1999 Archery Hunters' Report(Again we will let the archers tell you in their own words what took place on their hunt) Idaho August 30 TomAlexander, Phoenixville, PA, 610 - 933 - 3426 Guided by Wayne Hill Another great week with Wayne and company. This is my 5th hunt with Wayne and it doesn’t get any better. We saw elk every day but we had little response. On the 3rd day had a bull come in but he winded us. On the 4th day Wayne called a bull in and I screwed up and missed him. I hope to be back again as things just get better. Especially Annette's cooking!! This place is 1st class. P S I brought the wife this time and she loved it too. Listening to the stories of the day. Craig Nelson, Shawville, PA, 814 - 765 - 4315 Guided by Jason Hill I saw elk and lots of sign every day. Jason worked very hard to get the bulls excited. A nice bull responded to our call and we got close, but too much cover to get a shot. Elk seemed to be warming up the last days of the hunt. I will be back again. Thanks to the Hills. Mike Stoinski Shelby Twp, MI 248 - 650 - 5160 Guided by John LaGue First hunt with Wayne and Annette/ First day saw a few cows and a 4 point still in velvet, too thick to shoot. Second day, lots of sign, but no shot. Third day saw a spike at 80 yds. Guides called to 25 yds, did not shoot. Fourth day nocked arrow at first light, could not call him in to shoot. Last day elk sign everywhere, 6 mule deer within 40 yds, no shots. Food and hospitality was out of this world. Thanks for a great hunt! Montana September 4-11 Todd Perrine Snowshoe, PA 814 - 353 - 4306 Guided by Wayne Hill This was my fifth hunt with Wayne's outfit, but my first with a bow. 9:00 am the first morning, Wayne called in a spike followed by a nice 4x4. Wayne had me in perfect position for 23-yd shot. The bull went only 80 yds and was down. This was the most exciting hunt I have ever had. Annette's food was super, especially the rhubarb cake. 7 days of fishing was great also. P S only caught hell 3 times in a 3-hour hunt. Clay Behm, Waynesburg, PA 724 - 627 - 7908 Guided by Jason and Wayne Hill and Jason Lundberg Fifth hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. I learn more and have a better time each year. Excellent opportunity to hunt monster elk. First evening made a bad shot on a decent bull at less than 20 yds that Jason Hill called in. Tracked for a long time but did not recover. Seventh day hunted 2 on 1 with Wayne, we worked in close on a herd of elk, we were 5 steps or less from having a 10 yd shot at a big bull, (had a 30 yd shot but that's out of recurve range) That bull took off but a bigger bull (sounded like a real monster) was within 50 yds, but wouldn't come in. Spikes, raghorns and a herd bull running all over the mountain. Maybe next time. Recurve commands a close shot. Food, lodging, and hunting are 1st class. Thanks everyone! I hope I can come back soon. Everyone did a real good job. Ken Britski (aka Serge), Jackson, NJ 732 - 901 - 0719 Guided by Terry Horner Second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting (Personally I think it should be Annette Hill Outfitting). First time bow hunting. Second day had bull and cows within 40 yds., bull wouldn't come in. Third day passed a 3x3 at 40 yds. Came in 3 times. 4th day 2 bulls and cows winded us. 5th day worked 3 to 4 bulls, none came in. 6th day killed 5x5 at 20 yds. Guide Terry did an excellent job in setting it up. All the guides did great job packing until 12:45 am. Thanks. The hunting is brutal, but the reward will out last the pain. And don't expect to lose any weight…the food is great! Wayne gave me one compliment by accident, and kind of gave Terry an "atta boy"…he deserved it! Ron Steinmiller, Louisville, KY 502 - 473 - 8879 Guided by Jason Hill Fifth straight archery hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. First day Jason bugled in a 5x5 to 18 yds in the open. Passed on shot waiting for a larger bull. Thirty minutes later Jason bugled in a larger bull to 30 yds. Wind changed no shot. Saw and heard bulls all week but had no more opportunities. Excellent job by everyone (Wayne, Annette & guides). In 5 years, I've had shots every year at mature bulls (5x5 or bigger). I will return to elk and mountain lion hunt in the future. Eric Troast, Whiting, NJ 732 - 350 - 2417 Guided by Matt Campbell First hunt with Wayne's Outfit. There were 7 guys in camp and I was the only virgin. Everyone else has been here with Wayne before. I can see why he has the repeat clients. First day of hunt we jumped a large bull at 80 yds. Couldn't call him back, wind wasn't right. One hour later we had a bull responding and played him for an hour, but he wouldn't come in either. Next day had a large sounding bull in a canyon with some cows but he wouldn't budge. We went in after him but he just took his cows and left. Had several bulls bugling on 5th day but couldn't get to them. Jumped some cows a spike and a rag horn while moving in on bulls but got winded. Food was absolutely outstanding and hospitality was great. Very grueling hunt, but the rewards of having done it out weigh the pain.. When I do it again, it will be with Wayne and Annette! Alfred Cramer, Shirleysburg, PA, 814 - 542 - 8504 Guided by Ryan Keener and Wayne This was my 6th hunt with Wayne Hill and was just as great as always. The first part of the hunt was very slow, bulls were not talking. At the end of the week the bulls started to talk a little. We had a bull at 100 yds and he would not come in, he had cows with him. Even though I did not see an elk this time, I heard them and know from past experience they are here. The food and accommodations were excellent as always. Thanks to my guides Ryan and Wayne, they did a great job. Ed Dixon, Orbisonia, PA, 814 - 447 - 3245 Guide by John LaGue and Wayne My Seventh hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. Bulls were quiet the first 4 days. Wayne joined my guides and last three days we had bulls talking. 5th day had good bull come in, but wind changed and he left. Seventh day of hunt we were into elk big time. Had a huge bull within 50 yds thrashing brush and a spike standing watching and cows all around. Saw same big bull again at about 40 yds. 8th day chased a bull until sun changed wind and he left with his cows. All in all another as Wayne would say "another out west experience". As always great time and accommodations. As always the food is a "10". September 13 - 20 Kirk Bucko, Jacobstown, NJ, 609 - 723 - 5231 Guided by Jason Lundberg This was my second hunt with Wayne Hill Outfitting. Had beautiful weather. First day had two bulls bugle back but couldn't get close enough for a shot. The third day had one bugle just at dark across the mountain, set up on him in the morning to find out he was on the mountain we were on the night before. Went back to that mountain, bugled once and the bull shut up. Rest of the week was quiet. Saw a bull moose, mother and calf last day of hunt. Food and lodging were great again. Jason is a very good guide and tried his hardest to get me a bull. Hope to be back in a few years. Ron Grzybowski, Bridgeport, NY 516 - 537 - 2523 Guided by Terry Horner Second trip with Wayne and 2nd time got my chance to get a nice bull but fate wouldn't let me succeed. Passed up a nice cow for a bull that didn't follow, but that's hunting. Next time the cow is mine! To me an elk is an ELK. As it was I got no complaints. Food and service was just great. Guide Terry did all but tie one down for me. Being in shape is number one thing and can't be stressed enough. I shall return. Jim Doll, Deleware, NJ 908 - 475 - 4144 Guided by Wayne Hill Another good physical hunting experience. A lot of up and around over across and down walking--all worth while when you hear and smell and see big bulls up close and personal. 5th hunt with this outfit. 1st year did not let arrow loose. Several bulls in with closest at 20 yards. Good camp company of hunters with a lot of hunting stories and fun. Stacy Michaelis, Palestine, AR 870 - 581 - 2821 Guided by Jason Hill This was my second hunt with Wayne's outfit. Not near as much action as my first hunt. Bulls just would not cooperate. First day did not hear any thing. Second afternoon had spike bull 25 yds, called him in 3 times…had to throw sticks at him to get him to leave. 5th morning chased bull for 2 hours. Bull just would not come in , The rest of the week went pretty slow. Bulls were very quiet. Everyone worked very had. Excellent food and lodging. Great job by everyone. Brad Roberts, Palestine, AR 870 - 581 - 2269 Guided by Matt Campbell Second hunt with this outfit. First hunt I took a 5x5 bull. Second hunt first day had a bull 50 yards in the brush, couldn't see him. 2nd day had three bulls across the mountain, the wind was not in our favor. Great hunt. Randy Parker, Palestine, AR 870 - 581 - 2365 Guided by Ryan Keener Did not see a bull but had a good time. Good food & lodge. Made new friends. September 22 - 29 Allen Moore, Dallas, TX 972 - 624 - 8357 Guided by Ryan Keener Only hunted 4 days out of a 5-day hunt due to home reasons. Saw a lot of sign but not many elk. Saw bear moose and whitetails, but not hunting for those. Get in shape before you come. Good opportunities for monster elk here. Lodging and food is great. Mike Peters, Dallas, TX 214 - 521 - 8401 Guided by Terry Horner This is some of the most amazing country I have ever hunted in. I only hunted for four days but Terry is a class act and a great guide. We played with two bulls, but could not get either to commit the last 50 yards. High winds and rain one day did not help…but that's why they call it hunting. This is some of the most rugged country you can imagine. No matter what you do it will punish your Mike Cooks, Kunkletown, PA 610 - 532 - 4025 guided by Wayne Hill Outstanding, punishing, grueling, extraordinary.. All of these are inadequate to describe the experience. This is hunting. The pain fades away. The thrill will last forever. First day Wayne called in a nice bull while a spike circled behind him.I drew back when he came behind a tree at fifteen yards, but we were winded, and he melted away over a ridge. An hour later Wayne called in an absolutely massive bull in the next canyon. Twenty yards in front of me he decimated a small stand of trees in an awesome display of power. I drew back, and he came past me broadside at less than ten yards. As I turned, my arrow caught a huckleberry branch and fell off the rest just as I released the shot. Wayne stopped him again as I nocked another arrow, but he'd been spooked and wouldn’t come in again. (Incidentally the dry-fire shattered one of the limbs of my bow, and suddenly my back-up bow became one of the most important pieces of equipment I had brought) The second day found us dropping (literally!) into the head of a canyon. We had played briefly with a bull on the ridge behind us before being winded, but now Wayne's calling is being answered by at least five bulls surrounding us. Moving into the shifting wind, we worked two of them, but sighted neither. The third day was really windy, with the gusts swirling from all directions. Just at daybreak Wayne worked a bull for a short time before the wind backed and he disappeared. We continued up the trail into a small tight draw. With a steady breeze in our faces Wayne began working a bull that had drawn his proverbial line in the sand at a creek at the head of the draw. With a group of cows milling around us, and another challenging bull off to our left, Wayne patiently moved forward ten yards at a time, while just past the creek the bull answered every one of his calls. When we finally set up on the other side of that creek, the die was cast, and the bull came in hard to meet the challenge. I had not realized how fast he would come in, and had not drawn my bow when he came from behind the last tree between us. We were both in the open, and I was face to face with a magnificent 6x6 bull elk, ears forward, full alert, staring daggers at me, through me. We were no more than twelve yards apart, and all I could do was stand still. Realizing what had happened, Wayne stepped out from behind me to draw the bull's attention, and the bull slowly turned to go back up the slope. I drew back, found my mark, and released. I heard the arrow enter the right lung, and saw the fletching stop just behind the right shoulder. We tracked him sixty yards to where he'd gone down. I cannot describe the emotion, the thrill, the accomplishment. There are no words. I'll be back. Jeff Castle, Troy, PA 570 - 297 - 2385 Guided by Jason Hill I had a great time. Did not kill an elk. Got very close ( 9 yds ) to a small bull. Saw two elk between 65 -85 yards. One winded us, other wouldn't play. Saw or heard elk 7 of 8 days. Elk sign everywhere. Wind got the best of us several times. This camp is a top notch outfitting service. Wayne does a wonderful job with his guides. They know the area, and how to call elk. Annette's cooking is great, you will not go hungry. If I ever get another chance to come out west to Montana, I will come back to Wayne Hill's. Mark Evans. Stroudsburg, PA 570 - 620 - 9796 Guided by Matt Campbell Had elk bugling just about every day. Had a 6x6 at 30 to 40 yds, in the moonlight, only could see the 20-yard pin. Next day had a different 6x6 at 10 yds. It stopped behind a tree, then spooked. Needed 1 more step. Also had a cow at 4 yds, thought she was gonna come in and sniff me. All in all, the game is here. So is the terrain. The sweat and the pain are well worth it when you get up close and personal. John Sword, Fort Loudon, PA 717 - 369 - 5568 Guided by Bill Hill Eight day hunt, heard bulls 5 days of 8. No shot, wind was the big trouble. Big bulls are here. Great guide. (Knows his shit on elk) Tom DiPietro, Belleville, MI 734 - 697 - 3800 Guided by Jason Lundberg First day hunting with Jason had a bull within 75 yards, but wouldn't come in. Bad weather cooled the bulls off for a couple of days. Another day with Wayne and Jason had nice 6x6 came in to about 35 yards but couldn't stop him. Next day with Jason and Terry they called in a 6x6 to 9-10 yards but he wouldn't clear a small spruce, so no shot. A good hunt. Believe it or not you will put on weight. John A. Zatwarnytsky, Wilmington, DE 302 - 475 - 0456 Guided by John Lague Great hunting. Saw a 5x6 first day at 45 yards. Came into 25 yards, I scraped tree, no shot. Two bulls came in on 2nd day, no shots. Next two days windy and rainy. The rest of the week heard bulls. Day 7 missed a bull in the morning. Big bull at 20 yards due to a branch. I will need psychological therapy for that. That evening heard bull at 50 yards, marching back and forth in front of me, no shot. Day 8 quit. Great guide with John and snappy D. Great food. See you in 2001. October Brad Standfest, Dryden, MI 810 - 796 - 2186 Guided by Terry Horner The toughest hunt in my entire life. The terrain was very tough. Your legs and lungs need to be in shape! I was on an eight-day hunt. The first three days were slow as far as elk talk. Things started to break loose on fourth day. Had bulls bugling . My guide Terry called in a spike to 30 yards but couldn't get the big boys to come in. The 5th and 6th days had bulls bugling. The sixth day was exciting, had two bulls 100-200 yards away, both bugling to each other and us. Terry did everything he could to get them to come but they wouldn't commit. The 7th day was the day. After a slow start in the morning it was an exciting end. Terry did a standard bugle and a bull called back probably 400 yards or so away. We slowly walked about 80 more yards toward the bull's direction and called again. To our surprise the bull was right on top of us. When I saw the bull it seemed impossible to shoot. He was 52 yards in hard timber. Terry cow called and bugled once more and bull turned and bugled again. After the bull turned I drew and knew it was now or never. Let the arrow go through the hard timber and it hit him at 52 yards. My best shot ever. Thanks to Terry for keeping the bull there long enough to get a shot. All the hard work for me was over. 150 yards later a dead 1x7. Thanks to Terry and Annette and Wayne. The food and lodge were absolutely great. The nicest lodge and animals I've ever seen. Skip Standfest Imlay City, MI 810 - 724 - 4518 Guided by Matt Campbell Had a good 8-day hunt. My first time here. Wonderful lodge and people. Excellent food. Thanks to Annette, the place is clean, clean, clean. Hunting started slow, bulls not bugling much, but started up later in week. Got to within 75-80 yards on 2 occasions. Thanks to the good work by my guide, Matt. But they wouldn't come in, so no shots. But what an experience, one you will really like. |
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Wayne Hill Outfitting
P.O. Box 1487
Noxon, Montana 59853
(406) 847-5563
E-Mail: information@waynehilloutfitting.com