2006 Archery Report

September 2-September 9

IDAHO

Mehdi Emad, Collegeville, PA 610-831-0546 guided by Chase Willis
The weather was beautiful. Cool mornings and warm mid day and cool in the evening. The kitchen and lodge were clean and organized. Beautiful. And the food was delicious. Annette runs the show. She is in charge. We ate great. We were in with a great group of people. I made several friends. I hope to hunt with them in the future. I truly enjoyed them. This was truly the most demanding hunting experience I have had. Our guides were in superb shape and also very considerate. At least 4 to 5 miles of steep uphill and downhill walking daily. Get in shape! The sixth day we drove 2 hours to get to the site to start the hunt. Chase bugled twice. We heard two bulls and he told me to nock an arrow and run behind him. Forty yards above us we heard them moving. He pushed me up a hill and said “wait, he will come to you.” He went back and made two cow mews. I could not catch my breath from running and excitement. Suddenly the bull came down 8 steps from me. I did not look at the horns. As he turned his head he gave me an open shot. I put my green pin on the spot and squeezed the release trigger. The arrow disappeared in his chest. He jumped and ran straight at me. He ran by me within two inches. I was on my knees with my bow over my head. I saw the bottom of his hoof ! Blood was pouring out of him, he passed me about 10 yards, he fell, then he got up again walked 4 yards and fell again. He got up, turned and he fell 8 feet below for good. My 70 lb. Matthews Switchback equipped with my vital bow gear, arrows, sight, and rest tipped with Monkic G5 did the job. Finally I have my first elk ever. It is a 3x4 bull. A 31 years dream is fulfilled. It is my trophy. Wayne is a good honest and kind man. He has passion for hunting and his business. He is stern with a huge heart. He is consistent and has my respect. He makes sure all his clients and guides are back safe and sound and comfortable at all times. Wayne and his family have a special place in my heart for ever.

Anthony Williams, Morehead, KY 606-783-1622 guided by Ross Halvorsen
This hunt exceeded all expectations I could ever have hoped for. Great guides, camp, food and scenery. The elk hunting here is the right way; because you have to earn it, not buy it. In 8 days I heard 15 different bulls with set-ups each day with one encounter at 21 and 40 yards at a 300 plus bull with no shot happening. And 3 days hunting a huge non-typical we watched and hunted with no shots. To have and see opportunities like I have, it is easy to see how addictive elk hunting can be. Be in the best shape you possibly can. This terrain will eat you alive if you’re not ready for it. Don’t blow an opportunity at a good bull because you physically cannot get to it. Wayne and Annette are great people. Annette is also a great cook. I have great admiration for Wayne and his love of the sport and the things he has done over his life. I am glad I met him and wish him the best. For a no frills, in your face true hunting experience for monster bulls, Wayne Hill’s is the place I would recommend to anyone.

MONTANA

Troy Schwab, Erie, PA 814-490-7650 guided by Chase Willis
First day we crossed two drainages chasing a bull, set up twice. No shot opportunity on the bull. Second and third days we basically took a real long walk with my pack and bow. Chase is an absolutely outstanding guide, who busts his ass to get you an opportunity. Undoubtedly without Chase my hunt would have ended very differently. The fourth day we climbed the mountain and began side hilling to the head. Bull bugles above us and off we go-straight up. We manage to set up within 60 yards the first set. The bull bugled and chuckled, but would not come any closer. Chase tells me we need to sprint up the hill to get closer. After sprinting for what seemed like forever, through the thickest stuff on God’s green earth, we find ourselves in a 15-foot “clearing”. Chase sets me up and retreats calling all the way. After raking trees for a few moments the bull couldn’t stand it. One chuckle and here he came. The bull first appeared at about 12 yards and proceeded to come all the way to whopping 6 yards! Yes, that’s close! The arrow flew true and the bull only went 25 yards. A fabulous 6x6. Without Chase busting my ass to get up that hill, that shot opportunity never would have occurred. Do yourself a favor and get in shape. And when you get in shape, do it eight more times. This country is absolutely punishing. If you draw Chase as your guide, be happy. He is a great guy and a phenomenal elk guide. Wayne and Annette run an absolutely top-notch operation. I will be back.

Paul Sabo, Philadelphia, PA 215-768-3566 guided by Chuck Hall
After a few years of talking and planning it finally came. First day saw 4 bulls, one 5x5 at 7 yards. But I didn’t have a shot. Second, third and fourth day had set-ups but no shots. Fifth day after a long walk, my guide had an answer. We closed the gap on the bull and Chuck set me up perfectly. The bull came in and passed me at 5 yards. I shot and the arrow hit the 3x3 bull perfectly. The hunt was over. Chuck did a fantastic job and the camp, food and employees were top notch. I will return for another go at a big bull.

Christian Sabo, Philadelphia, PA 215-755-3631 guided by Jared Mellott
I thought I knew what to expect; I was wrong. The mountains are steep and covered with natural obstacles. The beginning of the first day will test your resolve and make you doubt your decision to pursue elk in the rugged country. If I were an elk living in this mess of an area, I think I would voluntarily walk into a hunter. Jared made the hikes seem so easy and was very knowledgeable. He’s like a combination of the energizer bunny, a tight ropewalker and an advanced GPS. The first four days we only heard a couple of faint bugles. Jared put me in areas where elk were, they were just unresponsive. The fifth day, that all changed! We had a bugle early and went hard after it. Jared kept the bull’s attention through a barrage of deflected arrows. The bull finally reached a clear spot at 40 yards (which is an unusually long shot out here). I put an arrow right behind his shoulder and it was over. I shot a small 5x4 and it was incredible. Thanks Wayne and Annette. The accommodations, food and staff were great. Jared is a fine young man and I would love to chase a big bull with him in the future. I, like most of the other clients, re-booked during the week.

Steve Rinaldi, Kellogg ID 208-786-6061 guided by Wayne Hill and Rich Frahm
Into elk most every day to some degree. On second or third day passed on a 4-point bull. Knew I wasn’t going to shoot it when I saw it, but let Wayne call it in for practice; broadside at 7-8 yards. Saw several 6 points, but couldn’t get them to commit as cows were present. On the 6th day Rich and Wayne called in a bull. He came in silent and closed the gap very quickly. I saw a good amount of points above the bushes. I had a small shooting lane with no time to judge his size. It was either look at antlers or pick your spot and shoot. I chose to shoot as he walked up through the lane to 16 yards. Hit him right in the boiler room and he went about 15 yards and piled up. He was a medium size 5 point. It was a great experience because everything about these few minutes was textbook in its delivery. I have a lot of respect for Wayne and his guides. The food is great. I plan to make this a yearly experience.

Ed Bilik, Greensburg, PA 724-834-6040 guided by Josh Ahlin
I’ll probably hear Josh’s bugle in my sleep for the weeks to come. Now eight days later, dozens of miles and many hours behind me, I have much greater appreciation for that melodic sound. This is my first archery elk hunt. I came here without much knowledge of the hunting strategies. I came here without a clue as to how hard it would be to complete this hunt. I came here unprepared for the eight days I was about to experience. This is a quality hunting experience. If you come here needing to kill an animal or having to kill one, you will miss an incredible week of hunting. This is best experienced by enjoying the hunt and making the result anti climatic. The seven days of hunting I did were the most physically grueling days of my 40 years of hunting. Waiting until you are almost 56 years of age to do this hunt isn’t ideal, but some of us just don’t have an earlier opportunity. The guides seem to take physical stamina into account in designing your hunt. My hunt began Saturday morning and included a 7 to 8 mile walk with my bow and resulted in hearing a single far off bugle. I came back tired, dehydrated and walking on two very sore feet. The temperature was 85 degrees by early afternoon. We walked briskly and descended a mountain, slipping, sliding and falling. I joined a chorus of clients back at the lodge grumbling at how long and hard the walk had been. Personally I knew my guide was trying to kill me. The second day seemed to be a bit shorter and a less strenuous walk with my bow, resulting in a single returned bugle. I began to see that this bugling thing might be important. However, upon returning to camp the scuttle butt was that the elk weren’t interested and that the next week of hunting is much better because the elk are in prime rut. Wayne just uses the first week to get the guides in walking shape and do some scouting. The third day became interesting when we had a bull return our bugles and we set up. Josh tells me a 5-point bull came in 50 yards above me, that I didn’t see. He advises that I look around more so that the bull doesn’t sneak in on me. Of course I know that there aren’t any elk here and that Josh is making shit up to pacify a growing skepticism. After three days no one in the lodge has killed a bull and the whispers are getting louder that the guides must be smoking reefer. The fourth day, Josh, myself, Chasse and Troy travel to the mountain. We start with a one-mile sprint up a gradually inclining roadway into a ¼ mile crawl-climb up the mountainside. We split at a fork in an old logging road. Josh and I leave Chase and Troy to go to the top of the world. We eventually climb from one ledge to another until we get up to where it flattens into a large plateau. This is the most scenic spot we have visited. We got a return bugle, which we chased, eventually jumping an average five-point bull that I get to see at 250 yards. We leave that bull because Josh says it is average, turn left and bugle our way across the mountain. We see a small mule buck, a chocolate colored black bear at 30 yards who has little interest in us and a bull moose at seventy yards that doesn’t share the bear’s disinterest. Finally we get a return bugle and Josh takes me into a brush field for the next two hours while I fall three or four times, lose layers of skin and contemplate the legal action I am going to take against him. This ended up being the longest steepest, most difficult and defining walk so far. The days were 90 degrees and hydration was important. Josh said we didn’t need water, so I didn’t carry any. This is the sole difference of opinion I have with Josh. You need water. By the fourth day I had steeled myself to the determination that Josh wasn’t going to kill me, just slowly torture me into physical submission. The long hard walks became the central point, elk hunting was secondary. Morale in camp improved. Troy had killed a nice 6x6 bull in the hunt. A rumor started around the lodge that the guides might be catching on to this elk hunting thing. So Josh took me back up the mountain from the day before. We walked further, higher, longer, steeper and thru some of the most gnarly brush I have ever seen. We walked uphill thru gnarly brush for two hours after a huge 6x6 bull that had no interest in us! We set up on another bull that was 90 to 100 yard away aggressively bugling and thrashing the brush only to have him disappear. I watch Josh bugle and beat the brush with a log and toss rocks around. He says he is mimicking elk sounds. I know that he is smoking some “bad shit”. Well this drama is repeated over the next two days. We get a nice bull to 40 yards away only to have him turn and run. This is the first good bull I see close. I am impressed with how big of an animal this is and decide that I had better stay calm and focused if I am to get a shot off the next time. Josh is going to get pissed if I miss. I worried that my best opportunity passed without a shot. This bull either winded me or saw me. Josh say (so he says) another bull in it’s bed that we jumped a few hundred yards later, that was huge (so he says). Sounds like a lot of bull to me. By the seventh day I begin to understand the bugling sequences, the strategies of advancing toward the bull and challenging him in his territory. I am “into it”. Call home, I am quitting my job. I have found my people. Josh actually seems to know what he is talking about. Must be all the work he has done with me. We set up on a bull that disappears; it is 10:30 am and on the second to last day and a bit of resignation begins to set in with me. We begin chasing a single cow call because Josh opines that a bull could be over there. At 11am we set up, we hear a strong bugle, so Josh puts me out front about 50 yards looking down into lodge pole. About 150 yards below me I see a large bull raking his horns. I watched this animal walk swaying side to side, like a fellow looking for a fight, stride up to twenty yards directly in front of me. We looked eye to eye for what seemed a lifetime, but was more like 60 seconds. He stopped and stared right at me or most probably right thru me. Josh was behind me doing his thing. The bull turned to my right, walked broad side past me angling toward Josh. I remember thinking look thru your peep and trust your bow. A twenty yard walking broadside shot, I stayed focused, pulled up and shot watching the arrow burying deep into the bull’s ribs, Six inches of fletch was sticking out as he walked away. At the time I thought it was 4 inches too high. The bull died 150 yards away. A good 6x6. Didn’t matter, it was my first! My best, my sweetest result to a hunt. I want to thank Josh Ahlin, the best guide in Montana, f or his professionalism, the pride he takes in his work and for his many hours of labor. I want to thank Wayne for matching me with a guide of equal temperament. My hunting report should state: I had a great time, met a swell bunch of hunting buddies. Hunted till it hurt and will take home life long memories. Along the way I got a big 6x6 bull elk. This hunt is what you make of it. Trust your guides, they are the ones who know what they are doing. We hunters are just along for the walk.

Jim Hanak, Metamoras PA 570-491-5872 guided by Kyle McClain
The first day was pretty slow. Bumped some elk first thing in the morning. Second day we heard a bunch of bulls. Closest one was about 100 yards away, but what a rush! Bulls were screaming all over the canyon. On the third day we heard a bull first thing, but he shut up quick. After climbing and side-hilling all morning, we finally heard another bull at 10:30. So we dropped straight down on him only to see him at 35 yards. He had come in silent, but it was too thick for a shot. Only could see pieces of him through the brush. Started with a few answers on the fourth day, probably 4 or 5. But one unusually deep bugle had us hooked. Right away we knew he’s the one we want. After getting set up, we can hear him getting closer, breaking brush and bugling about 50 yards from us. But he decided to take his cows and run. We chased him awhile and finally lost him. On the sixth day we went back to find Mr. Big. Mr. Big answers first bugle of the day. Way off in the distance and a close bull. We decide to go for the closer bull. We got within 50-60 yards and he decided to run. We chased for a long while and finally lost him. The seventh day had bulls bugling everywhere. Had one at 60 yards, bugling only to vanish. Kyle worked very hard for me and is an exceptional guide. Everyone in camp was great. I could not ask for better guys in camp to share this experience with. The lodging, food, and guides are top notch and have exceeded my expectations. I have already booked for next year and hope to be able to return every year.

Salvatore Scirica, Lyndhurst, NJ 201-852-4725 guided by Ray “Tarzan” Hill
Let me start with, been hunting a lot of places, nothing comes close to this. First day we pulled up to camp and the place was awesome. Then we walked in a cabin full of hunter’s dreams, and the smell of great food. This place was great! On the first day we meet all the guides and the head chief, Wayne, a man who lives and shares his dreams with us the hunters, this man knows his stuff and as does his staff. If you’ve never been hunting for elk with the bow, then you never been hunting. I’m gonna make this short. I saw bulls all week, just couldn’t get close enough. But that’s not all what this is about. It’s about the hunt, having fun, and making new friends, and most of all sitting at night and just talking and laughing. Do yourself a favor and get in shape. And for the man that gets “Tarzan”, good luck, he is an inspiration to me and definitely to any hunter he meets and hunts with. Thanks Wayne, Annette, Ray and Staff. Can’t wait to come back!

Damon Favaloro, New York, NY 954-275-4285 guided by Anthony Schmode
I have been bow hunting for 20 years for whitetails, and have been traveling to camps around the country! Not kissing ass, Wayne and Annette run the most efficient professional outfitting in the world. All the guides are hand picked from Ray Hill’s guide school. They are the most dedicated guides I have ever come across. The camp is spotless. All the rigs are perfect. Food is beyond plentiful and of course delicious. They are a class act! Second to none. There is an enormous amount of respect and discipline amongst the crew. There is only one Wayne Hill, and if you have the opportunity to meet and hunt with him, you are gifted. This was my first and not last elk hunt. Be prepared, listen to your guide and get in the best shape of your life. Then times that by 1000. This was the most physically and mentally challenging hunt I have ever experienced. The Kootenai is truly the big country! The week started off slow, a few faint bugles off in the distance and Anthony (the raging bull) pin pointed the bulls and aggressively went after them. We had one set up Sunday morning, Anthony got us within 20 yards but didn’t commit. Next few days we had bugles and we made attempts on all of them. Anthony just would not stop! He pushed me beyond any ability I knew! Anthony was very disappointed we could not get any bulls to cooperate. It was extremely warn and the moon was beyond full. Then on Friday the seventh day, it happened. From the moment we left the rig, bugle, bugle, bugle; at 6:30 we finally saw our first bull. Too young, not what we were looking for. Next off we encounter a very mature bull, screaming his heart out. We got within 45 yards but it was too thick to shoot. We played with him for three hours and climbed and climbed, and then this mammoth of a bull came in and pushed the first bull out. He was massive, and again, no commitment. What a day! The last day not a peep was heard until 9:30. Here comes a beautiful bull head on. He busted and Anthony stopped him at 100 yards, he came back to 12 yards. One more step and we were packing! It wasn’t the bull’s time, we needed two more steps from him when the wind switched and the most amazing trip came down to and end. Words of wisdom, there is no better than Wayne Hill Outfitting, listen to your guides, leave all your gadgets home, the less you carry, the better you will be. Have the most comfortable boots you can get and again listen to your guide!!! This is their back yard. I have booked for 2007 and 2008.

SEPTEMBER 11-18

PJ Paul Connolly, Bath, PA 610-837-4692 guided by Jesse Gagner
I always wanted to go elk hunting since I started archery 15 years ago. Wayne Hill came highly recommended from friends who had come here before. I was told to get in shape so lost 50 lbs., and went 3-4 times a week to the health club for 9 months. The first day we were up at 4:30 am and ate a good breakfast. Jesse and I went out to the woods where we were dropped off at the trailhead and started out an hour before daylight. All uphill and more uphill, I thought it was great I could keep up, and then we hit the real hills. Later in the week, from all the stories and experiences, I came to the conclusion you’ll never be completely on the same level as the guides, After an hour of pure uphill hiking on game trails, side hilling up and up, I began to question why I decided to do this. Another hour and Jesse bugles and one answers. We dash uphill, adrenaline is flowing. I get set up in an open section of woods. The bull is getting mad at Jesse, who is making all type of noise fifty yards below me, rocks, sticks, cow calls, bugles etc. A 5x5 bull steps out at the 60-yard tree, I let it fly. Seems like 5 seconds later the arrow finds it’s target. The bull runs 30 yards and crashes. Perfect heart shot. Awesome. I was told it could be a record distance for camp. Most are shot well under 20 yards. More like 5 yards. Thanks again to Wayne, his wife, Jesse and the rest of the guides for giving me something I’ll never forget, an awesome hunt, in all aspects. I will be back.

Michael Italiani, Easton, PA 610-252-5739 guided by Jared Mellott and Eric Santos
My second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. The accommodations were excellent; Room, lodge, food, guides and Wayne were superb. Shot a bull on the fourth day. We jumped a bull in a clear cut, he ran away and Jarred brought him back to 30 yards. I double lunged him and the recovery was quick. “Don’t come back to the call”. Everyone talks about how steep and rough the hills are, and they are “right”. It is long, steep and unforgiving, but you still must “go hunt”. If you want a complete experience, hunt here. “Get-R-Done” “Shootem Young”.

Dave Simmons, Shady Spring, WV 304-763-3201 guided by Anthony Schmode
In this day and time there are some things you can’t depend on. Right off I can name a couple, bull elk, and the wind. On the other side, I can name some things you can take to the bank. The accommodations, great food, good rigs, good places to hunt, a guide who gives 110% to get you on bulls. To make a long story short, you can count on Wayne, Annette and the staff to do their best to make your hunt a success. From the first hour into the hunt, Anthony had us on bulls. Four out of eight days we had good set ups with bulls coming in and a full draw encounter at 25 yards head on, just a few more steps by 3 different bulls and I could have shot..That’s huntin’. My time here wasn’t measured by the success of tagging out, but by the satisfaction of being able to come to such a great place and experience the hunt. Wayne, Annette and the staff do everything in their control to make sure this happens. Thanks again for the memories (all good) made in Montana. I’ll be back.

Neil McFadden, Wexford, PA 724-935-4240 guided by Chase Willis
This week was the hardest and best hunt I ever had, or will have. Chase had us in elk every day. We saw elk 6 of our eight hunts and saw bulls 4 of our 8 hunts. On the third day we set up and I had two spike bulls pass within 30 yards, one 4 x 4 at forty yards and the herd bull at 50 yards. The bull I didn’t see was a legal bull at 20 yards, Chase could see him, but I did not so no shot. We had so many set ups and close calls. The fourth and sixth days we hunted high up in rain and freezing rain, tough hunts, but still we found bulls. The seventh day we got into a herd early, one blown set up, but we stayed with them for nearly two hours. Finally we got set up in the right spot, stared at the herd bull at 60 yards while three cows passed above us at 30 yards. Two more cows approached from the left side, closing in on us while the herd bull stayed in place. Turned out on of the “cows” walking in on me was a 4x4 bull. He came within 5 yards before busting me, then circled down the mountain. Chase stopped him with a sharp chirp and I managed to miss him at 30 yards. About an hour later, we go set up on a trophy bull. He closed to within 35 yards, but offered no shot. Chase is a fine young man and an exceptional, knowledgeable and hard working guide. One survival tip: Make sure Chase carries a pack, and try to weigh him down. Once again, a hunter’s hunt. First class operation and my thanks to all.

Gary Nielsen, Fenton, MI 810-629-0982 guided by Bill Davis
Third hunt with Wayne Hill and as always everything was great, from the accommodations, food and others in camp. Went bull-less for the first time this year, but days one through four I thought I would wear the bowstring out by nocking arrows. Passed on 2 bulls on day one, and had bulls as close as 15 yards on many occasions, but no shot opportunities. Days 5-8 were uneventful, heard distant bugles. The guides are all top-notch. Will return for 4th hunt soon.

Joe Seaman, Lum, MI 810-724-7637 guided by Chuck Hall
Third hunt with Wayne and third time guided by Chuck. We were into bulls every day and I had an arrow nocked every day except the first. Shot my first bull, a 5x5 on the seventh day. Once again an awesome hunt in beautiful country with excellent people. Chuck Hall is a first class person and guide. Wayne and Annette run a five star operation. Thanks again. See you soon in Novi, with another deposit.

Mike Applin, Monroe MI, 734-242-3905 guided by Ray Hill
Third hunt with Wayne and the gang. Had bulls bugling everyday. Got close on four days. Ray worked hard to give me a shot, but bulls wouldn’t come all the way in. Set up on big 6x6 last day and played with him for an hour. We got close, but he wouldn’t commit. Had another excellent hunt. Ray worked tirelessly to try to make it happen. As always Wayne, Annette and everyone made it a great experience. Hope to be back when my body heals and my brain cramps. Thanks for everything.

Steve Applin, LaSalle, MI 734-384-4447 guided by Kyle McClain and Jared Mellott
First time hunting with Wayne Hill Outfitting. The first couple of days were slow, only hearing a few distant bugles. The third day I had two set ups, but bad wind screwed both of them. Other hunters ruined the next day. The fifth day Kyle got us between a cow and a bull and he didn’t like it. The bull was screaming, but still he would not come in. The next day 4 or 5 bulls were bugling and I got set up, but bulls would not get closer than 75 yards, and again the wind was wrong. On the seventh day, Kyle bugled down the mountain and got a response. Within a minute the bull came running towards us. Got a shot though a pine tree. I hit the bull, but didn’t have a very good blood trail and we lost him. With a little more experience on my part I would have had him. This was the best hunting experience I have ever had. Wayne and his guides are exceptional. They do everything possible to get you a bull. The guides taught me a ton about elk hunting and it is greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Kyle and Jared for getting me a shot. The lodge was excellent as well as are Annette’s awesome meals.

Lonnie Miller, Monroe, MI 734-243-5475 guided by Ross Halvorsen and Justin Osborn
This was my second hunt with Wayne. I did not get an elk either time, but it doesn’t mean the hunt wasn’t a success. The good times and friendships you gain by being here are priceless. Wayne and Annette’s services are second to none. Now for the hunting. The first couple of days were quiet, the third day we had a bull 70 yards out screaming and raking trees, but he would not come in. The next two days had bulls bugling, but they would not play. Next day had bull across drainage, but mountain got the best of me. I fell down mountain and broke my bow. Wayne helped me fix my bow and I hunted the last day thanks to Wayne’s help in the bow shop. I would say get in shape, but it won’t help, no matter how good of shape you think you are in, you will still be in pain!!

Ed Muranyi, Grosse Ile, MI 734-692-7344 guided by Josh Ahlin
This was my second hunt with Wayne and before I go into the drama, I want everyone to know what a great job Annette does with the meals and housekeeping. In a nutshell, the food is great and the lodge is kept spotless. Now for the details of pain and suffering. This type of hunting is very physical and the more prep you do prior to coming out, the better. But as with most things in life, some of the sweetest accomplishments are the ones that are truly earned. Most days of the hunt we did get responses to our bugles and I had several encounters with bulls and cows, but days 2 and 4 were the highlights. On the second day, Josh took me to a place where he knew that a good herd bull lived. After a quick 40 minute climb, Josh bugled and got a response. We quickly closed the gap and it was apparent that this bull was not happy about us intruding into his space. As the bull bugled, we had to quickly set up. Josh motioned for me to get into place by a good sized pine tree. As I made my way to the pine I spotted a couple of cows across a small drainage. At that moment the bull bugled and I could make him out just above the cows and heading my way fast. This forced me to set up under a 10 ft. cliff. By now the bull was clearly visible and he was a gorgeous Pope and Young 7x7. It was apparent that the bull was now going to take one of two rotes. Either he would come around the cliff onto the 4 ft wide ledge I was standing on, or walk on top of the cliff to look down below As I watched him take the upper route above me, I drew my bow, hoping he would walk more to my left to check out the racket that Josh was making. As I held my bow at full draw and about a point up about 75 degrees I planned the perfect 3 ½ yard shot from low in the ribs through the heart. But instead of appearing above me to my left, he poked his head out and looked straight down at me. Having a 7x7 bull elk looking down at you from 10 ft is priceless! Having him pull his head back as quickly as he appeared is gut wrenching, but a memory that I’ll take to my grave. After seeing me this bull quickly ran off about 35 yards behind some brush to think about what he saw. Josh did his best to bring him back in, but this wise old bull had seen enough and he slowly walked off. The fourth day we quickly got into action after stopping to road bugle a couple of times. This bull came in fast also, but gave time to make a perfect set up. After another couple of bugles from Josh, the bull came trotting in, stopping first at 25 yards to look right at me head on. After about 30 seconds at full draw, he figured I was a tree and started working to m left towards Josh. At 18 yards Josh did a perfect job of stopping him for a broad side shot. Still at full draw, I brought my 20-yard pin in line with his lungs and released. No it was early and the light was low, but the best I can figure is that this was the sacred elk of Noxon, and it had to have been the hand of God that made my arrow go around the broadside elk. Not only did the arrow miss the bull, but is also missed a clump of cedars 1 yard behind him. We did find the arrow buried deep in a pine 10 feet behind the clump of cedars and where the bull had been standing, so it appears that the arrow curved around the elk, around the cedar and landed in a 3 inch in diameter pine. Clearly it was the work of the hand of God and not me choking. I didn’t get an elk this trip, but I did have a hell of a good time and I’ll be back to try it again.

SEPTEMBER 20-27

Jason Dodd, Clarksburg, WV 304-783-4552 guided by Wayne Hill and Rich Frahm
The first day Wayne took us to a place where he heard a bull the day before. We started hiking straight up the mountain bugling along the way. Once we got to the top of the mountain, we had a bull bugle on each side, however the wind was not in our favor. As we walked along the ridge, the one bull seemed to be getting closer and Rich wanted to try and set up on the bull no matter what the wind was doing. Wayne sent me to an area to set up and he and Rich retreated over the point calling. In a few minutes they came running back to me indicating that the bull came in silent around the point and for me to get down the point after him. I took off and there was the bull. I drew and shot and ended up with my first elk, a 6x6. Although my hunt didn’t last long, I tagged along on a few other hunts in this very rough, steep terrain. Get in serious shape. The food, lodge, outfitter and guides are all excellent. Thanks for the lifetime experience.

John Montgomery, Howell, MI 810-730-2117 guided by Josh Ahlin
I found the hunting very good and Josh, my guide, was excellent. The lodging was very clean, comfortable......really nice. The food was very good. My last day out hunting Josh said we were going to walk up this road. Josh bugled and nothing happened. We walked some more, up the trail and he bugled again. We waited. Started walking again and an elk bugled back. Josh stopped. He bugled again. The elk bugled back. To see the smile come over Josh's face was gratifying because he knew where the elk were and knew how to hunt them, and now he just had to get me there. Down the mountain and across the mountain we went, and up the other side. Josh knew exactly where to go and what to do. He had me set-up. He bugled. He knew almost immediately we had to move forward up the mountain. He asked me, "Are you ready for this"! I said, "we'll find out". He told me where to stand and the elk came in just like he had planned. The elk didn't give me the best options and we were running out of them fast. I shot through a thicket and hit the elk. At the show in Novi, you said I would get a shot, but you didn't know what the outcome would be. I hit the elk in the shoulder.....it was a bad hit. I knew it. The arrow might have hit trees, or it could have just been me. Josh came up to me and said, "It looked good". He was at a complete different angle than I and I said, "It looked bad". We waited awhile and then we looked for the elk. We never found it after 3 1/2 or 4 hours, so we went home. If I ever get the opportunity to come back to Montana, I'd love for Josh to be my guide. He works hard. He has a lot of heart and love for the sport of hunting. I had to leave the hunt early because of the blisters that were on my feet. I couldn't go anymore. They were the size of quarters and I had 4 of them. When I showed them to Josh the last day (as I was leaving) he understood why I was leaving. For anybody that is going to go elk hunting the mountains are steep. You are best to be in shape. Buy a stair stepper machine, and work yourself up to a 45 to 60 minute workout if you want to chase up the mountain after an elk. The elk is a very tough animal. Josh said that he was going to go look for the elk in about three days. If he finds it I'd sure like to know, as I'd like to arrange getting the horns. And if he found my camera (disposable) it would be way cool if I could get it back. I had a great time. It's a great place you have.

Jim Little, El Dorado Hills, CA 916-941-9497 guided by Kyle McClain
Twelve hours after arriving in Montana, my guide Kyle had gotten us into the middle of 4 or 5 bulls. We had our first set up on a decent 5x5 satellite bull, but we were blown as the wind swirled in his face at about 40 yards. As we watched him saunter off, Kyle tried a series of calls to hold him and a herd bull sounded off about 150 yards to our right. Kyle re-assessed the wind and we sprinted up hill about 300 yards then back down two hundred and got right on top of the bull. My first look at him was at 40 yards as he responded to several bugles from Kyle. It wasn’t past 9 am and we were on the bull we came here to get. The set up was perfect. We were between the bull and his cows. Then I noticed slightly up hill of him a small satellite 4x4 was prancing back and forth and I thought “oh no, he’s going to come dashing in and blow this up!” After a hyper hot cow call from Kyle, the bull, a nice even 6x6 with a great spread and splits came directly at me. I was at full draw for well over a minute as he closed to 16 yards I considered a head on shot, but decided to let down when he hung up. He saw me and turned uphill, giving me a perfect broadside shot. I quickly re-drew and released. The arrow struck a limb about 10 yards away and deflected harmlessly into the brush. The bull ambled back to his original spot as Kyle called and bugled him. He settled down and Kyle slowed his call pace. Finally, after 15 minutes he raised his head, and let out a long bugle and belly growl. Kyle picked up the bugle pace and he moved down hill behind me. This drew the bull down hill directly below us. I picked a shot window directly below me and drew. He stopped in exactly the right spot at 18 yards. I shot 2 inches over his back and center punched the tree behind him. He spun, went down hill about 12 yards. I quickly reloaded, re-located him and shot. The arrow hit right behind the last rib lodging in the opposite rib cage. He walked shakily away and stopped about 75 yards down hill. Kyle couldn’t see a lot of blood at the wound, so watched him hoping he’d pile up right there. After about 20 minutes he eased down hill. We found him about 400 yards from our shot point. Kyle and I spent the rest of the week in camp lamenting our 3 hour hunt, just kidding, he have been smiling all week.

Doug Bartoe, Washington, PA 724-263-7689 guided by Ray Hill
This was my second archery elk hunt with Wayne Hill. Wayne runs a first class operation. The guides, food, lodge hunting and everything is excellent. Ray Hill did an excellent job. He is the best woodsman that I ever hunted with. Ray and Rich both tried very hard to help me kill my elk. The first day the weather was terrible with little bugling. We saw one on the second day. The third day was a super day. Ray called a nice bull into about 20 yards. The bull busted me drawing my bow. We set up again on another bull. This bull came in a little higher and I was able to draw, but he never came in for the shot. On the fourth day we attack the same set of bulls. We hiked up into the whole herd. We had two bulls and about six cows around us. I was able to draw on one bull, but he would not give me a good shot. Next day we were back on the same bulls, we got close, but I could not get a shot. The sixth day we hike for a couple of hours, and we saw a bull by a small lake. We got down wind of the elk and set up. Ray called him, and he stopped in the brush. The bull backed up, but Ray kept calling and the bull came back in to about 40 yards. I shot and hit the spine. The bull fell down and I chassed after him. We had the bull cut up and ready to pack in about an hour and a half. Wayne and Annette do a great job. Thanks to Ray and the rest for their hard work in getting me in position to kill a bull. I still think Wayne is mellowing out, and as always, get in shape before you come.

Tracy Futcher, Karns City, PA 724-445-3465 guided by Chase Willis
Second time hunting with Wayne and Annette. Top-notch operation from the accommodations to the hunt. The first day we were in bulls all morning. We had a 4x4 in to about 25 yards, but I was busted trying to get set up for the shot. We had several others close. On the second day at first light, Chase and I go after the first bugle. The bull came in fast and hard and offered a 25-yard shot. I had to shoot between some brush and hit a little back. Bull traveled about 600 yards before he piled up. Real good mature 5x5. Second time with Wayne and second bull. If you are a hunter this is the hunt for you, if you are in shape.

Ed Miller, Petrolia, PA 724-756-1670 guided by Bill Davis
First time with Wayne. Great operation from top to bottom. The first day we didn’t have any bugles, but had two spikes in at 30 yards. On the third day we had three bulls talking, but could not get close to them. Next day we went for a long easy hike and had 4 bulls talking, but could not get in position. On the fifth day we had bulls all around. We chased one bull for two hours before he winded us. With other bulls all around us we moved across the road to another. After a short calling session, the bull came in for a 32-yard shot. Closed the deal. Great meals, outstanding lodge. Great guides. Be in shape. Tough on knees and legs.

Bob Pickur, Pittsburg, PA 412-362-4404 guided by Chuck Hall
I had a great hunt. I didn’t kill a bull elk but had some close encounters. The first day we had a bull raking a tree at 60 yards. The bull was with cows and didn’t get any closer. No shot. The fifth day we were set up and a bull came charging in to 10 yards, turned and whirled away. The cover was very thick, no shot. On the seventh day we chased bulls up and down the mountains. We couldn’t catch up but decided to come back in the evening where we knew they were bedded. That evening, perfect set up. I come within 3 inches of killing a 5x5 bull at 42 yards, but the tree stopped my arrow. The lodge, cooking and entire operation is first class. I would recommend this hunt to anyone who has the determination and physical ability to handle the steepest terrain you can imagine.

Return To Our Main Page

View Our Price List

References

View Our Gallery Of Photographs

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

Top