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

Henned Up Try One Of These Tips
Henned Up Try One Of These Tips

Early Spring Turkey Tactics that Work

A hunter strokes the paddle on a box call emitting a loud yelp into the predawn air. The thunderous reply has blood boiling at both ends of this dance. What now? Read on for some early spring turkey tactics that work.

New for 2026: Imperial Whitetail Sorghum Select

Hunters and land managers looking to add additional feeding opportunities now have a new option: Imperial Whitetail brand Sorghum Select from the Whitetail Institute. This blend combines two premium hybrid sorghum varieties to deliver a high-yielding, palatable, nutritious grain crop.

Hunting Adventure: Pursuing the Prince of the Plains

A veteran of many safaris finally hunts the game atop his wish list. Follow along with Scott Haugen as he stalks sable through South Africa.

New for 2026: Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig

Always scrambling to find the right call in one of a thousand pockets? The Armageddon Gear Turkey Chest Rig eliminates that problem by putting everything front and center, exactly where it should be.

First Look: Mossberg Special Edition 590 Bliksem

Mossberg has released its 590 Bliksem, a Special Edition pump-action firearm created in collaboration with Christian Craighead and his brand, Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You: Part III

Somehow, more than ten years has gone by since we had the second installment in this series. With a multitude of requests for another go-round, I am more than happy to oblige. We’ve had some interesting new developments in the cartridges world in the last decade, and there are some classic which are still being championed. So, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, I present Part III of What Your Favorite Cartridge Says About You.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.