Potential World-Record Elk Confirmed

by
posted on September 20, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
record_elk_bc.jpg

Photos Courtesy Boone and Crockett Club

One resident Montana hunter might have scored the bull of a lifetime—one with the potential to go down in history. The Boone and Crockett Club and Pope & Young Club have announced that they've confirmed the existence of a potential new archery world record.

The bull's B&C green score has been measured at 429-6/8 net and 448-4/8 gross. At first blush, that score would be more than enough to make it the new Pope & Young world-record elk, but the final, official score won't be given until the bull is measured again in two months' time. The current Pope & Young world-record holder, which was killed in Arizona in 2005, measured out at 412-1/8.

The Montana bull may also crack the Boone and Crockett top five. The list's current No. 4 bull measures in at 425-3/8. Upon confirmation, it should also become the largest elk ever killed in the state of Montana. Current record holder Fred C. Mereer's bull, harvested in 1958, measured out at 419-4/8.

The antlers must undergo a 60-day drying period before they can be officially scored for the record books, according to Justin Spring, Boone and Crockett’s Director of Big Game Records. Spring also noted that the Montana bull might be the largest typical American elk taken in the last 48 years.

"After meeting the hunter, hearing the story, and seeing the photos I knew this was a special animal and a historic moment in big game hunting and conservation. I immediately contacted P&Y," Spring said.

Thus far, the hunter remains anonymous. We'll provide updates to the story as more information becomes available.

For more information, go to Boone-Crockett.org.

Latest

Flag Of Oregon With IP28
Flag Of Oregon With IP28

Proposed Oregon Petition Would Ban All Hunting

A petition to ban all hunting in Oregon is getting close to making this year’s ballot. Proponents of the PEACE Act (an acronym for “People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act”) are reporting they have amassed about 100,000 of the 117,173 signatures needed for the petition to make the November ballot.

Gear Roundup: Tools for Game Chefs

Looking for some ways to spice up your game cooking this offseason? Look no further than the list below, curated by the hunters and (amateur) game chefs of American Hunter.

First Look: Remington Final Strut HD Tungsten

The new Remington Final Strut loads are two 3-inch, 12-gauge, 2-ounce loads in No. 6 or 7 shot, and two 3-inch, 20-gauge, 1-1/4-ounce loads in No. 6 or 7 shot. These four turkey loads promise to deliver great retained energy at long distance due to their heavy payloads of 12 g/cc tungsten pellets.

6 Things to Consider Before Buying a Hunting Dog

Having a four-legged hunting companion makes for more memorable days in the field, but before buying a pup ask yourself these six questions.

New for 2026: Berger 7mm PRC Elite Hunter

New for 2026, Berger is expanding its Elite Hunter ammunition line to include two new 7mm PRC cartridge offerings.

Hardware Review: Bergara B-15 Squared CIMA CF

The Bergara B-14 Squared Cima CF design and weight split the difference between traditional hunting rifles and ultralight rigs. It does use carbon fiber, but it doesn’t try to be ultralight at the expense of skeletonizing or titanium.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.