Boone & Bugles: Kentucky Bull Elk | S4E10 | MeatEater

[@blainejb7]

Not enough is said about the cameraman. That dude hoofs it, stays silent, gets some great angles and reactions. Give that man a raise.

[@kingmink138]

Yeah this guy is on form 👌

[@eazyridin7283]

Best Ever !!!! I’ve never seen someone so good. It baffles me lots of times how that was shot ( camera not gun lol )

[@todwilliams5897]

Exactly bro! Great camera man! And he gets the footage on target just right!

[@Executed38]

I’m pretty sure there’s an episode about the filming crew 😊

[@thomaslowder9760]

he does deserve a raise but I'm sure this show and the people that work on it make a good chunk of change

[@vancevenhuizen91]

Using a rack of ribs as a platter to cook/eat off of is a pro move

[@kyleswatzell1041]

Finally another hunter who mentions smelling game. When I say it people think im crazy but in the right conditions you can smell many big game species.

[@triplefoutdoors6331]

You’re definitely not crazy!! I smell whitetail bucks in the woods. I’ve also smelled black bears but until a few years ago never knew what that smell was.

[@wybjornodinsson7521]

Most people fail to realize that humans are still, even without the technology, ANIMALS. We haven’t lost our natural abilities, they’ve just been unused for a bit.

[@Bigernmcrakn]

Moose have a very distinct smell. Elk also leave a massive scent trail. You are not crazy and those who say you are, Must not be hunters

[@bricenemire5801]

One hundred percent accurate

[@caseypeters1752]

Elk are smelly fuckers

[@kevin8122006]

I'm originally from Eastern KY and I remember when they began to re introduce Elk into the area. I'll never forget seeing my first herd on top of an old reclaimed strip mine. It was truly breath taking.

[@kevin8122006]

@ToxicityisGay I didn't move far, I'm in Central KY now. Left to go to college and stayed in the area after I graduated. Unfortunately there isn't much of a job market back home.

[@smicksmookety]

My wife had cancer, it was breast taking.

[@michaelrenight4641]

I'm from Oregon and I remember when I was a kid, they traded elk for turkeys as far as I remember..

[@nicholassmith8806]

Steve - 'An elk has definitely been bedding here.' Me - nodding vigorously at a bunch of sticks and leaves

[@duanehall4311]

Me.....salivating knowing that there is a standing rib roast soon in the works....and plenty of bleeding elk burgers too....mmmmmm

[@jonadablarios1517]

@@duanehall4311 never had an elk burger but it sounds amazing

[@crowman5936]

@@jonadablarios1517 As I have a freezer full of elf and make elk burgers they're about the best burger you'll ever eat.

[@jonadablarios1517]

@@crowman5936 LMK when you make some again I’ll come through

[@dave131]

@@crowman5936 freezer full of elf. lmao.. .. that's fantastic. Don't you dare edit it lol

[@WHiT3_SHAD0W]

I'm from Cincinnati, (South western Ohio) and it would be awesome if they introduced elk back into northern Kentucky, Ohio, and everywhere they once were.

[@gnrfan9697]

As someone who lived in KY and puts in every year, this is the episode I've been waiting for.

[@matttomlinson9129]

I put in and got “Archery either sex” in 2019. I scouted every public hunting area in the section I got, scouted several private owned properties, talked to local landowners and hunters, all leading up to and the start of the season. Then I hunted several 4 day weekends, over the season, in addition to the 6 times I went to look for elk. Beautiful country down there (I live north of there), a lot of private but friendly people, and a lot of them were very helpful. Unfortunately, everyone around the several counties we spoke to told us the reality of the situation, and that unless you pay a “guide” $3,500 to take you onto the land where the elk are, you aren’t even going to see one. People in every area we went to, both Public Hunting Areas and private property said that money is hard to come by there, and the “guide” business pulls in a lot of money for families in those areas. The guides actually go out onto PHA’s with atv’s and literally chase and herd the elk off of those lands, and onto the properties that are owned by the strip mining companies. The strip mining companies own 100’s and 100’s of thousands of acres there, and they “lease” access to the “guides” who then charge you $3,000+ to ride up to some fenced in elk feeding on piles of corn, and shoot it. No stalking and hunting the animals like a guided adventure out west, just you and some fat old blowhard driving you up to some captive killing. I’ve never felt so ripped off, mislead-lied to, and disappointed in something that I personally put so much actual work, walking up and down mountains, spending time practicing with bow and arrow, buying gear, taking off work to go down there, just to find out it’s a scam. You might see a lost wandering cow or calf on some remote piece of private property next to a strip mine, but no groups or herds. Don’t waste your time, if you’re okay with spending $3,500 on a guided elk hunt, spend another grand and go out west. Sorry to be a bummer, but these are facts, and hopefully it’ll save someone the time and money. Still haven’t heard of anyone seeing elk in the “protected “ viewing areas in the last few years...

[@tonybyrne3613]

I drew a bull tag in 2020 after applying for twenty years straight. I hunted without a guide and got a nice 6 x 6 On public Land. I heard a couple more bulls bugling which were also On public land. I realize I was pretty lucky, but your statement that all the bills are behind fences is totally untrue. Also it is illegal to hunt elk over bait. I'm not saying that some guides might not be a little shady but most hunters are not going to shoot an elk over bait when it is not legal. By the way I talked with a biologist to get a recommendation on where to hunt. Also successful elk hunters in KY only use a guide approximately 50% of the time.

[@blakerutherford5243]

I've put in the last four years as a nonresident. No dice. Put in for everything, every time.

[@davidmurray9162]

@@tonybyrne3613 I actually got drawn this year for a cow and would like some info as to if you seen many cow and where this public land is located. I live in southeastern Ky.

[@tonybyrne3613]

David congratulations on being drawn.I did not actually see any cows where I was hunting But since there were bulls around there had to be cows also.I was hunting On the C.F.Ataya WMA In area 3.Before long on your" my profile "page On the Kentucky fish and wildlife website You will receive notification that you were drawn and there will be lots of info available to help you choose which area to apply for. You will not Necessarily Receive The area that you apply for.

[@kogerism]

My wife drew a bull tag in 2009, and we were lucky enough to get a nice 4x4 on public land, first day right at dark. She broke his neck looking at her, 175 yds with her .270 and 150 Hornady Interloc. Dropped in his tracks, made about 280 pounds of great eating. She had been fascinated with the elk since they put them here. She is a die hard deer hunter, getting 2-3 a year with bow, ML and rifle. That was one of the high pts in her hunting carreer. Thanks for taking us along, congrats on the bull!

[@patrickwright2157]

Never been hunting before but after watching all these episodes I am dying to get out and hunt!

[@bane8305]

same bro out in LA like damn where th fuck the elk at lol

[@nicholascecil6733]

Definitely read up on all the laws first, it's a lot more complicated than you would expect. Good luck if you're hunting public, all kind of competition these days

[@trippledfishing1169]

Dido

[@modavid8359]

I started 3 years ago and I absolutely do not regret it. It is amazing and so much fun.

[@FloydofOz]

Now is a good time to take a hunter safety class and then scout during the summer so you’re ready this coming season.

[@maximumlvl5001]

Steven Showing the ethics of hunting is amazing and think would persuade Alot of people that hunting can be done right. That why I think I love these episodes so much

[@friedrice69]

I hope Elk numbers continue to grow. Awesome work by the Elk foundation!!

[@danielthompson2894]

I respect Steve so much. His love and affection for his quarry is second to none. How he takes his time to care for his bounty from field to table.

[@HerbertHopkins799]

For more great info on Kentucky watch KY Afield. So much history in their program and very educational. Never won the elk lottery when I lived there but at least I can have fun vicariously.

[@Codyd99749]

The joy spread across his face @11:13 from just a sound of the animal he is seeking is a beautiful thing.

[@rickyball5165]

Thank you for shining light on Kentucky Steve. As a hunter and conservationists it means so much more than words can explain.

[@alfredwilliams5153]

That’s definitely a once in a lifetime hunt lots of people apply for this tag for lots of years and never even get a tag let alone harvest a awesome bull like that great job 👍

[@jamesosborne5950]

Tried for three years so far .not picked yet but ill keep trying

[@NonTypicalNation]

The piercing sound of a bugling elk is unforgettable. Love how Steve always put emphasis on the conservation side of hunters!

[@MalcLindaBudden]

I am from Dorset England. in 1999 I did a research project with an organization called Earthwatch. They provide researchers with volunteers to assist with their research We were a group of 6 volunteers assisting scientists studying the newly introduced Elk on the reclaimed Strip-mined areas of South East Kentucky. Seeing this video brought back memories, and how the planting has grown. There were no mature trees only small saplings and ground cover plants. I am sure the animals we saw have long gone but the bulls we saw in the film are descendants of the ones I saw all those years ago. Thank you Steve for such a fabulous video.👍🦌

[@calebmccordy6326]

I’ve grew up here in Kentucky, and to me it’s weird whenever it’s perfectly still and quiet. Always had cicadas and grasshoppers during spring and summer, some of the most relaxing stuff there is!

[@alphawolftactical160]

The map is kick ass. Definitely, drawn after a night of moonshine

[@ANZACJugger0]

He pulled it out an I almost spat my breakfast across my laptop

[@chaz2000000]

@@ANZACJugger0 Heckin same

[@HabarudoD]

I was looking in the comments for anyone mentioning the map drawing by something akin to a very self-confident 5 year old

[@DSluch23]

As someone who lives in Kentucky (Boone County in fact) I wasn't aware that elk was that prevalent here at one point. Thank you for the history lesson! This is my new favourite episode!

[@marcuscicero9587]

I saw the devastation strip mining brought to Southern Illinois near Harrisburg, a stone's throw from Kentucky. the companies did not even remove their buildings and equipment after they had their way with the land. a lot of people down there still heat with coal. pretty rolling country nontheless

[@skyleroffenbacher9796]

Could see the happiness in his face when the bull called the second time, gotta love it

[@NSP70]

What a beautiful looking meal. As an ex chef, I truly appreciate Steve's focus on preparing food in a straight forward kind of way that highlights the meat.

[@johanswart8116]

Same happened here in south africa with the blesbuck and bontebok. The bontebok there was only 6 left innthe world in one stage

[@JWgameandFish]

Man, hunting elk in the home mountains is for sure a dream. Hearing a bugle in those woods would be amazing. Good hunt!

[@requiemglassworks9254]

I love how the bull elk was just sitting there watching you explain the nuances of "where elk where, vs where elk are" that's amazing.

[@devincook3278]

Elk County, PA is a magical place. Few places make me so happy and so sad at the same time. It’s beautiful to see the elk back in one of their many natural habitats, but it’s sad to think why there are so few.

[@markosborne3356]

Awesome seeing you hunt in my home state. Great to see the reintroduction population doing so well. Just happened in my life time. Saw one cow in eastern ky a few years ago rabbit hunting

[@HKLNSNKR]

Had no idea the cows would hunt rabbits. That would be awesome to see. Lol 😆 sorry, I couldn't help myself. I hunted rabbit 🐇 way back in the 90s, haven't done it since.

[@lincolnhavens5313]

Born and raised in east Kentucky and remember seeing some of the first elk they turned loose in 97 riding the school bus. Now I live and guide in New Mexico and dream of the day I can go back home for a elk hunt. Awesome episode brother!

[@tommypark2522]

I personally love how often he decides not to shoot for one reason or another I love how much he cares about the right shot and not just any kill

[@thatsmrtwattoyou]

It's always the shots you don't take that make you a good hunter....good judgement is essential.

[@shadedigital5735]

This episode explains a lot for me. Was driving my family for vacation up to Tennessee (Gatlinberg) coming from Georgia. Looked out of my window and couldn’t believe my eyes. I saw several elk grazing maybe 50 yards from the road. I thought elk were only west of the Mississippi. Literally pulled over to watch them for 10 minutes with the family. Took a couple grainy photos from my phone and left them be. By the grace of God it would be lovely to see the elk population rebound on this side of the country.

[@jshadow62]

They are in Missouri now. Small numbers and only 5 tags given out each year but I'm hoping they keep working at it

[@steveg7066]

The RMEF is such a great organization... Them and the NWTF... Both groups put so much care into fixing the past mistakes, and you can see the results

[@johnnyrc9304]

I yelled at the computer like a sporting event when that 2nd elk walked up on Steve. "Shoot that Sumbitch Boy!!" HAHAHAHAHA!

[@MrsAutumnNaba]

LOL

[@andrewaudas4816]

camera guy moved, or it probably wouldnt have bolted so soon

[@abaachi13]

I bagged my first elk on Oct 3, 2021 (26 days ago). This episode brought back so many fine memories. When you ran that bolt, I could swear it was me looking through my scope. I'm hooked for life. Thank you for your videos, and inspiration.

[@craigmcmullen231]

I gotta say, I’ve watched just about all your episodes over the years. But this one made me smile a lot! You’re always hunting out west, but in this episode you’re near my neck of the woods. Seeing your reaction after the smokeless smoke cleared reminds me, of my reaction under the same circumstances. I understand Steve probably doesn’t read these comments or reads any of the emails sent to MEATEATER in general, but I have corresponded with some of his staff and had the pleasure to actually chat with one of them. I invited the crew on a traditional Pa rifle deer hunt, not knowing that I had sent that invitation a year too late as they just finished shooting a Pa deer camp hunt just recently, although it was a flintlock hunt instead of a Pa deer rifle season hunt. Wish I could’ve made that happen. But they know that invitation is always standing.

[@huntertolson5438]

I am just a kid who has been hunting for just a few years and I have learned so much from watching your hunts thank you so much for making these videos

[@jacksonwebb6389]

I even damn near got buck fever when he finally stalked up on that bull, one of my favorite episodes so far

[@beebop9808]

Crawled all over those mountains on the NC side growing up. Would've been awesome back then to hear bull Elk in the woods. They were started up in the Smokies about the same time as Kentucky and now they're thick in the NC western mountains, eastern TN and I now live in GA. Just lucky that way lol. Never heard much about trying to restore the woodlands bison. They roamed the hills up there too. Sign on the Blue Ridge Parkway at the top of Bull Creek Gap says, The last buffalo seen in the eastern US was shot here 1841. Musta been a heluva proud moment! But then hardly anything made it through the depression. I heard more than one old timer back in the day talk about the dead silence in the woods for many years following.

[@ca9968]

I grew up hunting in South Africa and would LOVE to head stateside and hunt...my Lottery Dream!

[@S.Clause]

Be careful not to become the hunted if you go stateside

[@kylewarner9822]

ignore that other guys comment , i have no clue wtf he is talking about, i'd love to hunt in south africa

[@S.Clause]

@@kylewarner9822 me too

[@drsnooker1776]

@@S.Clausewtf you talking about ?

[@rickeyharripersad1907]

When i listen to you ,in your voice says that your a real hunter an enjoy what you do.i am from trinidad and i hunt .its an amazing feeling to be out there in nature not only for the kill but to enjoy and embrace life in the wild

[@philllax1719]

I've always been fascinated with southern elk, it feels like they're not talked about enough

[@calebcourts5142]

Yea it’s cool in a couple decades my state West Virginia will even be able to be hunted for Elk probably

[@KS-zr5og]

Ha funny you say that. I'm an avid hunter from ND so I always go further west. I seen the title and was like wtf Kentucky has elk lmao

[@philllax1719]

@@KS-zr5og I didnt learn about them until I moved from New York to Colorado

[@coltonsutley4474]

Pennsylvania has elks in the northern central part of the state. There's a drawing to get tags and are really hard to get

[@calebcourts5142]

@@coltonsutley4474 that’s how it’s gonna be hear

[@ccrockyhorses98]

Good one Steve! It really pulled on my heart strings. Those are the hills of my youth. Those mountains are where I got the outdoor bug. Hunting those ridges and fishing those streams. That was in the mid eighties and there were no elk. No deer or turkeys for that matter. There was more a little more north toward Ashland but where I was we just had squirrel and rabbit. We moved to Ohio in 86 to the farm lands and started hunting whitetail. I've lived it Utah and hunted mule deer but never took one. I've been out listening to the elk bugle but never hunted them. This episode of meateater has really brought back some good memories. I thank you sir!!!

[@aparson2967]

"To shoot the first something ever seen in a place seems a little not right." Amen - thanks for the ethics.

[@fukemnukem1525]

Yes. Absolutely.

[@bjrollick5262]

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation has done an amazing job helping reintroduce Elk across the country. They were part of bringing a Elk back to Pennsylvania 110 years ago. We’ve had a thriving population to the point they have been drawing Elk tags for about 20 years now.

[@jamesanderson6940]

Was literally just thinking to myself, “shit, i think i watched the final wild within and meat eater oldies on youtube last night. Hope they posted a new one”

[@codyantrim8700]

So cool being a hunter in Washington state to see Elk in Kentucky. I honestly never even considered them being countrywide before they were hunted out. I've learned a lot of our history and the utter importance of conservation on this show. Thank you Meat Eater team. God bless.

[@dominic4260]

You passed right where we go through in middlesboro ky!!!

[@silentlandthousandvoices]

One of my all-time, favorite episodes. I love that kind stalking hunt through cover.

[@Dontlook146]

Dang, I wish Elk was still here in Ga

[@joshhubbard]

Using the ribs as your table why you cooked the liver and mushrooms... something about that was just so cool!

[@willcampbell4321]

As a Kentucky native, I hope to one day get the opportunity to do this

[@mattfleming86]

Growing up just about an hour away on the VA side, this one was nice to see. They are taking roots in VA and on north in the Pikeville area. I remember camping on an old mine site with my wife (girlfriend then) around Allen KY circa 08 or 09. We heard a noise in the middle of the night just a few yards from the tent. It wasn't windy so we were on the top of the highest ridge for several miles. I got up a couple hours later and there was a nice fresh edition of Elk Digest about 15-20 yards from the tent. In that area we saw more elk than deer. I'd like to hunt them one day but having watched the project grow since I was in 5th grade or so my heart tells me to give it another decade. It is so nice to see them thriving, considering there were simply a tale from the past when I was a kid.

[@holdenevans7839]

Heck yeah steve i live in east ky and its a blast!

[@aaronflanagan8983]

I think that’s the most I have seen stave rushing on adrenaline out of any episode. Great bull!

[@stevebaker8138]

So pumped for this episode!!! Really encouraging to see these massive animals east of the Mississippi!

[@jayportalatin654]

I've watched a lot of hunting shows throughout my life but yours brother,is the best! And is the most respectful and genuine! I wish I could hunt one time with you! Keep the shows coming baby!!!💯

[@gunnarj6630]

Man... This is the first time I have seen Steven kill a elk WITHOUT complications! 😂

[@arunramachandran5012]

He's a hunter man. He has to elk out a living.

[@alansenecal5548]

What a great episode, and a great look at the reintroduction of elk. This is now got to be one of my most favorite episodes. I'm 72 and live in southern Vermont, just north of the Massachusetts border. There used to be elk here in this area, a long time ago, I would have loved to have seen that. I've only seen elk in the wild like 3 times in my adult life. Once was in northern California but the best was in Mistissini, Quebec, Canada. While in Mistissini for almost 3 weeks we got to hear them bugle every morning and evening as we were camped right on the lake. Elk are definitely very special. Thanks Steve for this episode in the north eastern woods.

[@RedK11]

Just got a 3 star one of these bad boys in RDR2. Finally unlocked the last satchel upgrade

[@conartist8326]

Lmfao, I didn't expect to see this here!! I love the hunting in that game!

[@billbillings9609]

I’m going for 100 percent completion , it’s impossible without looking at wiki pages lmao

[@Bean-ip6wl]

@@billbillings9609 yeah I still have to get a moose, but they are so hard to find !

[@judithbeers7598]

@@Bean-ip6wl , go to 🇨🇦 Canada, they will run over you.

[@RubyS.1]

Gamers. The real conservationists

[@marcuscicero9587]

sassafras, hardwoods and pecan. an unbelievable amount of different tree types. first time I saw a pecan tree, I heard it before I saw it. the pecan nuts in the tree were clacking in the wind. nice country

[@Jacob-qr8pl]

Welcome to the Salty Spittoon. How tough are you? Steve: How tough am I? I butchered an elk. So what? Steve: And I used its rib cage as a cutting board. Right this way sir.

[@phonebush]

steve: I ate an elk liver so what? steve: without any milk...

[@andrewlee1321]

@@phonebush under appreciated comment right there.

[@CrazieCraig1]

That’s amazing I am from Frakes Kentucky I appreciate you showing off our beautiful land we don’t get many visitors.

[@AmaralMotown]

Anyone else look forward to his new episodes?

[@rickyball5165]

My ol Kentucky home.🇺🇸 I hope the numbers keep growing so we can see and hunt them commonly in my area southcentral KY. There gettin close.😀

[@BULLPULLER]

so cool to see elk in the east, awsome video, mbmf

[@andyhickmann2173]

Daniel Boone is my great (x7) Uncle. Great guy, so I've been told.

[@elevatedincorporated5747]

All you’re missing to make that a perfect meal is onions

[@raybship1]

nice bull. I've hunted all my life also in Michigan. Elk by far are tastiest " except caribou " animal I ever ate!

[@jasedoityaself8994]

Absolutely love watching these vids, wish could live like this, off the land, still doing my bit being in uk 🇬🇧 keep the vids coming

[@CrewDogGamer]

going on my first elk hunt in 23 and jesus that second bull had my heart pumping

[@mr90quinones]

Idk why I kinda laugh when I see the little bottle of "tajin" he carrys with him ...maybe being mexican and all 😆...we put that on everything

[@scottdaugherty1570]

Hey Rinella, appreciate you acknowledging and highlighting the elk population in Arkansas, particularly, The Boxley Valley. There’s some gorgeous bulls in that valley! I’ve crossed paths with more than one while out canoeing and hiking. Keep up the good work, duder!

[@jhonlestercasio4638]

make me 1 of your crew, a big fan from philipines

[@brisbanekilarny6212]

Missouri is a few years behind Kentucky with their elk restoration. Last year a few bull elk were harvested by hunters.

[@Operatorjk]

Love the fact he's hunting in my home state but so pissed how r dnr does the elk draw

[@andyrobertson5110]

Stark difference between hunting in in the east vs. the west. Thanks for showing that!

[@hunters1372]

remember me saying I'm just sitting on your channel refreshing the page for 18 hours a day? guess whos still doing it

[@briangregory9609]

Missouri just had first elk hunt in years. All 5 selected harvested bulls of various ages.

[@lukenault6773]

I had a hard day and thought to myself "maybe there's a new meat eater up" and its up and my wounds are healed

[@RenegadeVash]

8:30 elk cresting the hill with the sun at it's back. Feels like something out of a movie

[@antsfinland2760]

Then it stops with a short pause and looks at Steve. What an amazing moment

[@Lee_Lee1776]

I live to hunt and grocery shop to live. 🤣 But I really want to hunt.

[@b0ssatr0n91]

I'm from KY bluegrass in my blood. This was awesome, glad he got that bull

[@petersouthernboy6327]

They've reestablished Elk in East Tennessee also

[@joshsmith7176]

Last year in my part of north west south Carolina I seen a few elk this year I have seen a few dozen it won't be long and we will have a huntable population again. It's also been the first confirmed elk sighting in my state since 1880 it's pretty cool.

[@Fuhrious]

Come to West Virginia.

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

all deer have that smell to them you can't forget it and every time you smell it you know ones around. I also didn't know Kentucky was part of that reintroduction plan, I use to live up where they put the Elk in Pennsylvania and it's one of the best game you can have.

[@HBBreakdowns]

sigh been in the draw for 15 years and ain’t been drawn now everybody like “there’s elk in ky?!?!” no there’s no elk please don’t come here trying to hunt elk I feel like i’ll never get to hunt elk in my home state 😭

[@markdavis6076]

Grow a KZbin channel and you can hunt anywhere. Remain an average Joe and your options are shrinking fast.

[@IHaveTheShanks]

@@markdavis6076 Buddy unless your Rinella or Rogan, the draw does not give a shit if your a youtuber its all random

[@FrankForthman3]

Same, I apply every year and never get drawn 😭😭maybe one day!

[@HBBreakdowns]

@@IHaveTheShanks randomized to favor out of state hunters because their tags are 5x more

[@IHaveTheShanks]

@@HBBreakdowns there should be two draws for in-state and out-of state to allow for more tags for the locals. Im hoping they put Elk back in the midwest and south so we dont have this problem

[@Johngoes.outdoors]

Best time for a lunch break lol

[@Dontlook146]

Yes Sir!!! Might be late coming back from break.

[@judithbeers7598]

He should have soaked that liver totally submersed in cold salt water overnight. It's not very good otherwise.

[@neonpotleaf2401]

blue ridge boys this ones ours!!! cheers to steve and enjoying these beautiful hills.

[@Thisismycomment.]

Animal rights activists do absolutely nothing for the animals. It's hunters, we protect the animals we've come to love.

[@lukebennett576]

The people that know the animals best and respect them are the hunters normally seems like most anti hunters know the least. a bit like gun control.

[@fukemnukem1525]

I lived in a town called Elkton KY in Western KY for 15 years. I've always tried to imagine that area (which is beautiful) with Elk roaming around. We have ginormous white tails but nothing like a "horse with horns"..... I'd love to hunt (or even watch and listen to) a creature like them.

[@ElevatedTines]

Theres elk in Kentucky? 😂

[@morganyoder4277]

I’ve got the same question. 😂

[@jables1122]

Yes, I live in Louisville but there’s an introduced population of elk in eastern Kentucky. Happened within the last 50 years or so. There’s 10 or 20,000 elk in eastern Kentucky.

[@morganyoder4277]

@@jables1122 hmm, interesting.

[@dingersonly6564]

I live in Kentucky and I did not know that there was elk here

[@wvhound2.066]

Yup there is, and there is elk in WV as well. The reclaimed mines provided excellent habitat for em.

[@joshlutter4924]

I'm not 100% but I think my dad still holds the record for largest elk taken with a traditional bow in Kentucky. He is very active in the RMEF (rocky mountain elk foundation) to this day. This hunt makes me happy

[@theangryamerican3506]

I live right there in London ky. Man ive put in for 5 years for a elk tag. Aint even got close to being drawn This aint even right!!! 😒

[@kylehennion9981]

Just buy an out of zone tag and go hunt them during deer season in the buffer counties. The drawing is only for the quota hunt in the restoration zone

[@kylehennion9981]

Out of zone tag is only $30 for residents

[@Deadlyguy75]

@@kylehennion9981 I'm not sure there's even many elk to hunt in the buffer counties. I live in Whitley which is supposedly in the "elk zone" and I've never seen a single one. I'd say most of them are over around clay county

[@kylehennion9981]

@@Deadlyguy75 I live in hart and I drive over 2-3 weekends a month from spring to fall . I generally mark GPS points when I spot elk to try to find a pattern. If you are serious about hunting them I could give you some points in some buffer zones that would get you started. Which I am generally in the more southern counties

[@matttomlinson9129]

I put in and got “Archery either sex” in 2019. I scouted every public hunting area in the section I got, scouted several private owned properties, talked to local landowners and hunters, all leading up to and the start of the season. Then I hunted several 4 day weekends, over the season, in addition to the 6 times I went to look for elk. Beautiful country down there (I live north of there), a lot of private but friendly people, and a lot of them were very helpful. Unfortunately, everyone around the several counties we spoke to told us the reality of the situation, and that unless you pay a “guide” $3,500 to take you onto the land where the elk are, you aren’t even going to see one. People in every area we went to, both Public Hunting Areas and private property said that money is hard to come by there, and the “guide” business pulls in a lot of money for families in those areas. The guides actually go out onto PHA’s with atv’s and literally chase and herd the elk off of those lands, and onto the properties that are owned by the strip mining companies. The strip mining companies own 100’s and 100’s of thousands of acres there, and they “lease” access to the “guides” who then charge you $3,000+ to ride up to some fenced in elk feeding on piles of corn, and shoot it. No stalking and hunting the animals like a guided adventure out west, just you and some fat old blowhard driving you up to some captive killing. I’ve never felt so ripped off, mislead-lied to, and disappointed in something that I personally put so much actual work, walking up and down mountains, spending time practicing with bow and arrow, buying gear, taking off work to go down there, just to find out it’s a scam. You might see a lost wandering cow or calf on some remote piece of private property next to a strip mine, but no groups or herds. Don’t waste your time, if you’re okay with spending $3,500 on a guided elk hunt, spend another grand and go out west. Sorry to be a bummer, but these are facts, and hopefully it’ll save someone the time and money. Still haven’t heard of anyone seeing elk in the “protected “ viewing areas in the last few years...

[@Doncorleone44]

When I started on deer I got buck fever on the does as well, nowadays I get a little exited with a deer in my scope but it’s still my favourite hobby

[@chadkoppa8978]

How the heck did he draw a tag???? That is like winning the elk lottery to get a Kentucky bull tag!!!!!

[@matttomlinson9129]

I put in and got “Archery either sex” in 2019. I scouted every public hunting area in the section I got, scouted several private owned properties, talked to local landowners and hunters, all leading up to and the start of the season. Then I hunted several 4 day weekends, over the season, in addition to the 6 times I went to look for elk. Beautiful country down there (I live north of there), a lot of private but friendly people, and a lot of them were very helpful. Unfortunately, everyone around the several counties we spoke to told us the reality of the situation, and that unless you pay a “guide” $3,500 to take you onto the land where the elk are, you aren’t even going to see one. People in every area we went to, both Public Hunting Areas and private property said that money is hard to come by there, and the “guide” business pulls in a lot of money for families in those areas. The guides actually go out onto PHA’s with atv’s and literally chase and herd the elk off of those lands, and onto the properties that are owned by the strip mining companies. The strip mining companies own 100’s and 100’s of thousands of acres there, and they “lease” access to the “guides” who then charge you $3,000+ to ride up to some fenced in elk feeding on piles of corn, and shoot it. No stalking and hunting the animals like a guided adventure out west, just you and some fat old blowhard driving you up to some captive killing. I’ve never felt so ripped off, mislead-lied to, and disappointed in something that I personally put so much actual work, walking up and down mountains, spending time practicing with bow and arrow, buying gear, taking off work to go down there, just to find out it’s a scam. You might see a lost wandering cow or calf on some remote piece of private property next to a strip mine, but no groups or herds. Don’t waste your time, if you’re okay with spending $3,500 on a guided elk hunt, spend another grand and go out west. Sorry to be a bummer, but these are facts, and hopefully it’ll save someone the time and money. Still haven’t heard of anyone seeing elk in the “protected “ viewing areas in the last few years...

[@chadkoppa8978]

@@matttomlinson9129 But he is a out of state hunter. It is like winning the lottery drawing a bull tag in Kentucky. I was wondering if RMEF gave him a tag because he was promoting them. They are sneaky that way with their political power.

[@ericcecil6605]

He probably bought a landowner tag. Those tags go for tens of thousands of dollars.

[@chadkoppa8978]

@@ericcecil6605 that is what I was thinking. I know guys that have shot them out of the elk zone. But it is a low success hunt. Not like seeing all the elk he saw.

[@lestroyer2415]

Just what I'm thinking if you have a television show your Special

[@thewoodsytype7243]

Man those hollers in kentucky are no joke to climb up...... Also it'd be hard as hell to pinpoint a bugle with it echoing through the hollers-mountains. I wouldn't even try to stalk straight up the side of a holler , fat chance. LOL

[@bobbywilson9340]

I expected you to pull out a cow call sometime but it never happened

[@Atlas531]

I was thinking the same thing. Bugle or cow call would have been sweet.

[@judithbeers7598]

Wonder why he didn't call.

[@crangs8142]

Janis was probably doing it behind the scenes if there were any calls being made