azpackhorse Report post Posted September 22, 2010 I shot this bull on my 3rd day of hunting. The weather was a little warm where I was and the bulls were shutt'n down early in the am. I decided to try another spot up higher in the evening and cut them off between the bedding and feeding areas, it worked out well for me. I was just getting ready to start heading back towards my truck after 4 cows had passed by me at 40 yards when I heard a lone bugle and he was closing in fast. I didn't even have time to clear my rangefinder from my hip when this bull came running into my sight. I had ranged where the cows passed by and he was coming just a little further out, he had his nose to the ground like a big ol hound dog and grunt'n and groan'n. I knocked my arrow, said a little prayer and waited for him to pass into the last shooting lane I had. As his head and neck entered the lane I squeezed the release trigger and my arrow took off like a rocket. I didn't see the arrow but I heard the impact and the bull lunged forward as he took off like a locomotive breaking tree limbs on his way out. I quietly "mewed" to him and all went silent. I stood motionless trying to make sense of what just happened. Dusk was approaching fast so naturally I began texting my friends I was going to need some help as I was hunting alone. Now before I write this next part just let me say that normally i would have waited a little longer but due to the night coming at me in about 10 minutes and the high temperatures I decided to proceed and check for blood. I found a couple of drops but nothing significant, just as I was looking down all heck breaks loose again! He was bedded just 30 yards away and jumped up and ran not 30 yards, then he slowed to a walk and was definately wobbly. The bull disappeared over a small hill as I stood staring in amazement. I wavered on what I should do and decided that I just had to sneak over and take a look, much to my amazement the bull was laying another 30 yards away! He turned his head up and around to look at me and I about lost it but.............I gained enough composer to knock another arrow and plug that dude again. He jumped up and ran down to the bottom of the canyon and all fell silent again, then...............crash! By the time I got to him it was completely dark and I know for a fact that there are booger-men and monsters out there so I got right to gutting and skinning. As many of you know, a bull Elk can be difficult to manage by yourself..........unless you are strung out on adrenalin My buddy and his father showed up a little over an hour later and helped me finish him up. We then hoisted him up in the trees and came back the next morning to retrieve him. It was a great experience, too bad my average is once every 8 years to experience it. Thanks for reading. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arizonahunter Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Great bull and a great story... Thanks for sharing... Maybe next year us unlucky Archery bull tag holders will get our chance to be in your shoes.. Congrats again!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heat Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Way to go! That's a nice bull! By The Way, it's OK to smile when you done good! Nick Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coueshunter Report post Posted September 22, 2010 What a great story and bull. I bet it was like wrangling a dead horse but in the dark. Gutting him must have been fun.......LOL.......how many cuts did you receive?...........Great job................AT.......... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nohoch Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Congrats, that a great looking bull. Great write up as well....thanks for sharing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
scoutm Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Brian - Congrats on a great bull!! Just so you know there's some room in my freezer. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JLW Report post Posted September 22, 2010 that's awesome! great story! i know about them booger men james Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted September 22, 2010 Congrats on a fine bull! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
firstcoueswas80 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Dont be afraid to smile there NWOAB!!! Nicely done. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mje1 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Congrats on a nice Bull. Thats a tough job by yourself especially at night. Mark Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
coues7 Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Congrats Brian.....I know you put in lots of time and effort. Great bull! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CouesWhitetail Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Great story and bull Brian!! Thanks for sharing your hunt with us!! How awesome to experience that alone! And glad you had some help packing that beast out Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mcelkhunter Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Nice bull! Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jnobleinaz Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Great Bull! I'm glad you were able to find some friends to help you out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Outdoor Writer Report post Posted September 23, 2010 Congrats on a super bull. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
