Unbelievabull

throwfar

Active Member
Messages
152
2022 Elk.jpg

It's usually the third day of the hunt where I begin wondering "How is it even possible, to kill a mature bull with a bow?" They are so weary and elusive, the old adage that's why they are big applies.

Short version of the story, begins on day 5 after countless failures and being thoroughly being embarrassed by elk, an opportunity presented itself. My son who you might remember from https://www.monstermuleys.info/xf/threads/something-to-look-at.195102/#post-2051119 spotted this elk at first light. I have video of him on my IG. After watching him for 2 hours we were able to see him bed on a ridge top with 2 cows. My wife and I discussed who would go after him, she graciously allowed me the opportunity. After a tough hike we split ways, she went to a possible escape route (you can't predict anything). I dropped my pack and made my way in to his last known position. I texted my son who still had eyes on him and he confirmed he moved to the west. I crawled what seemed a mile (60 yards) through jagged rocks, dodging twigs, and eluding mosquitos which were relentless this year. I sat under a mountain mahogany for about 20 minutes, the wind seemed to have divine intervention always in my face (this never happens). Finally the bull moved his head and I caught a glimpse of his antlers. I slowly ranged a tree behind him at 55 yards, I remember thinking I got him. I figured out a shooting lane and realized I was going to have stand to shoot. I could not find his cows and could only pray they would not bust me when I stood up. HERE WE GO, I drew my bow, slowly stood up, crept around the bush placed my 50 yard pin on him, and attempted a cow call. I had a bad experience shooting a bedded bull and will never do that again. The call was probably the worst cow call I have every attempted, it was new reed on account of not hearing 1 buggle so need to call. The bull quickly turned his head I waited 10 seconds, he stayed. Another attempt at a cow call, even worse, I am really screwing this up. The bull stayed still. I remember thinking level your bubble, which I did, it was off to the left, nerves settled. One more cow call, nailed it, a perfect yeahhhhh. The bull slowly stood, my pin right behind his shoulder, I pulled back on my release and watched my arrow spin for an eternity until it disappeared into his brown fur. Disbelief, I just arrowed a giant. Hit a couple soft cow calls, backed out and I called my son, he frantically said, "Why didn't you shoot him", I said, "I did", he said "He's running, wait he's walking, wait he just went behind a tree, he's laying down". I had to get my wife to share the news, I backed out slow and quite, when I was clear I broke into a run down the mountain to her ambush spot. We high fived and hugged, I get choked up thinking about it. We made it to the bull, Unbelievabull. My son came over and he thought he looked smaller than what the spotter made him look. I just shook my head, no shrinkage in my eyes, just a beautiful animal that God allowed me the opportunity to have. This will be cherished for as long as I breathe. OLD BULL
Ivory.jpg
 
Last edited:
my wife and i have been elk hunting together with our 2 year old daughters. this story got us pumped to keep at it. our 2 year old is great in the pack and when we cow call she gets silent. maybe whisper” shhhh elk hunting”
 
View attachment 86883
It's usually the third day of the hunt where I begin wondering "How is it even possible, to kill a mature bull with a bow?" They are so weary and elusive, the old adage that's why they are big applies.

Short version of the story, begins on day 5 after countless failures and being thoroughly being embarrassed by elk, an opportunity presented itself. My son who you might remember from https://www.monstermuleys.info/xf/threads/something-to-look-at.195102/#post-2051119 spotted this elk at first light. I have video of him on my IG. After watching him for 2 hours we were able to see him bed on a ridge top with 2 cows. My wife and I discussed who would go after him, she graciously allowed me the opportunity. After a tough hike we split ways, she went to a possible escape route (you can't predict anything). I dropped my pack and made my way in to his last known position. I texted my son who still had eyes on him and he confirmed he moved to the west. I crawled what seemed a mile (60 yards) through jagged rocks, dodging twigs, and eluding mosquitos which were relentless this year. I sat under a mountain mahogany for about 20 minutes, the wind seemed to have divine intervention always in my face (this never happens). Finally the bull moved his head and I caught a glimpse of his antlers. I slowly ranged a tree behind him at 55 yards, I remember thinking I got him. I figured out a shooting lane and realized I was going to have stand to shoot. I could not find his cows and could only pray they would not bust me when I stood up. HERE WE GO, I drew my bow, slowly stood up, crept around the bush placed my 50 yard pin on him, and attempted a cow call. I had a bad experience shooting a bedded bull and will never do that again. The call was probably the worst cow call I have every attempted, it was new reed on account of not hearing 1 buggle so need to call. The bull quickly turned his head I waited 10 seconds, he stayed. Another attempt at a cow call, even worse, I am really screwing this up. The bull stayed still. I remember thinking level your bubble, which I did, it was off to the left, nerves settled. One more cow call, nailed it, a perfect yeahhhhh. The bull slowly stood, my pin right behind his shoulder, I pulled back on my release and watched my arrow spin for an eternity until it disappeared into his brown fur. Disbelief, I just arrowed a giant. Hit a couple soft cow calls, backed out and I called my son, he frantically said, "Why didn't you shoot him", I said, "I did", he said "He's running, wait he's walking, wait he just went behind a tree, he's laying down". I had to get my wife to share the news, I backed out slow and quite, when I was clear I broke into a run down the mountain to her ambush spot. We high fived and hugged, I get choked up thinking about it. We made it to the bull, Unbelievabull. My son came over and he thought he looked smaller than what the spotter made him look. I just shook my head, no shrinkage in my eyes, just a beautiful animal that God allowed me the opportunity to have. This will be cherished for as long as I breathe. OLD BULL
View attachment 86885
Awesome bull, great story, and incredible family memory and experience! Congrats!
 

New Mexico Guides & Outfitters

H & A Outfitters

Private and public land hunts since 1992 for elk, mule deer, sheep, pronghorn, black Bear & lion hunts.

505 Outfitters

Public and private land big game hunts. Rifle, muzzleloader and archery hunts available. Free Draw Application Service!

Sierra Blanca Outfitters

Offering a wide array of hunt opportunities and putting clients in prime position to bag a trophy.

Urge 2 Hunt

Hunts in New Mexico on private ranches and remote public land in the top units. Elk vouchers available.

Mangas Outfitters

Landowner tags available! Hunt big bulls and bucks. Any season and multiple hunt units to choose from.

Back
Top Bottom