Each year I provide a complete success report of every hunter who hunted with me so that you can call the unsuccessful ones as well as the ones who got a big one.  Names are listed in order of arrival at camp.  When you call them, please be brief to respect their privacy. Guides names in italics: Grant, Sparky, Brian, Tom, Warren.  Since all scoring systems recognize any and all scorable points, including brow tines, all scorable points are counted, so a 4x4 buck with brow tines is a 5x5.  I use the SCI system of scoring which is the most fair and equitable system.  It is basically the same as Boone and Crockett gross score, with a couple of important differences;  If scoring the buck typical, you ignore non-typical points instead of deducting them (why penalize a buck for growing extra?).  If scoring him non-typical, all are included.  With SCI there are no deductions for non-symmetry (BC penalizes a buck or bull for growing extra length on one side).  Click on the link to see the buck or bull.

We have some huge elk in the area (in 2003 we had spotted two huge bulls, but some other hunters killed them and they scored 372 and 355, and in 2004 we killed a 330 B&C bull) but reality is that small ones far outnumber the big ones.  Opening day is excellent, but then the hunting quickly gets tough for a few days because of hunting pressure from locals.  After about 5 days the hunting gets better because there are few hunters besides us.  In 2003, on opening morning, our 7 hunters killed 5 elk, wounded and lost a big 5 pointer, and missed two really big 6 point bulls.  We had only 3 hunters after opening day (because of the permit draw and because of others filling out).  The one who wounded and lost the big 5 point bull hunted for 3 more days without success.  Then a week later one hunter came for only one day, saw about 40 elk, passed up a spike, saw two BIG six-point bulls, and had a great time.  Another hunter came for a 3 day hunt, the last 3 days of the season, and on his first day saw about 20 elk and killed a nice 6x5 bull in a snowstorm.  Join us!

Archery Elk

Jim Windham, Florida (561)798-2708  Guided by Jonesy.  Weather was poor, lots of rain, but Jim killed a cow elk on the third day.  We were into bugling bulls every day, almost all day. Several times we had 4 bulls bugling at once.  Saw several good bulls, including 3 six-pointers.  Got within 70 yards of a bedded 5 point bull.  Had a bull and his harem pass within 30 yards but couldn't get a shot, too much brush.  On day 3 we heard a bull bugle up ahead, so we got off the trail and set up and I cow-called him and his cows down the trail.  One cow and calf stopped literally ten feet from me.  I glanced over at Jim, 30 yards from me, and he was at full draw.  I saw the big 5 point bull's antlers, but Jim said it needed to take two more steps, as all he could see was nose, antlers, and the back half of the bull.  Jim held the draw for almost a full minute, seemed like eternity, and finally a cow spooked and ran.  The bull ran out about 50 yards and stopped.  A cow came by Jim and he shot her at 20 yards.  He decided a cow in hand was better than a bull in the bush.  Jim has killed a couple of bulls with me before with a rifle, but this was his first elk with a bow.  She traveled about 150 yards after the shot, then died and rolled down a super-steep slope, lodging against a log.  We had a heck of a time quartering her and getting the horses close.  Then a 3 1/2 hour hike out leading the horses in the rain.  I asked Jim if I could use him as a reference for the fact that we had a LOT of elk and some good bulls.  He just laughed.

Rifle Deer:  September 15-Oct 14

1st hunt: Sept 14-20

Phil Garner, ClearLake, Calif (707)998-3024  Killed a 29 5/8 inch buck, 6x6 on the second day.  ALMOST a 30 incher.  Close enough!  Rough scored at 185.  This buck dropped 15 yards from Jason's buck.  It came back to see why the other buck wasn't following.  Phil debated whether to shoot it or not.  We thumped his head for even contemplating passing it.  Saw 11 bucks.  photo   photo pic Grant guide.  pic of guides with Wendler & Garners;  Left to right Kevon Wendler, guide Tom Hruska, Jason Garner, Jonesy, guide Grant, Phil Garner

Jason Garner, Vallejo, Calif (707)552-1169  Killed 26 1/2 inch buck, nice heavy rack, 6x6, score 175.  They spotted the bucks in the bottom of a big basin, made a stalk, and Jason shot this.  Tough time getting them out.  Saw 10 bucks in two days.  photo   photo  pic  Grant

Bill Borba, Atascadero, CA (805)748-3907  Killed an average buck on the last day.  Super nice guy to hunt with.  "Great hunt!  Jonesy does a great job and his crew is first class.  I would recommend it to all."  Saw 22 bucks on his hunt.    photo   photo   photo  photo  Brian guide

Jim Hemela, Altadena, CA (626)794-4773  Shot at a huge 30 inch buck, heavy beams, high rack, at 370 yards.  Tough shot.  Then that evening saw a whopper 30 inch buck at 100 yards while we were riding horses.  Buck left when Jim got off to shoot.  Brian guide Matt Janes killed this buck on the next hunt.

Todd Willard, Cave Creek, AZ, (623)516-1617  Killed a 160 class 5x5, 26 inch spread.  Saw 9 bucks.  "Keep Tom working.  Excellent attitude, funny, great guide, 110%." photo

Kevon Wendler, Jackson, WIS (262)677-4781  Killed a medium heavy, tall-racked buck, just before the snow blew in.  It was running with a wider buck and they must have switched places when they went behind some brush.  Jonesy told Kevon to shoot the wrong buck.  Also I, Jonesy, misjudged the width of both bucks.  The buck Kevon shot had a small body and the rack looked bigger in relation to the body.  Still a nice buck.  "This hunt is the 'real deal' and I enjoyed it.  Tom is a great guide and I will request him again."  photo  photo   photo

Bob Kist, Lawrenceburg, IN (812)637-5834  Passed up at 180+ buck the first half hour of daylight the first morning.  High, medium heavy, about 26-27 inches wide.  Great buck, but it was the first half hour!  Saw 16 bucks the first day.  Also passed another great buck late in the afternoon.  Sparky guide.

Tony Wachler, Gold Canyon, AZ (480)982-1074  Killed a really nice 26 inch buck.  "Saw a LOT of average bucks.  The future looks bright!"   pic

2nd hunt:  Sept. 20-26  fantastic fall colors this week.

Ron Quinton, Marysville, WA (425)766-4493  Saw several good bucks including a couple of whoppers.  Passed up a 27 inch big buck on the last day, then decided to take him later.  Missed the long shots, 500+ yards.  Then missed a snap shot in the timber at a moving buck.  Then with only two hours to go in the hunt, a buck stuck his head out of the trees to look at Ron and guide Tom who were taking a break.  Ron grabbed his gun, but the buck left thumbing (hoofing?) his nose at Ron, rubbing salt in the wound.

Matt Janes, Bakersfield, CA (661)323-4512  Killed a huge 30 1/2 inch heavy-horned monster muley with a 367 yard shot the first hour of his hunt, score 182.  Matt's non-hunting friend, Brendon, got it all on video; the buck walking around, beating on the bushes with his antlers, the great shot, and the celebration.  Guide Brian Matt & Brian pic   Matt & friend Brendon, who got the whole thing on video pic  Note all the velvet on the buck, killed Sept 20 pic  pic  pic  email Matt  "Jonesy, we really appreciate the great experience.  Everything truly came together.  We even have the video [of the kill] playing in the front of the store.  Our experience at JHO was all we could hope for.  Brian put us where and when we should have.  Great accommodations in beautiful country.  Thanks for all you guys and gal did for us!"

Don Callahan, Reno, NV (925)820-0733  Don bought a Commissioner's Tag and brought his friend, Bill Fisher, with him.  They had a great hunt, very enjoyable.  Passed up some average bucks.  Then we spotted a very nice buck on the side of a mountain across a huge canyon.  I (Jonesy), my brother Greer, and Bill stayed on this side and directed guide Sparky and Don to the bedded buck.  All three of us were watching through our spotting scopes and suddenly the buck's head quickly flopped down on the ground.  Three seconds later we heard the report of the rifle.  It was really neat!  27" heavy and high buck, 180 score.  pic  pic  pic  pic

Mark Hydrick, Albany, CA (510)527-4798  Saw a number of bucks, including one "shooter" that didn't stay long enough for a shot.  Guide Grant.

Bill Johnson, Clayton, CA (925)672-3449  Saw several good bucks.  One buck Bill wanted, a high 27" rack with deep forks, stood and looked at us as Bill tried to get in a good shooting position.  A small limb was in the way.  Finally when Bill got a good position the buck left before the shot.  guide Grant

3rd hunt:  Sep 26-Oct 2

Ray Pryor, Baltimore, MD (410)685-7037  Saw several bucks but not the one he wanted.  Booked back for next year.

Louie DiFolco, Glen Arm, MD (410)663-1224  Killed  a beautiful 5x5 buck at 60 yards.  We made a terrific stalk in noisy conditions.  His first mule deer.  Guide Grant  pic  pic

John Gallo, Bonita Springs, FL "3 inches above sea level"  (239)272-2886  John was a heck of a nice guy to hunt with.  Saw some bucks, but not the one he wanted.  guide Sparky

Roger Dorsey, Gresham, OR (503)666-2480  Killed  an average 23 inch buck by mistake.  pic  The big one was darn lucky this time, as Roger drew down on the wrong one in the bunch. When I was with Roger, Brian and Don Bloch made a good sneak hunt and pushed a buck right in front of us, perfect drive.  The buck was only about 24 inches, so Roger passed on it. guide Brian 

Chris Degner, Oklahoma City, OK (405)478-5809  Killed a really nice buck, heavy and high, dark horns, old buck with some unique character to his rack, little stickers and cheaters.  Great buck.  pic  Only took Chris 13 shots to bring it down.  Chris was able to joke about that, fortunately, because those that heard the war thought he had gone crazy and killed the whole herd.  When they heard it was just one buck they ribbed him unmercifully. Saw 17 bucks.   "Great camp.  Excellent staff, crew, and guides."  guide Sparky

Del McConnaughhay, Ottawa, IL (815)434-7560  Saw 31 bucks, including some pretty good ones, but Del was looking for a whopper or nothing. Del is a tough old bird as he had a major crash on a horse and came out of it unscathed.  It fell with him just 200 yards out of camp and had him pinned under it for 5 minutes while Tom and I feverishly worked on getting him free.  Del was calm all through the ordeal.  Then he got on another horse and had a good day of hunting, although in the dark we saddled the horse with Del's Steiner binoculars underneath the saddle, between the pads and the blanket, as the binoc strap was around the saddle horn and when we threw it on the binocs went underneath.  Tough binocs!  The horse was acting wierd and we didn't discover the error until after daylight.  guide Tom  "Had a great time.  Hunt of a lifetime.  Great guides, good food, friendly help.  Thanks for everything Maury.  It was great meeting you after 15 years."  pic  pic  pic

Don Bloch, Roseburg, OR (541)677-8855  Killed a really big 26 inch buck, heavy and high, score about 180, within 50 yards of the trail on the last day at first light after climbing all over the mountains all week.  He saw a WHOPPER of a 30+ inch buck but didn't get a shot at it. Saw 15 bucks.  Guide Brian said Don was in the best shape of any hunter he has had, and Don is about 90 years old.  Not really, maybe only about 70, he just looks 90  [just kidding, Don].  In GREAT shape and a great guy to hunt with and have in camp.  This is about his 4th time hunting with me. "Very well organized camp.  Accommodations very good.  Food very good.  Hunt was very good.  Big beautiful country. A rough hunt because of hot weather.  Everything else was okay.  Thanks!"  pic  pic  pic

4th Hunt Oct 2-8  hot & dry, really hot!

Zeph Thorning, II, Hollister, CA (831)637-3686  Almost got a shot at a huge 28 inch buck, 185-190 score, at the crack of dawn on the first day of the hunt.  Saw another buck that day that was well over 30 inches.  On the third day killed a nice 26 inch buck.  Unfortunately, no picture exists as the buck barely exists.  It literally fell off a 300 foot cliff and landed in a crushed heap at the bottom.  It took them two hours to locate it and for guide Warren to get it.  The antlers were completely broken off, clear down to the skull.  That wasn't the real tragedy.  The real tragedy was that Zeph was supposed to be waiting for a MONSTER WHOPPER of a buck to come out on that drive.  They spotted it and organized the drive..  Warren was pushing the bucks to Zeph and Zeph just shot one buck too soon.

Zeph Thorning, III, Antelope, CA (916)726-5831  Saw a huge 28 inch buck, 185-190 score, first morning at the crack of dawn.  Was polite and called his dad over to shoot it and the buck got away. DARN!!  Almost shot at a buck well over 30 inches that same day, but the buck was trotting at 200 yards.  Junior waited for it to stop, but no such luck.  Saw a MONSTER buck on the third day.

John Peck, and son Eric (non-hunter) Roseville, CA (916)624-0415  Killed a nice 24 inch 5x5 buck on the 3rd day.  They were eating lunch and the buck came walking down the trail toward them.  One of those "gimme's" we are all hoping for.  Also passed up a 26 inch buck.  "Great outfit!  Guides were easy & enjoyable to hunt with.  I fully understand with the right weather conditions a good buck would be easy to come by.  I will apply next year & if drawn will book with Jonesy".  Guide Sparky 

David Slovik, Chicago, IL (312)353-4304  I didn't know normal and nice people actually lived in Chicago, but David is proof.  In very good shape.  On the 3rd day missed a nice 24 inch buck at 350 yards, then an hour later and a mile later missed the same buck at 230 yards (both had poor rests, not good shooting positions), then stalked within 100 yards of the same buck and came within mere seconds of killing him, but he left.

Craig McBride, Dublin, CA (925)833-2773  Killed a beautiful heavy and high 29 inch buck the first hour of the third day. pic  pic  pic  pic    guide Brian  Craig is here at my house, after a trip to the taxidermist, so I'll let him tell you the incredible story in his own words.  "After five years of waiting to draw another G tag, I got to come again.  My last time here I missed a buck bigger than most deer I've seen in any magazine.  Brian Thomas, my guide, worked his rear end off for me.  We were up at four, and in bed at ten.  After two days of glassing many, many deer, in country you know God's hands made, I told Brian I would shoot the buck he told me to.  I trusted him that much.  The previous day I passed on a buck that may have been bigger.  Early the third day, with one minute left to glass our first steep drainage, we spotted two shooters.  Brian laid out the plan, (straight up!), we made the stalk.  With no oxygen I proceeded to forget to have a shell in the chamber. Mistake number one. I then made an improperly placed shot.  Mistake number two.  The two bucks stood tight for five minutes in the trees.  Then came bolting out.  Missed my second shot, made my third in the neck on a dead run.  Buck rolled straight down end over end fifteen times, broke off a tine, and landed twenty feet from me.  The deer was not dead.  Third big mistake, not finishing the kill off as Brian requested of me.  Didn't want to ruin the cape or meat.  Told Brian I'd strangle him.  Finally after second prompting from Brian, I finished him.  That was what I thought until the buck got up, lowered his head, and tried to gore me with total hate in those eyes.  He would have gotten me if I hadn't fell backwards over a rock and rolled downhill myself.  Buck looked at victim number two, Brian, then decided to run downhill and die twenty feet away.  Brian's scarier looking than me.  I would like to thank God for the incredible hunt and company, my wife Monika, Maury for the ethics and incredible camp, crew, and TediJeen the master chef.  Brian, thank you for your patience, guiding, and teaching me."                                  Sincerely,    Craig McBride

Pierce Blitch, Augusta, GA (706)738-8334  The following copied verbatim from his letter right after the hunt; "Well, I have just about recovered. I had to wait a few days to decide what I wanted to say in my report. Disappointed? Yes!!!!! Sorry that I came? NO WAY!!!!!  Bottom Line.... I had a great time. Shot at nothing but paper but would not have traded the week spent with ya'll for any amount of money. Made some new friends from Wyoming, California, and of all places Chicago, IL. Who would have thought that I could go all the way to western Wyoming, hunted all week, and never popped a cap at a deer. I'm usually a little luckier than that.  Tell Grant that I will try to be in a little better condition when I come in 2005. It's a little different working out at sea level than at 8-9000'. OH!!!! I will be back in 2005. Jonesy, Grant could not have worked harder. I think he took me places that he really thought that we would see a 25" or larger buck. I had a great time with him and enjoyed his company and the "country" that I saw.  Now for the hunt report.  I saw 23 bucks including 7 on the last day while hunting with Jonesy and Grant.  Just did not see that Heavy 25"+, 4x4 I was looking for even though it would be my first mule deer. Over the five days, Grant and I rode, climbed, and saw a lot of beautiful country. I thought that I would lose some weight as much as I climbed but the food was incredible. Made a couple of new friends from California and Illinois and had a great time overall even though I did not get the Trophy that I had expected in Wyoming. Looking forward to my next adventure with Jackson Hole Outfitters."

5th Hunt Oct 8-14  Windy and cool/cold, some snow.

Bruce Ingram, Redwood Valley, CA (707)485-5176  Killed a heavy high 26 inch buck on the 3rd day of his hunt. Saw 8 bucks.  "Had the best time hunting of my life.  Great bunch of guys.  Sparky's the best, like going with a hunting buddy.  Thanks a bunch!"   pic

Brett Ingram, Calpella, CA (707)485-7783  Saw 29 bucks but didn't find the one he wanted.  Brett's a picky sort of guy, not willing to settle for a forkhorn.  The last two years he has killed 31 inch bucks, so a buck has to be really really good to interest him.  Passed up some average bucks and a couple of pretty good ones.  "Had a great hunt with Sparky and the rest of the crew.  See you again next year."

Dave Poske, Parkersburg, WV (304)422-7811  Had just left Tom and started down the trail when Tom spotted a huge 29 inch buck bedded just 70 yards from the trail.  Unfortunately Tom couldn't find Dave or John, so called Brian's hunters over and Jimmy killed it.  Dave hunted hard, but just couldn't find a decent buck.  "I had a great time and the hospitality was second to none as were the accommodations. Tom was all a hunter could ask for in a guide and he did everything possible to make the hunt a success. We hunted our tails off and glassed some nice 24" bucks but weren't lucky enough to catch a big one out. I know they are there and God willing I'll be able to come back to enjoy some more of that Wyoming High Country Hunting. Thanks for the Great Adventure!!"

John Ralston, Vienna, WV (304)375-7545  Saw 15 bucks.  Missed a massive 3x3 at 95 yards broadside.  Missed a 366 yard shot at a 24 inch 5x5.  He hunted very hard. Tom

Jason Minnite, Parkersburg, WV (304)485-8000  Missed/Hit a big 28 1/2 inch buck.  He shot one of the tines off the buck that Jimmy killed.  "Thanks for one of the greatest weeks of hunting.  I enjoyed the hospitality.   All the guides are great.  Brian is one hell of a person.  Thanks again and I can't wait to come back!   Food was excellent. I would like to thank you for the wonderful experience I had.  Even though I missed a great 30 incher and a really GOOD 34 incher I enjoyed every minute. It was nice having a guide (Brian) that did everything possible to make my hunt enjoyable.  I had a chance to talk to a few of your guides (Brian Tom Sparky) and I  wanted you to know you’re lucky to have a group like this.   They all have great personalities and most of all very professional.  If you have any openings for next year 2004 for mule deer let me know.   Once again thanks for a great experience." 

Jimmy Asbury, Vienna, WV (304)295-5874 Jumped a large buck and experienced a miss-fire.  We cleaned his bolt and firing pin. Killed a big 28 1/2 inch buck.  Tracked it until way after dark, then 2 hours the next morning before finding it.  "Great 5 day hunt!"    Brian

Rich Kettlewell, Santa Rosa, CA (707)526-0515  Killed a whopper of a 34 1/2 inch buck.  Huge bodied buck "big as a cow".  pic  pic Just sneaking along, spotted the buck, and decked him!  Saw 39 bucks.  "Great camp, the best I've ever experienced.  Saw lots of animals and was fortunate to get one of the big ones.  Grant is a very good guide. I would hunt with him anytime.  ....the trip of a lifetime!"  email him

Mike Regan, Santa Rosa, CA (707)546-4801 Had a snap shot at a buck in the timber.  Saw a really great buck but didn't get a shot.  Saw "many young bucks" and some average ones.

Bob Knecht, Windsor, CA (707)838-6376  Saw a really good buck 28-30".  Didn't get a shot.  Saw some other pretty good bucks, but looking for a bigger one.

Charles Wilmer, Phoenix, AZ (602)241-9424  Saw some good bucks and was near Rich when he killed the 34 incher, but Charles didn't find the one he wanted. Guide Grant.

ELK HUNT Oct 15-20

Steven Calderwood, Wentworth, NH (603)764-9422  Killed a spike opening morning after he had missed a really big bull, long shot.  Steve enjoyed camp for a few days, went to Yellowstone, and helped us tear down camp.  Great guy!  Guide Sparky.

Eugene Lofgren, Amarillo, TX (806)351-1725  Missed a big bull opening morning, long shot.  Hit a 5 point bull and we tracked it for more than a mile.  Couldn't find it.  Saw a spike and a big bull at 200 yards, but couldn't get a shot.  Guide Grant.

Paul Bayne, Thayne, WY (307)883-4574  We had elk bugling all around us on opening morning, in the dark.  Just at daylight Paul was the first shot on the mountain.  Killed a big cow elk.  Saw a big bull and a spike after he had killed his elk.  Paul is a meat hunter, hunts with me every year, and helps haul hunters to camp as well as helps set up camp.

Jay D. Crouch, Austin, TX (512)383-9720  Killed a nice 6 point bull elk on opening morning. pic  Missed a much larger bull, long shot.  Jay D has been on 3 or 4 other elk hunts and had never seen an elk while hunting.  We changed that at daylight on opening morning.  Guide Grant.

Dennis Colmerauer, Torrance, CA (310)534-0400  Only hunted opening morning.  Bad case of asthma.  Couldn't breath the high altitude air.

Dan Johnston, Los Angeles, CA (310)568-0314  Killed a cow elk opening morning.  Saw about 40 elk. Guide Tom.

Sean Martin, Redondo Beach, CA (818)640-2305  Killed a cow elk opening morning.  "Elk in the hand...."  Guide Tom.

Brandt Buchanan, Washington, TX (281)391-9252  Brandt is only 12 years old, on his first elk hunt.  Saw about 40 elk.  Passed up a spike because we had just seen a couple of BIG 6 pointers, one in the 350 class.  Unfortunately the big ones didn't come out later in the day.  Guide Tom for the first two days, Jonesy for his 3rd day.  Only had 3 days to hunt.

Matt Amundsen, Hendricks, MN (507)275-3141 Matt barely had 3 days to hunt, but only needed one day.  Killed a nice 6x5 bull elk late evening of the first day of his hunt, Oct 29, in a snowstorm.  Made a good 310 yard shot.  We packed it out in the dark on a very steep hillside.  Guide Jonesy.  pic  pic