2008 Archery Elk Hunt Report

The archers tell you in their own words how it was and what happened on their guided archery elk hunt, enjoy..

Idaho Archery Hunts

August 30 through September 4th

Joe Hurtack, East Berlin, PA 717-259-9987 guided by Chase Willis and Justin (Hammer) Hager

The first two days were very quiet with no bulls bugling. I did learn on those two days that it is physically demanding to elk hunt in Idaho. The third day was also quiet but we bounced a bull from his bed. We played cat and mouse with the bull for 30 minutes until I was able to get a quick shot. I underestimated the distance and my shot was low. The fourth day started with a distant bugle and we went after it. We got close to the area but the bull would not respond. A bull then bugled where we just came from, so we went after this one. We could see it above us and I set up. Chase was calling and Hammer was breaking branches. The bull responded with bugles and chuckles. After some time he finally moved in closer to me for an uphill 30 yard shot. I made a good shot and the 5x5 bull dropped and tumbled down the slope for approximately 100 yards. It was one of the greatest hunting thrills I have ever had. The accommodations and food was outstanding. Chase and the other guides work hard for their clients. I met some great hunting buddies.

John Gross, Columbus, WI 920-623-0506 guided by Wayne Hill

First class operation. Great food, real home cooking by Annette. Everything is clean and in it's place. Wayne was my guide for 5 days and the last 2 days we had Justin as our packer. Justin was a pleasure to know and he will make a fine guide some day. Wayne was a pleasure after I got past the rough edges. Don't let him scare you; he knows what he's doing when it comes to elk hunting. I didn't get an elk, but it was only due to my inexperience. My son, Jeremy got one. It was a great experience for us to share. I will be back again with my other 3 boys when the time is right. Don't come to camp fat or out of shape. You won't like your hunt. It is very tough terrain, but very rewarding to see.

Jeremy Gross, Rio WI 608-445-9233 guided by Rich Frahm and Justin White

First two days not much was happening. We didn't see anything, and only heard a couple of bugles. The third day we had two bulls come in early and a big bull later that morning, but couldn't get a shot at any of them. The fourth day started out slow, but we heard a bugle and a 5x5 bull came in. Rich and Justin went about 30 yards back and were calling. The bull got about 20 yards and I killed my first elk. The stay was great and so was the food. Will hopefully get to come back.

Dale Ault, Hanover, PA 717-632-7264 guided by Ray Hill

Great Lodge. Great Food. Passed up nice spike the second day. Third day bugled one in within 20 yards, I saw the head and horns, and guides Ray and Cody said it was a six by five. I couldn't see the elk to make the shot, but did see it when it winded me. Don't over pack. I had a great hunt, and a good time. Met a lot of neat people. Life begins when your kids move out and your dog dies.

Brad Dean, Allen, TX 214-383-4691 guided by Josh Ahlin and assisted by Jason Anderson

We were into bugling elk within the first hour of the first day. Unfortunately the bulls were a little skittish this week, and would never fully commit. Had opportunities to take cow elk at close range four or six days, but the highlight was day five where we chased a group of two or three bulls for an hour and a half. Got set up on two occasions, the first, the bull wouldn't come out of the thick cover, 35 yards ahead. After raking and bugling for ten to fifteen minutes he finally moved on, so we pursued. In pursuit we bumped a 5x5 up over the hill and we kept pursuing. Shortly thereafter we got the other bull stopped at the top. He presented me with a textbook 30-yard broadside shot, the only problem were some wispy dead cedar limbs at 10 yards between the elk and me. I know I could have risked the shot but I knew the arrow would get deflected to some extent and just couldn't get myself to trigger the release. In case you are interested there's still a 7x7 running around the woods that the guides estimated at over 300 inches. Maybe he'll still be around when I'm able to make it back. I truly enjoyed the entire experience.

Jerry Crook, Columbus, WI 608-445-9232 guided by Chuck Hall

Wonderful people, wonderful lodge, great accommodations. Great country. Very good outfitters. I hunted six days, saw no elk, heard no bugles. Get in shape, very rugged country.

Mike Burskey Bloomfield Hills, MI 248-245-0736 guided by Jared Mellott assisted by Jeremy Moss

Wayne Hill runs a tight and very well organized outfit, everything around the hunt is well thought out to help the clients have the best experience they can. Having never met or spoken with Wayne, I was at first taken aback by his unique and colorful character. He is a good guy. The lodge in Noxon is better than I could have hoped for, it's what I like to see in a hunt camp with all of the mounts and racks displayed on the knotty pine walls. The rooms and bathrooms were the cleanest I have ever had (or heard of) in a camp. The camp and grounds were kept in impeccable order by the staff. Meals were timely, very well prepared by Annette, with more than enough excellent food for a big eaters like me. I hunted hard with my very capable and amiable guide Jared and his buddy Jeremy. The second day we got into some elk, he expertly bugled in a spike bull to within 27 yards, broadside; I chose not to take him. Two days later we had a great stalk on a branch antlered bull. He had responded to Jared's bugling and chuckling, we had to bust around the side of the mountain to get near him. I went through some thick brush, across a wash, up through brush on the other side and spotted him in the tall timber about 120 yards uphill from us. With Jared and Jeremy bugling and beating the brush to death behind me, I got to within 65 yards. Not close enough to get a shot off for me. Though not spooked, the bull kept moving away through the tall timber and eventually over the top and gone. Even though I didn't get a shot, it was very exciting. Overall we didn't hear or see as many elk as I thought I was going to, from what I heard it was like that all over. This was definitely a hunting experience, not a “shooting” experience. This hunt is certainly not for sissies. You need very good boots and to be in top cardio shape to handle the “straight up” the mountain walks to get in place. Next time I will bring a fishing pole to take advantage of the fishing that is within walking distance of the camp after the hunts. I will be back. I recommend Wayne Hill Outfitting to those who are looking for a great hunting experience.

SEPTEMBER 6-SEPTEMBER 13TH

Dan Young, Saline, MI 734-944-0104 guided by Ray Hill

Another great hunt with Wayne and the crew. Every one here works very hard to make your hunt as successful as possible. I mean every one from the kitchen help to the guides to the owners, Wayne and Annette. The elk were very slow this week, not wanting to even bugle yet. Don't know what their problem was. I've been here other years this same week and they were going crazy. Ray called in a 5x5 the first day and another the second day. I passed on both bulls. We also had a 4x4 in on the seventh day, passed on that one also. We saw several spikes and cows this week as well. Saw 4 mule deer bucks, white tail bucks and does. This area is game rich; you just have to be patient. Thanks again for another great hunt from everyone at Wayne Hill Outfitting. See you in the future.

Mike Young, Clinton, MI 734-662-9916 guided by Josh Ahlin

I arrived two days late due to a wedding, so I only got to hunt for six days. The first day we saw a cow and a 4- point bull. The next day we had a spike walk in on us. He was only seven yards away. The third and fourth days were pretty slow, there wasn't much bugling. On the fifth day we heard a lot of elk, but as soon as we would get close, they would shut up. Same thing on my sixth day. This was my third hunt with Wayne and Annette and I will definitely be back for more. I finally got to hunt with the famous Josh Ahlin and I definitely want to thank him, I had a great time. Thank you Wayne, Annette, and Josh

Jeff Proctor, Manchester, MI 734-428-0700 guided by Justin White, and 2 days with Josh Ahlin

What a great week! No kill but we had action everyday. It just did not last very long. Wayne and Annette's crew all work very hard on all parts of our stay. The food is great, rooms ready and clean! It's seems like we just got here and it's time to go. I'm not ready to go and can't wait to get back!

Montana Archery Hunts

SEPTEMBER 6 - SEPTEMBER 13th

David Chauvet Bridgeville, PA 412-220-9158 guided by James Harvey

The much-anticipated opening morning of the Montana season was greeted with a long walk in rugged steep country. Heard a chuckle in the morning and pursued to no avail as the bull went silent. Spotted a cow in some dark timber later in the morning. Set up in the area in the hope that she was part of a group, she turned out to be single and bolted after catching our wind. Saw 2 spikes bedded down by the timber on the way back to the rig. The next 5 days were slow with a lot of ground covered with few bulls heard, most of which were one and done's. Day 7 proved to be our time. The self designated “snot patrol” set out after a response in the pre-dawn morning. The wind shifted and would have surely busted us if we continued so we backed down the hill and decided to work the opposite side of the drainage. The bull was still answering James' bugles from the first side of the drainage so we set up a strategy of heading further up the drainage and then cut back into him keeping the wind to our advantage. At about 9:45 our bugles were being answered repeatedly. We rounded the finger of the ridge in pursuit of the bull. James spotted an elk in the timber, we set up, the elk was a spike, which milled around for a while, but eventually busted away to our right. That's when I heard the first branches break. A few moments later I saw the antlers of the bull approaching. I came to a full draw when he was about 60 yards out. He then decided to start raking a tree for what seemed like eternity. When he was done he turned slightly and I tilted to thread one through the trees at him. I punched the release and watched my arrow pass under him. He bounced to our left and James let out a bugle and he calmed down. I nocked another arrow and when his head was behind a tree I drew back again. He took four or five steps forward offering a perfect broadside shot. I settled on the chest and sent the second on it's way. Pay dirt. He took off with fletching showing and after a pain staking half hour wait, we followed good blood to my first elk. A 5x6. Six and half days of hard hunting came down to ten minutes of pure exhilaration. Despite the camp bug and often-unresponsive bulls, I am glad I chose this outfit for my first elk hunt. The great accommodations and food lived up to their billing. The warm reception by Wayne and Annette and the guides was unparalleled.

Samuel King, Holtwood, PA 717-201-4056 guided by Rich Frahm assisted by Cody Christopher

Finally the much-anticipated morning arrived, the first morning of our elk hunt with Wayne Hill. I had been looking forward to this day since leaving Wayne's camp last year (2007). The morning started out with us heading up a foot trail that led up a gorge between two steep mountains. After going about a mile and a quarter, we started up the mountain to our left. When we got almost to the top we started side hilling around the mountain. About 7:30 we heard a bull bugle part of the way up the next mountain. After bugling back and forth a few times another bull bugled to our left and a little bit higher up than we were. Since the wind was blowing up the mountain, we quickly went around the bull and got above him, then tried calling him in with no response except from the bull up on the next ridge about three quarters of a mile away. After that we slowly made our way toward where we thought he was. We didn't go more than fifty yards when we heard him moving around below us. Quickly I crawled up to a tree about 20 yards in front of me and immediately saw the bull about 70 yards below me. I signaled back to Rich that I could see the bull, so he went back about 50 yards and bugled and snapped some branches which brought the 5x5 in to about 20 yards but didn't offer me a shot. After standing there and looking up the mountain toward Rich and Cody, he must have smelled us and it sent him running down the mountain. About 9:30 we heard another bull but never got close enough to see him. By ten thirty we were heading back down the mountain toward the truck when we heard the bull from across the mountain bugle a few more times. After bugling back and forth we decided to leave him for the next morning since the wind was swirling pretty bad. The next morning started out with the same amount of anticipation as the morning before. After parking the truck, we headed up the foot trail we had taken the day before, but instead of turning left we turned right toward the bull we had heard the day before. We went up the mountain about half way, and the bull answered us from at least a half mile away. We quickly made our way toward him around the side of the mountain until we got to a steep incline that led down to a creek. We stopped and Rich bugled and was almost immediately answered by the bull, which was right below us and up the creek a little way. We moved a little closer and set up. Rich bugled again and a few seconds later the bull bugled back; we could hear him moving up the steep and rocky hill on the other side of the creek. We chased after him and set up again after crossing the small creek and climbing about 10 yards up the mountain. This time when he bugled back at Rich I knew he had to be within 75 yards above me. I looked back at Rich and he motioned for me to go on up the hill a little bit. Cody went down to the creek bank and started snapping branches and raking a tree. After crawling up the hill about 15 yards I saw the bull raking a tree. He was straight up the mountain and a little to my right. I crawled up the mountain another 10 yards or so and crouched down beside a small rock and waited, hoping the bull would come down to my right, but after hearing Rich bugle again, he came in right above me instead, and stopped 18 yards above me. Since I hardly had any cover the bull soon spotted me at full draw right below him, but he was quartering toward me so I couldn't get a shot until he turned to leave, which gave me a split second broad-side shot. Releasing the arrow I saw it hit him about two thirds of the way up and little far back. He went down with a broken spine and was leaning against a tree for a few seconds as I pulled another arrow out of my quiver, but before I had another chance to shoot, the bull pulled himself from behind the tree and started tumbling down the mountain straight toward me. I ran down the hill with the bull close behind and gaining more speed with every ground -shaking tumble. I turned to my left and I'm not sure what happened, but I remember sailing through the air and the next thing I know I felt my face hit the dirt and brush and I rolled down the hill about 20 feet before stopping myself. As I returned to my senses I found my bow and my quiver, which had snapped off of my bow when it hit the rocks. I heard Rich and Cody yelling down by the creek so I hurried down to them and the 6x6 bull was laying in the creek, but still trying to get up. I put another arrow in his chest and he finally expired. We took some pictures and headed back to the truck and then to the lodge. The next day I didn't do much. Sat around camp and let my foot heal up, which was still very sore from tumbling down the hill. Next day I did some scouting for deer close to camp and sat out for a few hours in the evening. I saw a few does and fawns. Scouted some more the next day, and did some hunting but didn't see any bucks. The next day I did have a few spikes and a 4 pointer at about 25 yards. Next morning I didn't see any deer, so I did more scouting and moved my tree stand over a well used deer trail and sat there for the afternoon. Then about 8 o'clock an 8-point whitetail buck went right under my tree and was soon joined by another buck, which was a nine pointer, still in velvet. He gave me a broadside shot at 18 yards. I sent the arrow through his lungs and he ran off about 55 yards and fell over. What an exceptional hunt. The best ever.

Ben Beiler Paradise, PA 717-786-0053 guided by Jared Mellott

First morning heard a bugle and set up. The bull came in to 40 yards broadside but there was a tree right over his vitals. Then he winded us. We heard bulls every day except one. The fourth morning we set up on a bull about 60 yards, he was bugling like crazy for about 10 minutes, but he wouldn't come any closer. Great hunt, and great home cooking by Annette.

Jim DePowell, Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-3306 guided by Jason Anderson

My second archery hunt here. Although the elk did not cooperate and I only heard distant bugles, my guide found elk most days and provided a memorable experience. This is a great hunt, hard working dedicated guides, and beautiful scenery. Not an easy hunt, but I would recommend it to anyone.

Scott Pettit, Nashville, IN 812-988-1762 guided by Wayne Hill assisted by Justin (Hammer) Hager

First day out we heard bulls before daylight. Waited until good light after already walking maybe an hour. Set up on bull 100 yards or less up mountain. Then another one came in quiet. Went back and forth, drew once at 30 yards. He saw me and turned his head in the way, so I let down. Stopped a minute or so later at 25 yards, no shot. He started to take off walking; I drew and shot while he was walking. I hit him, but I knew right off it was too far back, but we treated it like any other shot, waited and tracked it, but not luck. Later that morning I set up on another bull at 40 to 50 yards, but no shot. He ended up leaving. Day two I set up on two different bulls, on one set up I had another bull come in quiet, I was hoping it was the bull from yesterday, but I never got a shot. After that the bulls would bugle from a distance out, but when we got close they got quiet. But that's why it's hunting, not shooting. The food is awesome. It was a nice week to hunt and meet new people. This was my sixth trip out here hunting with Wayne, and I'm sure not my last.

SEPTEMBER 15-SEPTEMBER 22

Sean Pritchard, Mishcot, WI 920-776-1396 guided by James Harvey

This was my second straight hunt at Wayne's. It was my second time guided by James and the second time he helped me score on a bull. We had an exciting first day. As it always seems to happen, you start of working your way up one of the impossible “hills” only to have an excited bull calling back to you from the bottom. It also never seems to fail that after you make that long trip back down the mountain that he shuts up; probably laughing at you from behind some brush. Well it was now 10 am and we found ourselves back at the truck. Since very few bulls cooperate enough to be shot at the truck, we decided to head back up the “hill”. At 10:45 we got a response from further around the mountain. We pursued him, and James spotted the elk walking above us at about 50 yards. There was a cow being followed by a 4x4 and a big spike. We set up, with James calling, but since they were already so close, they wouldn't come any closer to elk they could not see. They stayed in the area and I tried to work closer as James called. The best opportunity I had at the 4x4 was a broadside shot at about 55 yards uphill through a 2-foot opening. This would have been pushing my luck and they were still calmly milling about. We played with them for a long time, but I lost track of the cow, and she busted me as I tried working closer to the bull. She jumped away a few yards and slowly just led him away. It was about 12:10 and I decided it was best just to let them go, as it was highly unlikely we would get them to turn and come back. About half way back to the truck James let out a bugle and to our surprise it was answered by a bull right from where we had come from. It seems a bull had gotten riled up from all of James's earlier calling and come over to investigate, except we were gone by the time he arrived. We made an easy call not to disappoint the bull that had come so far just to meet us, so back we went. With me leading, James spots the bulls feet moving out on the hillside ahead of us, coming our way. I was caught out in the open so I had to just stay put and wait. The bull worked his way down the opposite slope and James stopped him for a wide-open 30-yard broadside shot. The arrow went through his chest and seemed to be a good double lung shot. It was now 1:23; we were late to the truck and without a radio. To make an even longer story short, don't forget the radio. The bull did not want to expire, but with a great tracking job he was found and packed out and back to camp by 10:15 pm. He was a very unique 5x3. The guides are great, the food is excellent and it's a mighty fine run outfit. Consider yourself lucky to draw James as a guide; he'll bust his ass to get you your bull. Getting in shape is imperative to getting around in these mountains and to get on the bulls. I just don't know of any way to get my knees and ankles ready for it! Good luck to everyone and Don't forget the radio..

Paul Sabo, Philadelphia, PA 215-271-6915 guided by Chuck Hall

Second time at Wayne Hill Outfitting. Guides are very knowledgeable and hard working. Camp is clean and comfortable. Saw bulls every day with opportunity coming on day three, 25 yards, through a small shooting lane, a 6x6 gave me a shot. I hit the bull behind the shoulder and he only went 20 yards. This is the second bull on 2 trips with Chuck as my guide. He is an asset to the outfitter.

Joe Seaman, Lum, MI 810-841-5545 guided by Chase Willis

Fourth time hunting with Wayne and Annette. Into animals most days. I shot a cow at 37 yards on the eighth morning. Once again expectations met and exceeded. Great food, great fun, great guide. A+++. Thanks, we'll be back again

Steve Rinaldi, Kellogg, ID 208-784-5801 guided by Wayne Hill assisted by Jeremy Moss

We were into elk most days; saw several bulls with the closest shooter at about 40 yards, but no reasonable shot. Probably saw 10 to 15 elk total and bugled 10 to 12 different bulls. Poor wind direction most certainly lessened our chance for getting closer to some of these bulls but swirling winds can't always be a controllable factor. My best opportunity ended with me being seen by 3 cows between the bull and myself. Oh well, it is fair chase at it's best and I will be back again to give it another try next year. Annette takes very good care of us.

Fred Flemming, Summerville, PA 814-379-9784 guided by Ray Hill

The first day of the hunt was quiet, but we did have a big spike bull in close. The next three days were more vocal and Ray put me into position and called bulls in close enough to shoot every day, but there was too much brush to get a good shot. The fourth day's bulls were monsters! The fifth day we located and set up yet another bull, again I followed Ray into battle and tried to do everything he said. The bull was screaming above us! Ray positioned me, dropped back and did what he does best. The big 6x6 came down, but he stayed up to my left at a steep angle. He stopped at 45+ yards. I arrowed him, he jumped, kicked and bound down behind me. I knocked another arrow and shot him again. Ray kept cow calling the entire time and kept the bull close. The bull stumbled and toppled over and I thought “yes!” But he got back up. Ray continued to call. I nervously knocked another arrow and shot 2 more arrows into the bull. The bull then stumbled off down and around the point. Ray motioned me over so I could shoot him again, but I only had 4 arrows and my quiver was empty. The bull traveled about 75 to 100 yards and was down for good. A 281&4/8 dandy. It will look real nice beside my 7x7 I shot with Ray in the year 2000. I can't say enough about the experience; Wayne and Annette, the guides, packers, and the friends I've met and last but not least my very good friend, Ray. Thanks to all, I'll never forget this!

Frank Feder East Stroudsburg, PA 570-223-7831 guided by Rich Frahm

Third hunt with Wayne Hill. First day started with Rich locating a bull. We go set up on him, but all he wanted to do was get his cow as far away as possible. Next four days we heard bulls, every day, but just not the right one. The sixth day we heard a bull at about 9 am. I got set up; the bull was going away from us. Rich told me, “let's go after him.” At a dead run, Rich stopped me, told me he's right there! So I set up. Rich dropped back and did his thing. I could see the bull coming for about 100 yards. At 55 yards the big 6x6 stopped and I let it fly. The bull spun around and stopped again at about 65 yards, I shot again, but shot under him. Then I realized I did not need to shoot, the first arrow hit the heart and he fell right there. Wayne Hill Outfitting is a first class operation. The food is great, the guides are second to none. If you are looking for a hunt that is 100% fair chase, this is it. I will be back. Make sure you are in shape.

Carter Henry, Strattanville, PA 814-764-3746 guided by Justin White

This was my second hunt with Wayne and Annette. Didn't have too much activity. Saw some nice bucks and a few turkeys. Had a close encounter with a bull moose. Accommodations and food, excellent. Hope to be back someday.

Gary Nielsen, Fenton, MI 810-629-0982 guided by Jason Anderson

First two days were quiet. Heard one or two bulls in the distance. Third day had a very nice 5x5 from 15 to 40 yards for 45 minutes, but no shot opportunities. The fourth day I set up on a small 4x4 or 5x5, came to full draw, and needed one more step to shoot, but he turned and left with no shot. The fifth day I heard two or three bulls, set up on one after a long side-hill pursuit. The bull finally responded to Jason's calls and raking, coming in silent to 12 yards. Double lung shot and the bull was down within 50 yards. This was my fourth hunt and third bull, a very nice 6x7. Outstanding operation from top to bottom. I certainly will be back for the fifth time. Thanks again to all.

Christian Sabo, Philadelphia, PA 215-755-3631 guided by Jared Mellott

Second hunt with Wayne Hill. Came in knowing what to expect but still couldn't keep up with the guide. We covered a lot of territory, but couldn't get a shot. Saw a few bulls including a really nice 5x5, two 6 x6's, and a solid 5x5. The closest bull was only 25 yards, but I couldn't even see him. Near miss opportunities were rampant, with frustration growing; we came close time after time. Jared worked his ass off to make something happen, but it never panned out. Wayne runs a fantastic operation. Camps clean, food is good, and the guides are premium. Ask Wayne lots of questions, then watch the fun.

Stephen Sabo, Lebanon, CT 860-450-0904 guided by Justin (Hammer) Hager

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. I came because my cousins came two years ago and raved about it. I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself and I had a shot at a beautiful bull, but I took a low percentage shot and hit the elk in the neck and unfortunately lost him. The guide Hammer was phenomenal. He called in three bulls, but as I mentioned earlier I only got a shot at one. His calling was great. I would definitely recommend this hunt to anyone. It is taxing physically, but extremely exciting. I am glad I decided to come. As a side note, Wayne provided some fantastic free entertainment and is very funny.

Bill Smith, Robstown, TX 361-387-4150 guided by Cody Christopher

First time archery elk hunt. Not much action for eight days. Cody worked very hard for me, but the bulls wouldn't come in. First class operation, may be back in the future. Food was excellent. Thanks to everyone.

Rick Burns, Ontario Canada 519-355-6909 guided by “The Great” Josh Ahlin

Wow, what a week! I was on an 8-day hunt and it was non-stop action. On all but 3 of the eight days we had bull elk in within 45 yards. The first 4 days I just needed the bulls that Josh called in to take one more step, for a clean shot, all within 30 yards. The fifth day was full of ups and downs. At 8:15 am we walked up on a nice bull, but he walked away. Nine fifteen, we walked up on a cow in a wallow, hopping up and down like a young boy playing in a puddle. She was broad -side at 20 yards, I passed on her. At 10:15 Josh called in a beautiful 5x5 with a very unique rack. We set up on him about four times. Finally Josh called him in to a mere 15 yards, of course, as the previous 4 bulls did, he stopped behind a tree. I had a narrow shooting lane; the bull turned and came across it. I shot and hit the bull. Unfortunately we never found the bull. Josh and I spent the next 3 days looking with no luck. The eighth day was awesome! We had two different bulls that we set up on, but both were at 45+ yards and after losing one bull, I was not going to take any shots unless I was 150% confident. Great experience. I will be back.

SEPTEMBER 24TH – OCTOBER 1

Bill Richards, Marion NY 585-261-6936 guided by Ray Hill

First day I heard a couple of bugles and spooked a cow. Second day we got real close to a bull, but he kept his distance and never got a look at him. The next three days we heard bugles everyday, but nothing close enough to cooperate. The seventh day we took a two-hour death march up the mountain to where we had heard a bull the night before. He responded to the cow call so off we went to close the distance. We got in close and the bull screamed at every cow call. Ray positioned me behind a pine tree and dropped back to cow call. After two or three bugles the bull, a monster 6x6, came out of the timber and started down directly toward me. He was about 5 yards away on the opposite side of the bushy pine tree before angling up and around another pine tree instead of coming into my only open shooting lane. Once clearing the pine tree he stepped into the only opening available that was about 20 yards away but partially obstructed with huckleberry bushes. I shot and heard the arrow hit the bull. After waiting an hour, we followed the blood trail for over 300 yards before losing the trail. A great high turned into a great low, but a memory that will last forever. This area is steep, thick and unforgiving. If you think you are in shape, you probably are not. Your knees and feet will scream for mercy everyday. Great food and accommodations.

Dan Richards, Fairport, NY 585-421-9656 guided by Jason Anderson

The first day Jason called in a bull within 20 yards, but all I could see were the antler tips through the brush. No shot opportunity. The second day we saw a bull walking from a clearing into the timber. Called him to within 70 yards, but the wind betrayed us. We walked up on a black bear inside 30 yards, but had no bear tag. The third day we only heard one bugle. We saw a cow and a bull moose inside 50 yards, no moose tag. The fourth day Jason called in a 4x4 bull to 45 yards. The first shot was deflected by an unseen branch. Second shot went under his belly. We got into another bull, and we stalked him to 30 yards, but no shot. The next day no action. Sixth day had an elk at 10 yards at 7 am. There wasn't enough light to see if it had antlers. Chased elk all morning, had glimpses of animals, but no shots. Last day of my hunt, pay dirt! Hiked 2 miles up to a saddle and called. A bull answered at the bottom of the drainage. As we started for him, another bull answered across the drainage but much closer than the first bull. A half an hour stalk had us at 100 yards from the bull. Jason called and kept him interested. We crept to 50 yards. The bull came towards Jason's calls. I drew my bow when he went behind a group of trees. After 30 seconds, Jason told me to let down. The elk turned and I drew and shot. The arrow bounced off of a tree and missed the bull. Jason bugled and stopped the elk, and then the second shot struck both lungs. This was my first elk and even though it was only a 4x4, it is a trophy to me.

In Memory of Josh Ahlin, 1978 to 2008

October 19th we lost a treasured friend and guide. There are no words to describe the relationship that Josh had with all of us and the loss that we all feel. read more...

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

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