The end of the hunt

Sunday went to the Agfc orientation and back off to scout before dark. I saw over 100 elk and the prospects look good for great hunt in the morning.

I met up with my friend the next morning at 545 and drove down to where I had found the elk. We sat in the truck and swapped hunting stories and listened to the elk bugling in the dark and the cows singing love songs back to em.

As daylight approached we snuck 1/4 mile down the old woods road and could barely make out the elk. We cautiously eased within range and were in awe of how many elk were in the good plot. We counted over 100 elk and the chore of singling out one elk was very difficult. They swarmed and fed like bees on honey. Finally one cow eased slight away from a bunch and I let the 7 mag bark. Elk went everywhere and stampeded the area. The ambush was a success! We let the field clear of elk an then went to look for signs of a hit. We found signs of a good shot but the elk crossed the river. Man oh man as it was deep and no shallow shoal near. Down to our undies we went and swam the cold water with my gun held over my head. We managed to get back dressed and off on the Crimson trail we followed. She went deep into the gorge and over a ridge where we found her. I had no idea how big of an animal these elk are truly. We could barely role her over. We took some great picture and then the work began. We had to quarter her up and haul her out to the river. Wow each ham was at least 150lbs. We both were exhausted by the end of the haul. I think every muscle in my body screamed for extra oxygen lol. It was a great experience but one that if I am ever to do again will recruit at least 3 people. The job of quartering and hauling her out was too much for 2 people but we did it. Attachment 177753Attachment 177754Attachment 177755
Attachment 177757Attachment 177756

Way to go, JW! Congrats on the kill. :highfive I'm sure you had a great time..........except for the haul out of the woods! Thanks for the post and the pics. Let us know how your mother-in-law is doing. Hope she's okay.

That is an awsome hunt hope to draw a permit one day. congrats

Congratulations! Not many folks can say they've killed an elk in Arkansas. Great story as well.

Congrats JW! I'm jealous for sure. I would love to kill an elk in Arkansas!! Thanks for taking time to post all about your scouting and your hunt!!!

Congratulations JW. Great pictures and a great story and great pictures. Thank you for taking us along with you on the scouting and the hunt. I just hope you got lot's of freezer space.

She got released from the hospital last night. They put her on diuretics and she lost 20 pounds in two days. She is supposed to go for a heart cath Monday after more diuretics. Attachment 177772 and the Agfc gives a shirt to all who drew permits Attachment 177773 and rules sheet Attachment 177775 and Who you call when you harvest an animal.

Nice hunt JW. Congrats.

Forgot to mention she filled up three coolers. Hey hundred and 20 quart cooler and two 55 quart coolers. Total made about 400 pounds.

you have inspired me to start applying again for the Elk tags , did it for years and gave up , congrats on a truly special animal from the natural state!!!!!

Great story and hunt JW. Congrats!

I thought you were going to try the stick and string method? It looked like an arrow sticking out of her neck at 1st, but then I noticed it was a barrel.

Congrats!

Congrats JW!

Good story!

Awesome story JW! One of these days...

Way to go Bowhunter!!!

Man what a story. Super nice job JW. The shot is the easy part. Then the work begins but I couldn't imagine hauling her back across the creek.

Nice job. She will be tasty.

Great story congrats on a successful hunt!

Awesome job and story! Adversity makes memories!

Great job!@

I sure would like to try elk steak. Just a bite. A small bite.......:fish