Just returned back from a week in the high country and it was nothing short of amazing, demanding, emotional, and physically exhausting. First morning out a bull came in on me and I was able to come to full draw at 35 yards when the wind swirled on me and he bolted. An hour later I catch a 4x4 Muley buck feeding at 30 yards. The wind was still swirling, but I was able to draw back undetected. Fearful he may wind me by going to my left I stopped him, unfortunately he stopped behind some trees and had no shot. Next morning out I catch a cow moving through, she has a calf we her and moved within 30 yards. I drew back, settled in and let an arrow fly. It was heading to the sweet spot, but deflected off a small limb between us that I didn't see. Trying to keep my wits together I keep pressing on. Went back to same area and hear a bugle real close by. I thought, "I better relieve myself" because I could be in for some action. I know sooner finish and I see cows/calves moving through. I quickly knock an arrow and bring bow up and I hear "ting", my belt was still undone. At this point the parade was moving through at 30 yards and another bugle comes. I freeze, trying to not get busted by all of the eyes on me. I see the bull, he is coming in close, I draw back, he is broadside, I let arrow fly. I hear "thunk" when arrow hits him. It looked like I hit him right behind the shoulder, I was ecstatic I just arrowed a 6x6 herd bull. I stopped and gave a moment of thanks to the lord for the opportunity and waited a few minutes. I get to my arrow and everything changed. I thought it was complete pass through, to find half an arrow with little blood on it. I seen him walking off an hour later, no limp, but not running off either. I backed out and came back four hours later, no blood or animal anywhere. Completely wiped out, I head back the next morning to comb the area, nothing to show for. I was able to hook up with some friends from church in area and they offered to take me to their spot to help shake off the pain. We were in them at 10k feet, bugling, responding to calls and we came within 40 yards of a herd, but got winded. The following day was more of the same, bugling responding to calls. We chased them down the mountain trying to get close. I got within 60 yards of a screaming herd bull, but had no shot. I catch a cow off in the distance, stalk in within distance (so I thought) and let an arrow fly, right underneath her. As the roller coaster ride continue, I go off on my own to an area I wanted to check out. It was the last afternoon for me and it was raining off/on. I get into the timber 30 minutes after leaving where I parked and hit a cow call twice. 35 yards away I see horns walking towards me. I hide behind a tree, knock an arrow and come back up. He is at 20 yards now and stops behind a tree. I had a small opening into his vitals and let it fly. The arrow was in him, but a liver hit. I marked the spot and backed out. I was able to get some help and come back I the morning. We combed the area for two hours, no blood/ sign. It had rained through the night, now it started to snow. Completely frustrated at this point and time ticking away to head home we head back to area where he was shot, in a different direction. I walked into a thick spruce area and there he was, 60 yards away from the shot. Emotionally spent, we celebrated and prayed together over the week and finally a successful recovery. I'm thankful to be an American and be able to enjoy the freedoms we have and enjoy Gods creation in perfect harmony. I'm truly blessed, as this is my second season hunting out West And still a rookie. Sorry for long post, but I thought a few of you could relate. Cheers!
First branched antlered bull
- Thread starter outdoornut
- Start date
ElkTrout
Veteran member
Congrats on a very successful hunt! You had more opportunities then most people get in a season. Sounds like a great time! Good looking bull!
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