Succesful Elk Hunt in NM

My father and I were on a quest to fulfill his life long dream of taking an Elk. We returned to Chama NM with Blaine Bagwell of Chavez Creek Outfitters, Found him on this site a couple of years ago. This was our second trip with him and his crew. Last year Dad Missed a really good bull @ 400 yds. He has Parkinsons, so obviously this was a little more difficult. Blaine and his guides were very accommodating and strived to do everything within their power to help us be successful!
We saw plenty of elk, Bulls and cows. The very first morning we had shooters within site, but the closest was 350 and furthest 500 yds. We choose to wait, as I wanted dad to have the first crack at one. The second morning though my bull presented a shot as dad was unable to get into position, so I took the shot and got mine out of the way. We could now focus 100% on helping him. We say we were Happy would be an understatement!
My Elk 48" wide, not the heaviest though


Dads Elk

Group Photo.....5 bulls for 6 hunters


40" plus back strap


Still have lots of processing to do and will be working on it all week. Hopefully we can fire up the grinder by Friday and start hamburger and a variety of sausages.
Thanks for looking and good luck to everyone this year!

Nice.

Very nice!! For the techies, what caliber and bullets did you use?

Great Job!!!

Well done. ML?

These were taken with Rifle. We were looking to put the odds in our Favor as much as Possible.
Dad: Sako 30.06 Nosler 180 Gr Ballistic Tip
300+ yds Low Brisket(Head on Shot), one shot...recovered 50-75 yds from shot.Hunted from Log Blind with Stable rest.
Me: TC Encore 300 Win Mag 180 Gr Federal Trophy Bonded Tip
180yds Double Lung, one shot....recovered 10 yds from shot

Both Bullets were recovered from the elk and mushroomed perfectly. Dads Actually exited( just under skin) Left shoulder, so slightly quartered.

Bill, I'm very happy for your Dad and you. Your Dad took a heck of a nice Bull and yall's smile says it all. Yours has impressive width. Congrats buddy, I'm very proud of both of you.

Also, good job Blaine. I've hunted that area with Bob Ball and it's some beautiful country with lots of Elk.

Nice bulls. Congratulation!

Very nice man

Thank you Gents

Awesome

Way to go guys, congrats great hunt

Congrats!

Congrats

Well done my friend! Those are two very nice bulls.

What a great memory you will always share together.

Big congrats to you both Bill.

Nice bulls and great story....

Nice bulls and a heck of a back strap.

Congrats to both of you.

Congrats!!

Thanks guys! I think he and I both agree this will go down as one of our favorite trips together!
Only to be beaten by memories of him taking me fishing and spending time outdoors as a young boy. That was quite some time ago.

Very well done. Congrats to you both!

Outstanding!! Congrats to you and your dad

Congrats to both of you!

that is a great memory for you & your dad, I lost my day when he was only 67, cherish all the moments you can.

First Class amigo , first class.

About time we get together and share a few.

40+ inches of backstrap X 2 has to be a bit of heaven! Congrats!

Congrats.

Thanks Guys! He's a great father and friend. I'm so glad that everything worked out and got to share more memorable time together.

Congrats

After an exhausting week of work and butchering elk, the freezer is filled to the lid. 2 days this week up till 1am processing. Got mom. Dad and my girls to pitch in and got all the ground down today.

Congrats on the elk!