Lynn Seibold with one of his Idaho Super Hunt bull elk.
Photo: Lynn Seibold |
Lifetime Elk Hunt Times 2
By Lynn Seibold
What are the odds of drawing two Idaho elk super tags in the span of three years? The probability is similar to being hit by lightning twice.
It all began in 2004 when Idaho started its Access Yes! program by selling tickets for the "hunt of a lifetime" drawing. Access Yes! uses the funds to purchase access to private land for sportsmen. In June of 2004, an Idaho Fish and Game representative called my wife, Jackie, to tell her that I had been drawn for an elk super tag.
My mind started racing with all the hunting options this opportunity of a lifetime presented me. Because the super tag allowed me to hunt in any controlled or open elk hunt in Idaho, I quickly started my research. I have hunted elk in Idaho for more than 20 years, but I had no first-hand experience in many of the most difficult-to-draw areas. After many hours of research, I decided not to hire a guide and do the hunt myself.
After many sleepless nights, opening day finally arrived. I decided to tackle a rifle hunt during the rut. The area I chose only holds a few hundred elk, although many people believe the next Idaho state record will come out of this unit.
Each day of my 17-day hunt, I called in or was in range of at least one mature bull, but I kept waiting for that once-in-a-lifetime trophy. With the burning need to get back to my non-hunting life, work – and passing on more than 20 nice bulls – I decided to harvest a good 6x6 bull which scored ~ 300 B&C points.
I recall mentioning to my hunting partner, that this is the last super tag I will ever see, as I tied it to the elk's antlers.
I never dreamed that in less than two years, my name would be drawn again for a 2006 Idaho elk super tag. I had only purchased one ticket for this second drawing, which just goes to show it only takes one to win. The drawing was conducted on August 15, which only gave me two weeks to plan my hunt. (Two drawings are held each year--editor)
I decided to hunt the same unit I had hunted in 2004. After several weekends of hunting in above average temperatures, a low pressure system moved in, bringing day-time high temperatures of 50 degrees and nights dropping below freezing. I knew the rut would intensify.
My hunting partner, Tracy Allred, and I started out on the evening of September 15, the first day of a four-day trip. After a couple bugles and cow calls, a huge bull stepped out of the brush. Looking at the bull for more than five minutes, it was clear that he was extremely heavy-beamed, and although he was non-typical on one side, I decided he was a great bull.
My 7 mm Mag Remington 700 did its job, and the bull fell quickly to the ground. As we approached the bull, his antlers continued to grow, with the non-typical side showing unique characteristics. His body was massive, and his ivories were worn flat; he was the oldest elk I had ever seen but still supported a great set of antlers and healthy body.
As we caped and quartered the bull, it started snowing to complete a perfect evening. We used Tracy's horses to retrieve the meat, then headed home.
At that point it was clear that I had something special. My taxidermist and I gross-scored him at 380 inches with exceptional mass and unusual non-typical tines.
I will continue to support Idaho's Access Yes! program through purchasing super tag tickets, even though it is unlikely I will ever get that phone call again. Who knows, maybe lightning could strike a third time? Regardless, I have the trophy of a lifetime from a hunt I will never forget.
Siebold of Meridian is a 39-year-old Idaho native who has pursued elk, deer, bear, pronghorn and waterfowl all of his hunting life. His 15-year-old son, Ryan, joins him now and wants a bull to rival his dad's.