Hunting Highlights: Reader-submitted photos from recent harvests
From Brittany Montgomery, originally published online by The Chronicle Sept. 14: "This is my son Ryker Hansen, age 16, from Toledo, Washington. He shot his first bull elk on opening day while hunting with his older brother Corbyn. He shot it in the Winston unit at 55 yards.”
From Jason Jr. Hoheisel of Thurston County, originally published online by The Chronicle Sept. 15: "47-yard shot, opening day, first year archery hunting. Been hunting all my life though. I got drawn for multi-season, so might as well try for archery this year. Practice makes perfect for moments like this. My father did the right calling. Couldn’t happen any better. This is a true Roosevelt bull elk. The elk was harvested in the Mashel Unit.”
From Carli N., originally published online by The Chronicle Sept. 19: "My grandfather, Paul Weed, who is 83 years old, was selected for the Disabled Hunter's Centralia Mine hunt. He was accompanied by his grandson, Sam Wright, who served as his hunting companion. Sam was able to create a cherished memory this weekend by harvesting his first elk alongside his grandfather. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Tim and Cody from TransAlta."
From Shaun Ratliff, originally published online by The Chronicle Sept. 15. "Thomas McIlroy Jr., of Castle Rock, Washington, waited 17 years to draw an out-of-state pronghorn tag in Utah. After three days of scouting and looking at numerous animals, Tom decided he had found the animal he wanted to harvest. He was accompanied by his son-in-law Shaun from Toledo, Washington, and Dan Karjola out of Stockton, Utah.”
From Brett Bell, originally published online by The Chronicle Sept. 16: "Centralia local, Cooper Paull, 15, Centralia Mine Youth Bull Elk draw recipient, went out on his first hunt on Sept. 2, 2026, at 5:15 p.m. He saw several cow elk and a branch-antlered bull in an area that was not accessible. Cody Duncan said, “let's move to a better look out!” When we arrived at the next lookout, Cody spotted a herd of elk and then spotted this imperial bull (7x7)! After watching this bull for a little while, Cooper said, “that is the bull I want!” At that time, Cody and Cooper decided to make a play and try to harvest this magnificent elk. Cody drove around to the road the bull was bedded next to. Elk started running around, darting here and there. I can only imagine that the commotion caused this bull to get up out of his bed to figure out what was going on. We drove to where this bull was thought to be, and when we rounded the corner, he was standing broadside at approximately 100 yards. Cooper, as calm as he could, jumped out of the truck, loaded one round into his rifle, took aim and fired! This bull elk dropped instantly! He started to walk up to this elk and stated, 'I can't feel my legs!' Even though this was the most exciting two-hour hunt of Cooper's life, he was even more excited about being able to share this experience with his grandfather and his mom. Three generations afield on a hunt of a lifetime! Cooper is also an athlete on the Centralia High School Rifle Team."
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Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, clamming, foraging or something else, The Chronicle is happy to share photos and details from local folks in the great outdoors. To be considered, just email photos and details to news@chronline.com.
