to maybe seeing some of his offspring in the future.