GTT Report post Posted October 1, 2009 I've been putting my wife Misty in for early rifle bull hunts 1st & 2nd choice for the last 7 years. Well, she was lucky enough to draw her 1st choice this year in 7! My friend John Noble & cousin Cary Corbin would be helping us on the hunt. It was hot & dry with very little rut activity where we were...not what you'd expect for this hunt. We were going to make the best of it & have a great time anyway, & we did! Opening morning we were hunting an area I'd found & videoed a big bull in...370+. As we drove into the area we spotted a different big bull by himself at the edge of the treeline. We noticed someone else driving into the area so we knew we'd better get on this bull quick...turned out to be atleast 6 other people in this area as the morning went on. We tried to get ahead of the bull & call him in but he had cows, & he would only bugle back at us every now & then as they went away. On our stalk we spotted a different bull across the draw from us in the thick cedars at about 200 yds. & decided to try for a shot. I got Misty set up on shooting sticks with the 300 Weatherby Mag. & she found the bull as he walked behind a dead tree. She took a shot & hit a limb sending the bullet right in front of the bulls chest. That evening we glassed only to find a bunch of cows & no bugles heard. Sat. morning had us in a different area hearing one bugle at 1st light which we closed the gap on but never heard again. Slow, discouraging morning. Sat. evening, new area in the pines now, seen & heard no elk, more discouraging news. Sunday morning back to the opening day spot. We knew of a high vantage point that should put us in front of the elk before light & give Misty a solid rest to shoot from....backpack on rocks!. As soon as we got out of the truck we heard a bugle below us, yes! let's go. As soon as we reached the top we located some cows 320 yds. below us...the bull has to be close. We glassed for a while but couldn't find him. John let out a few cow calls but no response. A few minutes later I motioned to John for a bugle. He did & the bull answered right back. As we scanned for the bull Cary says "I got him" he was 500 yds below us headin right for the cows. I showed Misty the bull, asked if she wanted him, & she said "I want him!" (cleaned up version) She got set up across the pack,video rollin',waits for him to step out broadside, & hits him low right behind the shoulder!The bull is hit hard but still standing. The next shot puts him down but he's still alive & behind some trees. Misty & I decide to sneak down to the bull & finish him at close range. We got within 20 yds. of the bedded bull & she made a perfect heart shot! It was an awesome hunt! I'm so proud of my wife who never complained about all the long hikes, early mornings, lack of elk, sharing a trailer with 3 dudes , & then gettin it done on a great bull, in the heat of the moment, when it mattered most! Thanks again to John & Cary for the great memories & all the help. Bret Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakehaffey Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Congrats on the tag! Is there more to your story, did you guys find anything? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Congrats on the tag! Is there more to your story, did you guys find anything? +1 TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GTT Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Sorry, I messed up my 1st post hope you enjoy, Bret Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tjhunt2 Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Awesome bull Misty. Thanks for the story and I don't know when I have seen a nicer looking bull. A big congratulations to you and the gang on making this all come together. Way to get the job done. TJ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Excellent bull Misty!! Congratulations! And wow, GTT, you are beaming with pride in that group photo! Some great memories, I am sure. Amanda Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gr8 White Jr Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Great story and pics Bret! Congrats again to you guys on a great bull! Now lets see that video!!!! -Tracy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HuntinAZ Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Awesome!! I cant wait for my wife to draw her first bull tag! She saw this and got really excited. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
palivs2hnt Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Congrats on a sensational bull! +1 on the video! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WOODSAZ Report post Posted October 1, 2009 Great Bull Misty! Big Congrats! It was nice to meet all of you too. Jay Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
June Report post Posted October 2, 2009 Wow,great bull and write up. Sometimes 7 years of waiting can place a lot of pressure on one's self to be successful. Glad to see the smiles. Congrats on your success, Thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cramerhunts Report post Posted October 2, 2009 Great bull and great story to go along with it! Congrats to all! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RAM Report post Posted October 2, 2009 Congrats on a special bull. Even with a rifle for your weapon, doesn't mean the hunt is a gimmy. You guys definately worked for that bull. By the way, great 3rds. -Ryan Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jnobleinaz Report post Posted October 2, 2009 Good times also good shooting by Misty. I had a blast. Congratulations to Misty once again. Glad to be there. TR!!!! ya Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Archer Report post Posted October 3, 2009 what a bull that thing is big. Great job. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites