Guys I don't spend a whole lot of time on the forum, but I wanted to make thank those of you that helped me out on my Idaho elk hunt this fall. Too many times guys show up, ask for a tip, and take it and run. Never to be heard from again. I don't want to be that guy.
Ivorytip had hunted this area before and was quick to provide information and gps coordinates of spots where he found success. I didn't end up finding many elk in the spots he provided, but he gave me the needed boost in confidence, and the elk weren't too far from there this year. My hunt was a muzzleloader hunt, and I was honestly nervous about it, given the rules in Idaho. UH gave me some great information on muzzleloader loads and bullets to try. Sawfish, and CoHiCntry provide information that backed UH on the use of the No Excuses 460 gr slugs. I'm no rookie to muzzleloader hunting, but I will always accept an opportunity to learn more.
I spent a lot of time behind the gun this summer, and had a pretty good load working with the No Excuses 460gr bullets, 777 powder, and the RWS musket cap in my Traditions Vortek. I also put a "See All" open sight on the gun. I actually made an elk size target and practiced shooting it out to 200 yards. This gave me some huge confidence.
The hunt ended up being great. We had a great time chasing bulls and hunting the rut. The first few days of scouting and hunting we had seen so many bulls with broken tops that I started getting nervous about finding a "non-broken" bull. One thing leads to another, and to make a long story short I shot a bull that I probably shouldn't have, but it was still awesome. We misjudged this bull by about 15 points, and didn't even notice his broken G3 in the low light. I made a hell of a shot as he was headed to a wallow and punched the bull out at 165 yards. The bullet went right thru the bull broadside, putting a hole in the top of his heart and passing clear thru him. He only made it 30 yards. I can't say how grateful I am for the clean kill.
Thanks to all of you that provided advice and help play a part in my success. Hopefully someday I can pay you back, or pay it forward.
I will try and upload a picture.
Ivorytip had hunted this area before and was quick to provide information and gps coordinates of spots where he found success. I didn't end up finding many elk in the spots he provided, but he gave me the needed boost in confidence, and the elk weren't too far from there this year. My hunt was a muzzleloader hunt, and I was honestly nervous about it, given the rules in Idaho. UH gave me some great information on muzzleloader loads and bullets to try. Sawfish, and CoHiCntry provide information that backed UH on the use of the No Excuses 460 gr slugs. I'm no rookie to muzzleloader hunting, but I will always accept an opportunity to learn more.
I spent a lot of time behind the gun this summer, and had a pretty good load working with the No Excuses 460gr bullets, 777 powder, and the RWS musket cap in my Traditions Vortek. I also put a "See All" open sight on the gun. I actually made an elk size target and practiced shooting it out to 200 yards. This gave me some huge confidence.
The hunt ended up being great. We had a great time chasing bulls and hunting the rut. The first few days of scouting and hunting we had seen so many bulls with broken tops that I started getting nervous about finding a "non-broken" bull. One thing leads to another, and to make a long story short I shot a bull that I probably shouldn't have, but it was still awesome. We misjudged this bull by about 15 points, and didn't even notice his broken G3 in the low light. I made a hell of a shot as he was headed to a wallow and punched the bull out at 165 yards. The bullet went right thru the bull broadside, putting a hole in the top of his heart and passing clear thru him. He only made it 30 yards. I can't say how grateful I am for the clean kill.
Thanks to all of you that provided advice and help play a part in my success. Hopefully someday I can pay you back, or pay it forward.
I will try and upload a picture.
