I gave up hunting back in 81. Just didn't have time and used what time I had to go fishing. I retired last year to Idaho and one of my goals was to start hunting again; now that I have time. Last year I couldn't start because you have to be a resident here for six months before paying resident fees for hunting and fishing. I got a good start this year.

On Wednesday my neighbor and I left at 0430 and were set up on our spot overlooking a ridge and drainage by 0545. When day light approached we spotted a bull elk about 450 yards away, that was moving in and out of cover. I had my rifle sighted in for 200 yards. My neighbor, who is a sniper, told me what adjustments to make on the scope for the shot. Adjustments made and at 0710 the bull elk showed himself broadside. I took aim and made the shot. The elk humped up, ran a few yards, then dropped. A clean kill through the heart and lungs.

Took a good 8 hours of hard work to get the elk back to a logging road. Lots of heavy brush that we had to saw through to drag the critter.

I definitely have the hunting bug back!

Does anyone have a good recipe for making elk jerky? I would appreciate any tips. I have smoked a lot of fish but not an elk.

Congrats Mike! Glad you're enjoying your retirement!

Nice going! A hunt like that is a pretty good heart check up. What caliber was used on this bull?

Awesome and Congrats, Mike!!!
I so envy you...

Solid work! Shootin's the easy part, as you now remember.

I use the Jensen "wild wild" jerky recipe in the Big Chief recipe book.

Nice work !!

I am hoping a nice spike gives me the opportunity next weekend. . . . .

Nice animal! The backstrap is not worth a chit, send it to me and I'll dispose of it, ok?

Great work, but you are going to need something bigger than a Little Chief!

Very nice congrats..

I used my old Winchester 30-06, 180 Grain Barnes Vortex bullet. I put a new Leopold VX2 9 X 40 scope on it last month.

Dave, I am not turning the whole thing into Jerky, but thought I would try making 20LBS or so by myself.

My neighbor's Dad has been making jerkey out of elk burger for a lot of years. I am trying to weasel the recipe out of him. Its some of the best jerkey I have ever had.

Sol Duc; you bet, just keep watching for the UPS truck.

Thanks for the compliments and I wish the rest of you the same luck I had on your hunt.

Mike

Nicely done-Congrats

hoping my son will claim his first this year. Don't think I'll ever do it again. But wish I still could.

Between you and I our average is right around 5 years

Congrats

Awesome story and bull. Congrats on it and the retirement.