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

S&W Model 29 In 44 Mag
S&W Model 29 In 44 Mag

Bear(ly) Armed—Bear Defense Calibers

A perusal of some fun and effective sidearm options for your spring black bear adventures.

First Look: Lumenok Adds Two Lighted Crossbow Nocks

Lumenok has introduced two additions to its lighted nock lineup: the TP 254 Nock for TenPoint bolts and the SQ300 Nock for Scorpyd crossbows.

Range Review: Winchester Supreme Long Range Ammo

Winchester's latest ammunition line is the Supreme Long Range centerfire rifle ammo, and that line is built around its BC Max projectile. Using a thick, drawn copper jacket, steep boattail at the rear and a relatively oversized polymer tip, the BC Max bullet is built for resisting wind deflection and retaining energy downrange. Check out Phil Massaro's review of the new ammo line here.

First Look: Hunter Specialties Trio of Deer Calls

Hunters Specialties has announced an all-new lineup of grunt tubes for 2026.

Arkansas Has Best Turkey Harvest in Two Decades—a Product of Sound Management

Arkansas turkey hunters checked 13,591 turkeys during this year’s season, which ended May 10. It was the highest spring turkey harvest since 2006.

Hardware Review: Thompson/Center Encore ProHunter

Check out our review of the T/C Encore ProHunter, a new version of the legendary switch-barrel muzzleloader from Thompson/Center.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.