Mindlessly scrolling through social media feeds is usually a waste of time. However, occassionally a post catches your attention and you think to yourself “Now THAT is pretty cool!” Such was the case earlier this week when I stumbled upon a post from my friend Dan Baldock.
Of course, the first thing I noticed was that Dan killed an absolute dandy bulk elk. But, as I swiped through his photos, I realized there was more to this story than meets the eye. So I reached out to Dan and got his take on what turned out to be one of the most memorable hunts of his life.
Setting The Stage
Dan’s archery elk hunt took place in an over-the-counter unit in Colorado, hunting with his good friend Travis Crowley on a small piece of leased ground. This was Dan’s 4th hunt with Travis, having killed several elk with him in years past.
Below is the story in Dan’s own words.
Day 1
Walking in that first morning, we heard a half dozen bulls bugling in all directions. Most of the elk were below us and we wanted to get above them as they worked their way up to bed. There were 3 of us hunting so we spread out on the ridge hoping one of us would get a shot. We had a big herd bull pushing 40 to 50 cows below us. Unfortunately, they all slipped by us and went up the mountain.
After that, we each moved to different locations to sit for the day. Travis prefers to sit over water holes or wallows and not chase the elk all over since it’s a small piece. You sit for the entire day! You don’t leave until dark which makes for some long sits.
About a hour before dark a nice 6×6 approached the water hole I was sitting over. As he got a drink I came to full draw and sent an arrow right over his back from 40 yards away. A clean miss on the first day! I was obviously upset with myself, feeling that I blew a great opportunity.
Day 2
The next day was uneventful and the elk were very quiet. They beat us up the mountain that morning and were above us as we walked in. The weather was very hot with temps in the upper 80s and 90s.
Day 3
The third day started the same as the second. It was quiet with very few bugles. Around noon, I heard a bull up above me bugling, but he was a long way off. Soon he bugled again and was getting closer. After two or three more bugles he had closed quite a bit of ground and I felt like he was coming down for a drink.
The next time he bugled he was less than 100 yards away. I grabbed my bow and an extra arrow that I set next to me, just in case.
Out of seemingly nowhere, 25 cows and spike bulls came running to the clearing where the water hole is. Right behind them was the herd bull. He stopped at 50 yards and gave out one last bugle, then walked to the water hole.
I came to full draw and released my first arrow which zipped right through him. In disbelief, he never moved or even flinched! As the bull stood there, unaware that he had just been shot, I reached down and grabbed my 2nd arrow.
Unfortunately, 2 cows were covering his vitals so I couldn’t get another shot right away. Finally, one cleared and I sent a second arrow, hitting him perfectly behind the shoulder. He still never moved! I honestly could not believe what was happening or what I was witnessing.Â
I was able to reach behind me and get the third arrow and just as I got to full draw when he tipped over right in the water hole. I couldn’t believe it.
In over 40 years of bowhunting and I have never experienced anything like this. After gathering the guys we were able to get the Ranger close enough to the water hole to winch him out for photos. Then we quartered him out since he would not fit in the Ranger. What an absolutely unbelievable hunt!
Special thanks to Travis Crowley, Donovan Huehl, and Sam Krueger for all the help!
Dan's Gear Setup
- Bow: Elite Hunter set at 60 lbs
- Arrows: Carbon Express Maxima
- Broadhead: 100 grain Wasp Havalon
