There’s nothing quite like elk hunting in Oregon – the rugged mountains, the crisp air, and the thrill of chasing one of North America’s most majestic animals. This season was unforgettable, as we managed to take down three bulls in just two days, a feat that still feels surreal.
We arrived at camp with high hopes, our gear packed and spirits high. The forecast called for clear skies, perfect for tracking elk through the thick timber and steep ridges. We split into two groups to cover more ground, each armed with calls and a determination to fill our tags.
On the first morning, the woods were alive with sound. The bugles echoed through the valleys, haunting and powerful. We moved carefully, using the wind to our advantage as we closed in on a herd. Suddenly, we spotted movement – a group of cows followed by a massive bull, his antlers towering above him.
My heart raced as I positioned myself, steadying my rifle. Just as he turned broadside, I squeezed the trigger. The shot rang out, and the bull staggered before collapsing. He was a magnificent 6×6, his body massive and his antlers a true trophy. But the day wasn’t over yet.
That afternoon, as we worked to pack out the first bull, we heard another bugle nearby. My hunting partner’s eyes lit up, and without hesitation, we began a stalk. We followed the sound over a ridge, where another bull stood, challenging an unseen rival. My partner made a perfect shot, and the second bull of the day was down. Two in one day – we could hardly believe our luck.
The next morning, exhausted but eager, we headed out again. Not even an hour in, we stumbled upon a group of bulls feeding along a hillside. They hadn’t seen us, the wind in our favor. I lined up the shot and dropped the third bull, completing an incredible two-day hunt.
Three bulls in two days – it was beyond anything we had imagined. The hard work of packing out all that meat was worth every aching muscle. We gathered around the campfire that night, reflecting on the adventure, the perfect shots, and the bond shared through the hunt.
Oregon had given us the hunt of a lifetime. Three majestic bulls, unforgettable memories, and a story that would be told around campfires for years to come.
