Booking Process
Mark at top end was very patient in my case, some family issues prevented me from booking until 3 months from the hunt date, but mark was very understanding. And handled my booking flawlessly!
Logistics and Lodging
I have hunted Canada and the Midwest for over20 years, and without a doubt my experience on this hunt surpasses them all – 1st class accommodations, guides, cooks, maids and owners all work as one complete team. You are more than a guest you are family, and the animals are 1st class as well, no surprises, no hidden costs no anxiety about what awaits you. All you have to do is prepare yourself for a great hunt and an enjoyable break from work or the daily grind behind you. A++ all the way around!!!
Trip Report Details
Upon arrival, my truck was unloaded by the staff and I enjoyed a refreshing drink and got to know the owners. They took time to show me around the facilities. We talked about my hunt and previous experiences for a little while, then lunch was hot and on the table waiting. After lunch, I changed clothes, shot my bow and sat down with my guide who was a seasoned elk bow hunter. He calmed me down and reassured me about my concerns.
I am 60 and this is my first elk hunt. I had hunted the west for years but after a recent car accident I had given up on getting an elk. We made a plan and I was dropped off several miles up the valley. We spotted for the next 4 hours up and down the hills calling, climbing to better vantage points to spot check. We decided and continued and we spotted 6 different bulls. But I was not sure and continued to look enjoying the action and blown away about how fast we got on quality animals. Finally, we spotted 3 bulls working a grassy area on the edge of a patch of timber and I spotted one with heavy beams and dark antlers!! That’s what I wanted.
We had to walk 1/2 miles down the ridgeline, drop off into the valley, then work our way back up the valley in order to have the right wind to make a stalk. Once we were below them, we ascended the hill to get a better look. Three hundred yards away you could see their antlers moving into the cooler timber and we decided I should make a move. Circling to my right, I belly crawled to within 35 yards. My bull was uneasy and he couldn’t wind me but he knew something was up. I ranged him again and he started to walk away through the timber. I had a two feet window at 40 yards and my guide cow called. He stopped and that gave me the shot I needed! Quite a bit different than the decoy’s I had been shooting for 2 months but the good lord guided my arrow, despite my shaking and he dropped. I reloaded and he rose and tore out of the timber. I managed one last shot and killed a willow tree on the spot. He went over the hill about 150 yards and crashed!!
When I got to him I was so overwhelmed. For about a min I just didn’t have words. What a blessing, what a trip , what a trophy. A day I’ll never forget!!
Your Experience
Mark, (Top End Adventures), takes all the guess work out of your hunt. His vetting process saves lots of time and money! Getting you to a quality outfitter, that produces quality game and accommodations. One trip per trophy animal with Marc will save you years talking to outfitters that promise but don’t deliver. All hunts are expensive these days, but even more expensive when you hunt with 5 different people trying to tag the trophy you of a lifetime. Let him do the work for you!!