bjn7f0
Active Member
- Messages
- 137
This hunt started 30+ years ago when I started applying for the Valle Vidal. When I found out I finally drew the Valle this year was very emotional. I was ecstatic for the opportunity to finally hunt there but also sad because I knew I would never get to hunt here ever again. I think I read every post on MM regarding the Valle and reached out to many MM members. I would like to thank 338winmag, Greatwestern, mailman, tega52, NMBuglejunky, 5yearcousehunter, Manuel Villanueva, and Zia for all their help. The information you guys provided was invaluable. I would especially like to thank my best buds Randy M. and Randy V. for accompanying me and truly making this the best experience of my life. I turned 50 this year and I'm the youngest of the 3 amigos so we can see the end of the tunnel for our time hunting together starting to narrow. Having them with me on this hunt made it that much more special.
We were on screaming bulls every morning and every evening but one. And that was because they pushed out of the canyon but we realized where they went and were right back on them after that. The wind blew hard for 3 days straight so that made it challenging to hear the bugles but it also helped to cover our noise. We dogged a big herd with multiple shooter bulls for 2 mornings and 2 evenings before it all came together. We got ahead of the herd and my buddies stayed back and cow called while I slipped in closer and got set up. It didn't take long for the cows to start coming through and they walked by headed in the direction of the calls. I waited in anticipation of the bull following his cows and when he finally showed himself I saw that he was a shooter and then focused on my shot. As I released I saw the arrow bury into his front shoulder and the bull spun and ran down the hill. I marked the spot and went back for my buddies. We waited about 20 minutes and began tracking. It took us a while to find the blood trail but once we did the tracking was easy. When we walked up on the bull and I saw how big he was I was beyond myself. We hooped and hollered and enjoyed the moment but having my buds there to enjoy it with me tripled the enjoyment. Having them there to help me pack it out the mile and a half back to the truck lessend the burden. So after 30+ years of applying and turning 50 this year it equaled the best bull of my life at 347.
We were on screaming bulls every morning and every evening but one. And that was because they pushed out of the canyon but we realized where they went and were right back on them after that. The wind blew hard for 3 days straight so that made it challenging to hear the bugles but it also helped to cover our noise. We dogged a big herd with multiple shooter bulls for 2 mornings and 2 evenings before it all came together. We got ahead of the herd and my buddies stayed back and cow called while I slipped in closer and got set up. It didn't take long for the cows to start coming through and they walked by headed in the direction of the calls. I waited in anticipation of the bull following his cows and when he finally showed himself I saw that he was a shooter and then focused on my shot. As I released I saw the arrow bury into his front shoulder and the bull spun and ran down the hill. I marked the spot and went back for my buddies. We waited about 20 minutes and began tracking. It took us a while to find the blood trail but once we did the tracking was easy. When we walked up on the bull and I saw how big he was I was beyond myself. We hooped and hollered and enjoyed the moment but having my buds there to enjoy it with me tripled the enjoyment. Having them there to help me pack it out the mile and a half back to the truck lessend the burden. So after 30+ years of applying and turning 50 this year it equaled the best bull of my life at 347.
