Nice bull for a client

[Indian Summer]

Interestingly I booked a group of drop camp hunters from right up the road in Missoula. They just didn't know where to hunt. Not much experience and no time to scout.... or learn how to. I guess this bull will do for guys like that huh. Bulls were on fire at the beginning of the hunt then went silent. Just before the end of the hunt this bull decided to cooperate. Outfitted DIY.... not a bad option. Especially if you'd like to kill elk while you're learning.

[bnsafe]

very nice, an interesting. my cousin an I were talking about doing a drop camp here in co even though I live here just to get us back in farther without killing ourselves an help getting an elk out.

[MTLongdraw]

Doesn't look like a hunter DOES look like he is from Missoula

[Indian Summer]

Ha ha Josh.... fooled you! That's the guide..... and also my hippie brother. lol Yes he is right at home in Missoula. Don't let the hair fool you he is an elk hunting machine. I would bet that even very few on this site could keep up with him. Not an ounce of fat on him and is always POSITIVE he's going to run up the next hill and kill one. I guess I'm proof that brains can be a bigger asset than being a mountain goat because I still do most of the killing.

The hunter on the left is only 20 years old. Looks like he'd be the guide huh! lol They were actually unguided as I said. Earlier that day they called a 6 point right into range but got busted. Then they called this one right in. Came on a string to 12 yards and then turned perfectly broadside. How little did they know about elk hunting? Never heard of backstraps and left them in which resulted in losing them as well as the inner loins. Pretty sure these guys were NOT killing elk on their own. Out of shape as well even this guy, all from Montana. Planning to rebook next year. I hope they are more prepared if they do.

Nice to know that every hunter here on ElkNut Forums is better prepared than that. Not so nice to see that some can't find elk.

Next year I'm going to do a little trial run of a business I've toyed with for awhile now. Elk hunting consultant. I've been to quite a few places hunting elk. I have great spots that I left behind for no other reason other than I like to explore. I like killing bulls in new country. We've mentioned Larry Bartlett of Pristine Ventures on here before. He does the same thing as well as rent all the gear. I know others who have basically sold hunt plans for elk but no longer do. When I asked them why they said because more often than not hunters did NOT carry out the plan and instead gave half hearted efforts and then said they weren't satisfied with the plan. I think I know enough capable hunters to avoid that problem for the most part. Also... I have a wide variety of spots in a couple states so I can first evaluate hunter ability and then give them a plan that fits.

Lots of people know how to camp, hunt, call and shoot.... but just need the place to put it all together. It really is the most important ingredient. I think it's also a great value compared to booking with an outfitter. I guess we'll see if there's a demand. Only one way to find out.

No Josh... I'm not going to send you an invoice for the spots I already gave up. We're related.... You're a Bitterrooter!

Maybe some on here can give me feedback on the idea. Anyone?

[MTLongdraw]

HAHAHAHAHA that's hilarious. Now that you mention it, a friend of mine told me your brother has dreads. I totally forgot about that! When do you leave for Wyoming? I appreciate you not sending the bill. I would have a hard time explaining that one to the chief financial officer and budget committee (my wife).

[Indian Summer]

LOLOL... thought you'd like that. I leave in 15 days. I'm excited but already feel the pain of the hell I'm about to give it. A labor of love huh guys and gals.

One day we'll hit it together Josh. Before that maybe a beer in Missoula. No I don't fit in up in the Zoo! But I do know a few good places where the beer's always cold. Bayern Brewery.. mmm

[MTLongdraw]

I'm here more than I want to be Yes, lets do it. There are a few more in town now that are pretty cool too.

[ElkNut1]

Joe, great looking bull, great character! Thanks.

ElkNut1

[cnelk]

Joe
Nice bull for sure!

Some feedback:
I flirted with this same idea years ago.
But there are many factors that seem to be against your best intentions, some of which you mentioned.

I could give someone the coords to one of my best elk killing spots.
Any they come back and tell they didnt see a track.

I know the elk are there, so...
Maybe it was the weather
Maybe they didnt hunt the wind
Maybe they like to sleep in
Maybe their calling sucks
Maybe they hunt too fast

Too many maybes

I hope your venture works out tho.
Its a nitch that could work given the right circumstances!

I will send you a PM with some more info

cnelk

[Indian Summer]

It's been a rough week. Reading the "Stuck in the Tent" thread is something it sounds like everyone has been through. Rain, snow, wolves & quiet elk.

We had two hunters leave a day early. It drives me nuts when guys throw in the towel. Because by the time it comes to that you know it's been days since they first made up their minds it is NOT going to happen. Which means less than 100% effort. The all too familiar downward spiral.

MT Beard this ones for you: It will be my pleasure to tell the guy who packed out early that the guys who stuck it out killed a nice big 6 point today on their way out this morning. An 11th hour bull! I LOVE that stuff. I always say... everyone is so sure on day 1 that they will kill so why is it that at some point they become so sure they will not? I think I mentioned somewhere before that elk hunting eventually comes down to persistence. That's not the 1st bull killed on pack out day either. I'll never complain about killing a bull right off the bat. But I don't think anything beats working hard, getting beat up, and then coming out on top.

It was in a place we call Bull's Hole. A 20 minute hike from the trailhead. lol I haven't gotten the whole story yet so when I do I'll follow up with that and a pic.

Another one of a last minute bull, one of my favorites since I'm always rooting for the old timers ladies and kids. This guy came one year and killed a bull. So the next year he brought his 14 year old chubby faced kid who though not the model of fitness was more determined than even his dad. They hunted hard but by the end of the hunt had come up empty. The morning of pack out it was business as usual. Duffel on top of canvas manties. Guides saddling up and making loads for the mules. Some of the other hunters standing around saying their goodbyes. Well the kid decides to walk out to the rock... the one I mentioned in the "Frontal Shots" thread where 6 bulls stepped out. It's only a couple hundred yards from camp and perfectly flat to there. It's a nice view from atop The Rock and a great place to just sit and reflect on your hunt if for nothing else. Since it wasn't far dad stayed behind and said don't be long kid. You know where this is going don't you? Boooooom! Boom, boom. We all flew back there and there was junior who had followed a guide & his dad around all week standing over the bull he had just killed completely by himself. Holy crap! He was so happy he had a huge smile & tears coming off his chin. Talk about high fives!!!! Brings a tear to my eye to think about that bull. I'm so glad I get to see things like that. I need to recall those memories when I feel the downward spiral coming on. Gotta have faith!!

[Swede]

That is a beautiful bull Joe, and I like your idea. The story is great also. I see your heart is in the right place.

[WapitiTalk1]

Very nice wapiti.. Thanks for sharing the tale of the tape!

[Indian Summer]

Here ya' go! First elk hunt for this guy from Pennsylvania.

[welka]

Bigger part of the story is that the bull was a "11th hour" bull. Was in camp with those two hunters from PA. Great guys and Doug had them on bulls a couple of times. They heard the bull down in a hole and Doug pulled him in front of both of them! Great story, bull and end to a good week for 1st time elk hunters. Had an interesting wolf story from that week, but that's a story for another day!