2004 Archery Report

Again, we're letting our archers tell it like it was…here are their stories.

MONTANA

September 4- September 11

Greg Jackson, Stevensville, MD 410-643-9472 guided by Matt Campbell and Anthony Schmode
First elk hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. Day one heard 4 different bulls, but none would come in. Next 4 days heard at least one bull a day, but would not play. Fifth day of the hunt bugled in a 4x2 (one side with broken points) at 15 yards, smoked the bull with one shot. Bull went 125 yards and fell. Great hunt. "Will be back". PS. BE IN SHAPE!!

John McKinnon, So Lyon, MI, 248-486-4802 guided by Ray Hill, Kyle McClain and Jesse Grace
This was my third hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting and three is a charm. I got close before but this is my first elk. On opening day I almost got a 6x5 but he hung up behind a pine tree at 20 yards and I couldn't hold the bow at full draw any longer. With my shoulder quivering I tried to let the bow ease down, but I touched the release and that arrow went into the sky! Good-bye 6x5. A half hour later we had a 6x6 come in but we couldn't get the shot. We played with him for two hours before he finally spooked. What a day one! Day two was quiet but on day three we had a big bull within 40 yards for three hours!! I saw him once at about 10 yards while peeking through a gap in a spruce tree. Again, no chance for a shot. Day 4,5,6 were quiet, but on day 7 it happened! The bull was bugling early and often. We moved in to about 60 yards and I hid behind a spruce tree. Ray called him in perfectly and I nailed the 6x6 as he walked by at 8 yards. He went 80 yards and dropped. Thanks to Ray, Kyle and Jesse for a great hunt. Thanks to everyone at Wayne Hill Outfitting for a great hunt!

Butch Lilly, Ghent, WV 304-787-3100 guided by Josh Ahlin, and Richie Riley
This is my 6th hunt with Wayne and my 3rd bow hunt. Saw a monster on the first day, but due to swirling winds did not get a shot. Passed a 5-yard shot at a nice 4x4 on the 3rd day because he was not what I was looking for. Bugling was somewhat slow but did have about 3 nice elk close but presented no shots. On the evening of the 7th day we had a response to our bugling but not easy. It was on the other side of the drainage. After a downhill run and a grueling uphill climb I was face to face with a nice 7x6 bull at 15 yards. The bull was facing me and acting very nervous. I could not move for fear of spooking him. Josh realized that I needed a distraction so he moved off to my right and chuckled and beat the brush. The bull turned broadside and I slowly drew the bow. The arrow flew true and buried behind his shoulder. He simply lunged forward and began to walk away. I managed to shoot him again at about 40 yards, but hit him high. After tracking him for 100 yards, we jumped him and he plunged down the mountain. We caught up to him and one more shot finished the job. This was my third bull and by far the biggest. Great hunt as always. Wayne and Annette have a great operation and Josh did a super job. If you take your elk hunting seriously, then this is the hunt you are looking for.

Dan Asbury, Elkview, WV 304-965-9137 guided by Chuck Hall and Jason Erdley
This is my fourth hunt with Wayne and Annette; First archery hunt. We heard or saw elk 7 out of the 8 days of the hunt. Day 7 brought the most excitement for me with a really hot bull coming in angry at Chuck's bugling. He's bugling and screaming and coming fast and just as he gets really close, another bull starts tearing a tree down just 40 or 50 yards to my right. Unfortunately a shot never materialized. But if you think I'm disappointed you're wrong. There is no other hunting experience that can compare to getting up close and personal with a bugling bull elk! As always the guides, food and lodge are first class. Wayne has quality hunts in an area known for giant bulls. If you're looking for a high percentage chance at an archery bull get yourself in reasonable shape and come chase 'em with Wayne. You won't regret it!

Joe Eades, Annapolis, MD 410-268-1686 guided by Paul Bilski, Ross Halvorsen, and Chad Toteff
First ever archery hunt for elk. I booked with Wayne Hill Outfitting for good reasons! I saw elk every day. I shot and missed a big 6x7 at about 40 yards up hill. Hell he was with a 5x4 bull at the time! Guides brought bull back twice but no shot was taken. We ran bulls up and down the hills every day. One day we saw six different bulls. We stayed with one nearly one and a half hours, only to never get a shot; the bull was only about 30 yards away most of the time! I saw and missed a 140 class whitetail deer also. Black bear and mule deer were seen while hunting for elk. I had my chances and now I'm going home with three less arrows. Paul is a very smart guide. I hope to hunt with him again. Ross was my motivation when I needed it most, and he has the sharpest eyes I've seen in a long time. (Good ears too) Chad never gave up on me and kept his fingers crossed! Best set of guides I've had all my life! And I've been a few places. Wayne and Annette run a top-notch outfit, you need to see for yourself. PS. You best get in shape or stay home!

SEPTEMBER 13- SEPTEMBER 20

Mike Applin, Monroe, MI 734-242-3905 guided by Ray Hill
Ray was calling about one hour after light first day when he heard a low whistle. We were standing in a clearing about 25 yards wide. He ran me uphill to a pine to set up for an uphill shot. The bull ran in full speed right at the tree I was behind and stopped at 10 yards, spooked downhill in the timber and came out 30 yards below me. My first shot was too far back. We waited an hour to track and caught him bedded 200 yards away. Tried a stalk to put another arrow in him but he winded us and jumped up and ran. We had virtually no blood trail, but Ray was able to track his prints for a while until other fresh prints interfered. We walked circles for 3 to 4 hours, heard the bull moan, and found him breathing his last. Ray deserves all the credit for an unbelievable track job. The elk was my first and has a unique 6x4 rack. This is my second hunt with Wayne and won't be my last. Thanks to Wayne and Annette and everyone, but especially Ray. The food, accommodations, and company were great.

Tim Gurtner, Middletown, WI 608-798-0673 guided by Josh Ahlin and Chase Willis
After three days of chasing bulls up and down the mountains Josh, Chase and I finally had a bull willing to challenge us as each of us quickly closed the distance in thick brush. Josh bugled and the response was quick and close. We had gotten to within 20 yards of the bull and still couldn't see each other. I quickly set up with Josh and Chase directly behind me. Josh cow called. The bull groaned and charged in to within 15 yards in the thick brush. He stopped and offered me a small opening in which I slipped and arrow into his ribs. He never flinched and thinking I had missed I quickly tried to nock another arrow and suddenly he turned towards me on rushed my way with my fletching buried into his ribs. I jumped up and he veered off and traveled about 70 yards before expiring. As we approached him we all saw he was impressive!! The beautiful 7x7 was massive. He indeed was a monarch. He got all the attention of Wayne's guides as he was unofficially scored at 358" gross. Awesome hunt! There are many tremendous bulls in Wayne's area giving you one of the best opportunities in the country for a quality bull. But don't expect it to come easy. Be in shape; work your legs hard before arriving. Awesome food, accommodations, guides and camp company. Thanks for experience of a lifetime, I'll be back soon.

Barry Garner, Birdsboro, PA 610-582-8366 guided by Matt Campbell and Tony Balsiger
This was my third hunt with Wayne Hill. With rain in the forecast for the next eight days we left camp in the rain. The rain stopped as we started our hunt. Walked and called for 31/2 hours with no response. Finally had a bull answer and down the hill we went after him. He answered a few more times but going up and away. He crossed a ravine and headed up the other side into the fog, so we left him go and climbed back up to the trail. Matt had one more spot he wanted to try before heading back. On the way there he called a few times, then it was Tony's turn to bugle. The bull answered, Tony called again, the bull answered. We could hear him thrashing the trees and bugling, he was close. We dropped down off the trail to set up, I was following Matt into this little bench when Matt hit the ground, Tony and I crouched down too. Matt motioned the bull was just down over the knoll. Matt crawled away to get an angle and I found the nearest tree and stood up in front of it. Matt gave a low grunt, the bull answered coming towards me, and then his antlers appeared. He came straight at me, bugled in my direction, turned to the left took a few steps, turned and stared right at me. He finally started to move to my left through some trees. When his head went behind a bigger tree I drew. He stopped and chuckled, then took a few more steps and turned 180` to go back down the hill. Matt chuckled to get his attention and he hesitated in an opening and I put the arrow through both lungs. He ran about 100 yards and expired. A nice 5x5, and my first elk. Matt and I put a lot of time and miles on the last two years. Glad we got this on the first day, the weather didn't improve. As always the food and accommodations are great. Had another great week in camp with some guys that were here my first year. Thanks Wayne and Annette for another great hunting experience. Hope to see you again in the near future.

Dan Kowalski, Waterford, MI 248-673-7078 guided by Ross Halvorsen and Richie Riley
This was my first elk hunt. Despite rainy weather for the first five days we had some kind of elk activity every day. First three days were kind of slow, but had some bugles. The fourth day was probably the best with two close encounters, two spikes at about 20 yards, and one 6x6 at about 25 yards. The 6x6 saw movement and was gone. Fifth day was real good as well with a 6x7 at 15 yards but no shot. Sixth day only hunted at night because of heavy rainfall, but had a spike at about 15 yards. Seventh day was the last day I hunted because of soreness. We had 4 or 5 bugles but couldn't get close. This hunt was everything I dreamed it would be only harder. As everyone has contested, be in shape if you're going to give 'er a go. I recommend it to anyone interested. As for Wayne and Annette and the guides they know how to get the job done. Thanks.

Glyn Parson, Wyomissing, PA 610-678-2248 guided by Anthony Schmode
This is the second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. We had a bad week due to the weather. Heard a few bulls most days, but could not get any to come in. Had a great guide, Anthony, worked hard trying to get one in. Love this place. Lots of elk. Will be back.

Gary Nielson Fenton, MI 810-629-0982 guided by Wayne Hill and Jason Erdley
Second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. Days one through six nothing but rain and wind. (Forgot our duck calls) Set up on one bull day four but swirling winds shut us down. Heard bulls the other 5 days. Day 7 the weather was good, heard at least 3 bulls before light. Set up one 6x6 early. Wayne called bull to within 25 yards. (He says I screwed up, I say he called the bull the wrong way) Circled down wind and the game was over. Went to mountain top and bugled with one response. The bull came in fast after that. I had a 25 yard shot and watched the bull go down after 50-60 yards. Will return for future hunts. Thanks to Wayne, Annette and all. Lodging and food were great.

Justin Nielson, Fenton, MI 810-577-6279 guided by Kyle McClain, Jesse Grace, and Chad Toteff
This was my first elk hunt with Wayne Hill. Had a poor week due to the rain. Days one and two were slow due to rain. On the third day we set up on a nice 6x6 but couldn't get him in any closer than 60 yards. The next few days were slow again due to poor weather. On the seventh day we had 5 or 6 bulls going. Had another set up on a nice 6x6. The guides brought him within 10 yards, but the bull never offered me a shot. I had a great experience for my first elk hunt. The food was great and the staff was excellent. I'll be back for another hunt in the near future.

Joe Seaman, Lum, MI 810-724-7637 guided by Chuck Hall, Jason Erdley, and Richie Riley
Second hunt with Wayne and Annette. Second time guided by Chuck. Expectations were met again. Weather was terrible all week and still heard and saw bulls daily. The wind ruined most set ups and other animals ruined the rest. Once again awesome hunt, awesome accommodations, awesome food. Thanks again Wayne and Annette, see ya in Novi to book again. Special thanks to Chuck for another great hunt.

Chris Garner, Reading, PA 610-587-4011 guided by Reuben Troyer
Third year in a row hunting with Wayne. First day it was raining. At first light we had a bull answer the first bugle. I set up and the bull was coming in. This elk hunting is easy. After a few more bugles the bull turned and ran. Later that day we called in a spike and a raghorn bull. Day 2 it was still raining, Reuben said the only way to see a bull was to walk around until we tan into one Six and a half hours later we walked into a really big bull. I had a clean miss at 30 yards. Day three it rained. Day 4 it rained. Day 5 it rained some more. Day 6 it rained so hard I didn't go out. Day 7 I woke up and looked out the window, no rain. I didn't know how to react, so I put on some wet clothes just so I didn't feel too comfortable. On the mountain, the bulls went crazy. At first light we heard a bull and went after it. As we closed in I heard another bull in the distance. I saw the first bull, a small rack. The second bull came in screaming. I had bulls to the left of me, bulls to the right and here I am stuck in the middle with them. Reuben had a love triangle for over 30 minutes. They bugled at least 40 times, but nobody was giving up any ground. We finally decided to press the second bull taking a chance he would be bigger than the first. As we got close, he backed up and left. Back to the small bull we went. On the way we kicked up another bull with cows, they ran off. As we got back to the small bull, another bull started screaming. We started motoring down the game trail. The small bull was over in the draw, but there was a second bugler from behind a grassy knoll. I went up the hill and got eye level with a nice 6x6. It had to take 2 steps to shoot, but after about 10 minutes, he turned and went after his cows, they circled around us and then at the exact same time all the bulls just shut up. My elk conspiracy theory is that they just like making us run around the mountain. Whoever said elk hunting was easy? I didn't end up with an elk, but I had 21/2 hours of some unforgettable hunting. Thanks to Reuben for getting me close.

Mike LeClair Waterford, MI 248-682-1651 guided by Paul Bilski
My first time West on hunting and elk hunting. What an experience! First day out saw at least twenty animals, elk, mulies, and whitetail. A 4x4 mulie at 50 yards was the closest. Day two Paul, my guide, (AKA superman) got a 5x5 elk in at 15 yards screaming at us It happened so fast I could not quite get the shot. The excitement was incredible. Days three through six were very wet, but still had some action every day. Day seven Paul brought a nice 6x6 in at 25 yards and I took the shot. Unfortunately not quite good enough. I hit him high and back. We searched for hours but no luck. Needless to say I was very depressed. Day eight the weather was good and we were into bulls almost all day. None quite close enough but two very big bulls were seen. This is very rugged country, it will kick your ass, so you had better train. Then train some more. Wayne and Annette are first class throughout. You will not be disappointed. So if you want an adventure of a lifetime, give it a go. You will not regret it.

SEPTEMBER 22- SEPTEMBER 29

Ron Deems Jr. Gibsonia, PA 724-443-8724 guided by Ray Hill
Second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. First two days we heard and set up on bulls, which we had within 30 yards but winded us before we had a shot. Both bulls were 5x5"s, Fifth day we set up on a 4x4 bull, which winded us at 30 yards. Sixth day we located a bull before light. Ray se me up perfect and called the bull in for a 5-yard shot at first light. I had a walking broadside shot at 5 yards. Lung shot the 4x4 bull, which went 70 yards. Ray is an excellent guide and did a super job. This was my first bull. Had a great time and will be back soon. Thanks to Wayne and Annette for the great hunt, excellent food and lodging for myself and my son who loved it. Wayne Hill Outfitting, I highly recommend to anybody, which I know you won't regret. Big bulls, high success rate, great guides and service are as good as it gets. Get in great shape and do the 8-day hunt.

Ken Keener, Annville, PA 717-867-1885 guided by Reuben Troyer and Jason Erdley
This was my second time hunting with Wayne Hill. The eight days of this hunt were the hardest physically I have ever done. I came here in better physical condition than the last time. This helped me to enjoy the hunt more. I heard elk bugle every day and was set up 6 of the 8 days. The sixth day of my hunt 2 bulls came in at the same time. One came in silent, unnoticed until it screamed 20-25 yards away. Could not get a shot at either bull. This is archery hunting; once they get within range you still need a clear shot. Once again I found the accommodations here excellent, plenty of food. The guides are great young people who really work hard for the client. Special thanks to Reuben who worked hard everyday to get me close. The hunting is extreme, so get in shape if you come here. After second hunt, I highly recommend Wayne Hill. Thank you Wayne and Annette for everything.

Neil McFadden, Waterford, PA 724-935-4240 guided by Chuck Hall.
Second time with Wayne Hill, second time guided by Chuck. Couldn't ask for more. Day one through three saw limited action as we had shifting swirling winds. Day 4 and 5 we had good contact but no bulls in sight. Day 6 was tremendous. We got into elk before daybreak and stayed with them all day. Saw at least three bulls, several cows. I believe I was busted by the same cow twice, once at 9 yards as she was leading a good bull on a perfect shot path, the second time she circled below us at 20 yards with a bull thirty yards behind. No shot opportunities but one hell of a day. Day 7 Chuck brought in a 5x5 hot and heavy. We attempted to get across a deep drainage to set up, but the bull stopped us half way down the slope. After drawing and letting down once, I took a shot into thick brush at 35 yards. Bad judgment, bad result. The arrow deflected and snapped, landed in two pieces at the bulls feet. Should have waited for a better shot. Last day was quiet. Chuck and I hunted long and hard each day. Chuck's knowledge and hard work made for another great hunt. Thanks to Wayne, Annette, and staff for providing a first class hunting experience.

Mike McFadden, Sacramento, CA 916-919-3084 guided by Ross Halvorsen
First hunt with Wayne Hill and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Days 1-4 started each day with responses from distant bulls that went silent by 8:30 am. Day 5 I had my first real action where I could hear the bull within 20 yards. Unfortunately our set up was busted by a another hunter approaching and casting his scent across our bull. Day 8 started with immediate response to Ross' first call. We chased bulls all day setting up on two different bulls. The first bull busted us on the wind, the second caught me moving. I would recommend Wayne Hill Outfitting to any friend. The guides work very hard, the food was great, accommodations outstanding and everything was made to happen on time. Thank you Wayne and Annette.

Michael Italiani, Easton, PA 610-252-5739 guided by Paul Bilski
I have hunted Colorado world, New Mexico world and now Wayne's world (Montana). I killed a 5x5 that came to Paul's call the first day. Double lunged him twice, covered about 60 yards. Enjoyed the group and happy that I stayed the entire time to listen to the stories of the hunts. The personnel here were friendly and warm and the food and accommodations were excellent. I hope to return next year and maybe I'll hold out, probably not!

Ken George, Wind Gap, PA. 610-863-6883 guided by Matt Campbell
First hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. First day, no action, Second day action, several bulls but wind not in our favor. Third day no action, but did hear several bulls. Fifth day had several bulls call, but wouldn't come in. Sixth day no action. Seventh day had huge bull within 30 yards, but wind prevented me from getting a shot. Eighth day had 3 bulls return our calls, one close with cows, did not get a shot. Matt is a very good guide and worked very hard for me. Great place to hunt elk.

Kris George Wind Gap, PA 610-863-6706 guided by Anthony Schmode and Kyle McClain
First hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. First day learned about the incredible effort it takes to climb some of the steepest mountains I have ever seen. Day 2 figured out my guide was the marching man. Great guide. Also had a great time with Kyle. He's very animated, and has a fun time. Third day I tried a different pair of boots; bad idea and they hurt my feet. Fourth day started on the cliff, calling. Heard many bulls in the valley below. Waited for the wind to be right and went down into the valley after a group of bulls. We moved fast and made it down and up quickly. Got on the bulls, six of them, and set up three times but couldn't get them to come any closer than 40 yards. We worked them hard. Anthony kept me in the thick of them, but we couldn't close the deal. Fifth day we smelled the bull before we heard it. Called and it answered. I set up but the bull was smart and circled us to catch the wind. He winded us and away he went. Sixth day started up on the road. Made calls and heard many bulls. Decided to go back down and across another ridge after a bull. We went up and had no answer, went back down and back up to our original ridge. Call again and hear 4 bulls. Went after one across on another ridge. Down we went and up the other side. Called with no answer, walked some more, called again, no answer, walked again and then it happened. A bull came charging in. Anthony and Kyle hit the dirt. I drew but the bull was behind a tree. Held for a minute and had to let down. My arrow popped off on the ground. I put another arrow in, the bull moved, and I drew and shot and hit. I'll never forget it! But most of all I will never forget seeing the excitement in Anthony and Kyle's eyes when we found the dead bull. The best feeling in the world. One 6x6 thanks to the determination of Anthony. And thanks to Kyle, that guy can call like no other.

Ron Deems III, Gibsonia, PA 724-443-8734 guided by Richie Riley and Jesse Grace
What an unbelievable hunt! I'm a high school senior and this was my first elk hunt and it will definitely not be my last! The only things bigger than the mountains out here are the bulls. On my 8 day hunt we all enjoyed hearing one another's stories each afternoon. Day one was more than I ever could have imagined it to be. We got into bulls right away, ensuring me that my guides knew exactly what they were doing. Richie got the bulls all fired up and by early morning, seven different bulls and answered our calls. We set up and Jesse got me situated where I would be able to shoot through the thick stuff. A fired up 5x5 came roaring up the drainage and began carrying on in a wallow about 50 yards away. While all this was going on I just happened to look across the drainage and I could not believe my eyes when I spotted a huge 7x7 raking a tree. This country is thick, at 15 yards the 5x5 came barreling by and all I could see were the tips of his horns. We eventually worked down to the 7x7, but thick cover prevented a shot. He was so close that Jesse and I could hear him breathing. Next day we went to a different spot and after a little hike, Richie got 5 bulls going right off the bat. I spotted a cow but as we stalked within the last few yards of the bulls, another hunter cut us off and shut the bulls up. Third day Jesse and I set up on a screaming bull that Richie had stirred up. The bull wouldn't commit the last few yards and hung up in a thick patch of scrub brush maybe 40 yards away. Next day we heard bulls but couldn't catch up with them. Fifth day Richie and I set out up the mountain. We hadn't heard anything all morning. As we side-hilled across the drainage Richie spotted a cow and an impressive bull less than 70 yards away. We worked the bull for more than an hour but it wouldn't commit. Seventh day we chased 6 different bulls until late afternoon. We dogged the herd bull and it was quite a rush. We worked within 50 yards many times, but the screaming bull was more concerned with his cows. That afternoon I spotted a good 5x5 that came in quiet and I thought I would get a shot, however he remained just out of range until dark. The last day we chased three bulls and came very close. Richie and Jesse are top-notch guides. Thanks to everybody from Wayne Hill Outfitting for a great hunt. I will definitely be back.

Chris Harris, Bethlehem, PA 610-317-9042 guided by Josh Ahlin and Chase Willis
This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill and it was a great hunt. If you want big bulls this is the place to go. Just make sure you're in shape. We got into bulls the first day. The first one I messed up on and the second came in at 30 yards from my side but could not get a shot. Day two was a little slow but day three was a little different. Chase and I got into a bull late in the morning. We had a nice 6x6 come in at 30 yards wanting some action but did not get a shot. The fourth day Chase and I had a nice 5x5 come in at 30 yards, but again could not get a shot. We spent the rest of the morning chasing bulls but couldn't get close. Days five through eight were all the same. We had bulls around us everyday and close, but we just couldn't close the deal. I did not get an elk, but it was an exciting hunt. I would definitely come again. The people were great and the food was awesome. Thanks Wayne for a great place to hunt. Thanks Josh and Chase for a great week.

Don Harris, Bethlehem, PA 610-837-4618 guided by Wayne Hill and Tony Balsiger
First time hunting with Wayne Hill and definitely will not be my last. Although I did not kill an elk, it was a hunt of a lifetime. I was lucky enough to draw Wayne as my guide. His knowledge of the sport of elk hunting and the mountains we hunted was amazing. We were into elk everyday and heard at least 3-4 different elk bugling everyday. I saw between 8 and 12 bulls throughout the week and had one 40-45 yard shot that I did not connect. I passed on two different 5x5's and one 4x3 looking for a bigger bull. I was within 50 - 60 yards of two 300 - 350 class bulls but could not close the deal. Wayne Hill Outfitting is "top-notch". The food, accommodations, guides and hospitality were outstanding.

October 1 - October 8

Kelly Norton, Martinsville, IL 217-382-3026 guided by Ray Hill
This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill and my first archery hunt. The first day we heard a couple bugles but things go quiet at daylight. Ray did a great job getting us into the vicinity of one of the bulls. We heard some movement in a ravine and set up, but couldn't coax anything out. A closer inspection of the area revealed plenty of fresh sign even though we never saw one. The second day started with a couple bugling bulls. We charged up the mountain to take advantage of the wind for the set up. Once on top the wind shifted so we charged back down the mountain to get in position. After some more calling, Ray located the bull and back up we headed. As we crested a small rise, Ray spotted the bull coming at us, so he "assisted" me back down the mountain and we set up. After more calling by Ray, the bull headed our way, but again the wind swirled and he caught our scent and hung up around 50 yards. A beautiful big non-typical with at least 7 on one side. After "barking" a few times, the game was over. Within the next hour and a half we set up on two more bulls, one spike and another with cows that we couldn't get a look at. The third day found us in the middle of three bugling bulls. Ray got us in close and called in a 4x5. With all the excitement from the preceding day and the morning, I couldn't wait any longer and double lunged him at 10 yards. I am thrilled with my first archery bull and can't wait to come back for the big one. Believe me there are plenty of big ones out here. The guides are great and won't give up. The accommodations and food are excellent. For serious hunters, Wayne Hill is a serious outfitter.

Keith Williams, Chesapeak, VA 757-421-4454 guided by Paul Bilski
This was my third hunt with Wayne and my second archery. Paul was my guide for the second year in a row. I booked a 5-day hunt this year and this is how it went. Day one heard at least 4 different bulls but none wanted to play. Second day heard 6 different bulls and had a couple in close but they shut up before we could get close enough to see them. Third day we heard 3 different bulls and had one within 25 yards in a thick brush field, but he stayed out of sight. Day 4 finally heard a bull at 10 am and then the bull shut up and came in silent. Luckily Paul spotted the bull and we made a fast set up. The bull busted me at 35 yards and ran off. We had two more almost shots at him. Fifth day heard a bull way above us so we started climbing straight up and finally caught up with the bull. After bugling and watching the bull for about 20 minutes I finally crawled into position and waited for a shot. The bull finally came into an opening at about 25 yards and I double lunged him and he ran no more than 60 yards and crashed. The bull was a nice heavy 5x5 and was my second archery elk. As always the accommodations, food, and guides were excellent and of course there is Wayne. PS Being in shape is the major key to success. Don't just think you're in shape, you better be in shape.

Wade Temple Elizabeth City NC 252-771-5676 guided by Wayne Hill and Richie Riley
This was my first elk hunt. Wayne and Richie did a great job getting in close to bulls. We heard or saw bulls every day. I was here for a 5-day hunt. First day passed on 5x5 and saw a nice bull. Second day Wayne carried me, no really pushed me within 8 yards if a nice bull, Couldn't get the shot. Third day heard a bull but couldn't work him. Fourth day saw a huge bull, came about 80 yards wind changed and he was gone. Last day had 3 bulls get in close not close enough. I cannot say enough good things about Wayne and his guys. The put out 110% to get you a shot and this is what it takes. Food was great and so were the people.

Garrett Koop, Fairbanks AK 907-488-1233 guided by Matt Campbell
We had no action on day one. Day two we chased a bull the better part of the day. On the third day we had a nice bull in at above 60 yards before he turned and walked away. While chasing this bull Matt called in three more bulls, one spike, a dinker, and a 5x5. I had two chances to shoot the 5x5 but it was only day three of an eight day hunt and I wanted a shot at the bigger bull that turned and walked away at the beginning of the day. Days 4,5, and 6 we heard bulls but none wanted to play. The seventh day we had three bulls screaming at us, but the wind prevented us from getting close enough for a shot. The last day we heard or saw nothing. The guides were good the food was great and I thank Wayne and Annette for the opportunity to hunt elk for the first time.

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Noxon, Montana 59853
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