Grizzly Island Elk Hunt

[JohnR]

I was lucky enough to be the spotter for two groups of hunters at Grizzly Island for the Elk hunt last Thursday. What a great hunt they got two spikes and two cows. A fifth hunter who was by himself got a large 8X9 bull. For two of the hunters it was the first big game hunt, what a way to start! My friend and his grandson had spike tags. The grandson made a great heart shot and his grandpa was very proud but the teacher (grandpa) took a few shots to get his. Seeing all of the bull elk, hearing them bugle and stalking so close was thrilling to say the least. We got the spikes at 8:15 am and the cows at 7:00 pm, finished cleaning the last cow at 11:30 pm. A long day but I couldn't think of a better way to spend a day.
DFG staff were outstanding! They did everything possible to ensure the highest quailty hunt. Several members spent long hours giving us the "Tule Elk Story", retrieving elk, taking samples and gathering data to improve the herd. All of them deserve a big thank you. The success of this hunt is the result of the Tule Elk management plan and Grizzly Island staff. No, I don't work for DFG just had a great day.

Thanks Again!
John

 

[prohunter]

Sounds like a really good time!

 

[Speckmisser]

Sounds awesome. I keep putting my name in the draw. Of course, I keep playing the lottery too.

 

[Moose-Hunter]

Sounds like a great hunt. Got any pictures to share?

 

[rwchunter]

sounds like a fun hunt. Were there any antihunters out? I have heard they have been a problem in the past.
RWCHUNTER

 

[Haary]

I live 10 miles from Grizzly Island and have put in every year since they started the hunts there. I have yet to be drawn. It is interesting that both your friend and his grandson both drawn.

Well maybe now that we a point system maybe I can get drawn before I get too old to hunt. They have some outrageous Bulls on the island.

 

[yotegetter]

Sounds like a blast (no pun intended)! Hope you get drawn soon for Grizzly Isle.

 

[JohnR]

They haven't had any antis since the first few hunts, no news cameras for them to show off in front of. DFG said they didn't think the TV news would show and they didn't. If you check the Elk application two hunters may apply as a party and thats what they did.

I'll be heading to X12 in the morning with my daughter to see if she can get her first deer. It has been hot here in the valley but it will be in the teens or twentys overnight on the 9,000 ft peaks where we camp. Hope she gets a good one, still have some film left from the Elk to use up.

 

[JohnR]

My daughter got her first buck! See related post in "Muley Deer Hunting: X12 Buck.

 

[snoopdogg]

Great job. Glad everybody took care of business and DFG helped out. I'm assuming Jon Fischer, the DFG elk biologist was there, right?

 

[JohnR]

John was on site the entire time we were hunting. He even brought in the big bull and was "hands on" each elk for the data collection. He checked all of the hoofs, hide, organs and any part of the elk he could for clues to the health of the herd. You could tell he was every proud of the elk herd (I think he knew everyone of by sight) and maybe a little sad to see some of them go. He spoke of long range plans to establish new herds else where in the state.

This has been a very good season so far for me with the elk hunt and my daughters first buck. My turn is coming soon, will be going to Idaho for elk next month hope I can do as well as the first timers.