JeredMD

Idk if you got my PM or not, but i will take these.

PM sent

Awesome job!

Sorry for the delayed post, had school and work stuff to do before getting on the computer. I was unable to get out on the hunt the first week cause of school and AZGFD bighorn capture, but headed up on Sunday after the rain let up. I didn't see squat for 3 days, but on Weds morning we started to see elk. First bull we saw was a spike at 80yds, then nothing for the rest of the morning. The afternoon I sat a waterhole that a couple guys let me sit after I discovered it accidentally. I sat there from noon till the first group of bulls arriving at 4:15pm. I was SO NERVOUS, I waited for the largest bull (3x2) to come in close but he knew something was not right and took his sweet time coming down the hill-while being followed by 3 spikes. I didn't realize how difficult it was to pull a bow up and the movement that was made when pulling the sting back, so when that bull was at the water (roughly 7yds away from me by the time he was moving around the water) I tried pulling back and he spotted me quick! He bolted up the hill, while a spike at 35yds was standing broadside unsure of what was occuring. I turned at the spike and took a shot, ended up putting the arrow into a oak branch above his back. After deciding to sit and see if they return, I positioned myself where I could be in a stance where I could take a much better shot and more prepared. Roughly 45min later, a bull was coming down the ridge behind me. He smelled me pretty quick, but couldn't pin-point my location. At which he decided to move back up the ridge to my left. There was a brush pile which when we moved behind I stood up and full draw. He saw me when he came out, standing broadside at about 20yds away-which is when I took the shot. Making a perfect shot! It all went by so quick, He ran about 100yds down from the water hole. I wanna give a special thanks to the guys I met on this hunt, members on here (johnyrankbull, tj hunt 2, and I believe johnyrankbull dad). Great group of guys! I accidentally stumbled on their water hole coming from a different route than where the road was, and busted one of their blinds. I felt really bad, I hate busting other hunter's spots. After they had no luck there for the week, they allowed me to hunt there- which is where I got my bull. When I told them about the elk, they congratulated me and even did what my dad and I were shocked about- came out with the ATV and pulled my elk out! Man, you don't meet great people like that everyday! I truly feel blessed to meet such great people and to take a beautiful elk. If they ever need any help, I would def be willing to do what I could! This was a rough yr for my family, we lost a love one and this hunt was def needed! Being out elk hunting with my Dad again after 5 yrs of him leaving for UT, was a great and wonderful experience. Hopefully we can get more elk hunts in, in the near future =) So my elk count: 3 Cows (All Rifle) 1 Bull (First Archery kill also) Okay so here are the pics after the long novel! HA

Not to bust anyones spots but where do many people spot the bigger bulls? By the base of the rim or do many people hunt fossil creek and see them there? I have a late 22N hunt and I never been in this unit before so I am trying to figure stuff out for it also. I have some extra trail cams laying around I might run up and place next weekend before i help out on the Ferret project.

I did not know you can have 2 Tags in two units. I might grab me a Archery Tag for a close unit and get some extra time in with the bow.

When you are ready to leave, wait 15 more min. This little trick has helped me get 4 of my last 6 Turkeys. Find a good spot Do some calling or wait for them to just walk by (Pending on the season). If they don't show up and you wanna leave, wait 15min extra

I got a Spitfire on Black Friday for $99 I still use my handcalls tho, kinda feel weird not using them.

Got my first coues WT this past weekend out in AZ 30A. Went East of Douglas along the NM/AZ Border. We found a canyon and hiked backed about a mile and started glassing. Prob was glassing for a few hours when this spike presented himself. Might not be the biggest, but is good enough for me. My first Coues Whitetail . He was right above the shaded area. Came to about 309yd shot with my .223. It took two shots. My first shot was right over his back by about 3-6inch. He then turned and was looking around, and had his body towards me with his head looking toward his back side. I adjusted for bullet drop again (6inch) and which i thought would land on his chest actually went right into his neck. Clean and quick, I am very very happy with it. I already got him cut up, packaged and put in the freezer

I take what I can get. If I have to go home with a spike, so do it. If i go home with a trophy, that is awesome. I go out to enjoy the outdoors and I believe we should be allowed to take what we can. If someone whats to argue that spikes shouldn't be shot and use the financial debate that its cheaper to get a T-Bone in the store, then that is fine, dont shoot a spike. You can go home empty handed. I think there is a lot to learn and experience wtih close friends and love ones in the outdoors. That is something you cannot put a price on. I got a spike this year, and it was my first CWT. I am very excited!

I made a M16A4 clone for competition shooting and just for fun. I have the FN barrel with 1/7 twist. Shoots really good. The TAP ammo at that range didn't go all the way through. Stopped in the neck. Entrance hole was about as wide as a quarter. I do a lot of competition adn varmint hunting. Here is my rifle set up BCM Full Auto Bolt Bushmaster lower Geissle SSA trigger RRA upper reciever FN A2 Barrel w/ 1-7 twist Knights Armament Rail Simmons 3-9x50 scope Unknown riser. This isn't my usual hunting rifle, but did the job

Thanks! I already processed him up myself and is in the freezer. I am already planning out next years hunt if I am in AZ. I might be in TX for grad school so I might hunt in NM or TX. Thanks! I was using 75gr Hornady TAP. I usually don't use rounds like that but I was on a really really tight budget. It was some competition ammo I had left so I used it. Figured it would be better than my Varmint 50gr.

Nice Buck! What Unit were you in?