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 Academy
S&W Academy

Smith & Wesson Announces Grand Opening of Training Academy

Smith & Wesson has announced the grand opening of the new Smith & Wesson Academy.

Preseason Report: Benelli Nova 3

As the 2025 fall season gets underway, check out this clip of Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper putting the Benelli Nova 3 through its paces, and chatting with Benelli USA VP of Marketing Tim Joseph about the gun's design and capabilities.

New for 2025: Cole Exclusive Rizzini BR220 Limited

Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing has introduced the Cole Exclusive Rizzini BR220 Limited 28-gauge/29-inch just in time for hunting season.

#SundayGunday: Bergara BMR-X Steel

This week on #SundayGunday, we’re taking a look at a precision rimfire rifle from Bergara, the BMR-X Steel. Available in . 22 LR, .22 Win. Mag., and .17 HMR, this handy little bolt-action is sure to pile up the small-game, and with the cost of rimfire ammo being a fraction of centerfire ammo, it’ll provide plenty of fun plinking practice in the off-season.

IHEA-USA Announces New Hunter Rewards Program and Investigation Instructor Academy

The International Hunter Education Association–USA (IHEA-USA), in partnership with Guidefitter, has launched PathPerks, a reward and recognition program designed for new hunter education graduates.

Remington Announces 4th Annual Shoot to Cure Fundraiser

Remington Ammunition will be hosting its 4th Annual Shoot to Cure sporting clays fundraiser on September 19, 2025.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.