A New World Record Elk? Archer Bags Massive Bull on New Year’s Eve

Casey Brooks, an already renowned elk hunter, may have set a new archery world record with his latest harvest. On Dec. 31, 2024, Brooks successfully harvested a massive non-typical bull elk. Preliminary measurements suggest the bull could surpass existing records in both the Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett Club record books.

An official Boone & Crockett scorer provided a green score for the elk, indicating a gross measurement of 490 4/8 inches and a net of 480 4/8 inches. These figures exceed the current Pope & Young record held by the Felix Bull, which netted 430 inches, and the Boone & Crockett record for typical American elk, the Alonzo Winters Bull, which netted 442 5/8 inches.

Brooks, who already holds the third- and fourth-largest non-typical bull elk records in the Pope & Young Club, had been tracking this particular bull for several years. With the advantage of one of Washington state’s coveted raffle tags, he dedicated the 2024 hunting season to pursuing this exceptional animal. His commitment culminated on the final day of the hunt when the bull presented himself, and Brooks made a successful shot.

Brooks’ son, Beau, shared insights into the hunt, noting that his father and hunting partners had been monitoring the bull’s movements and collecting its shed antlers over the years. Beau emphasized his father’s determination and skill, stating, “With adrenaline coursing through him and a determination that defied the odds, he made the perfect shot, sealing his place in elk hunting history.”

As with all potential record-setting trophies, the antlers will undergo a mandatory drying period before official measurements can be confirmed. If the initial scores hold, Casey Brooks will have achieved a historic milestone in the world of archery elk hunting.