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Hunter Comments

This archery elk hunt was my third hunt with Lockey U Outfitters and the first time that i was not successful - AND THAT WAS BECAUSE I PASSED ON A 6 X 6 BULL. We had a freak spell of hot weather for the hunt. It was actually 90 degrees every day of the hunt and not a cloud in the sky. As you all know, that is not exactly good weather for active elk. All in all it was a great experience though. My guide worked hard for me, and despite the conditions, called in a monster bull. I will definitely be back. I will comment briefly below on my ratings for the hunt.

Food: "Excellent" Food was always ready on time, there was a lot of it, and it was good. Coffee was already brewed when we woke at 3AM and breakfast was ready. Lunch was packed and brought along every day - sandwiches, candy bars, bananas, gatorade, etc. Dinner was prepared upon arrival at camp at night. We did not go hungry.

Quantity of animals: "Satisfactory" This is no reflection on the outfitter, more so on Mother Nature. I believe the extremely hot weather had its impact here. I have been there before and personally seen large numbers of elk. However, on this hunt we did not see the big numbers. We saw sign everywhere we went, and the elk were obviously there, but i feel the weather made them less active than normal. We worked hard all week and made our opportunities anyway.

Quality: "Excellent" I passed on a huge 6x6, because I was not certain of the shot. In retrospect, I feel like i could have shot, but its probably best to not take a chance on injuring an animal and losing him. This bull stomped around me for an hour bugling, snorting, barking. He put on quite a show and he was a great bull. That is something i will never forget.

Logisitics: "Excellent" The owners of Lockey U are the nicest people you can meet. They work hard and enjoy outfitting. My guide for this elk hunt worked as hard as he could for me.

Hunt accomodations are extremely nice as far as wilderness camping goes. We stayed at the Gilmore Ranch, a rustic and historic cabin in the middle of the wilderness. The "Gilmore" has a fully functioning kitchen, two wood stoves, outhouse and a hot shower with water piped from the mountain and heated in the wood stove.

We hunted on horseback, spent a lot of time in the saddle. Our horses got the job done.

The country itself is beautiful but extremely rugged. I recommend preparing yourself and getting in shape beforehand.

Trophy care: Unfortunately, I cannot rate this for my elk hunt. I have however harvested with this outfitter before. They did a good job with my bear and lion, both of which ended up in full body mounts.

Overall Rating: "Excellent" I am going back this fall to get that big bull.

Outfitter's Response

This man speaks the truth and is a real hunter to his core, and as hunting goes, expeicially elk hunting you have to measure the expierence and hope a bit of luck is with you inorder to enjoy elk steaks! Frank Schmitz