Long Range Pursuit | S6 E12 Abajo Peak

Published on April 28, 2020
Duration: 21:58

This episode of Long Range Pursuit follows a hunting expedition in Abajo Peak, focusing on scouting and pursuing elk during the 2014 season. The hunters utilize glassing techniques to locate bulls, assess their size and characteristics, and plan stalk approaches. The narrative highlights the challenges of wind, terrain, and animal movement in long-range hunting scenarios, culminating in a successful harvest after several days of pursuit.

Quick Summary

Long-range elk hunting requires strategic scouting, accurate assessment of bull quality based on antler characteristics, and precise shot calculations. Key factors include estimating distance, accounting for ballistic drop, and applying windage corrections, with a successful hunt in Abajo Peak demonstrating these principles.

Chapters

  1. 00:41Season Start & Initial Scouting
  2. 01:04Locating Bedded Bulls
  3. 01:26Spotting Multiple Bulls & Cows
  4. 02:53Day Two: Locating Big Bulls
  5. 03:19Urgency in Spot and Stalk
  6. 04:22Past Hunting Experience & Motivation
  7. 06:28Re-evaluating Hunt Strategy
  8. 07:09Planning for Tomorrow's Hunt
  9. 08:03Hike into Big Basin
  10. 08:35Multiple Bulls Spotted
  11. 09:03Bull Spotted Again: Evening Plan
  12. 10:10Assessing a Nice Bull
  13. 10:37Holding Out for Trophy Bulls
  14. 11:37Identifying the Big Beamy Bull
  15. 12:04Challenging Shot Opportunity
  16. 12:40Describing an Amazing Bull
  17. 13:32Comparing Bulls
  18. 13:40Decision to Harvest
  19. 14:15No Show from the Big Bull
  20. 14:21Frenzy of Bulls During Rut
  21. 15:14Bulls Around, Wind Unpredictable
  22. 15:44Bull Approaching
  23. 16:36Spotting the Bull
  24. 17:01Shot Distance Calculation
  25. 17:09Line of Sight Obstructed
  26. 17:45Confirmation Before the Shot
  27. 18:08Bull on the Move
  28. 19:01Hunter on Target
  29. 19:21Assessing the Hit
  30. 19:38Bull Down: Harvest Confirmed
  31. 20:42Post-Harvest Assessment
  32. 20:55Shot Details: Range & Windage
  33. 21:08Bull Description & Thanks
  34. 21:30Gratitude to Gunwerks

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key strategies for scouting elk in late July?

Scouting in late July involves identifying promising areas and actively searching for bulls. Hunters look for signs of elk presence, such as tracks and scat, and utilize glassing techniques to spot animals from a distance. Early sightings can indicate good hunting potential for the upcoming season.

How do hunters assess the quality of a bull elk?

Hunters assess bull elk by evaluating their antler characteristics, such as the number of points, the spread, the mass, and the overall symmetry. Terms like 'six point' or estimating a score like '380 inches' are used to gauge the trophy potential of the animal.

What factors are considered when making a long-range shot on an elk?

When making a long-range shot, hunters consider the estimated distance to the target, the ballistic drop of their ammunition, and crucial windage corrections. In this hunt, the shot involved a range of 612 yards, with a calculated hold for 2.5 minutes of angle for wind.

What are the challenges faced during a long-range elk hunt?

Challenges in long-range elk hunting include unpredictable wind conditions that affect shot accuracy, difficult terrain that requires extensive hiking and strategic positioning, and the need for quick decision-making when opportunities arise. Animal movement and line-of-sight obstructions also play a significant role.

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