2000 Archery Hunters' Report
(Again we will let the archers tell you
in their own words what took place on their hunt)
Idaho
9/2 - 9/9
Gary Flood, Honesdale, PA ph. 570 - 253 - 3321 guided
by Jason Lundberg and Loc Holman
First hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. We go
to Idaho. Elk hunting appears easy, at 8 am the bull a 5x5
to 20 yards, one arrow through his lungs and my hunt is
over. Lodge, food and guides were all excellent. Be warned,
mountains are steep. I will return!
Mike Materna, Augusta, GA ph 706 - 651 - 0130 guided
by Chuck Hall
Got a phone call from a friend from PA and told
me that we were going elk hunting for 8 days. On the first
day of the hunt heard bulls call but couldn't get them to
answer. As we got back to the truck my buddy and his guide
were waiting, he had downed a 5x6 and was waiting for the
others to help pack it out. You could feel the excitement
that he was going through. When we got back to the lodge
another hunter had a 5x5 and one had wounded a huge bull.
Not bad for first day of hunt. On the third day I took a
shot at a huge cow. How I missed keeps me up at night (?)
On 5th day ran into 5 cows 2 calves and 2 bulls
(spike and a 2x2) crossing a clear cut. Wind was perfect
and got into position for shot. Still can't figure out how
something so big can appear and disappear at will, all 9
seemed to just vanish. Saw or heard something almost everyday.
Couldn't ask for more. Chuck, AKA the "mountain goat" my
guide did everything he could to get me into shooting range.
(Thanks Chuck) Had a great time, and already planning a
return trip. Annette and Wayne I want to thank you and your
guides for a wonderful week. See you again soon!
Bruce Clara, Mount Pleasant, PA ph 724 - 423 - 4712
guided by Wayne Hill
Approximately 6:10 a.m. Wayne, Travis, good luck
charm Carmen, get out of rig and head up mountain. Suddenly
Wayne tells me to get in clearing and get ready. He bugles,
gets answer, sticks breaking, he's coming. I see him off
in a distance going toward Wayne. I turn and glimpse of
movement off to left. So I turn, there is my bull 20-25
yards, looking at me drawing back, I release, whack, over
his back into tree. What an experience! All I could ask
for. Be back soon if Wayne can put up with us.
Carmen Nicastro, Greenburg, PA ph 724 - 837 - 5452
guided by Mark Wentworth
Approximately 6:10 a.m. Wayne, Travis, good luck
charm Carmen, get out of rig My first archery elk hunt ever.
First day out with guide. Never a dull moment. At 9:30 a.m.
spotted 2 whitetail bucks. 9:45 am spotted a whitetail doe
while watching doe, Mark let out a bugle and got quick response.
Nice 5x6 approached about 40-50 yards out and coming fast.
Bull got within 20 yards, took shot and hit low, bull moved
not far and got 2nd shot off looking hit in mid section.
Bull walked off looking hurt. Gave bull time to go down
Third shot got him. Had a great hunt. I will be back.
John Bilsky, Uniondale, PA ph 570 - 727 - 2212 guided
by Matt Campbell
First hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. Saw nothing
the first 3 days, but sign was heavy. Jumped two slammer
bulls day 4. Matt called the smaller a 5x5 (?) or 6x6(?)
back twice but it refused to take those last 2 steps. The
rest of the hunt we got into noisemakers and tried to play
tag, but again none were willing until the last day. Setup
was too fast and too dark resulting in seeing the slammer
plus but with no shooting opportunity.
Stan Bognatz, Carbondale, PA ph 570 - 282 - 4947 guided
by John LaGue
I'm sitting here in this awesome lodge, relaxing
after a great 8-day hunt with my guide John. I didn't take
a bull elk, but did pass up a slam-dunk 25-yard shot on
a small 4x4 on the 3rd day, which was my only opportunity
at a bull. John and I enjoyed playing tag with several bulls,
had a couple others that didn't want to play. Sign was generally
heavy in the Idaho area we hunted, with many rubs and a
lot of fresh sh--t. The weather unfortunately proved to
be a formidable foe than the elk. After one of the driest
summers, and some poor governing decisions by the state
of Montana, we enjoyed a week of mostly rain and changing
winds. I plan on returning to enjoy more of this silly stuff
in 2002, By the way--the mountains are not as bad as everyone
says--they're worse!
Mike LeBow Fowlerville, MI ph 517 - 223 - 4622 guided
by Jason Hill
Wounded heavy 5x6 at less than 20 yards.
Montana
9/11 - 9/18
Fred Fleming, Strattanville, PA ph 814 - 764 - 3275
guided by Ray Hill
The first morning we heard several bulls and
saw 2 really nice bulls. Tried to set up on a couple but
they had cows and didn't want to play with Ray and me. Second
morning we put a lot of miles in but didn't hear anything
this time. Second day evening hunt was a different story
altogether. Ray and I were not a half an hour from the rig
when Ray spotted a cow feeding on a bush back in a draw.
Just before that Ray had bugled and got one to answer across
the other side of the draw. Ray put me into position and
proceeded to work his magic. A bull bugled just around the
point where the cow was. Here we had actually walked into
the bull's bedroom and he didn't like it much. Just a few
seconds passed after Ray bugled when I saw his antlers coming
toward the point I was on. I drew my bow and got ready.
The bull stopped behind a tree at 10 yards so I had to hold.
He stared at me forever it seemed. Ray was doing his best
to get him to move forward. Then the bull spooked a little
and jumped to 15 yards. After another stare down the bull
stepped out in the open and I double lunged him. A real
nice 7x7. Great hunt! Great food! Great lodge! Class act
all the way around. Met some really nice people. Hope to
do this again in the future. Thanks guys.
Adam Olscamp, Coeur d Alene, ID ph 208 - 777 - 1209
guided by Wayne Hill
Wind!! Third hunt with Wayne and the gang and
once again a great time. Got close on bulls most everyday
but stumped by wind every time! A couple of 50 to 60 yard
opportunities not taken. Undershot a 4x4 at 55 yards. Had
a 5x5 within 15-20 feet but nothing but head and antlers
to shoot at!! Saw two of the biggest 6x6 bulls I've ever
seen, but at a distance. Truly magnificent animals. Overall
there were plenty of animals in the woods this time out--the
darn wind just would not cooperate. Had a super week. Certainly
some experiences to remember a lifetime.
Ron LaForge, Washington, MI ph 810 - 667 - 1452 guided
by Travis Hill/ Jason Hill
Jay and Travis worked in a huge bull (12-15 yards)
7 or 8 points on one side (quit counting to concentrate)
very heavy rack. Saw me draw and he was off. Same evening
Travis worked in nice 6x6 to 20 yards. Standing broadside.
Excellent job by Travis. Bad shot by me! Stuck him in shoulder
blade. Second morning Travis bugled in a 5x4 which came
in silent. Another 20 yard standing broadside shot. Passed
on him to let him grow. Third day cased bull all day. Close
several times but no sightings. Heard two bulls in the evening
but couldn't get close. Fourth day was slow. Fifth day worked
bull in close without sighting. Sixth day worked in 2 different
bulls within 75-100 years before they went silent and moved
off. Day 7 found us among 5 bulls screaming all morning.
Got close to two of them, but with that many bulls screaming
at each other they kept moving off. Evening had us within
30 yards of bull, but too dark to see, had to let him go.
Last day very windy, heard one single bugle. Thanks for
an outstanding hunt Travis!
Reuben Stoltzfus, Strasburg, PA ph 717 - 687 - 0888
guided by Matt Campbell and Chris Johnson
This was my first western hunt ever. Matt and
Chris called in a nice 5x5 the first evening. (40 yards)
didn't get a shot. Third day we jumped a 6x6 and some cows.
Matt worked the bull back to within 25 yards could only
see his rack and top of his head sticking out above the
brush. Couple more steps and I would've had a shot. But
swirling winds screwed it up for us. Rest of the hunt was
kind of slow. Bulls weren't bugling a whole lot probably
due to the 80-degree weather. Matt and Chris did a great
job in trying to bring a bull in close. Hope to be back
in the near future. Had a great time and met a lot of nice
people. The food and accommodations were excellent! Thanks
Wayne and Annette.
Carter Henry, Strattanville, PA ph 814 - 764 - 3746
guided by Jason Lundberg and Jerry Ott
This was my first elk hunt. Day one heard three or four bulls
bugling. Two other small bulls came in. One 3x3 came to 60
yards and a 5x5 to 50 yards. Day two heard 3 bulls none came
in. On the way back to the rig I shot a small whitetail buck.
Third day set up on a bull but wouldn't come. Saw 2 spikes
and 3 cows. Fourth day called in a beautiful bull to 20 yards.
No shot. The wind got us. Fifth day heard several bulls. Saw
5 elk across canyon at dark. Sixth day same area as yesterday.
Heard two bulls and worked one for two hours. Saw another
bull while working this on at 75 yards. Seventh day no action.
Eighth day heard 3 to 4 bulls. One came to 75 yards but no
closer. Excellent food, outfitter and accommodations. My guides
did an outstanding job. Thanks to Wayne and Annette this was
a dream come true even without getting an elk.
Doug Box, Glen Allen, VA ph 804 - 360 - 1909 guided
by Ray Hill and Chuck Hall
First elk hunt. Great way to start. First 2 days
were quiet. Heard some far off bugling but couldn't get
close. Day 3 had a bull within 40 yards couldn't get clear
shot. Day 5 Ray took me into "bull valley". Had 4 bulls
bugling to each other at daybreak. Started to work in on
one of them but Ray broke off stalking when another bull
was screaming for us to give him some attention, Got set
up and was looking uphill where he was supposed to come
from. He circled me and tried to uproot a tree behind me.
I was at full draw waiting for him to move into a shooting
lane at 28 yards. Winded me 5 steps before opening and I
watched a big 6 point drift away. Day 7 had me within 25
yards of a monster 7 point. I was at full draw 3 times within
an hour. Couldn't get him to commit the last 5 yards to
clear the thick cover. Didn't get a bull, but had a great
week. Saw and heard a lot of bulls. Saw elk, whitetail deer,
mule deer, moose, bear, and big horn sheep. Accommodations
were great. Good food and lots of it. Tough physical hunt.
Thanks Wayne and Annette. Ray and Chuck were great guides!
Dana Vantresco, Kirkland, WA ph 425 - 452 - 6502 guided
by John LaGue
No shot opportunities.
Ted Williamson, Germantown, TN ph 901 - 755 - 9206
guided by Mark Wentworth
Got shots at 2 different bulls at less the 10
yards each.
Van Sherman, Hancock, NH ph 603 - 525 - 3047 guided
by Loc Holman
No shot opportunities.
Ron Rock, Hayden Lake, ID ph 208 - 755 - 1761 guided
by Jason Hill
Worked 2 4x4's no shot. One trophy 6x6 in to
40 yards got caught moving. Heard and saw elk 5 of 6 days.
9/20 - 9/27
Dan Young, Saline, MI ph 734 - 944 - 0104 guided by
Ray Hill
My first elk hunt. First day we had 3 or 4 different
bulls bugling at first light. We got in close on 2 of the
bulls but not close enough to see or shoot. The second morning
was cold with rain and snow falling. But the bulls were
bugling. About 10:30 we got a curious spike to come down
the mountain and give us a look. About a half an hour later
a beautiful 6x6 came down to get a look also. He got to
within 20 yards. I had a good clean shot and we had the
bull within 10 minutes. Wayne Hill Outfitting is a first
class operation with first class people. Excellent accommodations
and excellent food. Thank you Wayne and Annette and especially
Ray and Jerry.
Todd Jedele, Manchester, MI 734 - 428 - 7720 guided
by Jason Hill
Hunted 5 out of 8 days. Jay called a nice 4x4
into 30 yards on the 5th day. Put an arrow through one lung.
He ran about 60 yards and died just out of sight. The 2nd
and 4th days also had bulls in to about 20 yards. Passed
on both, bad angle. Nicer bulls than the one I got, but
I'll take what I got for my first hunt. Jay did an excellent
job. I'm sure if I 'd hunted three more days he would have
shown me more big bulls. I'll be back for them. Food and
lodge are the best you can find. I came in above average
shape and was still sore and tired. Get in shape. You'll
have more fun and see more elk.
Michael Boughner, Goodells, MI ph 810 - 325 - 1354
guided by Travis Hill
Day one we had five bulls in screaming but none
of them came in for a shot. Too many bulls and the wind
was not in our favor. Days 2&3 were wet, rainy, cold and
windy. No sightings of anything. Day a4 Travis had three
bulls bugling and we went after the closest one. We had
him in sight at 20, 30, 40 yards but he wouldn't come out
to get the shot. Nice 6x6 bull, my first time in on a bull
of that size. Days 5&6 we had a few bugling in the morning
but they shut down quick. Day 7, lucky number 7, Travis
got me in the middle of four cows and a big tall and wide
6x6 or bigger. We spent 3 to 4 hours working on that bull
moving him up the mountain, 40 or 50 yards and as close
as 20 yards, no shot. After about the fourth hour, I had
a cow in at 20 yards, she spotted me and I didn't move and
she walked ahead a few steps. I pulled back on her let fly
and hit a tree in the way. What a miss! Travis did his job,
but my experience will never be forgotten. Food was great
and the other guides were great. Next time I will be in
better shape. I'll be back!!
Jim Holzberger Sr., Smith Creek, MI ph 810 - 367 -
6339 guided by Wayne Hill and Josh Ahlin
My first elk hunt. I had the best time of my
life. I saw elk every day I was here. It was so exciting.
The first day I saw a big bull and cow about 50 years away.
The wind messed it up and I didn't get a shot. Every day
after I saw big bull elk, but couldn't get a shot, partly
because I moved or they saw me first. I sure learned a lot
about hunting elk from my guides Wayne and Josh. They took
very good care of me and hunted very hard to make my hunt
successful. I sure plan to book another hunt in the future
because everything was excellent. The food was excellent
the accommodations were super and Wayne Hill Outfitting
is a first class operation with all first class people.
James Holzberger Jr. Goodells, MI ph 810 - 325 - 1416
guided by Matt Campbell
My first elk hunt. Heard bulls every day. Had
one in at 8 yards on third day. Not able to shoot. Seventh
day had good shot at 5x6, not the biggest, but happy to
get my elk. Food good, guides great. Thanks to my guide
Matt and Wayne and Annette.
Jeff Butts, Quincy, MI ph 517 - 450 - 6079 guided by
Mark Wentworth
Was in on 2 good six point bulls at 10 yards,
but no shots. Wounded a bear with rifle.
Paul Stevenson, Clinton, MI ph 517 - 456 - 7612 guided
by Loc Holman
Shot at 6x6 bull at 18 yards last day of hunt.
Missed.
Mark Drake, Ann Arbor, MI ph 734 - 602 - 9034 guided
by Jason Lundberg
Shot at 5x5 wounded. Did not recover.
Mike Guenther, Saline, MI ph 734 - 941 - 3232 guided
by John LaGue
Saw several bear, but no shots on elk.
9/29 - 10/6
Dale Thurman, Minster, OH ph 419 - 628 - 2998 guided
by Ray Hill and Jason Hill and Travis Hill
This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill; probably
my first "serious" elk hunt. Hunted three mornings with
Jason and two evenings with Travis. Only activity was on
the third evening with Travis when two bulls answered. We
ran out of daylight and decided not to push the issue. Ray
and I went back the next morning and got an immediate response
to the bugle. We worked the bull and his cows for about
3 hours and never could make things happen. A few minutes
after we decided it was over, Ray went to the edge of the
mountain and bugled down the valley. He got a response and
we moved about 100 yards and bugled again. This time the
bull answered at 50 yards out and was coming in. The big
4x4 started thrashing trees at thirty yards and Ray timed
his bugle perfectly to cause the bull to advance 20 yards
giving me a small window to shoot through. The 20-yard shot
was good, getting both lungs and the aorta. He went about
50 yards and crashed! That was one of the most exciting
events of my life. Needles to say, I am very happy with
Bob Kershner, Monte Clare, PA ph 610 - 933 - 2029 guided
by Jerry Ott and Loc Holman
This was my first elk hunt and not my last. First day my guides are Jerico
Jerry and Lone Star Loc. We start heading up the mountain and every couple hundred
yards Jerry would bugle. After 5th or 6th stop we hear a chuckle from over on
the finger to our left. Jerry bugle again and the bull chuckles again. We head
towards the bull. Loc bugles once and we get a response. We chew up a good 150
yards in a hurry. Stop again and bugle and we get a fix on the bull's location.
Loc sends me up another 40 yards. Jerry bugles behind me. The next thing I see
are horns coming directly down to us. Bull stops at 40 yards and looks directly
at me. Then he proceeds to come towards me. At 16 yards I get a quartering to
me shot and take out a lung and bury my broadhead into the opposite shoulder blade.
Bull ran back up the hill about 40 yards and dropped over. The thrill and excitement
was unbelievable! Two hours into the hunt and I had my bull. Good work Jerry and
Loc. Very nice 7x7!
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