Boone & Bugles: Kentucky Bull Elk | S4E10 | MeatEater

Steven Rinella is invited by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for a special opportunity to hunt elk during the rut in the mountainous coal country of southeastern Kentucky, a place where his hero Daniel Boone once roamed.
#fueledbynature #MeatEater Presented by @onX Hunt
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[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@johnnyrc9304]

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

[@conjuringwitch101]

LOL

[@andrewaudas4816]

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

[@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

[@vancevenhuizen91]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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..

[@aparson2967]

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

[@fukemnukem1525]

Yes. Absolutely.

[@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.

[@herkyj]

Might be my favorite Meat Eater episode, so cool to see the Elk in the east.

[@HBBreakdowns]

it’s not cool waiting 15 years to draw them but outta state guys will kill 3 ky elk in that time

[@WV_Raised1983]

@@HBBreakdowns exactly what I was thinking

[@judithbeers7598]

@@HBBreakdowns , nope that is not at all cool. Your game commission ought to get in some real trouble over that.

[@HBBreakdowns]

@@judithbeers7598 yeah the ky elk system is shit

[@ryanfitzwater6426]

They are drawing 3 elk tags for WV either this year or next..we are finally doing what Kentucky done and using the old strip mines as habitat. I worked on a pipeline in Hazard KY in 08 and remember watching a 6x6 bugle every evening in an old strip we were next to.

[@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.

[@aidanisler9547]

😂😂😂...... this is what I needed to read today

[@phonebush]

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

[@andrewlee1321]

@@phonebush under appreciated comment right there.

[@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.

[@friedrice69]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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”

[@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

[@NonTypicalNation]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@rickyball5165]

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

[@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!

[@teamnoodle8868]

I like Steven. He eats whatever he kills just like everyone of us.

[@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!

[@Dontlook146]

Dang, I wish Elk was still here in Ga

[@elevatedincorporated5747]

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

[@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

[@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.😀

[@johanswart8116]

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

[@skyleroffenbacher9796]

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

[@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.

[@andyhickmann2173]

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

[@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

[@benjaminbutts6554]

Welcome to Kentucky, hope you enjoyed your stay brotha! One of the most beautiful places you’ll ever see!

[@Codyd99749]

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

[@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.

[@jshadow7803]

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

[@AmaralMotown]

Anyone else look forward to his new episodes?

[@rustymacheteplayz]

Maybe one day when I'm older we will see elk back and booming!

[@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.

[@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.

[@dominic4260]

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

[@neonpotleaf2401]

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

[@lewismooney3941]

There were buffalo too!

[@willcampbell4321]

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

[@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

[@brisbanekilarny6212]

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

[@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 ?

[@holdenevans7839]

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

[@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.

[@jamesosborne5950]

I love hunting my home state of Kentucky

[@b0ssatr0n91]

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

[@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.

[@BULLPULLER]

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

[@WHiT3_SHAD0W]

19:50 I like how he used the ribs as a table to cook lol

[@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.

[@derekbutts1782]

Lol the shadiest thing done was yanking those chicken of the woods from someone's spot lmao

[@stevebaker8138]

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

[@WagonBurner1868]

elk, deer, sheep... liver heart and kidneys. yummy yummy to my tummy

[@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

[@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.

[@Mrs.Tincher]

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

[@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.

[@jimsmith5939]

This Saturday, September 9, 2023, I'll be in the Eastern Kentucky mountains searching for an elk. I was fortunate to have drawn an archery either sex tag. What a great video this was to watch.

[@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

[@jhonlestercasio4638]

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

[@bobboyer9440]

Daniel Boon and other hunters of their era must have been phenomenal hunters. They used flint lock rifles with iron sights. They used patched round balls. The best of marksman would be accurate to a distance of 100 yards. They did not have the technology of mouth calls, yet they were able to make the elk almost extinct in the greater USA. I think that very few men today are as competent at Daniel and his like.

[@CrazieCraig1]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@hunters1372]

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

[@davidallen3406]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@petersouthernboy6327]

They've reestablished Elk in East Tennessee also

[@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...

[@jacksonwebb6389]

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

[@jamesosborne5950]

I put in for the 2021 elk drawing . fingers crossed . I have family that have big bulls on their land .

[@Fuhrious]

Come to West Virginia.

[@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

[@SicSkinz1]

LOL, using the Elk rib cage as a table!

[@xXKingReptarXx]

Met my wife in the area he’s hunting. I remember driving those back roads at night seeing the elk on the sides of the roads. I’ve always hunted whitetail never hunted elk.

[@oxford821]

How did you get the tag? Is this in the elk zone?

[@to8860]

He got a tag from the rocky mountain elk foundation....i have mixed feelings about this.....

[@judithbeers7598]

@@to8860 , We all can see why.

[@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...

[@oxford821]

@@matttomlinson9129 Holy crap... I didn’t expect that. What a disappointment, but I can easily see that happening. I’ve been applying for the tag but maybe I’ll save for a western hunt now. Thanks for the info

[@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.

[@TurkeyDart]

Best hunting show period

[@raybship1]

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

[@iluvtacos121]

I’m so early I’m here before the weirdo saying first

[@AndrewConnComedy]

I’m from there here, I’m a standup comedian with a few hundred thousand subscribers next time your in KY let me know I’ll show you some better spot for elk....

[@mikehawk2610]

does your stand up include elk? joe rogan would be all over that

[@sog4646]

Are you in zone 4? I have access to some private ground there. I hope i can draw a tag.

[@sog4646]

Are you in zone 4? I have access to some private ground there. I hope i can draw a tag.

[@blakerutherford5243]

Well, seemed to work out alright for him😂 but if that's an open invitation I'll shoot you a message if I ever screw around and get drawn.

[@mittenskateboarding]

man i bet being able to see steves gps markings would be like gold lol

[@invin7215]

Elk are damn majestic looking.

[@ericcartman8457]

Steven Rinella if you're seeing this I look up to you and I wanna be like you

[@christopherlacoste2130]

How did you draw a tag? How many years did you apply? I smell celebrity "hunter" status over poor hillbilly waiting his turn.

[@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...

[@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

[@kimgreene3378]

At school when I was in third grade I learned all about Daniel Boone and he did a lot of stuff where you’re hunting