New Mexico Elk Hunting Trip 2009
The Redemption Bull (Matt's Bull)
Make sure to check out my photographic photostream here
The Story:
6:26pm. Saturday, October 10th. 2009. Last day of the hunt.
Time to start using the cow call Jim let me borrow. After Dave smoked a huge bull this morning while using it, we've all decided it has the magic touch. Of course, I have no idea how to blow it properly (Michael Scott Line Here). Oh well...I already had my chance for the trip this afternoon, I'm not going to see anything now; might as well just give it a whirl.
6:37pm.
hmm...I'm getting the hang of this calling thing. Although, there's a bird out there that sounds identical...how odd! Anyways, I'll wait another 15ish and try again...hopefully these deer in front of me will be gone by then.
6:55pm.
K...I'm not using the call anymore. It'll be dark in 20 minutes anyways...don't want one coming in when I can't shoot. 'Scanning horizon'...holy crap, that's not a deer! Looks like a cow, though. 'binocs'...ok, definitely NOT a cow. Crap, if I miss twice in the same day I might just have to shoot myself! Ok...he's trotting right at me. I might not have to worry about shooting, I'll just stab him when he gets here! (Thanks for the magic call Jim)
Time to set up for the shot. Well this will be tricky, since my shooting stick is broken from earlier this week, and I'm in a ditch...can't see over the tag alters! I'm gonna try something and hopefully I can be silent.
(running 30 feet to left)
That's better, but it appears I'm a huge moron and left my shooting stick where I originally was. Well, too late now. He's 20º toward my right side now...140 yards. Gotta aim for his right shoulder...leaves room for error on both sides. Remember what Richard said...pick out a spot and stick to it. Alright...right there, where it switches from dark to light hair!
(squeeze the trigger)
Well...still have never heard the 'whack' everyone talks about. BUT, since he's upside-down with feet in the air, I'm pretty sure I hit 'em!
Ok...stay cool dude. He's not done yet...remember all the stories you've heard where you think he's down and 3 minutes later he just walks off! K...
...'bang, bang'.
3 shots in him...that should do it...I'm pretty sure I've never been shaking this bad in my life! Lets go see him.
poop...he's still alive! new clip.
'bang'...yep, definitely missed. Maybe I can scare him to death.
Ok...lets give him 5 minutes, but watch him closely.
7:05pm.
Still lifting his head and making the most horrible noises ever! Gotta finish him, mostly cause I feel bad.
'bang, bang'...
he's done, finally....and how I didn't gut shot him after 6 shots is beyond me : )
Well, I just ruined Don's hunt (sorry!) since he's only 500 yards away and I just stormed Omaha Beach by myself.
Guess I should call Emily and dad...let them know I just got the bull of a lifetime. I knew there was a reason I missed that smaller 5x6 earlier ; )
•This bull is 950-1000lbs, 300 class antlers (10 1/2 inch base!!!), and 8-10 years old. Taken on a completely fair hunt...no fences, no bait, no blind. What a blessed evening!
The Redemption Bull (Matt's Bull)
Make sure to check out my photographic photostream here
The Story:
6:26pm. Saturday, October 10th. 2009. Last day of the hunt.
Time to start using the cow call Jim let me borrow. After Dave smoked a huge bull this morning while using it, we've all decided it has the magic touch. Of course, I have no idea how to blow it properly (Michael Scott Line Here). Oh well...I already had my chance for the trip this afternoon, I'm not going to see anything now; might as well just give it a whirl.
6:37pm.
hmm...I'm getting the hang of this calling thing. Although, there's a bird out there that sounds identical...how odd! Anyways, I'll wait another 15ish and try again...hopefully these deer in front of me will be gone by then.
6:55pm.
K...I'm not using the call anymore. It'll be dark in 20 minutes anyways...don't want one coming in when I can't shoot. 'Scanning horizon'...holy crap, that's not a deer! Looks like a cow, though. 'binocs'...ok, definitely NOT a cow. Crap, if I miss twice in the same day I might just have to shoot myself! Ok...he's trotting right at me. I might not have to worry about shooting, I'll just stab him when he gets here! (Thanks for the magic call Jim)
Time to set up for the shot. Well this will be tricky, since my shooting stick is broken from earlier this week, and I'm in a ditch...can't see over the tag alters! I'm gonna try something and hopefully I can be silent.
(running 30 feet to left)
That's better, but it appears I'm a huge moron and left my shooting stick where I originally was. Well, too late now. He's 20º toward my right side now...140 yards. Gotta aim for his right shoulder...leaves room for error on both sides. Remember what Richard said...pick out a spot and stick to it. Alright...right there, where it switches from dark to light hair!
(squeeze the trigger)
Well...still have never heard the 'whack' everyone talks about. BUT, since he's upside-down with feet in the air, I'm pretty sure I hit 'em!
Ok...stay cool dude. He's not done yet...remember all the stories you've heard where you think he's down and 3 minutes later he just walks off! K...
...'bang, bang'.
3 shots in him...that should do it...I'm pretty sure I've never been shaking this bad in my life! Lets go see him.
poop...he's still alive! new clip.
'bang'...yep, definitely missed. Maybe I can scare him to death.
Ok...lets give him 5 minutes, but watch him closely.
7:05pm.
Still lifting his head and making the most horrible noises ever! Gotta finish him, mostly cause I feel bad.
'bang, bang'...
he's done, finally....and how I didn't gut shot him after 6 shots is beyond me : )
Well, I just ruined Don's hunt (sorry!) since he's only 500 yards away and I just stormed Omaha Beach by myself.
Guess I should call Emily and dad...let them know I just got the bull of a lifetime. I knew there was a reason I missed that smaller 5x6 earlier ; )
•This bull is 950-1000lbs, 300 class antlers (10 1/2 inch base!!!), and 8-10 years old. Taken on a completely fair hunt...no fences, no bait, no blind. What a blessed evening!