2002 Archery Report

Again we are letting our archers tell it like it was. These are the reports from our archery clients, in their own words

Idaho

August 30-September 5

Kevin Summerson York, PA (717-792-0008) Guided by Wayne Hill

Fourth hunt with Wayne Hill but my 1st archery elk hunt. First 3 days were quiet Day 4 and Wayne finally gets a groan out of a bull. With Wayne's aggressive calling techniques we got the bull to engage only to have me totally "screw" it up. With patience the bull would have passed by at less than 5 yards. Day 5 seemed quiet except for guides hearing a twig snap. Quickly set up and they began some aggressive calling and the 3x3 bull rushed down the trail offering me a 20-yard shot broadside. My first archery bull elk! Great effort by the guides, good food and good people. Hopefully it will not take me 11 years to come back! Going home with great memories and in the best shape in 11 years. Thanks!

Ron Desimoni, Kinnelon, NJ (973-838-8842) Guided by Josh Ahlin, Dan McVay and Jason Schauer

First day called a bull into about 60 yards. The bull raked some trees, then returned to the cows he was with. No shot. Day 2 and 3 heard bulls at long distances but could not get a bull to play. Day 4 heard one bugle about 9:30 am. As we hiked a long distance to the area of the bugle, the silent bull was spotted with a cow. A little calling and the bull came in. A 30-yard shot and game over. Bull fell 150 yards down hill breaking a tine and horn right out of his skull. First archery elk Guides are top notch. Great food, comfortable lodging. I will be back. Thanks for a great hunt.

Jim Doll, Gandeeville, WV (304-297-0379) Guided by Ray Hill and Chris Shustack

Fifth bow hunt for elk with Wayne and gang. Two days of the seven were quiet walks in the mountains. Five days got answers to calls. Four days got bulls within 80 to 100 yards. Passed on a 4x5 at 30 yards the first day. Two other bulls close but no shots. Also had a spike in to 25 yards needed 1 or two more steps. Last day got early answer and dropped down wind. Big boy..(guide said 6x6) got close quick..8 to 10 yards uphill shot. I shot too far back into paunch. Tracked and tried to locate but we lost the blood trail after 5 hours. I'm snake-bitten. Lousy luck. As always accommodations great with good food and hard working guides. Physically demanding. My own fault I did not leave with a Pope and Young bull.

Terry Carey, Grand Rapids, NY (616-791-8256) Guided by Chuck Hall and Ross Halvorson

Early season, not much bugling. Third day had a bull early. Set up early as I could see pins. Bull stayed out 40-45 yards always straight on. Trashed a 1 ½- 2-inch spruce. Never presented shot. Guide says it was a 5x6 with long mains. Very quiet all week with good long physically demanding walks thru beautiful country. Seventh day added Josh to group. Had a response to bugle and closed the distance, both the bull and us. Before we could set-up like guides wished, bull was spotted close. Setup thinking bull would be down hill, he went up. Just as bull's head was behind tree getting to clear for shot, 35 yards up hill and connected hard. Bull walked slow 60 yards and we winded up pushing another 60. Good 6x6 just under Pope and Young. Good Guides and accommodations. Most physically demanding of 4 previous archery elk hunts. I will be back!

Montana

September 7-September 14

Ron Longsdorf, Livonia, MI (734-421-5855) Guided by Jason Lundberg

First day heard lots of bugles called bull to within 75 yards, but no shot. Second day not a peep of anything and I think one leg is shorter than the other from going up and down the mountains. Third day in the morning it was pretty quiet no contact with elk. But in the evening of the 3rd day I took a great 4x4 bull coming to Jason's bugle. It came in quiet as a mouse and topped broadside at 30 yards and that was the end of a great hunt. I will be in better shape next year so Jason doesn't have to drag me up and down the mountains. Great people, great food, great hunt. See ya next year!

Steve Nichols, Spencer, WV (304-927-5765) Guided by Ray Hill and Chris Shustack

This was my 4th hunt with Wayne. First archery elk hunt. First morning saw 6 cows, heard 2 or 3 bugles. Went out that evening. Ray and Chris got one to bugle about 7:00. Called bull into me about 15 yards, shot bull about 8:15. Stuck two arrows into him. Not good vital shots. Ray, without the help of much blood, tracked him in the dark with a flashlight. Heard bull out in front of us about 40 yards. Decided to come back the next morning. Came back and heard bull crash into timber below us. Ray got me back within 40 yards. And I over shot the bull. The hunt continued even longer. He finally got me back into sight of the bull, 20 yards, shot and hit bull with a lung shot. It turned and I shot again for reassurance. Final verdict, shot bull 5 times, with 4 hits. Nice 6x7 with 48 inch spread. Pope & Young bull. Great time, good food, and awesome hunt as usual. Thanks again!

Stretch Saunders, Lynchburg, VA (804-385-6179) Guided by Wayne Hill and George Harner

This was my second hunt with Wayne. First elk hunt. Heard bulls three of the four days we hunted. Fourth morning got a bull to answer at first light. Wayne and I worked our way around and up the mountain. Wayne worked hard to get this one into range, we set up four times each moving up the hill towards him. After seeing the bull several times at 50 yards through the brush, Wayne worked him in for an 18-yard shot. Bull traveled less than 100 yards. Nice 5x5 bull on a hunt I will never forget. These mountains are steep. So be in shape and ready to climb. And for goodness sake, stay on Wayne's good side or he will make you pay!! Great hunt, great lodge, and the best food I have ever eaten. Thanks guys for another great hunt. Hope to see you again soon!

Mike Applin, Monroe, MI (734-242-3905) Guided by Josh Ahlin and Ross Halvorson

Saw three bulls first day. None would come to calls. Not much action until 4th day we were resting on hillside in shade when a calf and 5x5 came up trail. Try to shoot but arrow was deflected by brush. Clean miss. Could not get bulls to come to calls. Guides worked hard. Good food and lodging is great. Very professionally run. Thanks.

Joe Seaman, Lum, MI (810-724-7637) Guided by Chuck Hall and Jason Schauer

First morning climbed "hill" for an hour. Bugled and one came in fast. Came into view at 20 yards, winded us and wheeled out of town. Found him again 45 minutes later. We went over another hill to cut him off. The bull was raking trees. We moved in to about 50 yards. Cows spooked and he moved on. We had plenty of action the next few days but no shots. Friday morning climbed all morning again and every time we stopped 1 or 2 bulls bugled above us. At about 100 yards below bulls I got stung by bees and started cussing and yelling. Thought we spooked bulls. Waited about 15 minutes and kept going and cow calling. There were 3 bulls and two cows. Set up and no shot again. As we moved on we heard noise so we stopped and nice 5x5 at 20 yards. No shot again. I didn't kill a bull but I sure had a great hunt!!! Great food, lodge and guides. Five star! Thanks Wayne and Annette.

Barry Garner, Birdsboro, PA (610-587-4011) Guided by Matt Campbell

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill. Saw or heard bulls 5 out of 8 days. My best chance came on day 5. Matt called a big bull to about 40 yards. He turned and ran off. Chased him for about an hour. He finally stopped and came back within 25 yards. Took the shot, hit a limb and deflected arrow. Drew a little blood. Last day of hunt we had a small 4x4 answer at first light, would not come out of thick pines at 35 yards. My guide worked very hard. We covered lots of ground (mountains), saw a lot of elk sign. Bulls were not bugling or they would answer then run away. Food and lodging were topnotch. A great outfit to hunt with. Thanks for a very memorable hunt.

Paul Lewis, Westminster, MD (410-756-4263) Guided by Jeremy Bruffey and Ray Hill

First archery elk hunt and first hunt in Montana. Second morning pushed a huge 6x6 out of brush. Stopped 40 yards, but too thick and far for a decent shot. Didn't hear much bugling until seventh day. And Ray called in a 4x4 to within 8 yards. Bull was walking and I hit too far forward into the front shoulder. Be in good shape for this hunt and have good boots that fit and are broke in or you'll pay. My guide was topnotch. You won't find anybody with more knowledge about elk hunting than Ray. Beautiful lodge and great cooking. I'll never hunt on horseback again. Thanks for a great hunt Wayne and Annette. Hope to see you soon.

Chris Garner, Birdsboro, PA (610-587-4011) Guided by Dan McVay

First couple of days heard some bugling, but when we got close, bulls ran other way. Day 4 we heard bull bugle that was so close you could feel it vibrate through you. Chased him about an hour and finally caught up to him. It was a spike bull. Day six had 3 bulls answer, set up on 1, it was a 5x5, came in to 15 yards behind us, the only place we didn't have a shot. Seventh day went to same spot as day before, heard 3 more bulls and tried to get close, but didn't have the legs to chase them up and down the same mountain as the day before. Day eight with about 1 hour left on the hunt, we walked in on a 4x4. Dan tried to get him in, but stopped 30 yards, behind a tree for about 20 minutes. Finally we moved a little and he came in to 35 yards. My shot was high over his back. Dan did what he had to do to get me that shot. It took all eight days, and I left without an elk to my own fault. Hunted for elk last year in Canada and there was no comparison. The elk are here and you will get a shot. Will be back for another chance. Thanks!

Gary Nielson, Fenton, MI (810-629-0982) Guided by Kelan Nielson

First archery elk hunt. On first day heard 2-3 bugles but not close. Second day had a bull respond to calling for an hour or so, finally coaxed him to come in to 40 yards, but he was screened by brush, so no shot. Days 3-7 heard a few bulls but nothing close. Eighth day Wayne joined Kelan to guide. Kelan called and a bull responded. Worked him for maybe 45 minutes. Wayne and Kelan instructed me to set up. Bull came to within 5 yards but frontal shot only, spooked a little and guides responded by calling. He stopped at 15 yards and worked his way back to give me an 8-yard broadside shot. Bull traveled about 40 yards. Nice 4x6. Excellent accommodations and food . All around first class outfit.

Bernie D'Angelo, Hatboro, PA (215-674-8890) Guided by Paul Bilski and Jason Schauer

First day saw spike at 20 yards. Rest of week heard some bulls, but they didn't want to play. About four out of the 8 days. Had a good time, just no luck this time. Hope to be back some day. First class lodge. Wayne and Annette are first class. You will not eat any better food. Thanks.

September 15-September 23

Tom DiPietro, Belleville, MI (810-774-1404) Guided by Wayne Hill and George Harner

The luxurious lodge and Annette's home cooked meals are first class, but don't think that means you are in for an easy hunt. This is a classic elk hunt in classic elk terrain and you will work for it. But there are a lot of elk and some very large bulls. The first day we had bulls inside 40 yards on 3 occasions. Too long a shot for my equipment but one was a clear shot for a compound shooter. The next day we had a bull at 20 yards but he wouldn't take the next step, which would have given me a clear shot at the chest. Another day I had a big 6x6 facing me at 30 yards, bugling his brains out. He turned and walked away without offering me a shot. The next day the same thing happened, but I closed the distance while he was raking a tree. He suddenly bolted down wind right to the caller. Before I could stop him he hit my scent stream and did a 180` and was gone. Not shots but a lot of close action with some very large elk. A great hunt!

Bob Hartsig, Lenox, MI (810-727-5127) Guided by Paul Bilski and Jason Schauer AKA "Wilson"

Great lodge, great food, and tough country. Thought I was in shape but could have been in better. Lots of elk in these mountains. But you will have to work for them, so be in shape. Day 2 heard one bugle. Day 2 had bull coming but hung up at about 75 yards. Day 3 had bull coming down mountain but same as day before, hung up and would not come in. Day 4 windy but had a nice walk. That evening located a bull bugling at dark. Thanks to Paul and Jason's ultra hearing. Day 5 heard 2 bulls bugling in area from evening before. Moved in and set up in middle of 2 bulls at 7:30 am, Had a 5x4 come in at 20-25 yards and gave me the shot. It turned out good and bull only went 75 to 100 yards and was down. Thank you Paul and Jason for the excellent guiding. It was a great time. Thank you Annette for your great cooking and Wayne for the experience. Great hunt.

Richard Ahner, Lehighton, PA (610-377-6256) Guided by Chuck Hall

First archery elk hunt. First day had 1 bull bugle. Second day 2 bulls bugle. Third day saw a small 5x5, no shot. Had 2 bulls bugle. Day 4 had 1 bull bugle. Days 5 and 6 had bulls bugle, but they all ran off they didn't want to play. Last two days no action. PS if you are over 50 get in shape. Wayne, Annette, guides, food all first class.

Bob Bleakley, Franklin, PA (814-437-5551) Guided by Jeremy Bruffey

First day I heard nothing. Second day heard 2 bulls bugle. Third day had 1 bull bugle. Fourth day almost had bull in. Fifth day heard 3 bulls. Sixth day heard nothing. Seventh day heard 1 bull. Eighth day heard 1 bull. Had one bull almost in hand. Very good guide Jeremy. Hope to live long enough to kill elk. I am 60 years old. I will be back.

Dean Ahner, Lehighton, PA (610-377-7816) Guided by Matt Campbell

Heard bulls every day. Third day shot 40 yards at a bull and hit in shoulder. One tip: do not hit the shoulder. Good guide and good food. Last day had four elk going and saw three at different times. Could not get close enough, Ran out of time. Thanks Wayne and Annette.

Bob Ferriby, Southfield, MI (586-783-1016) Guided by Dan McVay

Great hunt. Into bulls almost every day. First day had a spike at 5 yard. Third day had a 6x6 at 20 yards but came head on behind a tree and left the same way. Day four Dan called a 5x5 in from 100 yards but he also hung up at about 25 yards behind some brush. Had others bugling and another spike at about 25 yards. No shots but lots of action. Food and lodge are great. I look forward to seeing Wayne and Annette next year.

Ron Skowronek, Chesterfield Twnshp, MI (586-716-0787) Guided by Kelan Nielson

I had a great time and a great hunt. Did not get into a bull until the 6th day. Very nice bull, came within 20 yards but he did not present a good angle for a killing shot. Kelan worked very hard and I enjoyed every mile of our daily walks. As always the food, lodging and spirited conversations with Wayne were first rate. Thanks again Wayne, Annette, Kelan and the rest of the staff for a great hunt.

Rodney Wozniak, Posen, MI (989-766-9970) Guided by Ray Hill and Chris Shustack

First day heard 3 bulls. One came in up to 20 yards in the brush. The wind took care of that one in a hurry. Started walking back to the truck and stopped for a break. Ray spotted a bull on top of a ridge and he looked to be a 6x6. Second day never seen anything. The wind was blowing pretty hard. Third day we had light rain, we ran into a bull in the distance. We kept working our way in his direction. Ray called again and I had a 5x5 walk within 20 yards, too small for me on the third day. Fourth day never seen a thing, too windy. Fifth day same as the 4th. The 6th day Ray bugled, heard one not too far away, we ran into the area Ray bugled one more time next thing you know the bull was right next to us. We ran down hill trying to get close to him. Ray called one more time, the bull came in 30-yard shot. We looked and looked, but we ran out of blood. I had the chance of a lifetime.

Rob Dejonge, Rockford, MI (616-866-4474) Guided by Jason Lundberg

First day saw a large 6x7 too much brush for a shot. Second morning 6x6 at 30-35 yards, shot over his back. Third through eighth day heard a few bulls but no more shot opportunities

Shane Heille. Detroit Lakes, MN (218-847-2242) Guided by Josh Ahlin and Ross Halvorson

Heard bulls every day of hunt. Seen bulls 6 out of 8 days. Had bull at about 4 yards. As odd as it seems, didn't have a shot. Shooting lane was about 6 inches wide and 5 inches of it was shoulder only. It all and all was lots of fun. Excellent food, great guides and plenty of game.

September 25-October 2

Tracy Futcher, Karns City, PA (724-445-3465) Guided by Dan McVay and Kelan Nielson

First archery elk hunt and first hunt with Wayne. Made the right decision on an outfitter. Great hunt, accommodations, and food. First day of hunt had a bull bugle just above us at first light. We chased him, but he just kept gathering his cows and moved away. Second day it was quiet until noon. Dan cow called and a bull answered just below us. Dan worked the bull up the hill to about 30 yards. But cows with him winded us and broke down the mountain Bull started to run and Kelan bugled. Bull stopped at about 30 yards. I shot right over his back thinking he was 40-45 yards. Big 6x6 is still on the mountain. Third day had bulls bugling at first light. We worked two bulls, one winded us but Dan got the other in to 25 yards. Broadside made a good hit and bull ran 60 yards and piled up. Thanks Wayne, Annette and guides.

Doug Bartoe, Washington, PA (724-275-7724) Guided by Ray Hill and Chris Shustack

Ray and Chris did a great job guiding the hunt. We were into elk four out of five days that I hunted. On the 5th day Ray called in a nice 5x5 bull. The shot was not perfect, so the bull was recovered the next day by the search team. Wayne Hill Outfitting has a great lodge, good food and beautiful country. I'm extremely glad I got in shape before the hunt. P.S. Don't take the boys to Toby's.

John McKinnon, South Lyon, MI (248-486-4802) Guided by Josh Ahlin and Ross Halvorson

In eight days of hunting with Josh and Ross we got within 40 yards of bulls four times. In three of those cases we could hear him but couldn't see him due to heavy brush. In the fourth case I saw a good bull but he was leaving fast! Thanks to Josh, Ross, Wayne and Annette. P. S. My tip to other hunters-get in shape!

Mike Lebow, Fowlerville, MI (517-223-3437) Guided by Wayne Hill and George Harner

Made the mistake of wearing the wrong boots one day, cost me 2 days of my hunt. Saw and heard bulls 6 out the 8 day hunt. I passed on a 5x5 bull the first day.

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Wayne Hill Outfitting
P.O. Box 1487
Noxon, Montana 59853
(406) 847-5563
E-Mail: information@waynehilloutfitting.com

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