2003 Archery Report
Here it is again, our archers tell you how it was, in their own words….
IDAHO
August 30th thru September 4th
Tom DiPietro Bellevelle, MI 810-774-1404 guided by Wayne
Hill
This is my third year hunting elk with Wayne Hill Outfitting.
I keep coming back because I see many bulls and have had many
"almost" shots. This year I got lucky. On 9-1-03
while hunting with Wayne and Ross I shot my first elk, a nice
5x5 with my long bow. That will not end my visits to this
camp! This is elk hunting in its' purest form and the food
and accommodations provided by Wayne and Annette are first
class.
Dan Wallace, Fort Mill, SC 803-802-5957 guided by Josh
Ahlin
Day two we had a big 6x6 come in twice but never presented
a shot. The third day was quiet and warmer. The fourth day
we had a good bull bugle late in the morning and after an
hour of running, climbing and stalking to 40 yards, the bull
winded us. The next two days were warm and quiet. Excellent
adventure, top notch food and accommodations and the best
guides. Thanks Josh, Wayne and Annette.
Dave Lamb, Metamora, MI 810-678-2363 guided by Jason Lundberg
This is my first hunt with Wayne. I enjoyed myself very much.
The weather was warm, but I had several opportunities on several
bulls. I missed a 4 point. I have to say Smerg (Jason) worked
hard to bring the elk in. He knows his stuff. The lodge, the
food, the hospitality, were great. Thanks to Wayne Annette,
all the staff.
Shawn McMullen, Hastings, PA 814-247-9243 guided by Chuck
Hall and Dan McVay
My six-day hunt started a little slow, with only one bugle
and a couple of cows in close the first day. From the second
day on there was too much action to describe. Chuck and Dan
had me in close every day. But no shot opportunities until
day six. Had a 300+ bull at 35 yards and needed two steps
for a clear shot. The bull winded us and was gone. Chased
down and killed a very small bull as the last day ended. The
guides were extremely hard working and a great time to be
with. The lodge is beautiful and I hope to come back for a
bigger bull. Thanks.
Keith June, Linden, MI 810-735-4450 guided by Ray Hill
Our first day out my guide, Ray, called in a suicide bull
that charged us from 600 yards, Problem was he came so fast
he got the drop on us and we couldn't get the wind in our
favor. Once he winded us it was all over. The action thru
the week was on and off and I passed a shot on a spike bull
on day two or three. Day six Ray got us into a bull right
off and we set up but he got past us. On the next setup, same
bull, Ray worked for over an hour to draw the bull into range.
My shot hit but I didn't see where. Bad news. Thanks to the
expert tracking skill Ray put me back on the wounded bull
three hours later and a fifteen-yard shot I finished the job.
A big thanks to Ray for an impressive job of getting my bull.
I'll be back to try for a 6x6 in the future. Wayne and Annette
Hill run a first class operation from the guides that know
how to bow hunt to the great lodge and excellent meals. Hope
to see you again.
September 6th -13th
Todd Jedele, Manchester, MI 734-777-2081 guided by Josh
Ahlin
First 2 days saw elk but nothing close. Next 4 days had bad
weather, rainy and windy. Heard bulls, but didn't see them.
Seventh day was better, but still no action. Eighth day Josh
bugled early got quick response. Walked up on bull, a small
5x5 raking a tree. Bull spooked ran out to 30 yards. Tried
a shot through the brush. Didn't work. Clean miss. Had fun.
Will return. Thank you Wayne, Annette, and Josh.
Von Miller Olney, IL 618-395-7634 guided by Chuck Hall
This was my 1st hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. Day 2 had
two spikes come in to 20 yards but wasn't what I was after.
Next 2 days heard some bugles but didn't want to play. Day
5 had nice bull at 20 yards but needed two more steps to offer
a shot. Days 6-8 bugling but none wanted to engage. My guide
was excellent. Wayne and Annette run a top-notch operation
with excellent accommodations and the meals were A+. Thanks
for the great experience. One I'll never forget.
MONTANA
September 6th - 13th
Patrick Molnar, Vernon CT 860-872-2578 guided by Jason
Lundberg
This was my first elk hunt out west. I enjoyed myself very
much. The weather was hot, 90` on the first day. We heard
2 bulls bugling we tried to set up on them by crossing the
mountain, but they were gone. Then 1 hour later we saw a spike
bull at 25 yards, he winded us. Day 2 the weather was a little
cooler. We heard one bull in the morning. We crossed the mountain.
Then at 9 o'clock in the morning we heard a bugle. My guide
uses cow call/bugle and he came in at 20 yards. 5x5. I moved
into position and shot hit him. He went 25 yards fell over.
My hunt was awesome. I'll be back. The guide was great, food
was great. Thanks Wayne.
Mike Nichols, Spencer, WV 304-927-3618 guided by Dan McVay
This was my 7th hunt with Wayne, second archery. Weather did
not cooperate first day. Heard 2 bulls bugle once at 11 o'clock.
Had 6x6 bull in at 20 yards, no shot. Next 4 days heard very
little action. On 6th day walked in close on 7x7, Dan called
him in to 15 yards. Took the shot, arrow hit a branch. We
tracked bull 75 yards, bull was dead. Hit him in hip. Blood
trail 4 feet wide. As usual, guides, food, accommodations
great. Thanks Wayne and Annette.
Dan Young Saline, MI 734-944-0104 guided by Ray Hill
This was my third hunt with Wayne, second time archery elk
hunting. We had a very tough week with the weather. It was
windy and raining. We still heard and saw a lot of elk. Ray
called in 4 nice bulls, but swirling winds kept us from getting
good shots. On day seven Ray called in a young 5x5 bull to
within 5 yards. I dropped the bull right in his tracks. There
are a lot of huge bulls here. As usual, guides, food, and
accommodations are top notch. Thank you Wayne, Annette, and
Ray for another outstanding hunt.
Mike Young, Ann Arbor MI 734-662-9916 guided by Paul Bilski
This was my first elk hunt with Wayne. It was very exciting
and I had a lot of action. There were a few days of bad weather
and the bulls weren't talking a lot. The second day of the
hunt I had a big 7x7 and a nice 5x5 in range, but just couldn't
get the shot. The fifth day we had the same big 7x7 in range,
but didn't get the shot again. The sixth day we ran into a
big 6x6 but he just wasn't interested enough. The seventh
day I had a nice 4x4 at 5 yards and passed on him and a little
2x3. That same day we had another good 6x6 in but he just
wouldn't come close enough. I definitely heard a lot of bulls,
saw a lot of bulls and had a great time. Thank you, Wayne,
Annette, and Paul. It was a lot of fun.
Todd Perrine, Snowshoe, PA 814-353-4306 guided by Wayne
Hill and Rod Niebur
This was my 7th hunt with Wayne and Annette. Third archery
elk hunt with the first 2 being successful. Weather did not
work in our favor. Had big 7-point bull at 35 yards on 2nd
day of the hunt, but he needed to come another 3 or 4 steps
to uncover vitals. He stopped short, winded us, and took off.
Passed 15-yard shot on fair 5x5 on day 4 because he was smaller
than 2001 5x5 bull. The other days had action every day, but
the wind would not help us. This was the best bunch of hunters
I have ever hunted with. Wayne and Annette and the guides
worked their guts out as usual. Thanks Wayne and Annette,
for the hunt and the friendship.
Rod Dickerson, Olney, IL 618-393-2137 guided by Ross Halverson
This was my 1st elk hunt in Montana. Ross and I had from 2
to 5 bulls per day that responded to his calls. We made set
up on bulls everyday. The first a 4x4 came in at 30 yards.
I passed on him. The second was a small 5x5 at approximately
20 yards, I thought it was too young also. The third was a
nice 6x6. Came in to 30 yards. This would have been a shooter
for me, but he hung up and I didn't have a clear shot that
I felt comfortable with. I had an arrow knocked several other
times. The bull would be close, but would hang up and just
wouldn't come in. I liked hunting in the mountains here. My
guide is a super nice guy and did a great job as my guide.
Wayne and Annette have a very organized operation here. The
cooking is great. Thank you Wayne for a week of elk hunting
that I will never forget.
September 14th - 22nd
Jim Hern, Beaver, WV 304-253-8666 guided by Chuck Hall
First year archery hunt. Week started with assault on mountain.
My guide brought one within 150 yards but could not bring
him into shooting range. What an experience! First time I
ever heard a bull elk bugle. It will literally put goose bumps
all over you and make your heart pound. Rain during next few
days slowed bugling down, but clearing weather brought them
into full stride. Made another assault (by this I mean, straight
up mountain for several thousand yards, you better be in shape
to hunt this, they are serious!) but bull outsmarted us. These
are wily animals. I'm new but learning a great deal everyday.
It will probably only take me another ten to twenty years
to get to where Wayne was twenty years ago. You have to appreciate
the skill and knowledge these folks have. The drill sergeant
approach of Wayne keeps guides and the clients serious. If
you're a candy _ss, this is not for you. Thursday evening
Chuck and I made a short hunt. On first bugle bull answered
within 100 yards. Ten minutes later shot 5x5 at fourteen yards.
I thought it was a perfect shot, but this bull went 600 yards.
They are some tough animals. Overall great hunt, good food,
good guides and serious about hunting.
John Plank, Orbisonia, PA 814-447-5471 guided by Paul
Bilski
This was my first trip to Montana and hopefully not my last.
Getting greeted with royalty when we arrived by Wayne snapping
out orders and Annette calling out room numbers and the guides
there to get the rig unloaded made me feel right at home.
First day started the hunt off great hearing 4 bulls and seeing
4 cows and killing a 5x5 around 11 a.m. went out with a friend
and his guide next 4 days for something to do and saw 2 more
bulls. Sixth and seventh day my guide asked me to go to Idaho
where he hunted and I saw 2 more bulls. Very exciting trip.
Anyone looking for a great hunt with a dedicated outfitter
and skilled guides this is the place to come. Bring good shoes
and strong legs and you'll have a great hunt.
Glyn Parson, Wyomissing, PA 610-678-2248 guided by Jason
Lundberg
Had very little action days 1-4. On day 5 got a shot at 30
yards and missed. Was into a herd of bulls. Day six things
were slow. Day 7 shot a 5x5. Tracked it for a while, lost
blood trail and bull. I will be back. I had a great guide
and the lodge and food are 1st class. Most important thing
is you must be in good shape.
Chris Garner, Birdsboro, PA 610-587-4011 guided by Dan
McVay
This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting and second
year with Dan as my guide. First three days were quiet. Day
4 Dan called in a nice bull to 30 yards, but I didn't make
the shot. On day 7 Dan called in a bull to 10 yards. I thought
I made the perfect shot. We tracked and searched, but couldn't
find it. Dan did a great job again this year. I had a great
hunt. I will be back until I take an elk home. Thanks to Wayne,
Annette, Dan and everyone who helped search for my bull.
Barry Garner, Birdsboro, PA 610-582-8366 guided by Matt
Campbell
This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting and having
Matt as my guide. Day one and eight were quiet. Heard at least
one bull all other days. Could not get the bulls, wind and
weather to cooperate. Day six we chased one for 3-4 hours,
but he was a lover not a fighter and kept his cows moving.
He wouldn't come back for a shot. Covered a lot of ground,
guide did a great job, but the elk would not stop moving.
Thanks for another great hunt .and thanks to Jon for carrying
my water.
Alfred Cramer, Shirleysburg, PA 814-542-8504 guided by
Josh Ahlin and Anthony Schmode
This was my 10th hunt with Wayne and Annette. Ninth archery
hunt. The first day of the hunt Josh had bulls bugling as
soon as we started hunting, but they just took their cows
and ran. Second day it rained and we didn't get action. From
day 3-7 we had action everyday, but no shots. The last day
of the hunt Josh and Anthony produced a 25-yard shot at a
6x5 and I got him. All of my hunts with Wayne and Annette
have been great, but this one I will remember most. It was
a very exciting hunt. There is no better place to go hunting.
Wayne Hill Outfitting is a 1st class act. Don't waste your
money going anywhere else.
Butch Lilly, Ghent, WV 304-787-3100 guided by Wayne Hill
and Ross Halverson
This was my 5th hunt with Wayne and Annette but only my 2nd
bow hunt. Started the week by seeing 3 bulls on the first
day but no shots at trophy were presented. The rest of the
week I saw 6 other bulls some of which were of trophy size.
The bulls were bad to hang up at 60 yards and not present
a good shot. That changed on the 5th morning when Wayne called
in a nice bull to within 30 yards. I thought that the bull
had seen me when he stopped and looked in my direction so
I took a shot that was less than perfect. I hit the bull in
front of the right shoulder. Wayne and I tracked the bull
for quite some time until the bull managed to break the arrow
shaft when he passed a tree. The blood trail began to fade
at that point. Wayne gave it a great effort as we tracked
small blood spatters and tracks until we could track no more.
Seventh day bugled in a 5x5 to about 80 yards while Wayne
bugled, Ross and I managed to get within 20 yards of the bull,
but I needed to take 2 steps to the right to get a good shot.
I only got one step before the bull bolted. It was a great
hunt and I hope to be back soon. If you come, be prepared
to hunt hard and be in shape.
September 23rd - October 1st
Shannon Ansel, Chesapeake, VA 757-421-2207 guided by Wayne
Hill
This was my first time elk hunting. As luck would have it,
my guide would be Wayne. First day, first two hours, I encountered
a great bull at 20 yards. According to Wayne, I screwed that
up. Later that morning had another great bull at 50 yards.
No shot. Days 2 and 3 very windy. Just took the bow for a
walk. Day 4 at daybreak encountered an awesome 6x6. No shot.
Wayne said I blew that opportunity. Later that morning around
noon, heard a bull bugle. Made a stalk and got within 20 yards.
Great 4x5 for my first time elk hunting. I was so excited
to get this bull and finally get Wayne off my ass. Personally,
I don't think there's a better place anywhere. The food is
awesome, the guides are incredible and the accommodations
are first class. I would highly encourage any archer to check
out Wayne Hill Outfitting. It's an experience I'll never forget.
Thanks.
Keith Williams, Chesapeak, VA 757-421-4454 guided by Paul
Bilski and Rod Niebur
This was my second hunt with Wayne. Hunted Montana rifle season
in 2002 and this year was a Montana archery elk hunt. I booked
a five-day hunt and this is how it went. Day 1 Paul, Rod and
myself heard a bull at 8:30 a.m. so we set up and Paul called
in a huge 6x6 and I shot and hit the shoulder blade. (Not
recovered) Day 2 Paul called in a nice 5x5 that stayed out
of range for 2 hours or more. Saw another bull on the way
out. Third day we heard a bull, set up on him, but he wouldn't
come in then the wind shifted and he left. Immediately after
that bull a 4x4 came in but stopped behind some trees. Wind
got us again. Fourth day we heard 3 bulls right off the bat
and had a decent 5x5 come in but stopped behind some trees
at 20 yards and after a couple of minutes he turned and went
up the hill away from us. We went 100yards and heard another
bull so we set up again. Paul called in a nice 5x5 or 6x6
to 15 yards (quarter to me shot) I released the arrow and
hit the shoulder blade, "again". We heard two more
bulls that day. Fifth day Paul and I gave it one more try.
We heard 2 bulls and set up on one. Paul called in a nice
6x6 and I shot the bull at 30 yards and 40 yards, didn't hit
the shoulder blade this time. We tracked the bull for about
200 yards and backed off to give him more time. Came back
later jumped bull and ran after him until he went down and
we finished him off. Thanks to Wayne, Annette, Paul and the
guys who helped chase the bull down. The food, hunting, guides
and accommodations are first class, but you _ss better be
in great shape. Wayne will get upset if you wound his bulls.
PS stay away from the f__ing shoulder blade, a broad head
will not go through it.
Ed Muranyi, Grosse Ile, MI 734-692-7344 guided by Josh
Ahlin
This was my first trip with Wayne and first time elk hunting.
Before I go into the details of my trip let me tell you that
if you really want to challenge yourself physically and mentally,
archery elk hunting is the way to do it! On the first day
within about 2 hours Josh had called in a spike. About an
hour later he had 2 more spikes within 15 yards. Later we
heard a bigger one bugle so chased him halfway across God's
green earth before giving up. The second day we started getting
responses after an hour's walk uphill. Got close just as we
had enough light to see my pins. Watched a nice bull tear
up a tree for 20 minutes before he took a step out and gave
me a 20-yard uphill shot. Connected a little high, but we
had good blood. Tracked him for the rest of that morning and
again in the afternoon, but never found him. Hunted the next
few days and set up at least once every day but couldn't get
any to come within range. On the seventh day, with my legs
about whipped and questionable winds, Josh, Rod and I started
the day with a good hour and half walk. Heard good bugles
and chased a couple before one started to play. We really
hustled to close the gap and get high enough for good wind.
Thought our bull was about 200 yards out when Josh spotted
him about 50 yards out and coming straight at us. Josh was
3 yards in front of me when he gave Rod the signal to drop
back and bugle. Rod bugled and the nice 6x6 came head on to
Josh and me. With Josh sitting 1 yard in front of me and the
bull only at 4 yards, I stood at full draw looking at him
eye to eye. Within a fraction of a second he spun around and
my arrow went over his back. As the bull started to flank
us to the left, Josh instinctively let out a bark, the bull
stopped at 7 yards behind some brush. By now I had a second
arrow at full draw and my pin fixed right behind his left
shoulder. He took one step more and I double lunged him with
a clean pass through. The bull went about 70 yards and piled
up.
Lonnie Miller, Monroe, MI 734-243-5475 guided by Ross
Halvorsen
What can I say? These eight days have been some of the best
hunting I have ever done!! First three days heard bulls but
did not see them. Day 4 quiet. The fifth day I was two steps
from taking a 6x6 at 20 yards. Mike, another hunter who had
already gotten his bull was with me, saw the bull and he estimated
this bull to be a 300+ class bull. Same day we played with
two more bulls, not shot. The sixth day was windy. FYI if
it is "windy" stay in bed. Wind and elk hunting
do no mix. Seventh day I set up on bugling bull, he came in
seven yards but he was only a spike. Same day had 5x5 within
50 yards but no closer. Last day was quiet. Best advice I
can give is to get in shape, hunting in these mountains is
the toughest thing I have ever done. I would also like to
thank my wife for giving me this trip as a 40th birthday present.
Wayne and Annette are great people and they run a first class
show! PS for a good story, ask Annette how she and Wayne met.
I told Wayne he should write a book!
Mike McLaughlin, LaPlata, MD 301-609-7866 guided by Ray
Hill
This was my 2nd hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. My first
hunt was 8 great days in these big mountains. We were into
elk everyday that year, but no shots. Now things would change
in 2003. Our 1st day out right off the bat we had bulls answering
Ray's call. We hardly got started and we had a bull coming
right at us. Ray backed up about 30 yards and I still can't
believe it happened so fast. Here comes this bull walking
right to me, stops at 5 yards and is looking right through
me for another bull. He starts rubbing a tree and I draw back,
he takes 2 steps and I release, hitting him a little back
from his elbow. We waited 30 minutes and started tracking
him. I shot at 7:50 a.m. after a long blood trail and Ray
finding very small drops of blood we did catch up to him at
12:30. He was laying down with his ass to us and the wind
in our favor. I got to 15 yards and I shot him 2 two more
times in his spine. He got up and I shot him one more time
in the lungs. Game Over. My first shot caught a piece of lung
and liver. Wayne Hill Outfitting is one of the best bow hunts
for big bulls, but don't tell anyone. Get your flat lander
_ss in shape before coming to this country. 0-30 yard shots
max. Use 1 pin and try to stay cool. You must do this hunt
one time so you can keep coming back for more. I know I'll
be back in 2 years to try for a bigger bull.
Rick Bampton, St. Louis, Mo 636-332-5564 guided by Matt
Campbell
This is my third elk hunt, but my first with Wayne Hill Outfitting.
Even though I did not get an elk, I am convinced that there
are more elk and bigger bulls than the other places I have
hunted. We had bulls bugling 6 out of 8 days, but could not
find any that wanted to play. The guides work hard for you
and will go the extra mile (or 10) and if you don't have any
action on a particular day, you can still look forward to
a great home cooked meal at the end of the day. Thanks a lot
Wayne, Annette and the guides for a great trip.
David Bentele, St.Louis, MO 314-961-0861 guided by Dan
McVay
I've hunted from Canada to Mexico and Wayne Hill Outfitting
has it all. Beautiful setting, abundant elk, excellent guides,
great accommodations, super food and of course Wayne. While
I didn't get an elk, I saw plenty and was within range of
three different bulls. The mountains are steep and it's a
tremendous challenge. I just wish Wayne wasn't so "laid
back".
Ron Deems, Gibsonia, PA 724-443-8724 guided by Jason Lundberg
First archery hunt for elk. Hunt was far better than expected
even after talking to references. Had bulls within 40 yards
5 out of 8 days. Two of these bulls my guide thought were
Pope and Young. The terrain is steep and rugged and the timber
is thick. I did not get a clean shot, but tried to make it
happen once at a 30 yard shot which deflected off a twig.
We heard bulls bugling every day and my guide (Smerg) and
his trainee Drew worked very hard to get me into shooting
range. Wayne Hill Outfitting is a first class outfitter from
the lodge, food, guides, transportation, to their hunting
techniques and total operation. Thanks Wayne, Annette, Smerg,
and Drew for a great experience. Will be back soon.
Neil McFadden, Wexford, PA 724-935-4240 guided by Chuck
Hall
I convinced my wife that I needed to go on this hunt, as it
was an "opportunity of a lifetime". Turned out to
be just that. If you love to hunt, you will love this hunt.
The accommodations, meals, guides and outfitter are first
class. The hunts are planned to perfection. My guide Chuck
worked his ass off to get me into bulls. We engaged bulls
every day and I saw a bull three of the eight days. Day one
at 10:30 Chuck and I moved up on a bull three times. Third
move produced an "almost" 20 yard shot to the downhill
(upwind) side; I then got busted on the uphill side at 8 yards
when he circled. Day 4 a good bull at 70 yards. Day 7 a great
bull at 40 yards. After a two-minute stare down, he turned
and gave me a broadside shot through open timber. The shot
looked good, the bull staggered away slowly. We bumped him
from a bed 30 minutes later, he looked in bad shape, good
blood loss, broke the arrow. He got into thick cover, slowed
us down then just dried blood on brown pine needles. Both
Wayne and Chuck worked hard to find him (thanks) but no luck.
An experience I'll never forget.
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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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