cnelk's CO 61 - Story - Pics & Video POSTED

[cnelk]

OK...
Here we go - you asked for it...

In eleven days I will be starting my hunt.
As requested, I will post updates - hopefully daily - hopefully with some pics

In the next week I will be busy putting the finishing details together and getting ready to leave on the 28th.
I realize some of you may be heading to the elk woods before I leave so I wanted to get this started before then.

To kick things off, here is my gear list.
Many times I get asked 'What did use for this?' or 'What did you use for that?'

So lets start with that...

Equipment

Bow - PSE Triton
Arrows - Gold Tip
Broadheads - Slick Tricks 100gr
Sight - Montana Black Gold Flashpoint
Backpack - Badlands SuperDay
Boots - Danner
GPS - DeLorme PN-30
Nikon 440 range finder

Bugle tube 1 - Elknut Chuckler
Bugle tube 2 - Primos pack bugle
Variety of diaphragms

Cow calls - open reed
1 - Sceery Hyper Ace 3
2- Carlton's Fightin cow
3- Primos - 'I maka da bull crazy'

Camo- Seclusion 3d

ATV - Yamaha Big Bear 400

[cnelk]

This is the tree where my tree stand will be







View from tree

[Goneelkn]

Looks great! Will be good to see your updates. Hope i can get on the internet during the season, if not, after the season will be good reading. Good Luck!

[ElkNut1]

Brad thanks, really looking forward to it!!!

ElkNut1

[Freebird134]

Where are you hunting? It looks so flat! I wanna hunt there!!!

[easeup]

you spent some pref points for that one.
How many snagged it?

hey good luck!!

[cnelk]

It took me 11 Pref Points to draw
There are ~60 tags for the unit

I will be concentrating on ~50sq miles.

I have broken the area down into 3 pieces for reference -
Area A - Area B - Area c

My tree stand is in Area B.

[easeup]

OK....one week to wait it out for show time?
I'll check my PC daily to see your posts.

if I might ask, you have invested a lot of years on this one. What will you let walk and what goes down?
best wishes again!!!!!!!

[cnelk]

if I might ask, you have invested a lot of years on this one. What will you let walk and what goes down?
!

I have a weakness for BIG 5x5s!

But Im looking forward to the 'HUNT' more than anything...

I will be meeting a couple fellas [BIll- CrazyElkHunter] and another guy from Nebraska for the first time during this hunt.
I hope to spend a few hours with each to share camps/stories.

But I have no idea what Im looking for until he steps out...and the arrow is on its way.

I waited 10 years for this bull [GMU 10 Colorado in 2000]
I used a 50 cal Hawken I built in Junior HS and my dad was with me for the hunt.
He passed away less than a year later...

Not the biggest bull, but a special one

[tracker12]

CNELK
Good luck on your hunt. I leave in a little under 2 weeks for Unit 2. I plan on taking a bunch of pics and doing a diary to post after the hunt.

[Magic]

Just leave the 2nd biggest for me. My season starts October 20th.

[>>>---WW---->]

PM me you camp location. Ya never know, I just might show up for the fish fry. Would like to meet both you and Crazy.

[dotman]

Looking fwd to reading the tread when I get back from the elk woods, hopefully i'll have my own goood story

[cnelk]

PM me you camp location. Ya never know, I just might show up for the fish fry. Would like to meet both you and Crazy.

>>>---WW--->
You have a PM

And yes there will be fish to fry... walleye style

[Magic]

WW, PM sent.

[easeup]

bump to keep this semi live

[cnelk]

Here is a pic of a water hole in 'Area A'
This is about 4 miles from camp

I fully expect to encounter a 'shooter' in this area... That is why I named it 'Area A'

[easeup]

definately a good place. It is kinda open.
are you going to use a popup or just slink in behind some brush?

[cnelk]

definately a good place. It is kinda open.
are you going to use a popup or just slink in behind some brush?

Behind that pine tree and to the right is a place I plan on building a blind from brush.
I'm bringing my 3-legged stool that I use for turkey hunting to sit on.

[easeup]

I have never carried a popup up to the mtns. I have often wondered if the elk run from them like the whitetails do.

[sockeye]

cnelk, good looking spots, wish you the best of luck. Have a good time.

[GhostStalker]

PSE Triton. I thought I was the only one still shooting that bow. Nice

[cnelk]

PSE Triton. I thought I was the only one still shooting that bow. Nice

Yeah. Not too many around.

Its a good bow. Shot many elk with it.
This past winter I won the indoor league using it. With that win, I got the Superday pack that I will be using on this hunt

[one_elk]

Hey Brad:

How goes it, we were over there this morning scouting for my wife's ML tag and the bulls we certainly vocal...any luck yet?

[cnelk]

Im leaving tomorrow!

Got a call from a guy yesterday who is up there hunting now. He has been seeing some bulls sparring, nothing big, kinda quiet where he is at.

I expect the first hunt report to be Wednesday night.

Stay Tuned!

[ElkNut1]

Brad, we're all eyes & ears here! (grin) Good luck man!!!!

ElkNut1

[easeup]

tuesday bump to keep it semi live.
OK, like you bought gas today and it cost $$$?
and you realized you did not forget anything...................

[cnelk]

I made it!

Saw a bear near camp along the road - got a pic but no time to post that now

Got camp sorta set up and went to check my game camera and set up my tree stand - area B
We couldn't even get to the water hole at 630pm as the elk were already there.
We saw about 15. We got about 150 yds from the water hole
Heard some bugles in the distane but nothing but cows and spikes playingin the water.
We didn't want bump them so I left the stand there.
As we were leaving we heard a bull chuckle just to the north
Got back to the truck just after dark

Going back there in the morning

Elk spaghetti for supper and now off to bed!

[cnelk]

Well...

having some signal problems but I'll keep trying

We got up and hunted from camp this morning. Heard some bugles in the distance then we heard a growl no too far away!
We repositioned a couple times and kept calling.
Here comes a 6x6!
He came to 30yds and drifted downwind

My buddy wouldn't let me shoot... Too small

It woulda been a nice elk in a OTC unit tho...

We then hiked over to the water hole and set up my tree stand.
My game camera sucks.
It musta malfunctioned because the batteries were dead and it looked like it took pics continually after I set it.

We got into more cows and calves and spikes but no big bulls hanging around them yet.
Weare going into Area A this afternoon / evening to check out more country and see what's happening there.

Nice to be able to 'pass' on a 6x6....
_________________

[one_elk]

Just FYI we had great 3G coverage on the southern end of the Sandborn park road....

[cnelk]

This morning I got to my tree stand just at daylight.
Heard bugles of to the east.
Hmmm... What to do?
About 7am I noticed a hunter working his way toward me.
When he got close enough, I whistled and then he saw me. He waved and moved on...
At 8am, I could stand hearing those bugles and clacking of horns.
So I climbed down and headed that way.
The wind was good. I jumped 3 really nice mule deer bucks and they trotted off toward the elk...
I heard the elk up ahead. Mews and more clacking of antlers.
I eased up and saw cows and a bull. Looked to be a 5x5. Not big enough.

They ease off and I made my way back to my stand. Just as I got there I saw 5 bulls moving thru.
2 more were coming nearer.
They were all 5 points or 4 points. I found out later that some horseback riders were in the area and they probably bumped them thru.

Herb and Jarod had done some scouting another area during this time. But that area looked bleak.

Stayed until about noon and went back to camp and we had fried walleye and potatoes for lunch

Now it's raining and we just went for a drive

Not sure what's on for the evening yet. Mother Nature will decide I guess.


More to come...

[cnelk]

Game Over !!! Bull is down!
He is quartered up and we are back getting packs.

OMG...

And we got it all on video!

[pointysticks]

awesome..

you gave me heart palpitations...very exciting..congrats.

cant wait to see pics, and maybe the video.

[DRSX]

Game Over !!! Bull is down!
He is quartered up and we are back getting packs.

OMG...

And we got it all on video!

Awesome! Can't wait to see the video! Make sure you post that bad boy up.

[cnelk]

Here ya go!
Video is a few days out as I need to put it all together ....

Enjoy

[>>>---WW---->]

Well crud! Guess that means I won't be coming down for the fish fry! LOL! Congratulations on a hunt well done.

[gman82001]

Awesome bull congrats

[N5J]

cnelk....Congratulations!! Little better than a 5x5... Definetely one to be proud of!!!

N5J

James

[cnelk]

Well crud! Guess that means I won't be coming down for the fish fry! LOL! Congratulations on a hunt well done.

Bill...
We had walleye yesterday for lunch and now we are about to gorge ourselves on a whole bunch more.
You got about an hour to get here...

[Magic]

Congrats on taking a fine trophy.

[easeup]

congrats from here too. can't wait to get the hunt details from you on this one!

[dreamhunter]

thanks so much,reading all the different post was like reading something from Bugle Mag. I couldn't wait to get to the end to see the outcome.Just like all good books and stories you hate to get to the end. Good Job !! Nice Bull

[one_elk]

Congrats Brad, nice bull....

[planebow]

Congrats, nice bull

[WapitiTalk1]

Nicely done sir.. Great bull and thanks for the updates throughout the hunt. RJ

[elkoholic]

Congrats!! Job well done

[elkaholic]

Congrats! Nice bull.

[cnelk]

Thanks everyone! It's been fun!

I need to go and get me tree stand this morning. After some coffee and peach pie tho...

Then I need to tear down camp and pack up - Drive 7 hours home.

Once I get all settled in I will seam all the video together. Please be patient as I know you will enjoy it!

Sorry about not posting too many pics but I have taken a bunch.
Those too will coming soon.

More to come...

[foxvalley]

Congrats cnelk!
Can't wait for the video!


Somebody correct me,but I believe this makes three dead elk so far on the forum.?

[slim9300]

That was quick! Great job and nice bull. Can't wait for the vid.

[ElkNut1]

Brad, congrats on another fine animal!! Take your time & enjoy the rest of your trip, don't hurry too much!!! We'll be here awaiting the story!!

ElkNut1

[MTLongdraw]

So that's what you get for passing on a small bull Good work and congratulations.

[cnelk]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone!

Im home....having some coffee and getting ready to start unpacking and taking care of the meat.

I know everyone is excited to hear the story and see videos.

Let me 'come up for air' and put the whole story together for you... I have a feeling you will read, look at pics and watch the videos more than once!
I know I have already!

[dreamhunter]

It would be neat if after season Paul could take snippets from all our hunts and actually do a book with the stories,successes,bumps in the hunt,victories etc. I know over the winter and before next season we could be reading thru and getting the juices flowing again.I just love good reads about good hunts. Can't wait for you story and pics ; )

[cnelk]

OK... Here we go!

First I need to mention a couple things:

Many thanks to my family and friends who support my 'ELK ADDICTION'.
It takes lots of time to prepare, scout, practice and be gone for days.

Also:
I need to mention a couple special people who made this hunt what is was... they took time from their busy schedules to experience the hunt with me.
I was prepared to 'go it alone' but I was so glad to share the hunt with these two guys

'herb'
I had not met 'herb' before this trip. Only read his posts on another site.
He mentioned his interest to 'tag along' if I drew the tag.
He can call elk, pack elk, and is a good camp pal.
I sure hope to return the favor and efforts he gave me when he draws the tag.

'herb', you are welcome in my camp any time...


'Jarod'
He grew up across the road from me. We have shared many hunts together.
When I drew this tag, I told him that if I wanted anyone to come along, it would be him.
I took him archery deer hunting when he was a teenager and saw him shoot his 1st deer.
I also took him archery elk hunting and saw him shoot his first bull.
He and his wife are expecting a child in month so he could only come to camp for 3 days.
Im so glad he did.

[cnelk]

I left home Tuesday Aug 28th about 9am.
Its 400 miles my camp and herb was on his way there already and Jarod was leaving about noon.

Its amazing how things seems to arise and try to 'slow you down' when you're trying to go somewhere. There were times that I didnt think it would all come together.

But it does...

After an hour on the road I see this and I finally realize its going to happen

[Buglemaster]

Congrats Brad on a great bull! Cant wait for the "play by play" & video.In the next couple years we should be heading west on that I-76 freeway in that last pic on our way to 61.I'm hoping you will share a bit on the unit???Bring some of that walleye & you can be my guide! Again, Congrats!

[bowpackerrob]

Congrats cnelk! Very nice bull!

[cnelk]

As many of you know, the drive west of Denver on I70 is quite beautiful and I try to capture some of that with a few photos

[cnelk]

I get thru Grand Junction and Montrose. Im in contact with herb as he is very near the campsite. He has not been there and only has GPS coords.

He makes his arrival and I and about an hour later about 4pm.

Just before camp, I spy a bear ahead in the road. He moves off the road and lets me take a pic out the window

[cnelk]

Upon arrival at camp, I meet herb for the first time. he has his camp set up and willing helps me set mine up.
He is a 'wilderness guy' and has the lightweight stuff




My two wall tents and gear take us about an hour to set up. Jarod sent me a txt that he is outside of Montrose a ways.

So herb and I decide to dash over to my trail camera spot and get the SD card and set up my tree stand before Jarod gets to camp.

The elk were on a different schedule....

[cnelk]

When we got to the waterhole at ~630pm, the elk were already there. We saw many cows, calves and spikes drinking, feeding, splashing.
We were 100yds away and the terrain was fairly open so we were basically pinned down.
So we watched the show

After a bit, they moved off, 4 spikes remained but we eased them away so we could check the SD card. I left the stand there as we didnt have time to set it up.

After inspecting the camera, the batteries were dead. What a P.O.S.
It must have had a trigger malfunction and it took pics continuously when I set it up in July. It only lasted 2 days...

We left and went back to camp where [by this time] Jarod was already waiting.

[cnelk]

Wednesday Morning - Aug 29th

Not really knowing what to do or where to go, I made a plan. Jarod and herb diligently followed. They told me they were 'at my disposal' - whatever I needed or wanted them to do, they were on it...

We dropped herb's truck off at a place so we could make a big semi-circle hunting right from camp. Save a few miles of boot leather.

We left in the pre-dawn light with expectations of the unknown.

At our first call set-up, we heard turkeys clucking and a few bugles somewhere in the distance. We kept working our way toward them.

Jarod and herb were doing a fine job of raking trees, cow calling, stomping, bugling but all we heard was this one bull that would answer with a growl every once in awhile.

I decided to 'press in' on the bull just to see what would happen.

Jorod was nearest to me as we moved slowly slabbing downhill. 2 mule deer does suddenly bounded away and I knew they didnt see us. We came around some oak brush and I see a smallish 6x6 working his way toward us. Herb was behind us and couldnt quite see the elk.

I knocked an arrow just in case another bull was following this one.
The bull came right at us.

Jarod said 'Dont shoot... too small...'

The bull was a decent 6x6 in any OTC unit but not this one.

At 30yds, the bull drifted downwind into the oak brush and silently went away.

That was a good way to start the day

[elkdude]

Fine animal, congrats!! Really looking forward to the video and the rest of the story....

[dreamhunter]

Turn the page,I want to read more..

[cnelk]

After the encounter with the bull, we eased over a ridge down a valley and into the area I had my tree stand stashed from the night before.

I got the stand situated in the tree and we then headed continued in our semi-circle back to herb's truck

Me in the tree

[cnelk]

After we left the tree stand, it wasnt long before we came across the group of cows,calves, spikes that were at the water the night before. There were not any big bull hanging around the cows yet.

We made it to herb's truck and back to camp we went. Had some lunch and of course the typical archer elk hunter's mid-day nap...

Wednesday afternoon we took the ATVs [Jarod brought my other one up with him] into Area A. I had forgotten how far it was all the way in there.
After 10 miles of bouncing around roads, dodging moo cows, we didnt see the sign I had hoped to.
We then went across to another place west of there and found an area that the cattle had been vacant for a couple of weeks. The grass had re-grown a couple of inches and we found another water hole with fresh elk sign on the edge of it.

It was nearing 6pm by now so we decided to finish out the day in this area, do some calling and listening until dark-thirty.

NADA...

[cnelk]

Thursday Morning Aug 30

I decided to sneak into my tree stand before dark. Jarod and herb went to scout out another area I looked at in July.

I arrived at my stand at the perfect time. Got my safety harness on and settled in.

It wasnt 15 min later and a bull sounded off to my right. Not a bad sounding bugle....

I waited

A few min later he bugled again with chuckles at the end,,,

Hmmmm...

I waited some more

Another bugle from him....

OK, so.now Im in a quandary. He is not getting closer. Not getting further away

At 7am I see movement!

Damn... I notice a hunter making his way to the waterhole. He gets close enough to hear my faint whistle and he sees me wave up in my stand, he waves back and moves along.

He must not have heard the bugles as he moves in the opposite direction.

I wait some more... got to remember that tree stand hunting REALLY tests your patience...

Pic of a 'not so patient' hunter...



At 8am, I can still hear him bugle but he has moved.
OK... thats enough. I climb down and go see whats up over there

[cnelk]

I really appreciate how stable the wind is in this area. Very predictable.
I ease into the wind to the approximate location of the last bugle I heard.

As I get closer, I heard antlers clacking and then the faint sounds of cow mews.
I ease as close as I feel as I can and then take a look-see with my binoculars.

I see many cows but no bulls yet. Im about 100yds away. The wind is good, ground cover not so good. so I watch for a couple minutes.

The sparring had stopped and as I scanned the timber I see a 5x5 standing near a cow. I decided to see if anything wanted to 'play' so let a squeal on my bugle and then a couple cow mews....

Another 5x5 appeared. but nothing committed to the 'game'. They just kinda moved off but there was no need to follow.

[cnelk]

My GPS said I was 1/2 mile from my tree stand so I decided to head bcak that way.
I arrived back at my tree at 9am.

Just as I got there [but not climbed up yet] I see five raghorns were moving thru the area just beyond the water hole.
Then I see two more 5x5s coming toward me. I hunker down and glassed them also. They split from the others and came on the other side of the water hole.
All these elk were ~100yds away.

It was starting to warm up so I climbed up the tree again and hoped an elk would be thirsty

A few minuted later, 2 spikes follewed the same route the first bunch of raghorns took.

A couple pics of spikes from my tree...






All the elk came from the direction the hunter had gone a couple hours earlier. I figured he had bumped them.

I stayed until about noon but nothing showed

[cnelk]

Thursday noon we had walleye and fried potatoes for lunch




In the afternoon herb went over to another area he had heard about.
He has lots of points and should draw 61 very soon.

Jarod and I took off from camp again because we had been hearing bugles during the night. I thought we might be able intercept something on its way to the feeding area for the evening.

I found a fresh rub really close to camp

[cnelk]

Jarod and I continue on our quest. No bugles.
We climb a ridge and decided to stay high as we could see the opposite slope and it was getting toward evening.

We suddenly saw elk feeding in the oak brush!
We made a plan to drop into the draw, get below the elk as they made their way down to water and feed.

We almost made it...

We heard the bugle first. We crept up to the edge of the draw and saw cows
RIGHT THERE!!!

Damn... 40 yards - too close

Jarod backed up and found a spot on a bench.

I motioned him to bugle. He bugled and we got an answer!

Then a BIG BOY broke from the scrub oak and came out to look.

SHOOTER!!!

Really nice 6x6

The cows started coming toward us. A smaller bull came to investigate too.
The BIG BOY was pacing back and forth at ~100yds.

Jarod switched to cow calls, raking trees and bugles.

I had elk in my lap, but the BIG BOY eased back into the scrub oak

No matter what we did, he never appeared again. He would answer our calls but the cows and small bulls kept us from getting any closer...

The herd of 30-40 cows and smaller bulls finally figured something wasnt right and they too went back into the scrub oaks.

It was nearing dark, we were about a mile from camp and it was time to leave them for the morning hunt.

On the way back to camp I found a 5 point shed

[cnelk]

OK everyone....

As you know I shot my bull the next morning.

I am going to go up to Walden Colorado area for 2-3 days to hook up with some friends who are archery elk hunting up there.

The video and more pics are ready to post upon my return.

Please be patient. It took me 11 years to draw this tag.

I wont make you wait that long....

[Flintlocker]

Ughhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[baddaddy]

Congrats! Nice bull.

[JimKirk]

great story and beautiful animal. thanks for taking all those pictures and sharing the hunt. can't wait for the rest.

[easeup]

OK then. we are in standby.

[Dirty D]

Congratulations!

Can't wait for the video!

[dadof4]

excellent details, a nice read
thank you for sharing and being so articulate

[Magic]

Thanks for the great story so far.

It is exciting to me because I have a NR 2nd season rifle tag that I spent 17 years of my life chasing PP's to get. At 69 years old, I simply could not wait any longer.

I am anxious to read about the ending of your story.

[cnelk]

Hi everyone...

I'm back from chasing OTC elk... BIG difference from GMU 61...

Who's ready for the 'Rest of the Story'?

[planebow]

I am waiting very patiently

[cnelk]

Friday Aug 31, 2012

2am

As mentioned bugles woke us up. I mean they were CLOSE!
And antlers clacking!
Just as I unzipped the tent I heard them, run off.
They had to be only 100yds away.

The plan at daylight was to go into the area where we left the big 6x6 the night before.

6am found us at that spot. We got into elk right away. But no big boy.

7am
We were headed across a draw and into the wind, making a circ to the area that my tree stand was in

730am
We set up in a really nice spot in hopes to draw something in with our calls.
A bull on the ridge behind us was bugling, but the wind was wrong.

8am
We are poking our way up hill into the wind. We crest the top and start making our way thru the aspens and pines...

Suddenly Jarod says "BULL"...

[cnelk]

Now just to clarify, its Friday morning the 31st!
Not the 30th as I mention in the video

[As most elk hunters know, the days blend together and sometimes the current days and dates are forgotten]


ENJOY.........


http://www.youtube.com/watch?edit=vd&v=CqvIRvw0BQo


Let me know what you think

[stringunner]

great story and video! Congratulations

[Flintlocker]

Congrats!!

[planebow]

Great vidio! Congats again,hope to be in the same position in the next two weeks

[Magic]

A good hunt, good shot, good friends, and a fantastic trophy. Congratulations !!!

[dadof4]

well done and thanks for sharing that video

[cnelk]

Thanks for all the replies everyone!
As you can see we had a grand time!

I would like to take a moment and mention Gannett Ridge a local archery shop in Ft Collins.
These guys are friendly, hunters, and helped in my quest.

If you are ever in Ft Collins, stop in and say 'Hi' to Josh,Tyler and Sam

http://www.gannettridge.com/




The following are some pics and pieces of the story that wasnt covered in the video.

[cnelk]

Some more...

[cnelk]

Now the work begins - caping and quartering

I like the 'gutless' method...

[cnelk]

Due to prior obligations, Jarod could not participate in the packing meat part.
So we went back to camp, got the pack frames [Kirafu] and Jarod went on his way back home and herb and I went back to the bull to get him out

Me and herb packing out the hind quarters...

[cnelk]

After the hind quarters were taken out, we went back for the final trip.

A short video...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4NGaHHhJHs

No matter how close or far you have to pack meat, it is never easy.
The loads are heavy and awkward!

[cnelk]

Finally back at camp....

[cnelk]

And of course I saved the best picture for last...

This hunt was what its 'All About'...

I'm so glad I met new a friend and shared it with an old one....

Until the next hunt....

cnelk

[pikemaster]

Very happy that I made the trip to be there with you. This is just one more very good hunting memory with a very good friend that I will be able to cherish for a long time.

Thanks for letting me tag along!!!

[Vanish]

Great stuff cnelk! Congrats.

[JimKirk]

congrats-thats a lifetime memory right there. you'll think of that day everyday for the next yeat plus! way to get it done.

[ElkNut1]

Brad, great stuff there bud!!! I really enjoyed the video, great shooting partner!

ElkNut1

[DRSX]

It says the video is private????? Won't let me view it!

[WapitiTalk1]

Congrats on a great hunt and a very nice bull.. Thanks for sharing your adventure. RJ

[cnelk]

It says the video is private????? Won't let me view it!

Ooops!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4NGaHHhJHs

Try it now - Sorry!

[bullrub]

Thanks for sharing your hunt with all of us, it was great. And congrats on a great bull.