The Blue Mountain eagle., August 26, 2015, Image 33

t was the 23rd of September, well into
the Oregon bow elk hunting season and
on this particular early morning, the
bulls in the Silvies Unit were doing their
dangdest to outdo one another in this
heavily elk populated area.
Just south and west of the don't-blink little town
of Silvies are sage covered rolling hills, with thick-
ets of juniper and mahogany up the draws. A
bowhunter with single digit hunting days left to fill
this most elusive of all big game tags, prays for
cold nights and hot days, and no, thank you, to the
thunderheads that seem to form in the late after-
noons, threatening to drop a wet blanket on these
rut crazed elk.
This morning marked the fifth morning in a
row we were getting set up for the many bulls that
frequent the meadows at night and head back up to
the cooler bedding areas during the days. We had
been noticing the many broken bulls and the many
bull fights that were taking place this year. I've had
the opportunity to witness some great battles.
As we were making our way up to the bed-
ding areas a couple miles away, I was ripping off
bugles, trying to keep track of the on-the-move
elk that seemed to be all around my camera man
and I.
Roughly an hour into the two mile climb to the
elk bedding areas, I bugled, followed by a half
dozen chuckle grunts, and was met with a less than
inviting response from a bull inside a hundred
yards. The angry response had me on the move to
cut the distance and see about getting set up with
some shooting lanes.
As I was picking my way through the juniper I
heard, eerily close, two bulls begin to do battle,
with the clacking of antlers and the sound of rocks
rolling and brush breaking. I moved to where I
could silhouette through the brush two nice bulls
doing battle.
Being cautious, I hurried to where I had three or
more shooting lanes, loaded an arrow, hunkered
down and watched the two big bulls do harm to
each other. As the two bulls battled, they were
I
going in and out of shooting lanes and my bow was
beginning to be too much to hold. I began to pon-
der a let off, the bigger of the two monarchs
stopped in somewhat of a shooting lane, at 37
yards broadside, and with my newfound bit of en-
ergy I settled the third pin on the bull's vitals and
made a smooth release. The nock disappeared into
the bull's vitals, a measurable amount of blood shot
back from the lung area of the big bull and I in-
stantly thought, that has to be good.
The
two
bulls busted out
Usually a
of the juniper
covered draw
bowhunter
and all went
just arrowing
eerily quiet. I
a 370 class bull
had the most
calm
feeling
would warrant
about what just
a bit of
happened. Usu-
ally a bowhunter
nervousness
just arrowing a
and
370 class bull
anticipation,
would warrant a
bit of nervous-
but with the
ness and antici-
placement
pation, but with
the placement of
of my arrow
my arrow and
and the
the amount of
blood exiting the
amount of
bull, it made for
blood exiting
a calm and quick
the bull, it
recovery.
He and all of
made for a
his adrenaline
calm and quick
from fighting the
other titan only
recovery.
managed
80
yards of 'get away' before I found him piled up in
the junipers.
The 372 P&Y measured bull is my third
biggest to date, and 12th P&Y Bull in the book!
Thank you for this great opportunity!
Shooting
Ranges
Enjoy target shooting?
Need a place to safely sight in your rifle?
Enjoy various competitive shooting events?
Various shooting events take place throughout the year.
The ranges also offer by-permission use of their facilities .
Seneca Trap Range
Seneca Trap Range is at the south end of Seneca. Turn west on Camp Creek Road
a short distance.
Facility includes two trap ranges, one skeet range and a 100-yard small arms range.
Restroom facilities are on site.
Almost every Sunday beginning at 10 a.m., all are welcome to join in. It’s $4 for 25
bird shoots, and $2 for 10 practice bird shoots. The pot is split, depending on what
is taken in. Weather permitting, barbecues are fired up; otherwise, finger foods are
brought.
The site is also open by permission. For more information, call Dean Nodine, 541-
575-1918.
Bear Creek Rifle Range
Bear Creek Rifle Range is located .9 mile north of Highway 26, 10 miles east of
John Day, between John Day and Prairie City.
This site features a covered, eight-bay firing line and one of the best rifle ranges in
the west.
The 1,000-yard range has become popular with many shooting enthusiasts, includ-
ing black powder fans. Set in a small valley, with targets scattered throughout, the
range also accommodates pistol shooters. An archery range is planned. The site fea-
tures year-round portable toilet facilities.
Cafe & Country Store | Gifts • Gas • Ice • Snacks • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Old-fashioned ice cream, shakes,
cones & dishes, great burgers,
and huckleberry treats
Located at Austin Junction
(HWY 26 & 7)
one mile from Bates State Park
A scorekeeper’s booth was completed in spring 2011, built in an old-west style with
a false front.
Those using the course at other times must be with a trained safety officer who is a
member. For more information on Bear Creek Rifle Range, call president Don
Mooney, 541-575-0064. Heading up the black powder group is Jim Sproul, who
can be reached at 541-620-0231. For more on the shotgun enthusiasts group, call
Carroll Walton, 541-820-4624.
541-448-2526 • www.austinhousecafecountrystore.com
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Grant County Hunting Journal 2015 • 13