Archive for September, 2007
For those of you who are fortunate to be holding a deer or elk tag for southwest Colorado could be looking at a great year. Here is some information about what to expect.
BIG GAME HUNTING OUTLOOK FOR SOUTHWEST COLORADO RATED AS EXCELLENT
Deer and elk are thriving throughout southwest Colorado thanks to availability of good habitat, limited license programs and favorable weather conditions. So, big game rifle hunters can look forward to another excellent season this fall.
In the big game units of the southwest region of Colorado, about 25 percent of hunters usually harvest an elk; and the success rate for deer is about 50 percent.
“Hunters who are willing to hunt hard and walk well off established roads should have a successful hunt,” said Scott Wait, senior terrestrial biologist for the DOW’s southwest region. “Hunters driving roads in their pick-ups and all-terrain vehicles have less chance of seeing deer or elk.”
Weather is always a factor in big game hunting. Snow early during the 2006 season helped to get the animals moving toward lower elevations; consequently, success rates were high, especially for elk. But the weather in Colorado is unpredictable – in 2005 the weather was warm and dry throughout the fall and fewer animals were harvested.
If the weather stays warm, hunters will push deer and elk into dark timber, difficult terrain and up to timberline.
“Hunters always must adjust to the current conditions,” Wait said.
For deer hunters conditions in the southwest and throughout Colorado have improved dramatically during the last few years. During the mid-1990s, hunters, the Colorado Wildlife Commission and DOW staff recognized that deer in Colorado were in trouble. After years of unlimited hunting when tags could be purchased over-the-counter, deer populations were in serious decline. To restore the health of Colorado’s deer herds, the Colorado Wildlife Commission made the tough decision in 1999 to limit deer licenses and make them available only through a draw. A preference point system also was established. In southwest Colorado the number of licenses available in some game management units was cut by as much as 90 percent.
At first the move to limit licenses drew some criticism. But today Colorado’s deer herds are again nationally renowned. More licenses are being made available, a fourth season has been added in some game management units, and hunters are seeing lots of mature, trophy-quality bucks throughout the state.
“Deer herds are healthy and deer hunters know now that the sacrifices they’ve made for the last eight years have been worth it.” said Tom Spezze, southwest regional manager for the DOW.
The dates for rifle seasons are: elk only, Oct. 13-17; combined deer and elk seasons, Oct. 20-28, Nov. 3-9, Nov. 14-18. Bull elk tags can be purchased over-the-counter for the second and third seasons.
Following are outlooks for areas within the southwest region:
Cortez – Durango – Pagosa Springs
Mild weather last winter allowed more fawns and older age-class bucks to make it through the winter. So populations are growing and the animals are healthy. Hunters looking for a big buck have a good chance of seeing more than one, said Andy Holland, terrestrial biologist for this area.
Holland also predicts that elk hunting will be excellent this year. Thanks to the 4-point and better restriction, more elk in this area are living longer and providing trophy opportunities. Abundant rain at high elevations for most of the summer helped to maintain good vegetation. If the weather is warm, hunters should expect elk to be spread out across the habitat.
Big game are abundant in the Missionary Ridge area north of Durango and near Vallecito Reservoir. A massive forest fire in 2002 burned off older growth timber and allowed significant growth of aspen and oak brush. Elk and deer are drawn to the young vegetation.
Elk favor higher country, so the low elevation areas in the far west hold few elk.
Montrose – Norwood – Telluride
Hunters in this area can expect to see plenty of mature bucks, said Brad Banulis, terrestrial biologist for the DOW’s Montrose office. Mild weather last winter throughout the area helped deer herds stay healthy.
Elk continue to do well in the higher elevations. If the weather is mild, Banulis recommends hunting as high as possible in dark timber and difficult terrain.
Early season hunters have the advantage in this area. Once hunting pressure starts, animals often move to private land at lower elevations.
Gunnison Basin
Deer hunting in the Gunnison Basin has been exceptional over the last several years. Drawing one of the limited licenses in this area, however, is difficult. Hunters need to accumulate from two to 13 preference points before they can expect to draw a license depending on their season of choice. But for most hunters the wait is worthwhile. Some great mule deer bucks have been harvested in the Gunnison area and success rates are high. A limited number of doe licenses are also available annually, and offer additional deer hunting opportunities.
Elk herds are doing well in the Gunnison Basin. Licenses are totally limited in game management units 66 and 67, and with a little luck hunters may find an older-age bull. The best places for elk in the Gunnison Basin are in the wilderness areas that ring the area. Hunters should expect to hunt in very rugged terrain.
San Luis Valley
Elk hunting should be excellent in this area this fall. Abundant public lands throughout this vast 8,000 square mile area provide plenty of habitat for elk. However, much of the terrain is quite rugged. Unit 76 in the upper Rio Grand River drainage is a quality unit for elk.
On the east side of the valley, elk move quickly from forest service land to private property. They also move into two areas where hunting is prohibited: Great Sand Dunes National Park and Baca National Wildlife Refuge.
“Elk get real smart after the second season, they know where to go to get away from hunters,” said Brad Weinmeister, terrestrial biologist for the San Luis Valley.
Because the elk herds are at population objective in the San Luis Valley, the number of cow licenses available was cut by about 40 percent for this season.
Deer herd populations are improving, but population is naturally stunted because of the high elevations throughout the area and an overall lack of winter range. For that reason the number of licenses is kept low. Those who draw tags have a good chance of harvesting a deer. Hunters should not expect, however, to see many big bucks.
For more information about big game hunting, go to the web site of the Colorado Division of Wildlife: http:wildlife.state.co.us.
September 28th, 2007
Jason Jensen and his trophy Wyoming Mule Deer from 2007. This trophy buck green scores 188 7/8 net non-typical
2007 Mule Deer Hunt
by Jason Jensen
Justin and I entered the parking lot at the base of the trail with four horses. We had anticipated seeing at least four other horse trailers, but to our amazement we were the only ones in the lot. This was a first. We rode the seven miles to camp without a single rodeo, another first. We were feeling pretty good about our odds of shooting two nice bucks as Justin had spotted 15 bucks two weeks earlier and four were shooters. After setting camp we climbed up the valley wall and spotted three bucks with the largest a possible shooter. At this point we saw an outfitter bringing his hunters up the canyon. The guide stopped and glassed a deer in the draw just up from our camp which was hidden from our current view. We finished glassing and decided to see if the deer the guide was looking over was still there. He was a nice buck with three back points and heavy.
That night over dinner I decided to go after the buck with the three back points and Justin would go higher on the mountain where he shot his 195 inch buck last year. 4 AM rolled around to quickly and we were strapping up and hitting the trail. I was in position for my hunt by 5:30 AM, but I wanted to sit and let the area settle down. At 6:50 AM it was light enough to see clearly and I realized the three horned buck was not on the same hill side I saw him last night - wishful thinking on my part. I started to climb the hill to meet up with Justin as we had prearranged. With my first few steps I heard two different deer crash through the brush during my ascent; I was hoping they were not my buck. While climbing I stayed close to the tree line so I could get a glimpses of the open hill face on the other side of the step draw.
Then without a noise I saw the three horned buck in the exact spot I saw him the night before. I got my shooting stick ready and leveled my 270 just in time for him to walk behind a large pine tree. I could see he would have to come out the other side if he stayed on the same line of travel, but I would only have a 10 yard opening before he would be in thick timber. The seconds dragged on for ages, and then there he was. He stood perfectly still giving me a broad side shot for one second then I squeezed the trigger. He ran back to the other side of the tree and I shot again. The 150 yard shots had thumping reports letting me know they had both hit. Less than one minute later I heard him crash and roll down the hill.
I checked my watch to see it was 7:21 AM. Now the work begins.
At the end of the day we had counted 15 other hunters in this valley, so much for having the valley to our selves, and yes the nine hunters we talked to were all from Utah. The valley produced two other small bucks that should have been left for next year. Justin saw nine other deer over the next three days, but none were worth taking as we were hunting for mature deer.
While stalking five bucks on the second morning we walked past an active wasp hive. Justin walked past with no incident, but I got swarmed and stung five times. Apparently I was not very quiet while getting stung and when we checked where the deer should have been bedded they were no were to be found.
September 27th, 2007
More big bulls are getting spotted. This footage and photos were sent in by Harmon Silloway. He got a close look at this monster elk. Harmon says it is a 7×11 point non-typical bull.
What do you think it scores? Very tough to tell from the photos and video…
This bull is a herd bull that is a result of transplanted elk to the east to help build up the herd years ago and therefore has a radio collar on its neck as wildlife authorities keep a close eye on the herd. Don’t let that make you think that it is a high fenced bull. This is a fair chase bull that a lucky hunter could very well get this year through their lottery draw.
Short video clip of this bull live
September 26th, 2007
We are talking big bulls and so I thought it was time for a cool video and video clip to highlight. Bulls Beyond Belief 2 has been years in the making. This long-awaited elk DVD is finally here.
Shane Koury of Koury’s Guide Service has put together a great combination of hunts. Witness the largest elk ever taken on video scoring 442 6/8 P&Y and is the current #2 non-typical archery elk in the world. Nine bulls that average 393 B&C!
Over 60 minutes..
This video has footage the current #2 non-typical archery bull elk in the world. Wow. Plus much more. Give the little video trailer a look. Click Here if you want to buy it and enjoy the whole DVD. You won’t be disappointed.
September 21st, 2007
Many of you have been wanting to see photos of the pending 443 gross, 427 net P&Y state record archery bull from Utah that I posted on earlier. This bull was guided by Mossback and they have just posted photos of this bull on their web site. Some amazing photos and an incredible elk.
This bull is a 7×6 point. There is an extra browtine (third browtine) on the right side. Since this extra browtine is not matched on the other side, this point is considered a non-typical abnormal point. “If” there was a matching third browtine, then they would be considered part of the typical frame and it would be classified as a typical (but there isn’t). They still could choose to score this as a typical elk, but the extra browtine would be a deduction. If they are green scoring this bull as a non-typical at roughly 427 net, then a rough (I am guessing here) net typical score after deductions would put it around 407 net typical. I am basing this on the fact that third browtine is about 20-inches long.
I am mentioning this due to the fact that they might be considering what score would be the best. Naturally this would be a state record archery bull either way and probably a #3 in the world as a typical behind Chuck Adams’ bull at 409 2/8 and the new world record from Shawn Patterson that now scores 412 1/8 P&Y.
I will keep you posted on all of the scores as the 60-day drying period closes in.
UPDATE (11-19-07) - The official score is in on the Mossback guided Jimmy Ryan archery non-typical Utah elk. The score is 443 2/8 gross and 428 3/8 net non-typical P&Y.
That is big. This will shatter the state record archery bull, become the new overall state non-typical record for any weapon and is a pending #2 in the world non-typical archery bull for Pope & Young.
Here is a link to the Mossback website were you can see the photos to Jimmy Ryan’s great archery bull
LINK: Mossback
September 21st, 2007
The Pope & Young Club had their 25th Biennail Convention and Awards Banquet in Lancaster, Pennsylvania this past spring. During that awards banquet, there were two animals that were declared new world records.
Shawn Patterson’s Arizona elk that he arrowed in 2005 in Coconino County is now the new world record typical archery bull. Shawn’s bull officially scores 412 1/8 net P&Y typical. This bull exceeded the previous world’s record by almost three inches (409 2/8) taken by Chuck Adams in Rosebud, County, Montana in 2000. This is only the fifth 400 plus-inch typical American elk ever taken by a bowhunter. Shawn’s gigantic bull has 60-inch main beams and 56-inch inside spread.
Another world record is the Rocky Mountain Goat taekn by Shad Wheeler near Kalum Lake, British Columbia in 2006. Shad bested a world’s record that had stood for 18 years (42 4/8) by archer Lyle Willmarth in Park County, Colorado in 1988. Shad’s amazing Billy Goat is the new world record scoring 53 0/8 P&Y.
There was also another Mountain Goat that also topped the previous world record during this scoring period. This goat was taken by Allen Bolen in British Columbia as well and scores 52 6/8 P&Y.
September 21st, 2007
Time to put on your best field judging hat and let’s see how good you guys/gals do. I was just sent these live photos of this monster bull elk that is still roaming the hills. Nope, I am not going to tell you where or from who. Let’s see what you come up with…we have huge typical frame with two big kickers. What a beauty.
If this bull does end up getting knocked down, I will update with the official score and see how close you get.
Minimum bid starts at 400?
September 14th, 2007
The Utah elk posts will continue to come as huge bulls continue to get knocked down in 2007. Big rumors are flying around about a possible 443 bull elk taken recently in Utah. Was it with a rifle? Muzzleloader? Bow? Is this a New World Record?
This bull is legit and has been green scored at 443 gross and 427 net non-typical P&Y. It was taken with a bow by Jimmy Ryan. This will shatter the record non-typical archery state record (currently at 401 1/8 P&Y). In addition it will also take over as the overall non-typical state record overtaking the 2002 bull taken by Jeff Didericksen scoring 412 0/8 B&C.
…That is until possibly something bigger gets killed. We are just getting going with the season!
So of course you have to ask the question - if the score holds where would this rank in the world? We will have to wait the 60-day drying period before an official score can come in to know for sure, but here is the “what if” factor:
Right now it would fall into the #2 spot in the world behind the world record Nick Franklin bull (442 0/8 P&Y). Currently the #2 bull is the Clay Heuett bull (422 6/8 P&Y). Both of these Arizona bulls were taken in 2003. Crazy thing is, both of these scores are for Pope & Young. However, both the Franklin bull and the Heuett bull score higher, or listed with a higher score, in the Boone & Crockett record books (444 0/8 and 429 6/8 B&C respectively). Both of these bulls were so big that B&C invited them to their panel as well and they are listed in both the P&Y and B&C record books but have different scores.
Here is my list that I think is still correct for the top five non-typical archery bulls listed in Pope & Young:
Non-typical American Elk through 2006 season
1. 442 0/8, Coconino County, AZ, 2003, Nick Franklin
2. 422 6/8, Navajo County, AZ, 2003, Clay R. Heuett
3. 420 5/8, Shoshone County, ID, 1981, Steven W. Mullin
4. 419 5/8, Coconino County, AZ, 1985, James L. Ludvigson
5. 417 0/8, Coconino County, AZ, 1993, Brady J. Dupke
UPDATE (11-19-07) - The official score is in on the Mossback guided Jimmy Ryan archery non-typical Utah elk. The score is 443 2/8 gross and 428 3/8 net non-typical P&Y.
That is big. This will shatter the state record archery bull, become the new overall state non-typical record for any weapon and is a pending #2 in the world non-typical archery bull for Pope & Young.
September 12th, 2007
Just another great velvet typical archery mule deer from the 2007 season. This time we move over and give some props to Oregon. There was a beautiful mule deer taken that looks like it will easily take the state record typical in the velvet category and likely to surpass the overall state record. Green score on this buck is an awesome 198 4/8 net typical P&Y. With about 13 inches of total deductions (there is also a small kicker on the left G4) this buck gross scores about 212.
I’ll keep you posted on the official score when it is available and maybe a pic if I can. Thanks to Wade for the heads up on this one.
UPDATE (10/31/07) - Rob McKibbin has just got his buck officially scored. The official results are 202 5/8 gross and 192 4/8 net typical. As of right now Rob’s buck was the new state record archery velvet typical mule deer (see below). I will keep this post active as we find out more from these other potential record archery bucks from Oregon and see if this changes.
Rob McKibben and his Oregon Archery velvet typical mule deer from 2007 scoring 202 5/8 gross and 192 4/8 net P&Y
So how does this rank. Doing some research, it looks like the prior Oregon state record for velvet typical mule deer is 186 0/8 taken by Richard Marks in 1995. The hard-horned state archery record is 195 7/8 taken by Gidion Jackson back in 1990. The #2 buck is 193 3/8 P&Y taken in 1996.
UPDATE (11/14/07) - Thanks Kim for the update. It looks like Nick Mickelson just got his velvet typical archery mule deer scored yesterday. The official results are 207 gross and 194 7/8 net P&Y. He had some abnormal points that contributed to the 13 1/8-inches of deductions. What a buck! So here we go. Nick just surpassed Rob as the new state record velvet typical archery buck. We’ll see if he can hold the top spot for a bit.
Nick Mickelson and his Oregon Archery Velvet Buck scoring 207 gross and 194 7/8 net P&Y. This is a pending new state record velvet archery typical mule deer.
New state record archery velvet NON-TYPICAL buck has also been taken in 2007. For those of you who have kept up on the comments to this post have learned of Chris Dunlap’s new velvet record Oregon buck with an official score of 231 1/8 gross and 225 3/8 net non-typical P&Y as a 11×13 point. What a year for Oregon bowhunters in 2007.
Chris Dunlap with his new Oregon Archery State Record Velvet Non-typical Mule Deer which scores 231 1/8 gross and 225 3/8 net P&Y.
I would like to thank everyone for making this post so successful. Due to your help we have been able to track down the best from Oregon this year and allow everyone access to the most accurate information. I have photos from Rob, Nick and Chris. I am going to be running the stories on all three of these great record bucks in our next issue of Hunting Illustrated Magazine rightfully titled our “Best of 2007″ issue. Because of everyone’s help on tracking these bucks down, I think I will go ahead and post the photos from all three bucks on this post.
So…is this it for Oregon velvet archery records from 2007? Not so fast!
I believe there is still one more typical buck out there that could still mix things up a bit. It has not been officially scored yet, but I have seen a photo and there is no question it could net score in the 190’s. It is not very wide, but tall. Until I can get full permission and get a chance to actually talk with the hunter, we will have to wait it out a bit on this buck before I can do any more…
September 12th, 2007
For years Kansas Wildlife and Parks officials have declined to admit that there are actually mountain lions within the state of Kansas. Many people have apparently seen them, or seen their tracks and scat, but officials have never given in until they actual see a carcass.
On September 7th, 17-year old Wabaunsee High School senior Wayne Flerlage is sure they do. Wayne, an athlete and frequent runner, was out on a late night run east of Alma. On his way back home, he was attacked from behind when a mountain lion jumped on his back and knocked him down. Quick on his feet, Wayne gathered himself to find that he was face to face to what appeared to be a mountain lion. Wayne struck it in the face and kicked and the cougar slowly retreated back into the bushes. Wayne reported the whole experience to Wildlife Officials and has the scratches to prove it. Are there mountain lions in Kansas?
LINK: STPNS
September 10th, 2007
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