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Opening morning elk at 7am. She slid down and I'm holding on to her for thepic so I don't slide down. Much steeper than it looks.
My Marlin XLR 45-70
Clements Customs did the work. Cut to 22", exended tube, larger loop.
I added the XS sights, rail and Leupold 2.5x28 and quick release.
The ammo was a Leverevolution in 325 grain. At about 100 yards it went through and came to rest just under the skin on the other side.
My first elk or any game with a lever gun!
Not really much of a story. I only got to hunt for 20 minutes. We were walking to our usual spot and about 15 minutes from reaching it I saw this cow feeding about 100 yards up on the side of a hill. I got into a short argument with my brother whether I should shoot it or not. I really enjoy hunting and if I shot it my hunt was over. Well, my brother said if I didn't shoot, he would. So I shot and figured I would accompany him on his hunt. He got his elk the following morning about 30 minutes into his hunt. Since we were in Jackson for two weeks, we did a lot of fishing, horseback riding, atv trails and had a great trip. Can't believe I considered passing it up. Some years I've come home empty after hunting 14 days solid, plus non-res tags are up to almost $600 now.
I'll bet that fat cow ate real good! Those bullets look to do the job. I really like your rifle. I have one in 444. I haven't shot it that much but all the loads I've tried don't shoot as well as the leverevolutions. That gun looks so good you've got me thinking mine might need that treatment.
Wes, I don't reload yet although I want to start someday. I've never had a 45-70 before so I don't have another to compare with but I've been amazed at the accuracy of this rifle. I had it cut down for packing in dense brush and game trails plus the larger loop fits better when I wear gloves. The 24" barrel was just a little long for me. I have a 7mm Rem bolt rifle but this Marlin handles great.
Congrats and great pictures! Being a flatlander who's shot a few whitetails but no elk, I'm trying to imagine dressing and packing out that cow in that terrain. Healthy looking elk, great looking rifle too!
She must be a fairly old cow because we all know you need one of those 338 ultra zippy magnums to kill the modern elk. Must be true cause I read in a gun mag.
Happiness is a comfortable stump on a sunny south facing mountain.
Congrats on a great hunt! The pics are great! I like your camp and the Cabela's Outback Lodge tent. I least I think that's what it is...looks like mine anyways.
Cocked & Locked, You're correct on the tent. I got it from Cabelas about 8 years ago because of the height, (9' center). It's nice to be able to stand up to get dressed rather than go outside at 5am! And one of those small buddy heaters heats it up in a few minutes.
Great pics and congrats on the successful "hunt?"! I've had those trips where the decision to continue hunting or to bag game is worse than the one about getting married!
Nice rifle; and the ammo sure looks as though it performed as advertised!
(Your tent is a little small for me, I've got a Denver Wall tent, 16x20, 9' @ ridge and 5' walls. No problem standing most anywhere, room for friends also!)
Griff,
SASS/CMSA #93
NRA Patron
GUSA #93
There is a fine line between hobby & obsession! AND... I'm over it!!
No I ain't ready, but let's do it anyway!
!