Yes there are a number of bulls shot each year, probably a few too many that haven't quite reached full potential, and certainly plenty that are being shot waaay to young. Some of the really old ones get left because their antlers arent big enough...similar to last night on the show.
There has been a couple that have cracked 50 inches in the last 10 years that I know of. Scoring in the mid to high 300's DS (most recent one 360+). Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it) these have been shot pre-ballot period, so not in the rut.
I also have seen photos of bulls most certainly to go into the high 40's and possibly crack 50, but not quite mature enough, or only 8-11 points so left another day. Some of these bulls show strong wapiti characteristics and even antler shape reverting to a more elk type.
The red influence is strong in some blocks, and red bloodlines will ALWAYS be a part of this herd due to the country they live in and the years they have been cross breeding for. The key "wap" blocks certainly have good numbers of wapiti type animals, I really noticed this in our block last time I went in.
From what I have seen personally, the footage I've seen and stories I have heard, the herd is improving every year and the work the FWF are putting in is definitely starting to pay dividends. I doubt we will see bulls of the huge North American type again, but we are definitely seeing a vast improvement in the size and quality of bulls in the area.
Long may it continue I reckon
Oh and a fantastic show last night Greg and Willy, really enjoyed it.
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