2025 Montana Bull

[starvingoutdoorsman]

Well, I finally tagged my first bull after 28 years of trying and have something worth sharing here after years of some participation or lurking. With my dad by my side. He got his also. Kind of a bittersweet moment. I thought about writing up a longer story, and still might. Because I know I at least have 120+ miles on my boots through some nasty and thick overgrown stuff and plenty of photos from numerous trips. Likely seen well over 1,000 elk and not a single one on Public or the BMA we had access to part of the season. We still ended up getting them the easiest way possible. Flat state land maybe 300-ish yards from the truck while we were heading to the mountains for what we figured would be another 6-8 mile round trip hike. Not even going to sugar coat it. I know I worked extrememly hard for this bull but I guess luck must have something to do with it also. Either way, I am happy with the outcome.

 

[The_Coloradoboy]

Congrats! Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good… but 28 years without an elk!?!? I’d say you were well beyond due for this one

 

[tystash]

Congratulations!

 

[starvingoutdoorsman]

Congrats! Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good… but 28 years without an elk!?!? I’d say you were well beyond due for this one

Ohh I have got cows. Just never a bull. The only other bull I have shot, some other guy shot it as it was falling over and ran up to it and tagged it as fast as he could. One reason I will never hunt the valleys like that again.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Big congrats!

Luck has everything to do with it, when you're really Doing It Yourself on public land around here!

Now you’re the WellFedOutdoorsman!

 

[rtraverdavis]

No shame in how it played out. Sounds like you were due a layup. Congratulations!

 

[MTTW]

It is only luck when someone else does it. Lol
Congratulations on a beautiful first bull.

 

[caddiscrazy]

Congrats! Pretty dang nice one at that!

 

[Nameless Range]

Hell yeah! Way to stick with it! Beautiful bull.

 

[sambo3006]

You paid your dues. It seems fitting that you got your first bull in a spot that allowed your dad to enjoy the experience with you without a miserable pack out. Congratulations to you both!

 

[Southern Elk]

Congrats! 28 years of trying? The username checks out.

 

[Big Sky Guy]

Congrats! Any pics of your dad's as well?

 

[Irrelevant]

And here I thought my 14 years of hunting before getting my first elk was record, I guess I'm holding your beer.

 

[cohunter14]

Congrats on a great bull!

 

[pabearhunter]

CONGRATULATIONS on a GREAT bull.

 

[Nameless Range]

@starvingoutdoorsman, I'd definitely like to hear more about your season and the previous seasons. You write in the OP that it took you 28 seasons to get your first bull. As someone who looks at most the bulls I've ever killed as dumb luck or pity from the Hunting Gods, I would be interested in your perspective/feelings regarding getting one after nearly 3 decades of effort. And to do so with your dad. That's magic.

I admire the stick-to-itness, and hope you just broke the seal on many more.

 

[6mm Remington]

Congratulations and well deserved! My friend and I call that Cashing In A Coupon. You need several hard hunts to earn a coupon and it would appear you earned it and then some.

 

[beartoothhiker]

heck ya!

 

[JMG]

I believe all hunting is "luck" ... you can improve your luck by being smart. But there is always an element of "luck". Congratulations!