2009 Archery Reports

This season we had 21 people, 20 shots were taken, two bulls were wounded, eight bulls were killed, and two trees were seriously wounded. We finished out at 40% kill. These are the reports from the guys who hunted with us:

Montana September 5-12

Todd Perrine, Snowshoe PA 814-353-4306 guided by Wayne Hill

The first morning we walked an hour or so up the mountain. Wayne called again around 7:30 am and a bull answered. The 6x6 came in fast on the same game trail I was standing on. He finally moved down below me at 42 yards. Wayne messed with him so I could draw and shoot. He went 100 yards and was down. Awesome thirty -minute hunt. Annette’s food was great as usual. This was my 11th hunt with Wayne and Annette and my 6th archery hunt. Great group of hunters. Thanks.

Chris Gale Pittston twp, PA 570-881-8870 guided by James Harvey

This was my first elk hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. The first day I was very excited and hoping to see a bull. After hiking for about an hour my guide James saw a few elk, but they were all cows. The second day was colder with rain, no elk to be found. Next day we saw one cow, but still no bull. On the fourth day, the day I will never forget for the rest of my life, started with James and I hearing a bugle to the left of us on the top of the mountain and another down the mountain. We decided to pursue the bull on the bottom. After hiking for 20 minutes or so, James stopped me and said, “There he is coming right at us.” The bull was coming straight at me at about 30 yards he turned broadside with his head behind a tree. I knew it was now or never. The arrow hit a little far back toward the liver. The bull started walking to my right behind a tree, so there was no chance for a second shot. James and I decided not to push the bull and come back in a few hours so we marked two trees with tape and went out to the truck. Back at the lodge we ate and rested for a few hours, and they decided to go back up the mountain to find my bull. It was 4 pm when James and I with four other guides started to track my bull. About 5 pm I heard James making cow sounds, which is a sign that he found my bull. When I arrived all I saw was a big rack sticking out of some brush and the excitement built up inside of me. I was so thankful that James found the bull. The 6x6 was my first elk! I can’t be happier that I chose Wayne Hill’s Outfitting, and hope to come back real soon. The lodge is comfortable and very clean, and the food was great. My guide I feel was not only my guide, but a great friend.

Tony Maffei, N Haledon, NJ 973-727-9949 guided by Mark Smith

This is my second archery hunt with Wayne and Annette. I shot a small 5x4 in 2006 and was able to shoot a nice 6x6 this trip. Of the 4 days and one night hunting we set up from 1 -3 times a day on bulls. They all were within 80 yards but never got to see any of them other than the 6x6. There is nothing like having a bull screaming at you at close range. On my 4th day we worked our way to the top of the ridge and had set up two times on the way up but the bull wouldn't come in. We had two bulls going on the top of the mountain who then shut up by the time we got there. After taking most of the morning to hump up to the ridge, of course a bull fired off down the back side of the ridge. After working that bull for 30 minutes and two set-ups he finally presented me with a 30-yard shot, went 15 yards and rolled down dead. Mark (my guide) and all of Wayne's guides know this country and where to find the Elk. If you want a fair chase hunt for mountain Elk there is no question that this is the place you want to be. You will need to be able to pay your dues physically, but I guarantee you it is one of the most rewarding hunting experiences you will ever have. Once your guide gets you the opportunity and he will do everything possible to see to it that you get an opportunity, the rest is up to you. Of the 10 hunters in camp 5 bulls were killed, 2 missed so 7 of the 10 hunters either killed a bull or had an opportunity. The accommodations are absolutely top notch and Annette's home cooking is better than you will find at any restaurant. You will absolutely never be hungry. If you want to experience Elk hunting there is no better way than an archery hunt here with Wayne and Annette

Ron Hoffman West Friendship, MD410-984-2565 guided by Chuck Hall

This was my first hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. I set up on a bull the first morning at 10am. The bull came in within 2-3 minutes. I was looking down the canyon and the bull came 15-20 yards behind me up the canyon. Sorry Chuck! Be sure to pay attention to your guide when he points to where the bull will come. I turned and the bull ran off. We continued the hunt and 10 minutes later, we came up on the same bull. I wish we never had. Wow! He was a 6X6 herd bull with cows. They saw us coming this time. It was a long, sad walk back to the truck.

On the beginning of Day 3, we spotted a 5X5 at 20 yards away, but didn't get a shot off. We could hear bulls bugling every day. The mountains are steep so you need to get in shape so you don't let yourself and your guide down. Great hunt, great food, great people! I'm hoping to return in 2010.Thanks Wayne and Annette.

Kevin Long, Uinondale, PA 570-840-8516 guided by Justin Hager (aka Hammer)

What a great experience! I heard more bulls than I can count. I saw a 300-inch plus bull at 75 yards, it never got within bow range. The staff and guides were very professional and the food was great. I’m looking forward to coming back in 2011.

Jeff Null, New Oxford, PA 717-476-3158 guided by Chase Willis

This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. I saw animals every time that we went out. I passed on a 5x4 in the first half hour of the first day. Had another encounter later in the morning, but no shot. Third day Chase called a “lodge bull” to within 20 yards, but I decided to harvest my first Montana tree. The fourth day was quiet until 8: am. Four different bulls fired off and we set up on a bull in the bottom. Chase called the 5x5 to within 20 yards, grunting all the way into our setup. Hit him a little back, Chase stopped him, I harvested my second Montana tree, and then I put a second arrow in the bull to put him down. Great hospitality, food, and knowledgeable guides. Great group of guys in camp. I am very serious and stay clear of prank types, or shenanigans in the lodge, but things happen… see you in 2011!!

Dan Trimmer Hanover, PA 717-637-8514 guided by Rich Frahm

This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill. The first three days we were surrounded by bulls and I saw 4 shooters within 75 yards, unfortunately the first 3 would not commit any closer and the fourth came in and was screened by brush, so I never got a shot. The next 5 days we covered a lot of territory, but never got close again. My guide worked his tail off to try to get me a bull. Wayne has a great operation, Annette feeds you well and keeps the lodge looking great and as I said, the guides work extremely hard. Be in shape and you will have a great experience. I hope to be back again.

Jim Polk, Woodbine, MD 410-795-3794 guided by Jared Mellott

Day one of my first trip to Wayne Hill Outfitting my guide and his trainee Wyatt called in a nice 5x5 at 8:00 am. The bull got to 40 yards but didn’t give me a good shot. The second day was a little slower. We heard a few bulls and had a spike at 50 yards. The third day started quietly, guides called a 3x3 to under 10 yards, I passed on the bull. The fourth day however started quick. Right out of the truck we had a bull screaming. We followed him for about two hours and got to within 75 yards of him, he was a nice 6x6. Days five and six we heard bulls and saw cows. The seventh day we were on 2 bulls early. At around 8:00 am Jared and Wyatt brought a big 6x6 to within 15 yards, but I couldn’t get a shot. The bull turned and left. We followed for another half hour, and saw him again. At 75 yards Jared pulled him down the hill to 30 yards. I missed! The eighth day we got back on the bull elk again, but never go to see them. The bottom line is everyday we saw or heard bulls, and I had 3 shot opportunities. This is a first class outfitter, with first class guides. Annette’s cooking is second to none, and Wayne is worth the price of admission alone. Can’t wait to book another hunt.

Leon Dunbar, Castorland, NY 315-346-6503 guided by Ray Hill

First day we had a bull real close, but he wouldn’t show himself. The second day we heard several bulls and saw one very good bull at about 40 yards, but no shot because of the brush. Saw 2 different bulls the third day, and could have taken a forty-yard shot, but the bull was smaller than the 5x5 I took in ’05. (pencil dick) The next three days we were into bulls every day, but because of the swirling winds we just couldn’t close the deal. On day seven, after a very frustrating morning hunt, (swirling winds again) my guide decided on a location we had hunted earlier in the week for our evening hunt. Ray’s first bugle was followed by 3 different bulls answering! With only an hour of daylight left, Ray decided on going after the closest bull, which turned out to be a very nice 6x6 that Ray called in to 25-30 yards. My shot was back a little more than I would like, but the bull didn’t go far before lying down. We watched the bull for about a half an hour before deciding to sneak up for the finishing shot. This was my third bull in three archery hunts with Wayne Hill Outfitting. The fact that I had one of the best guides you will ever find is what makes it all possible. Ray Hill is simply as good as they get! Just ask anybody that’s ever hunted with him and they will tell you the same thing. This was my second time hunting with Ray and hopefully not my last! Thank you again Ray. Many thanks to Wayne and Annette and all the other guides who are all great people. This outfit is the best there is, period. (ps 2011 hopefully)

Scott Denofa, Bradeton, FL 941-232-5904 guided by Jason Anderson aka Smiley

This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill and once again an awesome experience. My guide Jason (Smiley) worked extremely hard to put me on elk, I don’t believe there was a day we did not at least hear some bugles. We ended up having at least three or four elk within 20-30 yards tearing up trees. I was unable to finish the job with putting an arrow in one but the experience of having an animal that close was unexplainable. We also encountered many more bulls that just did not cooperate, but Smiley just kept pushing on. I cannot say enough about the accommodations and the atmosphere that this outfit has. From the awesome food and smooth operation of the whole experience I cannot believe there is better out there. I must say that my guide worked as hard as he could to make things happen, most of the days we were the last crew in. The fact that I did not take a bull does not bother me because the whole trip from the lodge, to the hunt, to the conversation on the porch was worth it all. I thank the Wayne Hill operation for another awesome hunt and look forward to my next trip in 2011. Thanks Annette, Wayne, Smiley and the whole crew.

Montana September 14-21

Aaron Holden Shirleysburg, PA814-599-9816 guided by Justin Hager (aka Hammer)

It was the first morning my guide and I started up the trail bugling every couple of hundred yards. We had a person answer us. He was following us up the trail. A bull bugled one time aways in front of us. We keep going up the trail for about two miles. We took a trail that made horseshoe back to where the bull bugled earlier. There was a dust ring we walked up on that had fresh bull urine. Hammer bugled a couple of times. About a minute later we heard the brush breaking below us. The first thing we could see was the bull’s horns slowly appearing. Hammer said nock an arrow, he’s a good bull. I made a 30-yard shot. Hit him perfect. It went around 75 yards and crashed. Nice 5x5. Guides are great here. Food and hospitality is great here.

Jim DePowell Bala Cynwyd, PA 610-664-3306 guided by Ray Hill

This was my third archery hunt in three years, which speaks to the type of repeat business they get here. I was excited and a little intimidated to draw Ray as my guide, since I knew his reputation as a hunter. I was amazed the first morning when we walked a hundred yards into the woods and he rubbed a large dead stick against a tree and made a bull bugle. Ray stood for a couple minutes with locked jaw and intent stare, looking and listening, a stance I was to become very familiar with. Then off we went! Ray seemed to know where he was going; I was just trying to keep up. To make a long story short, we got set up on the bull, but another hunter messed us up. Second day Ray got a bull to bugle at first light but it went silent when we approached. Ray seemed to know where it was going and we followed it up the mountain and heard it walking near the top. It sounded only 50 yards away. We had great cover, set up, but the bull just chuckled and walked away. The third day I though Ray walked me hard the day before, but this time he took me on a four mile in the dark hike into wilderness country. Crossing rockslides in the moonlight was something I’ll never forget. Then we started up the mountain with Ray calling here and there, but mostly looking and listening. We reached a relatively flat point where Ray did a good bit of calling. After about 10 minutes, we heard a large twig snap about 1000 yards above us. Ray set me up behind the giant root-ball of a fallen tree and told me where the bull would come. I could hear Ray breaking branches, calling behind me, while the bull started coming with low groans and at least one chuckle. It seemed the bull was on top of me when I realized it had approached on the wrong side of the root-ball. I took a peek and there he was, 20 feet away. I tried to turn around but the bull heard me and bolted. Ray stopped him with a cow call, but he was behind trees. I took 3 or 4 steps away from the root-ball until I had a clear shooting lane, praying the bull would hold. He did, I put my 30-yard pin on his chest and let fly. The shot looked good and a spot appeared behind the bull’s shoulder as he took off. After waiting an hour, we found no blood-none. Ray disappeared down the hill looking and returned a half an hour later behind me, so I knew he had swept the area and found nothing. He tried to track the bull by it’s hoof marks, but seemed frustrated by the hard dry soil. I was very discouraged-I wanted the bull badly. Ray sat down for a minute and said, “I’m not giving up, I’m just regrouping.” Then he rose and disappeared in the direction we thought the bull had run. In about 10 minutes I heard him making elk sounds. I thought it might be a signal so I went to investigate and found him about 200 yards down the mountain standing next to my bull, double lunged and dead as Hell, but not a drop of blood along the way. What a privilege to experience this hunt, watch Ray butcher the elk in expert fashion, then walk out with the packers across those same rock slides and stream-side trails we came in on. Definitely one of the greatest days of my life. Wayne Hill Outfitting-most fun a bow hunter can have with their clothes on!

Dan Thomas, Shade Gap, PA 814-259-0180 guided by Mark Smith

This was my first elk hunt. The first four days we heard multiple bulls. The next four days I saw elk every day. My guide was very knowledgeable and boy can he walk! The food was great, the hunt was great. Thanks for a great time.

Bill Thomas, Shade Gap, PA 814-259-3737 guided by Cody Christopher

This was my first elk hunt. I heard bulls every day but one. Saw elk two different days but couldn’t get them to come to us. I had a great time in camp and in the mountains. Thank you.

Alfred Cramer, Shirleysburg, PA 814-542-8504 guided by Jared Mellott

This was my 14th hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting, and it was a great hunt as always. The first day was very hot, we heard bulls, but no action. The second day Jared had a 5x5 bull into 35 yards, but he winded us, no shot. Third day had another bull into 70 yards, and he would come no further. On the fourth day we had three bulls going and we got to see all of them at a distance, but no shot. Day 5 we had a 6x6 with cows come in to within 80 yards, and he took his cows and left. The rest of the hunt the weather turned windy and hot, so we did not have much action. The food, guides and the outfitter service are all first class.

John Plank, Orbisonia, PA 814-447-5471 guided by Wayne Hill and Eric Greer

This was my fourth hunt with Wayne. The hunt all started with a great meal after we showed up from the airport, then Annette started handing out licenses and telling you who your guide would be, she told me I had Wayne. I thought, ”Oh sh…!” To my amazement at the end of the hunt I only caught Hell 3 or 4 times! It was a great hunt, every day but two we saw bulls. We heard bulls every day. Wednesday we had a 6x6 bull almost step on Wayne, when bull turned, I shot and hit a limb deflecting my arrow down with a clear miss. The rest of the week was exciting, setting up everyday on one or two bulls, only to have the wind against us. It has been a great time with a great bunch of guys. Great outfitter and great guides with great home cooked meals.

Ken Keener, Annville, PA 717-867-1885 guided by Chase Willis

This was my third hunt with Wayne Hill. The first day started fast with several bulls bugling plus one sneaking in silent, I was setup two times with no luck. The second day was exciting from daylight till dark. We set up on a bull early. The bull came down the mountain to within 10 yards straight in front of me, stopped, looked things over, and I could tell he was not going to walk any closer. As the bull turned to it’s right I thought I could make the shot, but I hit him back a bit. We had blood trail to the top of the mountain and then we stopped being able to trail him. Four guides and I returned later in the afternoon and resumed trailing til almost dark with no luck. The third day was spent hunting a different area and I was set up on a bull but no luck. Also saw a sow and two cubs, which were up a tree. The fourth day Chase and I returned to the area we stopped trailing my wounded bull; we spent that hunting day trying to find that bull without any luck. What we did see that day were 11 bear. The most interesting sight was 2 cubs up a tree, high and the sow was 20 feet up also. After taking pictures I told Chase I was a little nervous. He told me to start walking. I went about 30 to 40 yards up the trail then I looked back and Chase was running up the trail towards me.. First thought was the sow was on the ground and we were in trouble. Suddenly Chase started laughing! He sure had me nervous. The fifth day was very quiet for the first 2 hours. Then all of a sudden we had a battle of the bugles as no less than 4 bulls were bugling at the same time. We chased those bulls through several drainages, finally got to within 25 yards but he just would not come out of the thick brush for a clear shot. As we were going down the mountain we had another bull very close, but the wind was picking up and we could not do anything with him. The next day there wasn’t much action, but we did see a cow moose with a calf. The eighth day started fast, I setup 2 times early on a bull within 30 yards, but he just would not come in. Later we had another bull within 50 yards, I setup 2 times on him but he would not play. This was an unbelievable hunt. I had my first shot at an elk and know what it feels like to have an elk 10 yards away. I want to thank Wayne and Annette for their generous hospitality-food is great-lodge is clean-the hunting is as good as it gets. I am going home with sore muscles and feet. I feel like I have been hunting! I also want to thank Chase for his hard work. He is a great guide. I really enjoyed hunting with him. All of the other guides are tremendous individuals and they really enjoy guiding and they make hunting camp fun!

IDAHO September 14-18

Bill Damewood, Broad Run, VA 703-754-9325 guided by Rich Frahm

This was my first ever elk hunt and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Except for sore legs and tired feet. On our first morning we had an hour drive to where we were hunting in Idaho. When we got there my guide explained that we were headed for an area that had burned about 4 years earlier and that he had hunted “the burn” several times with good success. The walk in was about 45 minutes and we got there just before daylight. On our first setup 3 bulls answered. One came in to investigate, a small 4-point, too small. Never saw the other bulls but we stayed after them. We setup again, this time the bull was 80 to 100 yards below us raking trees, too far for shot. We kept after the bull until we almost walked over him in a thicket. He jumped and ran about 30 yards and stopped. My guides Rich and Chase (aka Spotlight) ran in the opposite direction, stomping their feet and rolling rocks, imitating another bull. The bull turned and started coming straight in, just right for a 12-yard shot. The bull crashed only 30 yards away. A nice 5x5, a great bull! Thanks to Wayne and Annette for a great trip. The food and accommodations were excellent. Thanks to Rich and Spotlight for a day I will never forget!

Rodney Simpson, Flint Hill, VA 540-937-7191 guided by James Harvey

First elk hunt. I heard on bugle the first day, across the canyon. Heard three bulls the next day, but no shot opportunity. Third day we heard three, had one come in, a 5x5, to 15 yards straight on and spooked out to about 50 yards, I took a quick shot, but missed. The next day we heard three distant bugles but we couldn’t get close. Day 5 we heard 4 bulls, got close to one for a setup, but he hung up at 60 yards. Had a good hunt and heard lots of bulls. I would recommend at least 3 miles of uphill walking or tread mill each day for a month before you show up. I did 1.5 miles for three weeks and it wasn’t enough. It is hard hunting in rough terrain but very rewarding.

Scott Damewood, Jeffersonton, VA 703-732-3522 guided by Jason Anderson (aka Smiley)

If you’re thinking of booking with Wayne Hill you better be in shape. You may think you’re in good enough shape, but you’re probably not. The better the shape you are in the better the hunt. This cannot be stressed enough. Wayne and Annette run a first class operation. The accommodations and food are excellent. It may take a little bit to warm up to Wayne, but I believe you will find he is fine man. He knows what he’s doing, and so do his guides. I was guided by Jason (Smiley) and assisted by Chase (Spotlight), and Wyatt (Erp). We were into the bulls three out of five days. The first day we saw five different bulls. We set up on two of them. The second bull was about a 300”. Unfortunately I was not able to connect with the shot. I shot over his back at about 50yards. That was very hard to swallow. The second day we set up on one bull but were never was able to get a shot. The third and fourth days were a bit slow. We heard a couple bulls but that was about as close as it got. The fifth and final day of the hunt we climbed the mountain, Jason hit the bugle and right off the bat a bull bugled back. He was just down the other side from us. Jason bugled a couple soft times, and the bull started up toward us. This bull was little five by five. He gave us gave a broad side shot at 52 yards. I put what I thought was a good shot on him. We waited about an hour before we started to track him. We looked for about eight hours and never found the bull. I think Jason and the other guides would still be looking if I had not had to leave that evening. I really appreciated how hard Jason and the guys worked all week to ensure a good hunt. They know what they’re doing. There were four people in our group; three out of the four had shot opportunities. I highly recommend Wayne to any one who is looking for a CHALLENING first class elk hunt. I will definitely be back again. Thanks Annette, Wayne and Jason (Smiley) for and excellent hunt.

Montana September 23-October 1

Steve Rinaldi, Kellogg, ID 208-784-5801 guided by Wayne Hill and Ray Hill

A good week, plenty of elk bugling most every day. Had best opportunities on first and last day. Missed a small six point the first day. Uphill shot about 40 yards, just a small amount of time to decide as bull was moving away. I shot underneath. Probably had 6 to 7 bulls within 60 to 70 yards at times but usually wind or eyeballs prevented a shot. On the last day, Wayne called in a 5 point he hung up behind some brush at about 20 yards, then went back uphill and crossed above us at 42 yards, I decided not to shoot. As always, good friends and good food. Got the opportunity to hunt with Ray a couple of nights and got into 3 bulls close to dark. I’ll be back.

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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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