Stuck N The Rut

6-POINT BULL DOWN!!!

That happened fast.

I had to finish up work for most of the first week of archery season, but as soon as I was done, it was off to the woods.

It had been nothing but downpouring rain and fog, so I had no choice but to hunt in it.

On my first official day elk hunting, I made it pretty far back but didn’t hear a single bugle. On my way off the mountain that evening, I spotted a canyon way off in the distance. I threw a bugle into it, knowing it was far enough away that there was a chance I wouldn’t hear anything back.

Then a bull screamed at the head of the canyon and just went absolutely nuts.

It was too close to dark to make a move, so I knew exactly what the plan was for the next day. That night, I pulled up OnX Maps and found a better way to get into the drainage.

The next morning, I navigated through steep terrain, using onX Hunt to avoid the alder brush and get above where I had heard that bull the night before.

Rain and fog again.

I got above the drainage and bugled in his direction. Nothing.

I cow called.

He screamed.

I could already tell he was on his way.

I set up the camera, got ready, and waited.

He came all the way in to 15 yards.

I put an arrow behind the shoulder, and he ran about 60 yards before stopping and laying down.

The rest is history.

Thankfully, by the time I got him broken down and into game bags, I had help arriving to pack him out. It was an absolute blast of a hunt, and I couldn’t be more thankful for how it all came together.

And thankfully, I’ve still got a second elk tag in my pocket… so it’s not over just yet. 🏹

Gear List:
• Hoyt RX-10
• KUIU Clothes / Rain Gear
• Hoffman Boots (Scout)
• Sheep Feet — code: RUT
• Peax Trekking Poles / Flashlight — code: RUT
• OnX Maps
• Phelps Game Calls — code: RUT10
• Predator Decoys
• Caribou Gear Game Bags
• Squatch Juice — code: RUT

Congratulations Brayden, with Hoffman Boots, on a stud early season buck. Here is the full story on how everything went down and how our Mule Deer Master Class helped him out,

“This buck was basically killed in July and August. All I had to do on opening day was make my shot count. The Masterclass really showed me how important scouting is when it comes to killing mature deer.

I scouted almost every Saturday and Sunday morning during July and August, getting up at 2 a.m. each time. I learned the deer patterns and figured out which drainages held the most deer, focusing on shelter, water, and food like you covered in the Masterclass.

The “avalanche chutes” held the most deer in the mornings and evenings, and that’s exactly where I ended up killing my buck. I also used the soft-bumping strategy you talked about on your podcast with Graylight Hunter to learn their escape routes. I actually bumped this buck the day I killed him, and he only went about 200 yards. I was able to sneak underneath him and kill him at 44 yards.

The Masterclass gave me a plan and helped me understand what I was looking for when I was scouting. I was able to take what I learned and actually put it to work in the field. It made a huge difference, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone serious about killing mature deer.

Great Masterclass!!! I learned a lot and used a lot!”

Link in the bio to learn more about the Stuck N The Rut Mule Deer Master Class

Trevor got his Wyoming bull back from the Taxidermist. Turned out great!!! Another addition to the Stuck N The Rut Trophy room.

LAST DAY TO ENTER AND WIN!!!

If you’d like a chance to win a Wolf Pillow, just visit the link in my bio to enter before the giveaway closes today at midnight.

I think it’d look great in your home, or anywhere you want to bring a little of the outdoors inside.

🎁 Prize: Wolf Pillow

Be sure to check the official rules for eligibility, entry deadlines, winner selection, and all the giveaway details.

This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram. By entering, you release Instagram from any responsibility related to this promotion.

Still one of my favorite archery bulls to this day.

I pursued this bull for multiple years but could never get close enough for an ethical shot with my bow. As time went on, word got out about him, and more hunters started chasing him on public land. By 2018, it was almost impossible to hunt him without another bowhunter bumping him out of the country.

The difference between me and everyone else? I didn’t quit.

As the seasons passed, most hunters burned out and moved on. In 2019, there wasn’t another soul pursuing this bull. That’s when my opportunity finally came. I caught him off guard, slipped into range, and made a perfect shot through his vitals.

Hunts like this are what keep me coming back. They’re a reminder that persistence pays off, and sometimes the biggest reward comes after years of staying committed when everyone else has given up.

One more month, and I’ll be chasing jungle giants again.

If you’re looking to become a better elk hunter especially when it comes to finding and consistently hunting mature herd bulls, be sure to check out our SNTR Elk Hunting Master Class. Link in bio, and good luck this upcoming hunting season.