After 25 years, Kalamazoo hunter finally gets tag -- and downs state's largest elkBy Victor Skinner, The Grand Rapids Press, found at MLive.com
January 03, 2010JOHANNESBURG -- Arlis Fleshman Jr. spent more than two decades applying for a chance to hunt Michigan elk before he drew a permit this year. It was worth the wait.
On Oct. 13, the Kalamazoo resident downed the biggest elk ever shot in the state -- 362 3/4 inches -- a distinction confirmed by Commemorative Bucks of Michigan.
Arlis Fleshman Jr. downed the record elk in
Johannesburg with the help of Elk View Cabins
and Guide Service. (Courtesy Photo by Arlis
Fleshman Jr.) “I haven’t quit smiling since I got my (tag notification) back in June,” said Fleshman, 55. “I’ve been trying to get a tag for 25 years. After about 10 years, you kind of give up hope on the system.”
Fleshman enlisted the help of Elk View Cabins and Guide Service of Johannesburg after hearing about the company's success in helping customers take trophy animals. About an hour after daylight opening day, owner Bob Whitney guided Fleshman to a herd of about 30 elk along a private alfalfa field that includes several 5-by-5 bulls. The two decided to look for bigger.
Moments later, the men were surrounded by a few bugling bulls. A 7-by-8 bull darted across an old railroad grade about 35 yards away, and Fleshman fired. The animal collapsed.
“It was so close. It happened so quick,” Fleshman said. “I just couldn’t believe the size of the animal.”
Arlis Fleshman Jr.It was a rare opportunity to experience bulls bugling in the wild, Whitney said, but it was Fleshman’s reaction during the commotion that impressed him the most.
“To have those elk bugling is really a phenomenal deal. Them elk called us in,” said Whitney, who has spotted the bull several times over the years. “We saw his antlers through the trees. The fact that he even got a shot off surprised me.”
Fleshman’s bull beat the previous state record holder by less than 1 inch. That elk, which measured 361 7/8 inches, was shot in Cheboygan County by Courtney Williams, who was 13 at the time, in 2008.
http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2010/01/kalamazoo_hunter_downs_states.html
