2001 Archery Hunters'Report

(In their own words, our archery folks tell you like it was:)

Idaho

September 1 to September 9

Mike Lebow, Fowlerville, MI 517 - 223 - 3437 guided by Reuben Troyer and Chuck Hall

This was my 2nd hunt in Idaho with Wayne. Heard bulls every day but one. They just didn't want to engage! Day 5 heard three different bulls and the chase stated, up and down mountains for 7 hours till the blisters formed. We finally caught up with the herd bull, huge bull, 350 class. 80 yards above us bedded down. But would not engage. Day 6 we went straight up from the truck to the top and called. Heard 2 bulls, one on our side and one across the road and half way up the mountain. Played with the one on our side for a while and then decided to go all the way back down and up the mountain across the road. Steep ass mountain with a lot of blow downs. We found the bull's wallow and splashed in it for a while. Just to piss him off. Well it did just that. One bugle and he was at 25 yards rubbing on a tree. Reuben called again and he was at 20 yards now. I put my pin just behind the right front leg just after he moved it forward and let drive. We tracked him for 8 hours before we jumped him and called it off for the day. We found him the next day 200 yards from where we last jumped him. If it weren't for Reuben and Chuck I would have never recovered my first bow kill 6x6. "Man these guys are good"! I will be back for that monster bull. P S The autopsy revealed that the arrow entered just behind the shoulder, deflected off a rib and exited on the underneath side of the belly. I didn't believe it myself.

Montana

September 1 to September 8

Todd Perrine, Snowshoe, PA 814 - 353 - 4306 guided by Wayne Hill and Kelan Nielson

This was my 6th hunt with Wayne and Annette. The first couple of bulls winded us. No shot. Wayne called a 5x5 in to 12 yards. Passed, frontal shot. He called in the same bull two more times at 30 and 45 yards. Drew, but no shot. Wayne and Kelan call in a nice 5x5 to 15 yards broadside. Drew but need two more steps for a shot. Feet in cement? Kelan called in a good 5x5. Had stare down with him at 7 yards. He ran out to 32 yards and turned. Shot too far back. Wayne (the man with the big stick) tracked him and saw him laying for the final shots. Great hunt, great people, and great food. I'll be back.

Mike Nichols, Spencer WV 304 - 927 - 3616 guided by Ray Hill

This was my 6th hunt with Wayne. First two days called in two bulls. No shot. On the 7th day Ray called in 4x5 bull. Took 25-yard shot. Good hit. Bull started walking away. Ran above bull, took 30-yard shot, bull went 25 yards, game over! As usual, food, accommodations, guides, Wayne and Annette, were outstanding. Thanks for a great time.

Don Edge, Moundsville, WV 304 - 845 - 9822 guided by Matt Campbell

This was my first elk hunt ever. My guide Matt called in a nice bull first morning and I blew the shot. Second day guide called in a heavy 5x5 within 20 yards. It took 45 minutes before I could get a shot. Nerves were shot; string hit my arm and blew that shot. Rest of the week bulls shut up. Great hunt, great time. Unbelievable experience. You need to be ready to climb mountains for ten hours a day, but the thrill is worth the effort. Great food, great hunt. I'll be back.

Jim Green, Fredonia, NY 715 - 679 - 1033 guided by Jason Lundberg and Tom Lasslo

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting, but will not be my last. 1st day out, Jason called and bull answered at about 8AM. We were going toward bull, when the brush in front of us started to shake and I could see antlers. Here comes a very large bull (Jason thought a 6x7). This was the first wild bull I had ever seen, but there was no question that it was legal. Jason dropped to the ground in front of me and motioned to shoot. At about 20 yards, I shot low, a clean miss on a bull of a lifetime. 2nd day (I called the long punishment hike) (well deserved) for missing,) saw/heard no elk. 3rd day, Jason called and bull answered. As we walked in the dawn on a path, a spike bull ran to us on the path and busted into the brush and ran off. 4th day, Jason called and bull came in quiet. Tom saw him, but he would only come to within 100 yards. On the 5th day, it was quiet until about 11:00 AM. Jason and Tom's calls were answered by 3 bulls. We were on top of the mountain and went to the bottom again - worked the bull to within 75 yards and the wind changed, game over for today. 7th day - I'm getting tired, these mountains are steep. At about 8AM Jason gets a response to his call. We close on the bull; he thrashes the trees, bugles(chuckles) but will not come in for a shot. If you want a first class archery hunt, Wayne Hill is the outfit to hunt with. Annette's food is outstanding, as are the guides. My guides, Jason (Lundberg) and Tom Lasslo were great guides as well a good people. No brochure or photo can describe the mountains; very steep and brushy. You do not want to get blisters. Be in the best shape that you can and you will still be sore. If you have a question - ask Wayne - believe me he is the MAN. I will be back. PS - Thanks again Annette and Wayne. Great fun.

Joe Bishop, Wheeling, WV 304 - 233 - 2212 guided by Josh Ahlin and Jeremy Bruffey

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill. 2nd day my guide called in two bulls. Shot one, made a bad hit. Did not find. Heard bulls all week. 5th day shot a big 6x6. Made a bad shot but found bull later. Guides are fist class. Outfit is first class. Could not of had a better time. Food here is the best eating I ever had. P S I will be back as soon as possible.

John McKinnon, So. Lyon, MI 248 - 486 - 4802 guided by Paul Bilski and John LaGue

This was my first hunt with Wayne. Great accommodations, knowledgeable guides, and great country; just no luck with

September 10 to September 17

Joe Cunningham, Emporium, PA 814 - 486 - 3235 guided by Paul Bilski

This was my 2nd hunt with Wayne and I had a great time. I was lucky enough to take a bull on the 3rd day of my hunt. I took a 4x4 at 30 yards. Paul and I worked this bull for an hour before he walked off. We gave the bull about a 30-minute wait before following him in his upward direction. We heard the bull above us walking and busting brush. One bugle from Paul and the bull came strolling in. I had a great hunt and hope to return to this beautiful, rugged country. Paul is an excellent guide and Wayne and Annette run a great outfit.

Steve Jolley, Snowshoe, PA 814 - 387 - 4034 guided by Chuck Hall and Dan McVay

This was my first time with Wayne Hill's operation. After going on 8-guided hunts I can say Wayne runs the best outfitting service I have seen. The guides are really good woodsmen and they made me feel part of the hunt, not just being led around. The lodge is beyond words; both with all the mounts and the food you wouldn't ask for anything better. We had a 5x5 in Monday and I passed. Wednesday had a 6x6 in but no shot. Friday I shot 7x6 at 12 yards. Watched him rake a tree over; to get him the final few yards, Chuck raked a tree and the bull came in on fire. If you're looking for an outfitter, I hope you go with Wayne and Annette. A good outfitter is hard to find…well your search has ended!! Just remember the land is rugged and get in the best shape

Tom Alexander, Phoenixville, PA 610 - 933 - 3426 guided by Wayne Hill and Kelan Nielson

This was my 6th hunt with the Hill gang. And one of the most exciting. Monday and Tuesday we had bulls going but no shots. Wednesday and Thursday pretty quiet, except for some early morning action that was screwed up by another hunter. Friday morning I told Wayne I didn't have much left for the big hills. So he changed plans and it worked. We played with a 5x4 bull for 45 minutes till I got the shot and it worked. This place is 1st class from Wayne & Annette to the guides. Again you have got to be in shape. Thanks again!

Mike McLaughlin, LaPlata, MD 301 - 609 - 7866 guided by Ray Hill and Tom Lasslo

Booked with Wayne at the Harrisburg show in Jan. 2001. My first time here with Wayne Hill Outfitting. He told me then to get in shape. I though I did, but the unforgettable steep mountains here are more than I imagined. Our 1st day out, right away we heard elk. We walked by spike. We finally go set up on a nice shooter bull, and Ray began his magic. Took forever coming in. I had the wind in my face the whole time he was coming, then the wind switched and the game was over. That evening Ray called in a big 6 x 0 bull at 7 yards, I wouldn't shoot him. We heard elk everyday. These mountains are tore up with elk sign. 5th day had a nice 6x6 come crashing in at 6 yards and took off, all in about 5 seconds. He came back at 30 yards and stopped. I needed him to make 2 more steps. No shot. I can't remember how many bulls we heard or how many times I setup and knocked an arrow. We were in to elk up into the last day. So many times we were so close and I will treasure every step and every minute of the whole trip. Ray is the marathon iron man. Great guide. All of the guides are mean lean elk hunting machines. Get in shape; shoot no more than 30 yards. This is a top-notch outfitter. Wayne and Annette, thanks for everything. Great lodge, great food, and for making this a wonderful trip. I'll be back.

Ron Grzybowski, Water Mill, NY 631 - 537 - 2523 guided by Reuben Troyer

For my third hunt with Wayne Hill I still have nothing to complain about. As with the first hunt and to this one Wayne's outfit is still first class. Mother nature gave me no help first 3 days and on the 4th day I got a break and ran into elk, but no luck Things got quiet again till the 6th and 8th days and got close again but that elusive elk still beat me at their game. I swore last time that I would be happy with getting a cow. To me any elk is a trophy and getting a cow would make my day anytime. The guides here work their butts off for sure. The elk are here for sure but elk hunting is not guaranteed. The country here is not only beautiful but also unforgiving. If you think you're in shape, these mountains will prove you wrong in a second. Again first class outfit, country and elk presence. I will return.

Jerry Sasala, Austin, PA 814 - 617 - 8392 guided by Matt Campbell

Hunted the first two days in drainage where my guide had seen a good 6x6 earlier. We finally found him dead with a grizzly in the process of burying him. The grizzly ran off so we decided to take the antlers. We heard some sticks breaking, looked behind us and there was the grizzly, 30 yards away. The guide ran towards him and yelled to scare him away but the bear never moved! So we DID!! Called in one rag horn too small to take. Never saw a decent bull.

Jeremiah Sasala, Austin, PA 814 - 617 - 8392 guided by Josh Ahlin and Jeremy Bruffey

As a 16 year old my first elk hunt shall be embedded in my memory forever and will most certainly lead to many more. The hunt was so enjoyable that I am hopeful of and look forward to years of the same. Everyday bulls were in close but with no opportunity to draw until the 6th morning. The shot went wild and it was very disappointing to have missed a trophy 6x6. Josh and Jeremy, the guides appointed to me, did a great job and have instilled in me a passion for elk hunting. I will go again as soon as possible to try again with my father the man who started it all. We worked three weeks on a roof to raise enough money for this trip and every ounce of sweat was worth it!

Glen Drexler, Weedville, PA 814 - 787 - 4692 guided by Jason Lundberg

This was my second hunt with Wayne's outfit. My first hunt was over in two hours as I bagged a big 7x7. This hunt taught me the reality of elk hunting as we hunted hard for the entire hunt with no success. Well let me say we had "success" but just didn't kill an elk. We were into elk almost every time out with some close calls. Saw a huge 6x6 at 40 yards but with a recurve it was too far. Had a 5x5 at 20 yards and he needed to take one more step and he was coming out on packs, but as usual they seem to know how to avoid standing in a shooting lane. All in all it was a great hunt and I gave it 100%, which is all you can ask. As usual the guides were great and so was the food. If I can give you any advice it get your ass in shape! You can either sacrifice your time and get in shape before your

September 19 - 26

Paul Fedor, Fleetville, PA 570 - 945 - 7677 guided by Wayne Hill and Tom Lasslo

Third hunt with Wayne. Hunted seven days, heard bulls every day. Saw several different bulls. Killed 6x5 on 7th day. Too many sevens to not be lucky. Some highlights of my hunt: On 4th day had nice bull run to us in heavy cover 8 to 10 yards away Wayne said to stand the up and shoot him. All over in 30 seconds. Still can't believe it. Forty-five minutes later Wayne and Tom call 5x5 to 15 yards. Hit the bull in shoulder. Did not recover. On 7th morning get in between two different bulls one to my left comes in to 25 yards, it's too dark (peep sight) try to frame sight on shoulder shoot the side of the mountain. Wayne says nice going (If you knew him, I'm being very kind) ten minutes later the 6x5 came to 12 to 15 yards, hit the bull. Bull goes 50 yards. This was the bull to my right. Wayne and Tom called him in also. If you ever decide to hunt elk with the bow, this is it. These guys are pros in all aspects. Lodge, food, guides amount and quality of animals are all A++. Will return. Thanks again.

Dave Verdetto, Old Forge, PA 570 - 457 - 0258 guided by Ray Hill

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill. On the second day of my hunt Ray called a nice bull to within 15 yards, only offered frontal shot so I passed. On the third day Ray called another bull to within 15 yards this time I took a frontal shot and after a great tracking job by Ray we found the bull. Thanks to Wayne Hill Outfitting for a great time and a great hunt. Hope to be back for a big one next time

Bill King. Allentown, PA 610 - 435 - 0499 guided by Josh Ahlin and Jeremy Bruffery

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill. On the first day of my hunt saw three cows in the morning. First day afternoon, 30 minutes into hunt called in a 5x6. Shot at 20 yards. Bull went down in sight. The food, guides and accommodations are first class. Thank you Wayne and Annette for a great hunt. Hope to be back for another hunt! When they tell you to be in good shape for this hunt they mean it! I followed a fellow hunter around for 5 days and got a real taste of elk hunting. The mountains are very steep.

Joe Fedor, Jermyn, PA 570 - 876 - 8488 guided by Matt Campbell and Jeremy Bock

First day had nice 5x5 at 50 yards. No chance for shot. Second day no bugling. Rest of hunt were into elk. But no chances. As always great food and people.

Mike Bilka, Emmaus, PA 610 - 966 - 7192 guided by Jason Lundberg

My first day on the hunt was very exciting. We chased a big herd bull for about one and a half miles. Just for him to meet up with another big bull. We watched them fight for about a half an hour. While we sneaked up on them to make a shot. But they stopped too soon. I didn't get a shot, but what a rush. Second day heard a lot of elk. Third day I shot a 5x5. not very well. Nerves take over sometimes. Fourth and fifth day had elk come in but I could not get a shot. Sixth day had a 5x6 or 5x5 come in 30 yards but turned tight before I was going to shoot and then came back again. I didn't get an elk t my own fault.; but I had an elk close every day. What a hunt! Nothing in the world could be this exiting. PS. My guide, "Smerg" was very good. He knew what he was doing. Thanks again for the boots, Wayne. You saved my life.

Dennis Stettler, Allentown, PA 610 - 435 - 0499 guided by John LaGue and Richard Hedges

We put a lot of nice miles on my truck to get here and hard miles on my feet hunting. The lodge and the food are great. I didn't have a lot of opportunities for a shot so I still took home good memories.

Edgar Dixon, Orbisonia, PA 814 - 447 - 3245 guided by Chuck Hall

My eighth hunt with Wayne and Annette's outfit. Just keeps getting better. Was close to bulls 7 out of 8 days. Only on one day we didn't hear bulls. Had different bulls close, just a few more steps and the wind would change. "Game over". Can't beat Mother Nature. This was by far the worst year that the wind would constantly change. My guide, Chuck, is a great guide, very knowledgeable of the country we hunted and the elk. Was more like a hunting buddy as well as a guide. Wayne and Annette's outfit has always been first class. As Wayne would say I had another great "out-west" experience. Thanks again for a great time.

Al Cramer, Shirleysburg, PA, 814 - 542 - 8504 guided by Reuben Troyer

My 7th hunt here and not my last. I had a great hunt as usual. Heard bulls every day of the hunt. First 2 days wind ended my chances for bulls. Third day had a spine at 10 yards no longer can take spikes. Later in the week I saw 2 6x6 bulls, on at 100 yards and one in the brush at 50 yards, no shots. My guide had the bulls coming in but they had cows with them and would not get close enough for a shot. The guides, lodging, and food were excellent as always. Great hunt. Hope to be here in 2 years.

September 28th through October 5th

Tim Wantz, New Market, MD 301 - 607 - 6847 guided by Wayne Hill, Tom Lasslo and Matt Campbell

This was my first hunt here. Day 1 we hiked up the mountain but the elk weren't talking. We stumbled onto a bull 40 yards away but our wind was blowing his way. Second day Wayne took me out we got into elk early as we walked our way up the mountain. We got to the top and we had a bull answer but he would not come in. As we worked our way around the top Matt spotted the bull coming in from behind following us. We didn't get a shot. We went to the to and set up. Wayne, Matt and Tom called. The bull came in from above. The guides ran past me and down the hill and the bull followed them. It came in to 20 yards of me and I shot. My shot was off a little. I hit him high. As we were tracking the wounded bull, another bull bugled in front of us. I set up and the guides called it in again, to 18 yards and I shot him through both lungs. I've been elk hunting 4 times and this is by far the best operation that I've seen yet. I highly recommend Wayne Hill Outfitting.

Jeff Klossner, Chemung, NY 607 - 529 - 3315 guided by Josh Ahlin and Jeremy Bruffey

My first elk hunting experience began 9/28/01. Just arriving at the lodge set the stage for what was about to unfold. The lodge spoke of serious elk hunters and elk hunting. The walls covered with what once was and what could be with enough luck and guidance and a bit of skill. First morning up early, didn't have to worry, as sleep was tough the first night. My guide, Josh, and side part Jeremy lead the way up what they call a bit of a hill, I would describe it as a bitch of a hill. Made it to the top to my surprise. Heard 2 elk in the distance and went up, up, up! No luck with those two. Next elk snuck in quiet saw us before we saw it. Good for him, bad for us. Later same day a good bull hung up aprox. 100 yards away. No luck he wouldn't cross the drainage. Made it back to the lodge. Great meal, no problem sleeping. Second day hiked a lot. Great views and hills, no elk. My guide said he heard one in the a.m. Third day up hill for 1 hour, got to top, bull was on other side of draw down hill and up other hill to the top we went. The bull winded us and made his great escape. Forth day hunted hard, smashed my knee the day before and it was catching up with me. Had trouble with up and down hill slopes. Not much good for elk hunting. Heard 3 elk, no luck chasing with my bum leg. Guide Josh was excellent. His theory hunt, hunt, hunt! Serious elk hunting at my definition. Couldn't speak higher of a guide going to all lengths to provide the opportunity to take an elk. Would recommend Wayne Hill to any serious elk hunter. Do the homework; get in shape, hunt, in that order. Great experience even though limited to only 4 days. I will return.

Dale Kramer. Key Market, MD 301 - 898 - 5120 guided by Ray Hill and Richard Hedges

This was my first hunt here. I had an 8-day elk and bear hunt scheduled. The elk and the bear only required 4 hours of hunting for me. First day Ray and Rich bugled at first light. Ray heard a distant bugle so we started into a dark draw after it. We worked slowly side hilling and called sparingly. At about 8:30 Ray stopped and said elk are up there. Grab an arrow. Ray and Rich dropped below me. Ray bugled 2 times, cow called several times to no answer. One spike, 2 cows and a calf move past us up the hill. Still no bugle. I see Ray check the wind with his lighter. Ray bugled again and this time was answered with a groaning bugle to the left of us. Ray said, "Get up by that tree and get ready. If it is going to happen it will happen fast". They dropped behind me a bugled. What happened next beat every dream and elk video I've had. The bulled roared back and I could hear branches and trees cracking as it came toward me. I saw it's ivory brow tines and tips first as it burst in full of rage. As it passed behind a tree, I drew. It was coming straight at me with wild searching eyes. It was foggy and I struggled to see his body through my peep sight. As it gave me a questionable shot at 13 yards I shot with both eyes open, as I had practiced many times. The arrow went through the lungs and he crashed away. I heard him thud to the ground about 150 yards away and roll down the steep slope. Low moan and then silence. I had a nice mature 5x6 bull with a unique rack. Rich and John accompanied me on a bear hunt the next morning. About 25 minutes into the hunt we heard a branch snap. We stopped and waited. About ten minutes later I looked over my shoulder "there it is" I whispered. The bear sat down and sniffed the air and looked around for about 10 minutes that felt like an hour to me. Then it started moving toward us, walking straight toward me. I whispered, "How good are your nerves?" to the guides as it appeared I would have a 10 yard shot on the ground with no back up weapon. They nodded their approval. Fortunately the bear turned and started slightly away from us. I leaned around a tree and shot him through the lungs also. If you are a serious, in shape bow hunter, I highly recommend Wayne Hill. The guides were the hardest working I have seen. Food was great and the lodge is neat as a pin. Thanks for a fantastic hunt!

Ricky L. Hammond Millsboro, DE 302 - 934 - 1112 guided by Paul Bilski

I want to start out by saying a special thanks to Wayne Hill Outfitting. The food and lodge was fantastic. Also very special thanks to friend and guide Paul. I was here on a five-day hunt. We heard elk 3 out of the five days. Second day of hunt 30 yards, huge 6x6 elk appeared out of nowhere. No shot opportunity. Third day heard bugling unable to get any closer. Fourth day chased elk again, up and down mountain. Fifth and final day, first hour of hunt, saw 6 cows and had 3 bulls bugling. Guide worked bull up to 50 yards, but no shot. We got to go; my feet and legs are aching. Please get in shape. The best hunt of my lifetime. Will be back next year.

Charles Simpson, Dagsboro, DE 302 - 732 - 3531 guided by Ray Hill and

On my first day of hunting we jumped a nice size bull elk, but had no other luck that day. Second day came along and my guide Ray Hill began to work a nice 5x5 bull that was located approximately 70 yards above us on the mountain. For some reason that elk did not want to come down to us and we spooked him while trying to get close to him. Day three is here, and Ray worked me pretty hard the day before, but was determined to get me on an elk. We walked the longest walk I have ever walked but it was worth it. We started working a bull and once we had it pinned down where he was we went off after him. Ray brought the elk, which was a nice 6x5 within 15 yards and I shot. Shooting the elk high and in the shoulder, he got away. Day 4 it was quiet and we did not hear elk. Day 5 we worked another bull until our wind gave us away and the elk was gone. We also saw a huge 6x6 be he wanted nothing to do with the bugle of Ray. The accommodations were top notch and Wayne and Annette were great hosts. If you want to see bull elk in Montana and get a shot, use Wayne Hill Outfitting. Get in shape and you will have more fun hunting.

Ken Keener Annville, PA 717 - 867 - 1885 guided by Reuben Troyer

First time hunt of this kind ever. I expected the hunt to be physical, but never expected it to be as tough as it was. Was the most physically demanding hunt I ever did. I hunted five days and got close to bulls 2 of the five days. Did not get a shot, but had arrows knocked 2 times. Heard elk 2 other days. I want to thank Wayne and Annette for their hospitality. The lodge was very clean and comfortable. You need this after a hard day's hunt. The food was outstanding and plentiful. My guide Reuben was excellent and worked very hard. This was a dream come true for me and I do plan to return. Everybody here works hard to get you an elk.

Dennis Fox, Lebanon, PA 717 - 272 - 3609 guided by Chuck Hall

First archery elk hunt. Heard bulls every day. I saw 4 bulls. I shot 5x5 6th day. Food, lodge and my guide were all excellent. Thanks guys.

Dennis Fox, Lebanon, PA 717 - 272 - 3609 guided by Chuck Hall

First archery elk hunt. Heard bulls every day. I saw 4 bulls. I shot 5x5 6th day. Food, lodge and my guide were all excellent. Thanks guys.

Jeff Castle, Troy, PA 570 - 297 - 2385 guide by Jason Lundberg and John LaGue

This was my 2nd hunt here. I had a great time chasing elk again. Things started slow, but picked up fast and furious. Day 4 saw a huge bull, did not get a shot. Although I did not get a kill, I feel I had a very successful hunt. The guides were great. Lodge is excellent, food is tasty and plenty of it. Thanks Annette. Thanks Wayne, for a great hunt and a great time. I will be back if I can swing it.

THE GUIDES:

Paul Bilski:

Took a 6x6 bull in Idaho

Ray Hill:

Nailed 5x5 bull in Idaho

Josh Ahlin:

Bagged a 5x6 in Montana

Grizzly:

Killed 6x6 bull in Montana