My New Mexico elk hunt (previously known as big bull down)

[WAcoueshunter]

Great story and bull Bone!  Stoked that it all worked out and you had a sweet experience.  I hunted across the road from 16D last year...we had a couple nights where they kept us up, but sounds like they were much hotter when you got in.

Quick question...obviously you were on the bulls from the minute you drove in...how did you decide where in the unit to start the search?  That's always a tough part of a new unit, but sounds like you didn't have any down time at all.

[hunterofelk]

A good hunt.  Must be the happy hunting grounds.  Big bulls right in camp.  What could be better?

[LongTatLaw]

MAN!!!!   CONGRATS!

Thats a sexy bull!   I hope you end up mounting him! I believe I could kill 30 bull elk and still find room for that bull on the wall. Even if I had to buy more wall...lol

nice story and pics!

[MichaelJ]

Congrats man, I was hoping for that same kind of action on my hunt but it wasn't happening... Great bull!

Michael

[boneaddict]

Sorry your hunt didn't work out Michael.  Hopefully you had a good time with your dad.


Wacoues....
I try to do alot of map work before I go somewhere.  In this case I bought all the USGS maps for the unit.   Funny thing is, I accidentally missed one, and out of the two maps I would have used the most, that was the one I needed.  Kind of ironic.  Anyhow, from there I figured out about where I was going to go.  Upon arrival, I tried to camp in the general area where I thought I would hunt.  Mostly to save time, miles on the truck, gas etc.  From there I scoped the whole unit and confirmed the type of country I am most familiar with hunting with.  Most chose the open gorgeous stuff that folks could see in.  I chose the nastiest, toughest crap I could come up with.  I then spent a couple days in there patterning the elk of the area.  Then when the opener was on, I was ready.  NERVES FRAYED beyond all repair.

[wastickslinger]

Very nice bull!!! Maybe someday a bull like that will walk into one of my arrows. Probably after 20 years of apply for tags in WA. 

[boneaddict]

Hey Michelle.......................Working on the cape today.  Wish me luck...the tanning process begins.

[Wea300mag]

Make sure you drink your coffee first, those morning coffee jitters can cause a lot of rework time.

[boneaddict]

It soaked last night in the salt brine, re-hydrating it.  Now I have to go get dirty.  Did I mention how much I hate the ears.  I think I will go with the bondo method, so I leave the cartlidge in.  I suppose I should start a new thread about the whole process. I'm already the taxidermists worst enemy.  I didn't turn the lips in the field.  I just didn't have time.  Salted the crap out of all of it and got it on ice.  We'll see how she works.   Those were some of those thoughts I was telling you about Michelle.  I figured I could hear you cussing me, but real life was I had to get on the road. 

[Idabooner]

Well done,   looks like idabooner has having one heck of good time also.

Yes T-Roy I had a great time, I been tied up a couple days so excuse the late post.  You younger guys and gals just don't know how much it means to an old duffer to spend a few days in the woods with your Son, every adventure is super.  This hunt we spent 4 long days on the road, not a moment we weren't talking about something. Got to see my first antelope and several more, a lot of different and new country.  We scouted together one day and the next couple days I couldn't cut the rough terrain like I used to, so I had a great time in camp enjoying nature. Boneaddict and I have always been very close, so shortly after day light I felt him release that arrow, even thou he was a couple air miles away.  I started  slowly breaking camp .  When he came in after lunch I had the gear tent packed and other stuff gathered up so it didn't take long to get on the road with the meat.
    If at all possible take your Dad out, even if just for a day, us old guys don't have many bright things to look forward to.   
   
    Thanks an awfully lot Doug for another great time together.

                                                            Idabooner

[Slenk]

boneaddict
Congrats on the hunt , nice bull elk .
Idabooner
I know how you feel we have 4 sons that I don't get to hunt with near enough . Our youngest is bones age .
Luck to you both
Slenk

[boneaddict]

No Thank you!

I enjoy every second we have together.  Its always fun having someone that is on the same page.  You have always called me partner, and I am honored and priveledged to be that.  Its fun to share things with you that you haven't experienced....kind of like paying you back for all the things you have shared wih me.  Heres to drawing another great tag and to our next adventure.  How many sets of antlers have we tied on the back of an old mule or Dodge truck?  ..............not enough!  See you in November for the NEXT big hunt.  The thread will be titled Big buck down.  Keep an eye out for it folks.

Thanks Slenk....I'll have to get you and your son out some day for some strong coffee.  That is if you like getting your hands around some big antlers.

[Slenk]

Hey Bone that would be great.
Slenk

[Idabooner]

  You have always called me partner, and I am honored and priveledged to be that. 




You were only a few minuets old, you rared your head up and looked me staight in the eye, I knew right then I had a partner for life.

[WDFW-SUX]

Tremendous job..............Don't know what else to say...and with dad don't get any better than that!