Speckmisser
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- Thread starter Speckmisser
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Speckmisser
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Thanks, guys.
OK, I got the tale and a few pics up on my website. You can read it here.
As you might expect, it's not a shorty. I also have a bunch more pics to scan and upload, and they'll be along directly. The guide took several shots of my bull in the field, and I'm hoping he remembers to send them to me since I didn't have the camera in my pack.
There were a couple of questions asked that aren't covered in the story.
Hunthogs, there was a very little bit of bugling while I was there. The rut had peaked about a week and a half earlier, during the archery season. The bowhunters had a LOT of action. My bull was travelling with a herd. When I first saw them, the rush was so hard I'm not sure I could've made a shot. Fortunately, he was on a private area where I couldn't bother him, so I had time to get myself together before the next opportunity.
Kentuck, Unit 62 where I was is not in the CWD area, so it was basically a non-issue. They do have a voluntary CWD checkstation, but it's $15 to have your animal tested, and I don't think it's worth the bother. I boned and butchered the meat myself right there in camp, so the only bones I brought back to CA were a few spareribs for the BBQ. I didn't want a head mount, so I cut off the antlers and brought them back with me. There was one guy at the CA Agricultural check station, and he was just waving everybody through. Since I have CA tags, I'm never checked there anyway.
Anyway, Steve, you're in for a great time next year. They're great folks, and have a pretty good operation. I'm definitely planning to re-book for 2005 (can't do it next year).
OK, I got the tale and a few pics up on my website. You can read it here.
As you might expect, it's not a shorty. I also have a bunch more pics to scan and upload, and they'll be along directly. The guide took several shots of my bull in the field, and I'm hoping he remembers to send them to me since I didn't have the camera in my pack.
There were a couple of questions asked that aren't covered in the story.
Hunthogs, there was a very little bit of bugling while I was there. The rut had peaked about a week and a half earlier, during the archery season. The bowhunters had a LOT of action. My bull was travelling with a herd. When I first saw them, the rush was so hard I'm not sure I could've made a shot. Fortunately, he was on a private area where I couldn't bother him, so I had time to get myself together before the next opportunity.
Kentuck, Unit 62 where I was is not in the CWD area, so it was basically a non-issue. They do have a voluntary CWD checkstation, but it's $15 to have your animal tested, and I don't think it's worth the bother. I boned and butchered the meat myself right there in camp, so the only bones I brought back to CA were a few spareribs for the BBQ. I didn't want a head mount, so I cut off the antlers and brought them back with me. There was one guy at the CA Agricultural check station, and he was just waving everybody through. Since I have CA tags, I'm never checked there anyway.
Anyway, Steve, you're in for a great time next year. They're great folks, and have a pretty good operation. I'm definitely planning to re-book for 2005 (can't do it next year).
BDB
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Great story Speck, sounds like you had an awesome time. It's gonna kill me waiting 353 days to be where you just came from though
Congrats again on the great bull. 30 pound back strap, WOW !! Let me know when the BBQ is, I'll bring the beer
Congrats again on the great bull. 30 pound back strap, WOW !! Let me know when the BBQ is, I'll bring the beer
Qbn Hunter
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Great pix Spec. Thanks for sharing. Congrats.
Congrats and nice story. You must be a glutton for punishment, packing out some one else's elk on YOUR vacation. That was mighty nice of you. From your story is sounds like you almost had a cartridge jam, or at least swelled. Did I read that right? Good thing you only needed one shot.
Speckmisser
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>
You're right, SD. It was certainly tighter than usual, and I must admit I got a little spastic after that sucker went down, so the combination made it tough to open the bolt on that dang Savage.
What's crazy is that I shot 60 rounds of those reloads before the hunt and didn't have a single problem (after my initial reloading error)! Murphy was trying his best, but this time he stepped in a moment too late.
You're right, SD. It was certainly tighter than usual, and I must admit I got a little spastic after that sucker went down, so the combination made it tough to open the bolt on that dang Savage.
What's crazy is that I shot 60 rounds of those reloads before the hunt and didn't have a single problem (after my initial reloading error)! Murphy was trying his best, but this time he stepped in a moment too late.
Congrats Speck!
,
Nice bull! I leave for my first muzzleloader bull hunt in Az in a couple weeks and reading your report has me packing my bags! I can't wait! Were you able to get all of the meat in one large (100 qt) ice chest? Mike
Nice bull! I leave for my first muzzleloader bull hunt in Az in a couple weeks and reading your report has me packing my bags! I can't wait! Were you able to get all of the meat in one large (100 qt) ice chest? Mike
Speckmisser
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Mike,
I completely filled a 150 qt ice chest and a 52qt chest as well. However, I take every bit of available meat when I butcher. Some folks leave the "poor cuts" behind.
When I got done with the carcass, the guide joked that I didn't even leave enough for the coyotes to gnaw on.
Good luck in AZ!
I completely filled a 150 qt ice chest and a 52qt chest as well. However, I take every bit of available meat when I butcher. Some folks leave the "poor cuts" behind.
When I got done with the carcass, the guide joked that I didn't even leave enough for the coyotes to gnaw on.
Good luck in AZ!
Kentuck
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Speckmisser,
Thanks for the info on getting the meat home especially the coolers you used.
I will point out though that the meat importation law adopted this year covers all game taken outside of CA, not just CWD areas.
Thanks for the info on getting the meat home especially the coolers you used.
I will point out though that the meat importation law adopted this year covers all game taken outside of CA, not just CWD areas.
Speckmisser
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Kentuck,
Good point about the CWD regs applying to ALL out of state hunters, not just to those hunting in the 14 states identified as CWD areas.
Here's the CWD regs for those who want them.
Good point about the CWD regs applying to ALL out of state hunters, not just to those hunting in the 14 states identified as CWD areas.
Here's the CWD regs for those who want them.
