So how did your hunt go?
We would love to hear.
Well, I have to say it was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done in my life and having my 73 year old dad there was what also made it special. I originally was scheduled for the September rifle hunt and was able to switch it to the archery hunt.
The drive into Wyoming was incredible, especially when we were driving through the park and the amount of buffalo that were grazing. The Tetons were a sight to behold.
The ride into camp was approximately 10 hours on horseback (30 miles). To say the ass was tender and sore is an understatement. Thankfully, we made a few stops along the way.
I believe it was the third or fourth morning where we had the most action at that point of the hunt. After tying up the horses, we bugled and had a response. We could tell this bull was not far, so we started to close some distance. The wind was perfect and we had a tiny group of small trees we were quickly moving towards. As soon as we made it to these trees, I see the bull and he’s coming out of the timber. Not having time to range him and not wanting him to see us, I guessed the yardage and doing an arrow at him perfectly broadside. I was certain I had hit him. He busted to our left in the open as we were now completely exposed to him. I went for another arrow and he was gone. After further investigation and searching for my arrow, I shot right over his back. I misjudged the distance, unfortunately after not having time to range him. It was definitely an awful feeling, knowing how great of an opportunity it was and it was even more of an awful feeling knowing that he was only 30 yards away, but my misjudgment resulted in a clean miss. I was thankful it was a clean miss, but the rest of the day was a battle with my brain as I replayed that scenario over and over in my mind. I must’ve averaged close to 5 days a week at the archery range, months in advance leading up to this hunt and I know my miss wasn’t because a lack of practice.
I had a couple other close encounters on some really nice bulls, but the wind had other plans in mind those days. Everyone in camp was great. The hunters, guides and the horses were awesome.
I didn’t end up punching my tag. I was hoping to make it three kills in three years, but that didn’t really bother me. I was able to go hunting where 99% of hunters will never likely step foot. This was a tru wilderness hunt the way it should be and to have my dad there and saying it may have been the coolest thing he’s ever done, was beyond worth it. It was hard to leave. It was nice to be there and forget about all the stuff that isn’t important in life and get reminded of what is. I can’t wait to go back.
