Emptying your gun shooting at elk: Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next to Mt St. Helens in WA state. We were probably 1/2 to 1 mile from the mountain with nothing blocking...

Rayjay425 Loc: Mill Creek, Washington

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next to Mt St. Helens in WA state. We were probably 1/2 to 1 mile from the mountain with nothing blocking our view of the entire mountain and it's glaciers. I wished I had taken some pictures because this was before the volcano happened.

Anyway, it was right after daylight on opening day. My hunting partners Bill, Joe, and myself were sitting in Joe's truck over looking the somewhat foggy hillside. We had been there about 5 minutes when bill got out of the truck and the said "there are the elk". I got out and saw 21 elk including one nice spike standing there less than 50 yards away. I quickly loaded my gun but I couldn't shoot the spike because a cow elk was just behind it. We noticed that Joe was still in the truck and told him again that the elk were right there. He thought we were joking and didn't get out until we told him again.

Just about that time the elk started moving into a small area of trees. Joe got back into the truck and started driving around to the other side of the treed area. Bill followed the elk into the trees, and I stayed there in case the elk came back to where we were.

Joe got to the other side of the trees and got out of the truck. He grabbed for his shells, but there was only the one that he had in his hand. The rest of the shells had fallen out of the truck when he got out earlier. He loaded the one shell. The elk started coming out of the trees in single file about 100' away. Here comes the spike but again it was behind a cow so he could't shoot. Finally the spike stepped in front of the cow and Joe was able to shoot it. The elk went down, but got back up again. Joe didn't have another shell. He hollored at Bill to hurry, but luckily the spike dropped.

After Joe shot the one shell his gun was empty so Bill and I accused Joe of emptying his gun shooting at the elk.

During the next several weeks we saw about 75 elk - all cows. Most likely some of them were the ones we saw on opening day.

In 1979, I moved to Eastern WA and have never gone back to that area. Still wonder what it looks like today. now you have to pay a lot of money to Weyerhauser Timber company to go on their property.

Another story is when I was elk hunting in Eastern WA with other hunting partners. One of them emptied his gun two different tines. The first time he shot 15 times at a spike. After loading the third clip his gun finally jammed. He didn't hit the elk. Several days later he and I were at our camp when 7 elk came running across a clearing about 200' in front of us. He shot 5 times and missed. About 5 minutes later they came back again and he again missed after shooting 4 times.

In December my son was home on leave from the Air Force. A group of us were standing around when he started telling us that when he was in Korea the military was running low on ammunition. He said the reason was because some wild hunter in WA was using all the available ammunition! We had a good laugh at that.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Rayjay425 wrote:

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next to Mt St. Helens in WA state. We were probably 1/2 to 1 mile from the mountain with nothing blocking our view of the entire mountain and it's glaciers. I wished I had taken some pictures because this was before the volcano happened.

Anyway, it was right after daylight on opening day. My hunting partners Bill, Joe, and myself were sitting in Joe's truck over looking the somewhat foggy hillside. We had been there about 5 minutes when bill got out of the truck and the said "there are the elk". I got out and saw 21 elk including one nice spike standing there less than 50 yards away. I quickly loaded my gun but I couldn't shoot the spike because a cow elk was just behind it. We noticed that Joe was still in the truck and told him again that the elk were right there. He thought we were joking and didn't get out until we told him again.

Just about that time the elk started moving into a small area of trees. Joe got back into the truck and started driving around to the other side of the treed area. Bill followed the elk into the trees, and I stayed there in case the elk came back to where we were.

Joe got to the other side of the trees and got out of the truck. He grabbed for his shells, but there was only the one that he had in his hand. The rest of the shells had fallen out of the truck when he got out earlier. He loaded the one shell. The elk started coming out of the trees in single file about 100' away. Here comes the spike but again it was behind a cow so he could't shoot. Finally the spike stepped in front of the cow and Joe was able to shoot it. The elk went down, but got back up again. Joe didn't have another shell. He hollored at Bill to hurry, but luckily the spike dropped.

After Joe shot the one shell his gun was empty so Bill and I accused Joe of emptying his gun shooting at the elk.

During the next several weeks we saw about 75 elk - all cows. Most likely some of them were the ones we saw on opening day.

In 1979, I moved to Eastern WA and have never gone back to that area. Still wonder what it looks like today. now you have to pay a lot of money to Weyerhauser Timber company to go on their property.

Another story is when I was elk hunting in Eastern WA with other hunting partners. One of them emptied his gun two different tines. The first time he shot 15 times at a spike. After loading the third clip his gun finally jammed. He didn't hit the elk. Several days later he and I were at our camp when 7 elk came running across a clearing about 200' in front of us. He shot 5 times and missed. About 5 minutes later they came back again and he again missed after shooting 4 times.

In December my son was home on leave from the Air Force. A group of us were standing around when he started telling us that when he was in Korea the military was running low on ammunition. He said the reason was because some wild hunter in WA was using all the available ammunition! We had a good laugh at that.

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next t... (show quote)

An interesting story, Rayjay, maybe your hunting partners should spend more time on the range. Thanks for sharing.

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

Awesome story!
Thanks for sharing.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Rayjay425 wrote:

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next to Mt St. Helens in WA state. We were probably 1/2 to 1 mile from the mountain with nothing blocking our view of the entire mountain and it's glaciers. I wished I had taken some pictures because this was before the volcano happened.

Anyway, it was right after daylight on opening day. My hunting partners Bill, Joe, and myself were sitting in Joe's truck over looking the somewhat foggy hillside. We had been there about 5 minutes when bill got out of the truck and the said "there are the elk". I got out and saw 21 elk including one nice spike standing there less than 50 yards away. I quickly loaded my gun but I couldn't shoot the spike because a cow elk was just behind it. We noticed that Joe was still in the truck and told him again that the elk were right there. He thought we were joking and didn't get out until we told him again.

Just about that time the elk started moving into a small area of trees. Joe got back into the truck and started driving around to the other side of the treed area. Bill followed the elk into the trees, and I stayed there in case the elk came back to where we were.

Joe got to the other side of the trees and got out of the truck. He grabbed for his shells, but there was only the one that he had in his hand. The rest of the shells had fallen out of the truck when he got out earlier. He loaded the one shell. The elk started coming out of the trees in single file about 100' away. Here comes the spike but again it was behind a cow so he could't shoot. Finally the spike stepped in front of the cow and Joe was able to shoot it. The elk went down, but got back up again. Joe didn't have another shell. He hollored at Bill to hurry, but luckily the spike dropped.

After Joe shot the one shell his gun was empty so Bill and I accused Joe of emptying his gun shooting at the elk.

During the next several weeks we saw about 75 elk - all cows. Most likely some of them were the ones we saw on opening day.

In 1979, I moved to Eastern WA and have never gone back to that area. Still wonder what it looks like today. now you have to pay a lot of money to Weyerhauser Timber company to go on their property.

Another story is when I was elk hunting in Eastern WA with other hunting partners. One of them emptied his gun two different tines. The first time he shot 15 times at a spike. After loading the third clip his gun finally jammed. He didn't hit the elk. Several days later he and I were at our camp when 7 elk came running across a clearing about 200' in front of us. He shot 5 times and missed. About 5 minutes later they came back again and he again missed after shooting 4 times.

In December my son was home on leave from the Air Force. A group of us were standing around when he started telling us that when he was in Korea the military was running low on ammunition. He said the reason was because some wild hunter in WA was using all the available ammunition! We had a good laugh at that.

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next t... (show quote)

Here is a pic of Catfish Hunters 17 year old grandson. Looks like his Elk aim is on.

MuskyJohn Loc: Benton Harbor, MI

Wow!
Yeah, his aim is right on!
Nice Elk!

Jeremy Loc: America

plumbob wrote:

Here is a pic of Catfish Hunters 17 year old grandson. Looks like his Elk aim is on.

Why isn't grandpa posting the pictures? Nice picture but seems strange a third party needs to help someone post information. Is grandpa still kickin? Why is he not posting? Is he the friend you were saying was sending pictures to post a while back?

Not RJS here but....I gotta say....REALLY Just Saying.

Grandpa Jeremy out in the west where it can be the best. Wyoming and Idaho are in the West as well.

Jeremy Loc: America

Jeremy wrote:

Why isn't grandpa posting the pictures? Nice picture but seems strange a third party needs to help someone post information. Is grandpa still kickin? Why is he not posting? Is he the friend you were saying was sending pictures to post a while back?

Not RJS here but....I gotta say....REALLY Just Saying.

Grandpa Jeremy out in the west where it can be the best. Wyoming and Idaho are in the West as well.

I was told many times if someone can't provide pictures it couldn't be true.

Just sayin. I think it's funny anyone needs to show a picture. Look at all the things we can visualize by reading posts.

Jeremy Loc: America

Rayjay425 wrote:

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next to Mt St. Helens in WA state. We were probably 1/2 to 1 mile from the mountain with nothing blocking our view of the entire mountain and it's glaciers. I wished I had taken some pictures because this was before the volcano happened.

Anyway, it was right after daylight on opening day. My hunting partners Bill, Joe, and myself were sitting in Joe's truck over looking the somewhat foggy hillside. We had been there about 5 minutes when bill got out of the truck and the said "there are the elk". I got out and saw 21 elk including one nice spike standing there less than 50 yards away. I quickly loaded my gun but I couldn't shoot the spike because a cow elk was just behind it. We noticed that Joe was still in the truck and told him again that the elk were right there. He thought we were joking and didn't get out until we told him again.

Just about that time the elk started moving into a small area of trees. Joe got back into the truck and started driving around to the other side of the treed area. Bill followed the elk into the trees, and I stayed there in case the elk came back to where we were.

Joe got to the other side of the trees and got out of the truck. He grabbed for his shells, but there was only the one that he had in his hand. The rest of the shells had fallen out of the truck when he got out earlier. He loaded the one shell. The elk started coming out of the trees in single file about 100' away. Here comes the spike but again it was behind a cow so he could't shoot. Finally the spike stepped in front of the cow and Joe was able to shoot it. The elk went down, but got back up again. Joe didn't have another shell. He hollored at Bill to hurry, but luckily the spike dropped.

After Joe shot the one shell his gun was empty so Bill and I accused Joe of emptying his gun shooting at the elk.

During the next several weeks we saw about 75 elk - all cows. Most likely some of them were the ones we saw on opening day.

In 1979, I moved to Eastern WA and have never gone back to that area. Still wonder what it looks like today. now you have to pay a lot of money to Weyerhauser Timber company to go on their property.

Another story is when I was elk hunting in Eastern WA with other hunting partners. One of them emptied his gun two different tines. The first time he shot 15 times at a spike. After loading the third clip his gun finally jammed. He didn't hit the elk. Several days later he and I were at our camp when 7 elk came running across a clearing about 200' in front of us. He shot 5 times and missed. About 5 minutes later they came back again and he again missed after shooting 4 times.

In December my son was home on leave from the Air Force. A group of us were standing around when he started telling us that when he was in Korea the military was running low on ammunition. He said the reason was because some wild hunter in WA was using all the available ammunition! We had a good laugh at that.

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next t... (show quote)

UH OH..That air Force man is funny. Awesome you have a buddy in the US Air Force my son is as well. He has gained several stripes already.

Hunting St helens. Awesome. For awhile they were issuing two tags per hunter and may still be currently for that unit. One must be prepared. I have a permit that allows me to have my magazine full in the truck. Anyone getting in truck to hunt should have extras in jacket and a full magazine. If had one in then any rules would already be in question without permit that is available. Rules in oregon have changed for the better. I realize its a Washington unit. Permits are available in both states. Anyone that knows me know what permit I am mentioning. Old folks are likely the ones with them. You may have loaded guns when hunting in motor vehicle. Some may shoot from vehicle just not through a safety zone. Thanks for the great story I could visualize the whole thing.

I must say yeehaw to this story. Happy and safe hunting.

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Jeremy wrote:

I was told many times if someone can't provide pictures it couldn't be true.

Just sayin. I think it's funny anyone needs to show a picture. Look at all the things we can visualize by reading posts.

Got that right bro, especially pics of dink fish that aren't worthy of a pic

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Fredfish wrote:

As opposed to your 0 pictures of 0 fish, right? All mouth and no action.

I thought you were done with me, make up your mind Freddy

Sinker Rig Loc: Tampa area

Fredfish wrote:

I guess I got tired of someone hiding behind their keyboard, insulting people. At least those posting pictures of "Dinks " are out fishing, not just flapping their lips.

Like you're doing now.....

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

Fredfish wrote:

I guess I got tired of someone hiding behind their keyboard, insulting people. At least those posting pictures of "Dinks " are out fishing, not just flapping their lips.

Hahahaha

Whitey Loc: Southeast ohio

plumbob wrote:

Here is a pic of Catfish Hunters 17 year old grandson. Looks like his Elk aim is on.

That's a nice Elk. I like the pic Plum I don't care who took it 👍

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

Rayjay425 wrote:

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next to Mt St. Helens in WA state. We were probably 1/2 to 1 mile from the mountain with nothing blocking our view of the entire mountain and it's glaciers. I wished I had taken some pictures because this was before the volcano happened.

Anyway, it was right after daylight on opening day. My hunting partners Bill, Joe, and myself were sitting in Joe's truck over looking the somewhat foggy hillside. We had been there about 5 minutes when bill got out of the truck and the said "there are the elk". I got out and saw 21 elk including one nice spike standing there less than 50 yards away. I quickly loaded my gun but I couldn't shoot the spike because a cow elk was just behind it. We noticed that Joe was still in the truck and told him again that the elk were right there. He thought we were joking and didn't get out until we told him again.

Just about that time the elk started moving into a small area of trees. Joe got back into the truck and started driving around to the other side of the treed area. Bill followed the elk into the trees, and I stayed there in case the elk came back to where we were.

Joe got to the other side of the trees and got out of the truck. He grabbed for his shells, but there was only the one that he had in his hand. The rest of the shells had fallen out of the truck when he got out earlier. He loaded the one shell. The elk started coming out of the trees in single file about 100' away. Here comes the spike but again it was behind a cow so he could't shoot. Finally the spike stepped in front of the cow and Joe was able to shoot it. The elk went down, but got back up again. Joe didn't have another shell. He hollored at Bill to hurry, but luckily the spike dropped.

After Joe shot the one shell his gun was empty so Bill and I accused Joe of emptying his gun shooting at the elk.

During the next several weeks we saw about 75 elk - all cows. Most likely some of them were the ones we saw on opening day.

In 1979, I moved to Eastern WA and have never gone back to that area. Still wonder what it looks like today. now you have to pay a lot of money to Weyerhauser Timber company to go on their property.

Another story is when I was elk hunting in Eastern WA with other hunting partners. One of them emptied his gun two different tines. The first time he shot 15 times at a spike. After loading the third clip his gun finally jammed. He didn't hit the elk. Several days later he and I were at our camp when 7 elk came running across a clearing about 200' in front of us. He shot 5 times and missed. About 5 minutes later they came back again and he again missed after shooting 4 times.

In December my son was home on leave from the Air Force. A group of us were standing around when he started telling us that when he was in Korea the military was running low on ammunition. He said the reason was because some wild hunter in WA was using all the available ammunition! We had a good laugh at that.

Back around 1976, we were hunting elk right next t... (show quote)

ranger632 Loc: Near Yosemite Park Ca.

flyguy wrote:

An interesting story, Rayjay, maybe your hunting partners should spend more time on the range. Thanks for sharing.