2011 Arizona Elk

Mossback AZ's 2011 elk success has continued into the early elk season's across AZ. After helping fill two special AZ elk tags with bulls well over the magical 400" mark, our guides continue to pound the hills in search of rutting bulls for our clients. Not to be disappointed, our clients were successful in harvesting many mature bulls. Here are some photos and descriptions of our success thus far.

ROCKY'S GIANT ARCHERY BULL!!

Rocky is all smiles as he and two of his sons hold his 2011 AZ archery bull dubbed "Headlights",.

Rocky was successful in drawing an archery bull tag for a unit that is well known for producing giant bulls. Rocky's family was extremely lucky this year in the draw as he and two of his sons drew the same unit. This provided an opportunity to hunt and scout for his hunt and his son's hunts. Rocky was unable to hunt opening day as he married off another son and celebrated into the night! After a long night of traveling, Rocky arrived in his unit early in the wee hours of the night but was able to grab a few hours of sleep before the sun started to rise. As you have probably all heard, this year's hunts started off slow but our scouting paid dividends as Rocky and his son where right in the middle of bulls at the start of their hunt. Rocky was able to pass on a mid 340s bull at 30 yards within the first half hour of his hunt. What a great start! We stood mobile and kept looking at different bulls trying to find that special bull that Rocky wanted to hang his tag on. On the evening of the third night, we were sitting on a hill listening to bulls bugle trying to determine which bugle sounded best. We knew at least one of the bulls below us was a 370+ bull but a hunter we dubbed "Buglin Bob" started sounding off. This individual bugled every 3-5 minutes and it quickly shut down the bugling we'd heard up until then. We decided not to pressure the bulls anymore so we backed out. With only a few minutes left of daylight, we figured we drive to another spot and listen for bugles. As we were driving down the main road we rounded a bend and there directly in front of us was a beautiful 6x7 bull escorting 3 cows. I immediately recognized this bull as a bull my brother and Mossback guide Joe Gonzales chased last year. This bull had grown and I guessed him to be in the 385"-390" range. Rocky dubbed this bull "Headlights" and made it clear that this was the bull he wanted to hang his tag on and since we'd learned so much about this bull last year, I figured we had a great chance. I also knew it would take persistence and patient. We'd have to follow the bull around and stay close until he made a mistake and gave us a chance. This bull would not fall for calling and the density and flatness of the pinyon-juniper forest he called home made glassing impossible. For the next several days we stood close. On one occassion we were within 20 yards and I could see the split in the hooves of this bull as he chased cows around on the other side of the trees. Every time we got brave enough to call, he get quiet and move his cows off. On day seven we started the day out like the last few days, get in front of this bull and hope he crossed close enough for a shot. Once again, he passed just out of range so we followed him to his bed. As he bugled from his bed we gave calling another chance and this time he came in quietly but stood 40 yards out never offering  a shot. We backed out and let him rest. That evening we were in position, staying a few hundreds yards away until he started bugling again. As soon as he started bugling we started moving slowly and quietly. As daylight started fading "Headlights" finally made the mistake we'd been waiting for. His cows were up and feeding as he stood back bugling at other bulls. The elk didn't move more than 50 yards for 45 minutes so we stood still waiting for a chance. Finally the cows started moving towards water and he stopped to take his aggression out on a tree. Rocky quickly slipped in a little closer and was able to get a 30 yard shot as Headlights had his head buried in a tree. Not knowing exactly were he hit the bull we backed and gave the bull time. We had dinner and picked up Rocky's two sons and went back to pick up the trail at about 11 p.m. After several hours of following blood we lost the trail. We hiked back to the truck and slept for a couple hours. At daylight we picked up the trail again. Headlights had stopped bleeding and kept moving, never bedding. Once again, persistence paid off and after tracking this bull for 0.9 miles on tracks alone we found him bedded in a thick clump of junipers. Rocky worked his way around and was able to get another arrow in him. After a quick dash, Headlights was down for good. There was no ground shrinkage on this bull, he was everything we'd guessed him to be 4 days earlier. I still don't know what was longer, this bull's tine length or the smile on Rocky's face. To top it off, Rocky was able to have 2 of his boys with him. An official measure green scored Headlights at 391 5/8". WOW! Definately a hard earned but well deserved bull. Congrats to Rocky!!

Rocky and Mossback AZ guide Art Gonzales with a hard earned AZ giant!

Colton's first elk..

Colton and his dad Rocky pose with Colton's first elk.

Not to be excluded from the family passion of hunting elk, Colton drew his first Arizona elk tag in the same unit his dad harvested his great bull and was looking to hang his tag on an exceptional bull. Opening morning we glassed an incredible non-typical bull and within five minutes of opening day, the hunt was in full swing. Unfortunately this bull knew how to use the sparse cover in this open country and we spent 10 hours under a blazing sun at less than 100 yards waiting for him to stand out of his bed. We used our binos for hours on end looking for this bull in his bed with no success. Finally, in the evening the bull blew out of his bed never giving us a shot and leaving the burning image of those giant split beam antlers haunting us. Not to be discouraged, we continued our hunt seeing many giant bulls in the process. Colton showed the commitment and restraint that seasoned hunters know is crucial in harvesting a mature bulls. We had bulls literally drooling less than 10 yards away and Colton held his composure as we waited for a mature bull to give us a chance. One evening Colton had a split second chance as a 380+ bull crossed a small opening. Unfortunately this brief moment was not long enough to make sure this bull was put together well enough. This unit is well known for hunters shooting bulls that look good on one side only to find the other side completely broken. Towards the end of the hunt, those bulls starting showing up. We were seeing bulls with multiple broken tines. On day 6, Colton passed on a what would've been a 370" bull had he not been busted after his left G3. With all four eyeguards pushing 20", this bull is sure to be a whopper next year. Finally, the last day of the season arrived. Having enjoyed a hunt filled with close encounters with rut crazed bull, Colton was ready to drop the hammer on a bull. We were able to get right in the middle of a bugling frenzy with the bull absolutlely going nuts. After making our way through the smaller bulls we heard a bull with a bugle like none other I've ever heard. I'd call it more of a roar than a bugle but definately a sound right out of a horror movie. As we closed the distance we watched the bull following a cow across a small opening. Seeing a 7x7 frame on a giant body, Colton made the decision to take this bull and as he crossed back, Colton was able to make a tough and quick 50 yard shot that connected with the bulls heart. 20 yards later Colton's first bull toppled over. I believe Colton's bull was an older bull on the the downhill slide in regards to antler size. Nevertheless, this bull is awesome. With giant bases, 10" first mass measurements, 54" beams, 20" G2s, and a 7x8 rack, this bull scores 373". Not a bad first bull! Congrats to Colton on his first bull. The lessons learned and the experiences encountered on this hunt has made for many memories that will help hold Colton over until he can draw another tag.

Colton and Mossback AZ guide Art Gonzales with Colton's awesome AZ bull.

Kent also drew a great archery tag and contacted Mossback AZ to assist him on his hunt.  Days on end were spent scouting the best bulls the unit had to offer, and there were a handful that would surpass the magical 400" mark.  Opening morning of the hunt Kent was able to look at a solid 360 and decide to let him live another day.  That afternoon, we began working a old loud bull with soft cow calls.  After about an hour, this bulls lone cow made her way to us, and we could tell two different bulls were on her.  One sounded huge and the other just a bull.  Well as the cow passed by us at a mere 20 yards, we saw a 300" bull acting nervous trying to follow her, and behind him was the bull we were after.  A bull well over the 400" mark coming in on a rope.  This giant bull came by at 18 yards and was glunking the entire time, when he did stop he was not in a good lane for Kent to shoot a good shot.   Kent waited several minutes as the bull moved and looked for this cow that was making all the racket..  Finally the bull moved off never presenting Kent with a shot he was comfortable with.  

As many can attest, the rains certainly came and changed the patterns of the elk.  Fortunately, we were able to locate some great bulls that nobody was messing with.  With the rut being pretty slow, we were able to glass these bulls and follow them by sight and bugles.  We chased a bull we call Beamer, with huge 60" beams that was an awesome bull.  He met up with another bull that we felt was a solid 380"+.   

While an arrow was never sent at these bulls, we played cat and mouse with them all day long waiting for the right opportunity which never presented itself.  At one time we pulled one of the twenty cows off the herd and called her into 5 yards, about 70 yards out, the big bull decided to quite trying to corral her and get back to the herd!  Roger and Shane were having a heck of a time on the hill watching us try to close the gap on this bruiser.  

While Kent had to get back to work, I kept scouting and we went after one of the bulls that I had scouted.  This was a great bull, with a 5th that layed flat.  We followed his bugle all morning long, and finally he peeled off from the cows and came up towards us.  Kent was able to get a shot at this bull and it didn't work out.  With time running out, we went to old faithful, and we were able to bring a bull in on a rope using a decoy.  This was another special bull with a split 5th on the left and Kent was able to get a shot at it, someone was looking out for this bull that day, as he narrowly escaped Kens arrow. 

Kent was able to come back with Roger for one last day of hunting, and not far from where he shot his last shot, he did the same setup and connected on this great bull.  He shot him at 30 yards.  

I would like to thank Kent, Marc, and Roger for all the good times and help.  These are guys that truly love the outdoors and know how to have a good time.  I would also like to thanks Shane and Chris for glassing for us and your help.  Congrats Kent on a great 7x8 bull.  We have some great trail cam pics of this bull from the summer.  This bull has great mass and an extra brow on the left with huge devil tines! Not too bad for the last day!! 

Kent with his great bull. 

Great job Kent.

Mossback AZ guide Brent was also able to assist his daughter once again on her quest for a giant bull.  Last year, she had this tag and shot a great 373" bull.  This year however, she had limited days to hunt, and was given a permit to use a crossbow due to medical conditions.  Brent had put in many days scouting, and it all came together opening morning as she was able to put on in the pocket of this awesome 364" bull at 40 yards.  This was the 9th bull to come in, and she knew this was the one.  The bull came to a wallow, and after looking him over, she took the shot and drilled him.  Brent was able to share this special moment with his daughter and 2 sons.  Congrats to Christi and the Curtis family.  They have taken 6 awesome bulls from this area ranging from 355 to 390"! Keep clearing the wall space Brent!

Christi's bull moments before the shot

Here she is with her opening morning bull!  

How about that shot placement!

Congrats on a great bull!

Mossback AZ Guides Lee & Drake took Lou and Mike from Michigan on their long awaited elk hunt. Right off the bat they were into huge bulls.  Lou was able to take several shots at 360"+ bulls and it never worked out.  One bull in particular was a giant 400+ bull that Lee was able to call in.  As luck would have it, the arrow missed its mark and this bull lived to see another day.  These guys stayed focused and passed up many smaller bulls, especially after they got a dose of what Arizona has to offer.  Later on in the hunt, with time winding down, Mike was able to connect on this beautiful Arizona bull.  

Thanks for letting us help you out on your hunt, and congrats on a great bull!

Mossback guide Lee with Mike and his wide bull

Congrats Mike on your awesome 7x8

Gordon B. took this great bull after chasing some giants and letting a few arrows fly.  When this bull presented himself at the end of the hunt Gordon made a perfect shot putting the bull down quickly. Congrats Gordon!

Gordon with his 2011 AZ archery bull.

Corky also hunted with Mossback and had a great hunt.  Lots of laughs were shared throughout the hunt, and more importantly, he was able to have his father along with him.  Great times were had and memories were made.  He was able to have some very close encounters with some giant bulls and ended up taking this bull on the last evening of his archery hunt.  Congrats Corky on a fine AZ bull.

Congrats Corky on this beautiful 6x7

Russ hunted with Mossback several years ago and this year guide Jay Lopeman assisted him on this heavy old AZ bull.  Russ chased some great bulls and passed on many other good bulls.  With time running out he let the hammer down on this beautiful, wavy 6x6.

Russ with his great bull.

Mossback guide Joe Gonzales assisted James on his early archery hunt.  James was able to take this beautiful 7x7 with one well placed arrow.  Congrats James on a great bull!

James with his early archery bull.

Congrats James on this big ol bull!

James admiring this beauty

Garron drew his first elk tag and had a great hunt with us.  He chased some great bulls and had several close encounters.  On the last day he connected on this old heavy over the hill bull.  Congrats Garron on this old monarch.