Wapiti Talk | Elk Hunting Forum | Elk Hunting Tips
 

My First Elk!

Moderators: Swede, Tigger, Lefty, Indian Summer, WapitiTalk1

My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 1]

huntography elktour first bull.jpg
huntography elktour first bull.jpg (103.83 KiB) Viewed 16582 times


As a hunter and filmmaker, I just love being in the high country in September.

My primary goal is to film elk hunters like you and capture some great memories on film for all of us to re-live.

On this hunt, I drew an either sex tag and told myself I'd only bring my bow after Troy or Emily, the two hunters I was filming would tag out.

After 4 extreme days hunting in the 1,000 year rain/flood and getting close to bulls everyday, I decided to bring my bow as I had a feeling that we could get lucky.

This hunt was epic! And we made it happen through extreme conditions.

1.86 miles and 1,300 foot of vertical into some of the nastiest, steepest cover you can imagine.

We spotted the elk in a huge bowl 1.5 mikes away.

Made the stalk in.

Saw them moving again.

Troy and Emily called and the bulls were responding.

Then a spike came in at 15 yards.

Had a staring contest.

He barked at us.

The other bulls bugled.

Troy screamed at them.

Then Troy’s bull came in at 45 yards.

He quickly drew his bow and whack!!!!!

We waited an hour.

Followed blood 10 yards and then I saw another bull 150 yards below us.

I grabbed my bow as I thought this would be a long range shot only opportunity . Emily grabbed the camera.

Troy called.

I stalked to 120. Then 80. Then 60.

Then he made his way to an opening at 52 yards.

Double lung, complete pass through. My 500 gr Easton Axis Arrow with Deep Six inserts and 125 gr Strickland Archery Helix broadhead stuck in tree.

He flipped over 15 yards from where he stood.

stone glacier huntography colorado bull elk 5x5.jpg
stone glacier huntography colorado bull elk 5x5.jpg (142.63 KiB) Viewed 16582 times


My first elk ever. Amazing. Thank you Troy and Emily.

Troy's elk only went 60 yards too.

troy and emily 5x5 colorado bull elk huntography elktour.jpg
troy and emily 5x5 colorado bull elk huntography elktour.jpg (163.65 KiB) Viewed 16582 times


Both bulls lay 50 yards apart.

It took us all day to get them out.

We were destroyed. Bodies in pain.

But the joy trumped the pain.

Amazing hunt with great friends.

I still can't believe we doubled up on 2 5x5 bulls an hour apart.

Can’t wait for you guys to watch the footage in our next Huntography All Colorado, All Archery elk hunting #Elktour DVD which I'll be releasing in early 2014.
http://www.huntography.com/store/

I also plan on submitting the footage to the Full Draw Film Tour festival for those who want to watch it on the big screen in a movie theatre.

Thanks to Paul and all the elknuts for sharing your wisdom and experiences. I used some aggressive tactics I learned here on all our elk hunts and man, it sure helped us get in close.

Thank you!

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby bnsafe » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 2]

wow rudy, that is awesome. what a hunt. from one rookie to another, CONGRATS.
bnsafe
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 1283
Joined: 06 16, 2012
Location: Windsor CO
First Name: Scott

Re: My First Elk!

Postby ORelksniper » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 3]

Congrats, Rudy, on your first elk. Sounds like you three earned those elk. Can't wait to see the vids of that hunt. Congrats to Troy and Emily as well.
ORelksniper
Rank: Rag Horn
 
Posts: 206
Joined: 10 01, 2012
Location: Oregon

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 4]

bnsafe wrote:wow rudy, that is awesome. what a hunt. from one rookie to another, CONGRATS.


Thanks Scott! Congrats to you too.

A beer, fire pit and sharing of elk hunts may be in order :)
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 5]

sniper wrote:Congrats, Rudy, on your first elk. Sounds like you three earned those elk. Can't wait to see the vids of that hunt. Congrats to Troy and Emily as well.


Much appreciated Sniper!

We busted our butts all week to get in on that herd of elk.

Can't wait to edit and put the film together.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby JGH » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 6]

Couldn't of happened to a nicer guy ... congrats!
User avatar
JGH
Rank: Satellite Bull
 
Posts: 369
Joined: 03 03, 2013
Location: Wyoming
First Name: John
Last Name: Haeberle

Re: My First Elk!

Postby cnelk » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 7]

Atta boy!!!
User avatar
cnelk
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 2164
Joined: 06 30, 2012
Location: N. Colorado
First Name: Brad
Last Name: K

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 8]

JGH wrote:Couldn't of happened to a nicer guy ... congrats!


Thanks John!

How was your season? I have a lot of catching up to do having been in the woods for the last month.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 9]

cnelk wrote:Atta boy!!!


Right on Brad! See, our "calling" meet up worked perfectly ;)

How'd your season go? I saw you had a miss early in the season but have not caught up since.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby cnelk » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 10]

Huntography wrote:
cnelk wrote:Atta boy!!!


Right on Brad! See, our "calling" meet up worked perfectly ;)

How'd your season go? I saw you had a miss early in the season but have not caught up since.

Rudy


Check out my thread.... 'And the quarters are hanging' :)
User avatar
cnelk
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 2164
Joined: 06 30, 2012
Location: N. Colorado
First Name: Brad
Last Name: K

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 11]

cnelk wrote:
Huntography wrote:
cnelk wrote:Atta boy!!!


Right on Brad! See, our "calling" meet up worked perfectly ;)

How'd your season go? I saw you had a miss early in the season but have not caught up since.

Rudy


Check out my thread.... 'And the quarters are hanging' :)


Got a quick link to share? ;) Don't see it.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby cnelk » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 12]

User avatar
cnelk
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 2164
Joined: 06 30, 2012
Location: N. Colorado
First Name: Brad
Last Name: K

Re: My First Elk!

Postby WapitiTalk1 » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 13]

Nicely done. Great bull!
User avatar
WapitiTalk1
 
Posts: 8732
Joined: 06 10, 2012
Location: WA State
First Name: RJ

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 14]

cnelk wrote:Try this link


viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2944


Awesome bull Brad! Congrats!

R
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 15]

Phantom16 wrote:Nicely done. Great bull!


Thank you RJ! I still can't believe we hunted through that rain that week and day after day, got closer to that herd in that nasty bowl.

All that pain and sweat and tears are now well worth it. We have some great memories that will last a lifetime.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Buglemaster » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 16]

Looking forward to the show Rudy & congrats to the team. Sounds like you had a terrific season.
User avatar
Buglemaster
Rank: Satellite Bull
 
Posts: 330
Joined: 06 01, 2012
Location: Eastern Colorado
First Name: Dave
Last Name: Shaklee

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Trophyhill » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 17]

that's a great story Rudy. i'm happy for you. I know you've been at this for a while now and worked hard at it. congrats on a great hunt to all of you.
Trophyhill
 
Posts: 1175
Joined: 01 20, 2013
Location: Tijeras, NM
First Name: David
Last Name: B

Re: My First Elk!

Postby ElkNut1 » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 18]

Rudy, awesome dude & what a thrill for your first elk, a huge congrats bud!

ElkNut1
ElkNut1
ElkNut/Paul
 
Posts: 4673
Joined: 05 11, 2012
Location: Idaho

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Swede » 09 30, 2013 •  [Post 19]

Rudy: I am pleased. Congratulations.
Swede
Wapiti Hunting - Tree Stand Tactics
 
Posts: 10215
Joined: 06 16, 2012

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Indian Summer » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 20]

Congrats Rudy. There's only one 1st. Relish the moment.

Two bulls lay 50 yards apart... yikes! I might have hit the button on the SPOT locator so they sent a helicopter! :lol:
User avatar
Indian Summer
Wapiti Hunting Consultant
 
Posts: 5247
Joined: 06 14, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
First Name: Joe
Last Name: Ferraro

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Mojostylee24 » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 21]

Way to go! :D

It's very encouraging for me to see all of these first time elk killers getting it done this season! I really enjoy the films you have made so far and look forward to seeing this hunt!
User avatar
Mojostylee24
Rank: New User
 
Posts: 34
Joined: 08 26, 2013
Location: Ft. Collins, CO
First Name: James
Last Name: Anderson

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 22]

Buglemaster wrote:Looking forward to the show Rudy & congrats to the team. Sounds like you had a terrific season.


Thanks Buglemaster! We sure did. It's going to be a great show.
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 23]

Trophyhill wrote:that's a great story Rudy. i'm happy for you. I know you've been at this for a while now and worked hard at it. congrats on a great hunt to all of you.


Thanks Trophyhill!

I'm happy to not only experience it but to be able to share it all on film for you guys to see.

We put in the work, that's for sure. And that feels really good.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby bnsafe » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 24]

rudy i shot you a pm
bnsafe
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 1283
Joined: 06 16, 2012
Location: Windsor CO
First Name: Scott

Re: My First Elk!

Postby elkmtngear » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 25]

Great job Rudy! I've always wanted to double up on elk like that, what a great moment for you both!
Best of Luck,
Jeff (Elknut Forums Sponsor)
http://elkmtngear.com/blog/elk-mountain/introducing-the-worlds-most-versatile-blind
the Elk Mountain SLIP System...SLIP it on, SLIP in, and get the SHOT!
User avatar
elkmtngear
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 959
Joined: 06 11, 2012
Location: State of Jefferson

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 26]

ElkNut1 wrote:Rudy, awesome dude & what a thrill for your first elk, a huge congrats bud!

ElkNut1


Thanks so much Paul! It was an epic week and set of hunts filled with highs and lows that let up to the hunt where we got those two bulls.

It's something I will never forget.

Thanks for all the hours your spent with me on the phone. Means a lot and sure did help.

Best,

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 27]

Swede wrote:Rudy: I am pleased. Congratulations.


Thanks Swede! Much appreciated. I am pleased too ;)

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 28]

Indian Summer wrote:Congrats Rudy. There's only one 1st. Relish the moment.

Two bulls lay 50 yards apart... yikes! I might have hit the button on the SPOT locator so they sent a helicopter! :lol:


Thanks so much! I will be relishing the experience in my mind and on the big screen for many years to come. It was truly such a great experience.

Yeah, we actually looked for horses and packers as it was steep and deep in that bowl but no one was available. So we went really slow and huffed and puffed our brains out.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Washington Wapiti » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 29]

I think the look on your face in the first pic says it ALL! Congrats man . . . I gotta say I'm a bit jealous you got yours on camera. ;) After spending an hour trying to figure out how to rig my tri-pod on a bow hanger (I didn't have an actual mount made for a treestand),. I got it all perfectly positioned for where I thought it would catch all the action, and it would have BUT . . . it all went down so fast, I could not hit the record button LOL

Can't wait to see the movie!
User avatar
Washington Wapiti
Rank: Herd Bull
 
Posts: 403
Joined: 07 17, 2013
Location: Arlington
First Name: SHAWN

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Jaquomo » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 30]

Excellent! The first one is always the sweetest! Congrats, and can't wait to see the footage.
Jaquomo
Rank: Rag Horn
 
Posts: 217
Joined: 06 11, 2012

Re: My First Elk!

Postby otcWill » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 31]

Congrats! Thanks for sharing. Hopefully I'll see this in at Full Draw next year?!
otcWill
Rank: Herd Bull
 
Posts: 498
Joined: 06 23, 2012
Location: Colorado

Re: My First Elk!

Postby fenderhunt4 » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 32]

Great pictures and great story! Thanks for sharing.
User avatar
fenderhunt4
Rank: New User
 
Posts: 21
Joined: 09 30, 2013
Location: Ohio

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 33]

bnsafe wrote:rudy i shot you a pm


Will read and reply. Thanks Scott !
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 34]

Washington Wapiti wrote:I think the look on your face in the first pic says it ALL! Congrats man . . . I gotta say I'm a bit jealous you got yours on camera. ;) After spending an hour trying to figure out how to rig my tri-pod on a bow hanger (I didn't have an actual mount made for a treestand),. I got it all perfectly positioned for where I thought it would catch all the action, and it would have BUT . . . it all went down so fast, I could not hit the record button LOL

Can't wait to see the movie!


Thank you ! Yeah, I was in total awe of everything that had just happened.

Self filming is not easy. That's why I film others so they can focus on the hunt. In this case, I handed the camera quickly to Emily and she held the fort down well and got the footage.

So you got your elk even though not on camera? If so, congrats to you too.

I can't wait to edit the #elktour movie ;)

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 35]

Jaquomo wrote:Excellent! The first one is always the sweetest! Congrats, and can't wait to see the footage.


Sweet indeed. Thanks a bunch.

Can't wait to get the film done. Hope everyone enjoys it.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 36]

otcWill wrote:Congrats! Thanks for sharing. Hopefully I'll see this in at Full Draw next year?!


Thanks Will! My pleasure to share especially since everyone on here has shared so much wisdom and experience with me.

Yep. It will be at the Full Draw Film Tour. I'll be sure to get the footage to them super early this year. I missed the deadline last year.

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Huntography » 10 01, 2013 •  [Post 37]

fenderhunt4 wrote:Great pictures and great story! Thanks for sharing.


Thank you. My pleasure. Happy to share with fellow Elk Nuts :)

Rudy
Rudy
Documentary Filmmaker, Huntography

Filming America's Hunters, One at a Time.
http://www.huntography.com/
User avatar
Huntography
Site Sponsor
 
Posts: 295
Joined: 09 03, 2012
Location: Fort Collins Colorado
First Name: Rudy

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Washington Wapiti » 10 02, 2013 •  [Post 38]

Huntography wrote:Self filming is not easy. That's why I film others so they can focus on the hunt. In this case, I handed the camera quickly to Emily and she held the fort down well and got the footage.

So you got your elk even though not on camera? If so, congrats to you too.


Yes sir and thank you! I have all my failures on camera tho! LOL

That's a great service you provide, and I bet you make a lot of people happy with getting their adventures on film! 2 years ago, I was seriously considering trying to open a small business/hobby-business doing what you are doing. I didn't know what the demand would be for something like that out here, and then I just never followed through with the research. I've always been heavily into recording video and editing since the early 90s. Back then I played in bands and we were recording our shows, etc. Different type of filming, but you get the idea. Anyway . . . mayday, mayday hijacker on board! LOL
User avatar
Washington Wapiti
Rank: Herd Bull
 
Posts: 403
Joined: 07 17, 2013
Location: Arlington
First Name: SHAWN

Re: My First Elk!

Postby Triplebhunters » 10 08, 2013 •  [Post 39]

Kool. Congrats. Sounds fun. Looks like you had a good time.
User avatar
Triplebhunters
Rank: Satellite Bull
 
Posts: 399
Joined: 08 17, 2012
Location: Pennsylvania
First Name: Dave


cron