As usual, this post pretty much duplicates the original on another website, but since I don't see many of you folks over there, I don't feel bad about bragging a little here too.

This spring, my two older kids drew tags for an "any elk" hunt in the Gila National Forest of western NM. They successfully hunted cow elk in this same unit in 2015 and 2016 (reports posted here as well). The hunt was a couple weeks ago and we couldn't be happier with the results. Below are some pictures of the hunt, during which each filled a tag with what most folks call raghorns, but we lovingly refer to as "beginner bulls."

As an extra benefit, three of the kids' four grandparents were able to come along, making this a true family affair, with three generations afield.

Dad and grandparents were in the field two days before the hunt, trying to locate bulls in huntable places. Unlike years past, we saw very little sign and only one elk, despite searching all the likely places. Opening day and the first half of day 2 were busts, with only a cow and calf sighted. We did see some great scenery, a bunch of pronghorn, and a dandy muley buck.

Pronghorn antelope


My daughter after a long but friutless stalk.


A rancher's retro camp.


By late morning on day 2, we knew we had to do something different, so we relocated to a different part of the hunt unit with which we are not very familiar. Even though it was nearing noon by the time we got back into the timber, we still hear a high pitched bugle several ridges over. So, off we went. We stalked in closer, cow calling as we went. Soon, a bull was headed our way, treating the kids to several loud bugles as he approached. Unfortunately, he swung wide into an easy approach lane, allowing him to get our wind. Opportunity squandered. On the way out, the kids learned a little about elk rubs from my dad.


Ahh, now we know where the elk are. We scouted some and found much evidence of elk activity - rubs, tracks, trails, beds, and lots of fresh droppings. We knew right where to be that night. And so we were. Early afternoon we were back, and not too long after caught a herd out in a field grazing. We maneuvered close enough for a shot, but somehow my daughter cleanly missed a 200 yard shot at a fat, tasty looking spike. Bummer. She is usually a pretty cool customer, but I guess she got a case of elk fever. Right after sunset though, a chance at redemption arose. We spotted a lone bull feeding in a wide grassy opening. Between him and us were just enough Ponderosa pines to let us get within range. At about 175 yards, we got set up. Both kids were on the sticks, but the girl was just a little faster on the trigger. This time she didn't miss, dropping this bull in his tracks. With the relatively easy terrain, the two distinguished gentlemen (aka grandpas) were able to join us for the trophy shot.


I recently commissioned a custom knife from Todd Thayn, aka just-a-hunter here on AR. He used the antler from my first bull elk, killed in 2001, to build me a knife I look forward to using for years to come. I couldn't help but do this.


We field dressed the bull, then tried out my new Gametote game cart. Quite a handful, even with three of us, but we used to good effect and got the whole bull loaded into the back of the truck. How often does that happen?


Then it was back to camp for dinner and skinning chores. It was pretty late by the time we got done, and we had to be up early to head back to our new-found honey hole for round two. This place is about and hour and a half drive from camp. We made it though, and very nearly got on the same herd as the previous night, this time with a big bull among them. We missed it by this much... No worries, with the sun barely up, we got back to truck and circled around to get above and downwind of the herd going to bed. Less than an hour later, we were in position and could hear bugling bulls in the timber. Given the rougher terrain, the grandpas decided to send the boy and me out while they drove around to pick us up down below. Plans made, off we went. This was good elk hunting. Cow call, hear a bugle, and try to get close. Climb a ridge, drop through a canyon. Repeat. Four times. It seemed like every bugle was always just a ridge away. Typical, right? At the top of ridge 4 (or was it 5?), we stopped to glass the next ridge a couple hundred yards away and catch our breath. Within minutes I spotted a spike, then a cow. The boy wasn't interested in either. He had a sister to compete with! He kept sneaking out a little further into the open and the bright sun, and though I thought he'd end up spooking any other elk off, he actually spotted another one that didn't know we were there. He asked for the bino, and upon glassing the elk determined it was a bull! He got very excited then, asking if it was big enough. I checked and told him it was about like his sister's. I asked if he wanted to try. He did, so he eased out into a little opening and got his rifle up on the Trigger Sticks. I told him to hold right on the shoulder and ease back on the trigger whenever he was ready. As I watched through the bino, this bull too collapsed where he stood.


Though I was confident in the shot, the bull seemed not fully committed to his own demise, so we opted for a finisher shot into the neck. I surely didn't want to have him sneak off while we crossed the canyon below out of sight. He didn't, and the boy was soon easing up to check his first bull elk.


All smiles.


And quite content after all the work was done.


I strapped one hind quarter to my Exo Gear pack, the boy grabbed all the other gear, and we headed off the hill to meet the grandpas. They were pleased to see our bloody hands, and all too happy to drive us back around to the top so we could use the Gametote to recover the rest. This time, my father-in-law opted to come in with us for the recovery. On the way in, we found a cool oak and juniper and didn't resist the photo op they presented.


We loaded the rest of meat and head onto the Gametote...


...and headed down the mountain to the rendezvous point.


Back at camp, we put both elk on ice and then enjoyed a nice campfire and some cold drinks. Yes, that's fresh tenderloin on that roasting stick. :grin:


Now that they have "begun," both kids are ready for harder hunts for larger bulls. And to top it off, their younger sister, who will take hunter safety next spring, is completely fired up to join their ranks! I can't wait!

I would be proud of either of those bulls.

I killed my first and only bull a small 5x5 in 1997 on what was the most special elk hunt of my life, since bthen all I have hunted has been late season cows.

It was special in that I killed my first bull on a hunt wehere a gentleman that I had became friends with killed his last bull.

I will never forget that hunt or that gentleman.

Congratulations to those young hunters on their bulls, those bulls and that hunt will always be special.

Great story. Congratulations.

Fantastic,a great family hunt, and some great bulls! Glad you all had a great time, and enjoy that elk meat!

Thank you for introducing more hunters into the fold. We need ‘em!

And congrats to everyone on a fine hunt!

Good job.

Good job, kiddos! Well put together hunt story too. The photos were great.

Great job, Dad!

Those are memories that you'll keep forever.

Awesome job getting them on some public land bulls! Enjoyed reading the story.

Justin

Heck yeah! Congrats!!!

Wow, what a hunt!

This is one of the best hunting reports that I have seen posted on this forum. I enjoy seeing the whole family involved! These kids took some true trophies and best of all, they will always have the memories
of hunting with the family!

The only bad part was is that you were able to pack that elk out whole! just kidding, that was just an added bonus!!

Thanks for posting

Great Job! Congratulations to the 2 youngsters.

Way cool.Congrats to the young hunters,Dad and both gramps!!!

This is quite possibly the best hunting report I have read on this site, congratulations.

Awesome report. Reminds me of my younger son’s first deer kill thirty years ago. My Dad flew in from Vermont to hunt with us on our lease in the “Thumb” of Michigan. On opening morning, my boy shot a nice 5 point buck that weighed about 140 lbs. My son was only 15 and weighed about 130 lbs. We had a half mile drag through a chisel plowed field and it was physically draining. When we got to to about 100 yards from the truck, my son said he’d take it from there. He RAN the last 100 yards, dragging a buck that weighed more than he did. His Grandpa was suitably impressed and told that story for years thereafter.

Great report, good outcome. I thing you have lifelong hunters.

Dave

Thanks for all the supportive comments fellas. I appreciate it.

The funny thing is, this year the draw was not at all kind to me - I only pulled my third choice deer tag out of seven applications. But so far, I think I'm having more fun and getting more out the season than ever! The older two kids and I have hike the high mountains for trout, tried to find and kill a Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, called coyotes during down time in big game hunts, and put some high quality meat in the family freezer. All that and I haven't even pulled the trigger; hell, I haven't even seen a critter in the scope aside from a coyote I missed trying out my new rifle a few weeks ago! It's been great. I feel like I'm turning these young impressionable consumers into knowledgeable, experienced producers. It's way more rewarding than filling my own tag.

A job well done with the kids. Congrats to all!

Mark

One of the best reports I’ve read this year. Fantastic that both grandpa’s were able to be part of the hunt. Well done to all, congratulations!

Congratulations to both successful hunters! And of course, to grandpas and dads for being able to be there for the whole thing!

Family outing, successful hunting and lots of elk meat.
Absolutely perfect.

Great job dad getting those kids and elk and a bullet in the same spot at the same time.
Great job by those kids too, you are raising them well.
Always look forward to your hunt reports ! Good writing and great pictures. Well done.

Well done man, well done.

you've got 'em off to a great start.
Always FINE stuff when the kids get
theirs.

Be proud, all of you.

George

That's what hunting is all about, family! the size of the animal should always be second..