I had a great opening day for lateIDAHO elkmuzzleloader season!!

The season only lasts for seven daysfor spike only.The morning started out very windy and snowing. It didn't seem like the best situation for elk hunting, but sure was better than sitting at home. Luckily I had been scouting for the last month since rifle season ended. There had been a couple spike elk in the area. Today was my lucky day. I had been leaning against a tree to stay out of the snow for about an hour and seen something move. I waited patiently for a better view, when the most beautiful spike elk came out from the timber line. He was probably about 60 yards away. Wind blowing in my face, so he had no idea I was there.

I raised my 54 cal Knight muzzleloader and lined up the shot. Boom!!! He took off like a speeding train. I thought I missed andwatched as he disappeared into the timber. Due to the wind I couldn't hear much. I waited about an hour an decided to track him due to the snow you think it would be easy. Not the case. The wind was blowing the snow so hard that the tracks were disappearing, but found some blood. Now I'm thinking the worst.He iswoundedand will I even find him??

Sorry to sound soo long winded, but it was a great day. I must have spent 1 1/2 hours searching before I was able to find him laying next to a big tree. He looked much larger when face to face. Not the best shot placement, but a kill shot. I spent the next three hours quartering him up by myself. I never realized how much timethat takes when nobody else to help. I'm going back out in the morning to pack him out. Hopefully try to post some pics. The END!!

Nice work!! Congrats on your success!! You'll have a whole year to enjoy some good eaten!!!!-------------------ElkNut1

Packing out the elk was a lot of work. I'm going to need a few days to recover. I have always been fortunate enough to access and load the elk whole. Never realized how hard it's to packout the elk on your back.

ElkNut1 your absolutely right. Good eaten is the word!!

I'm still working on getting some pic's soon. Just haven't had time.

Congrats double-lung

Yes packin is a lot of work, just ask my wife who had to pack a bull on our honeymoon. She still loves to go hunting but now cheers for the elk.
Thanks for sharing

After you pull the trigger, then the real work begins!

Congrats on your kill!

Good job. I like to hire a horse for this kind of work.To old to do it the hard way.

Thanks for the replies. I'm still working on getting a picture to post. Waiting for pictures to be developed. I was able to get some measurements. 27 1/4 & 28 1/2 spikes. 16 3/4 widest inside spread.