Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Cow elk at 405 yards with the 30-06

I've been elk hunting in Oregon the past few days. Got a depredation permit which allowed me to take one cow elk. Often a cow elk hunt is fairly easy. This was one of the more grueling hunting days I've done, at least in the past 10 years or so. Steep and rocky ridges to climb, and the ground was so saturated with water from recent snow melt and rain that each step was a struggle. We put in almost five miles that day, all off-trail, and climbed two steep ridges to get to the elk.

Chukar flushed on one stalk, and the elk left quickly. So, onto plan B. The elk that we stalked on plan B left the area while we were moving in behind a ridge.

Then suddenly two groups of elk came over the ridge and clustered together 900 yards or so away... We set about closing that distance. Although the NRA calls me a "Long Range High Master" in competition, I'm not real keen on taking long-range shots at wild game. So, I wanted to get closer. After a long stalk, including at least 100 yards of crawling, we ended up at about 400 yards from the elk. I picked one out that didn't have another elk standing behind it, held on the front of her chest because of the strong sidewind, and on top of her back because of the drop at 400 yards. Zach ranged her at 405 yards. Steadied the crosshairs in my 6x Leupold and squeezed the trigger. We heard a loud "thwap" from the bullet striking! It had broken what some refer to as the "elbow" of her left front leg, entered low in the chest and hit the heart!

Now, it's good to know that elk are tenacious of life. With one leg useless and a bullet hole through her heart, this cow elk staggered a bit, then decided to leave the area! She went over a ridge and we went after her, then I finished her at much shorter range. I knelt beside her and thanked her for giving my family that good meat. She turned out to be a rather large dry cow, perfect for meat.

We de-boned her on the spot and loaded her into our packs, then hiked a mile down to the road.

This was NOT an easy hunt, I was literally exhausted afterwards. Fortunately I had two strong 38 year old guys with me who carried the bulk of the meat down the ridge. I carried the backstraps and tenderloins, heavy enough for 66 year old me.

We hunted some more in the general area for the next couple of days, but I never got another shot opportunity. What a great way to spend the weekend. Came home with some heavy and excellent elk meat. I don't know yet how much elk meat I've got, but it's a lot! Elk meat if you don't know, is delicious. I'm a happy hunter.

405 yards, Remington 700 CDL, 30-06 with handloaded 178 grain Hornady ELD-X bullets at 2790 fps via Ramshot Hunter, and a 6x Leupold scope. This rifle has been very successful for me over the years.





Regards, Guy

Guy, what scope and reticle did you use...it doesnt look like you were spinning turrets....

That is an awesome hunt Guy! I don't care who it is, that's a long way out there for a field position shot! Good thing you got all that great trigger time in, few men can do that! You go buddy!

I've been elk hunting in Oregon the past few days.

Got a depredation permit which allowed me to take one cow elk.

We hunted some more in the general area for the next couple of days, but I never got another shot opportunity.

Thanks. I can't shoot from prone anymore due to a neck injury. Cheated and used a Bog "Deathgrip" tripod as a rifle rest. That helped significantly.

Regards, Guy

What unit/tag was one using that allows the take of more than one elk? First line suggests one should have been done.

If one does get a second go around, don't publish it.

Nicely done.

I’m a big fan of the ELD-X bullet.




P

I was a bit skeptical of them at first, mostly I've hunted with Noslers. But... The accuracy, availability, and then that gel block test convinced me to give 'em a try. I am certainly pleased wih how well the ELD-X performed on that cow elk.

Regards, Guy

Same here Guy. I was very impressed with the 212 ELD in the 06. Made me a believer. I shy towards the heavier ones and try not to push them incredibly fast. Used like that, they’ve been great and accurate as all get out.

That 212 worked out well with a standard 1:10 twist or did you spin it faster?

Guy

Nice! I may try those heavier ELD-X's too.

Thanks!