Dave Madry

I hunted in the 2017 1st. rifle season. After meeting with Joe that morning and going over all the details, which was done in a very professional manner, I saw an elk watching us set up the tent. The first day was alittle slow but we did see a few cows and two small bulls. The second morning it was cold (19 degrees) and snow. As we headed out I went up the mountain. About 1/4 mi. up I spooked a herd that went crashing through the timber and suddenly it went dead quiet. I decided to keep going up a couple hundred yards then head north where they were headed. I was surprised to catch a glimpse of some cows, so I dropped down and watched to see there reaction, they didn't see me so I began to cow call and was shocked to get an response. I observed a herd of about 25 or 30. Several bulls just browsing and moving at a slow pace. I waited for them to move out of sight so I could continue onward, but when I thought they were gone I stood up and to my surprise one cow was behind and saw me then took off running.

I waited until she was out of sight then took off up the side of the mountain. When I reached the top I crouched down so I couldn't be skylined. Nothin' in sight up or down either side,they were gone, disappeared into thin air, then i caught a movement in the scrub oaks 250 yards up the mountain to my left, a cow and calf were going over.
I started to call and they returned the favor, this time they were all around me, then a few high pitched bugles broke loose. I was right in the middle of that herd. I continued to cow and calf call then came the deep throated bugle and I knew that would be a good bull. After a few minutes which seemed like forever when your crouched down and your legs are burning, he came out of the dark timber to gather his cows and to run off those young bulls. He was on a mission and not breaking stride, headed up to those scrub oaks to those cows. I figured I had about 15 sec.to shoot, I swung around ,shouldered my 270,put the crosshairs on top of his shoulders squeezed the trigger and let the 150 gr. P.P on it's way to the target. Estimated range about 200 yards.(later it was ranged to be 178yds) I got to witness the hit and fall of this magnificent animal through my scope. When I got over to the area where I thought he was I could smell the musk oder that led me right to him. WOW was I surprised to see the size of this thing, it happened so fast and now there he was lying right in front of me. One shot, dropped in his tracks, all I could do was just stare at this beautiful elk. After I realized what just took place I sent Joe a pic, before I knew it he was there beside me in just as much awe as I was earlier.
After a few pictures he even took a quarter down for me. This hunt was exceptional for me and I've been on a lot of them. This isn't a canned hunt where you pick out your animal. I happened to be at the right place at the right time. Sometimes you don't get to harvest anything but then sometimes you just get lucky. When you hunt here with Joe, he can't control mother nature and the animals behavior, I guess that's why it's called hunting. This area I hunted is where another gentleman said there were no animals and a high fence. Well I'm here to tell you I walked the whole property and didn't see any high fence, but I did see about 30 to 40 elk and 3 shooter mule deer. Happy hunting and may God Bless

I wouldn't hesitate to hunt with Joe , very honest and up front with you, and if you have any problems or questions he is always happy to talk with you about it and get it resolved.

Be prepared for all weather