Long Range Pursuit | S5 E6 The 8 Year Wait

Published on January 23, 2020
Duration: 22:31

This video documents an eight-year quest for an elk tag in Wyoming, culminating in a challenging hunt. The hunters faced difficult conditions, including an initial warm spell and a subsequent extreme cold snap. They employed horses for access and extensive glassing, making strategic decisions about passing on bulls that didn't meet their trophy standards. Ultimately, persistence and favorable weather changes led to a successful harvest of a mature bull at long range.

Quick Summary

Drawing a Wyoming elk tag can take up to eight years, emphasizing the difficulty and prestige of these hunts. Successful long-range hunting requires patience, strategic decision-making, and the willingness to pass on bulls that don't meet specific trophy criteria, especially after a long wait. Horses are crucial for accessing remote areas, and glassing from high vantage points is a primary method for locating elk.

Chapters

  1. 00:03The 8-Year Wait for the Tag
  2. 00:17Challenging Wyoming Hunt Begins
  3. 01:22Early Morning Start and Horse Prep
  4. 02:07Covering Miles on Horseback
  5. 03:10First Bull Sighting and Assessment
  6. 04:48Decision to Pass on a Good Bull
  7. 06:44Witnessing a Successful Harvest
  8. 07:11Day Two: Renewed Efforts
  9. 08:37Hearing an Elk Bugle
  10. 09:14Calling and Stalking an Elk
  11. 10:35Glassing and Facing Challenges
  12. 11:06Day Two Exhaustion and Decision to Return
  13. 12:46Returning in November: Colder Weather
  14. 13:32Down Day: Snowed-In Access
  15. 14:07Observing Wildlife in Cold Weather
  16. 15:01Third Day: Long Track to Trailhead
  17. 15:31Sighting a Small Bull
  18. 16:11Glassing a New Area
  19. 17:31Spotting Another Bull
  20. 18:34Finding the Trophy Bull
  21. 18:54Long-Range Shot Setup
  22. 19:44The Bull Stands: The Shot
  23. 20:07Bull Down: Successful Harvest
  24. 20:39Team Effort and Gratitude
  25. 21:12Reflecting on a Top Hunt

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it typically take to draw an elk tag in Wyoming?

Drawing a coveted elk tag in Wyoming can be a lengthy process, with hunters often waiting up to eight years to successfully draw a tag for prime hunting units. This highlights the significant demand and limited availability of these hunting opportunities.

What are the key strategies for long-range elk hunting?

Long-range elk hunting involves extensive scouting, utilizing horses for access, and patient glassing from high vantage points. Crucially, it requires the discipline to pass on less-than-ideal bulls and the technical skill to make precise shots at extended distances, often over 900 yards.

How does weather affect elk hunting in Wyoming?

Weather plays a significant role in Wyoming elk hunting. Extreme cold can drive elk to lower elevations and make them more visible, while warm conditions can make them more reclusive. Hunters often plan for a return trip when colder weather is predicted to improve hunting success.

What makes a bull elk a 'trophy' in this context?

In this hunting context, a trophy bull elk is defined by specific criteria, often including size, antler configuration (like a mature 6x6 with good mass and tall tines), and overall impressiveness. Hunters may pass on good bulls if they don't meet these high standards, especially after years of waiting for the opportunity.

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