July 11th, 2023 – Pope and Young, America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization, is excited to announce a new world record tule elk in the hard horned category. Pope and Young announced thirteen new world records at their 33rd Biennial Convention in April of this year.
Eric Bethune’s tule elk takes the title of new world record with an incredible score of 336 1/8”, breaking the past world record of 334 ¼”. Eric’s score was confirmed at the February 2023 Pope and Young Panel Verification in Reno, Nevada. Eric shot this incredible bull on August 24, 2022, in Mendocino County, California.
“While researching outfitters for Tule Elk hunts only two names came up,” stated Eric Bethune. “I made the decision to go with Richard Eriksen based off his years of experience as an archer and his understanding of what an archer needs in a hunt. After a quick walk around the property, we put a plan together for the next day when this brute came in for a drink, the rest is history!”
To see a full listing of world records from each category CLICK HERE.
“Eric was an absolute gentleman throughout the entire Panel Verification and Convention Award process,” said Tim Rozewski, Director of Records for Pope and Young. His excitement to have achieved such an accomplishment was clearly shown during our awards, where he also received awards for two other species (Polar Bear and Muskox). He now has nine different species in the Pope and Young Records Books which is an amazing feat. It was an honor to spend time hearing about his hunts, his passion for hunting and his dedication to Pope and Young.”
ABOUT POPE AND YOUNG:
The P&Y is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 1961 by Glenn St. Charles and headquartered in Chatfield, Minnesota. The Pope and Young Club is North America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization. If you are a fair chase, ethical bowhunter, and you care about preserving the culture and future of bowhunting, then you belong to the Pope and Young Club. Join today at www.pope-young.org.