I shot him Friday afternoon after weyerhaeuser lifted their fire danger. we went in about 5 miles behind a gate. this bull buggled at us as we were walking through the timber. we called back and he responded. as time went on he was moving away from us. we put the pressure on him and followed him. I would call about every 10-20 min and he would respond every time. we followed him for about 1.5 miles. we were getting tired because as you know most of this unit is straight up or straight down. but we were now going to give up. we thought we lost him because he went quite. we came out onto a huge clearcut and hiked to the top to get to the road. i was walking down the road to get a better view of where i thought he went when i saw him. he was bedded down on the edge of the road snoozing working on his suntan. he was 70 yards out. i knew this was the opportunity i was waiting for. i had to try to walk on him so i did. i tip toed in plain sight of him with him back to me. i got within 50 yards when he casually looked back and saw me. he was very uncomfortable with me there and stood up. that's when i drew back. i knew he was between 50-55 yards. i had practiced hundreds of times at that yardage and felt that it was appropriate to take the shot. he stood there looking at me quartered away. i took aim and pulled the trigger. the bull just stood there as the arrow hammered him right behind the shoulder. he jumped up and took off. that's when the stampede started, elk went in all directions. i walked to the side as i was cow calling to see where he ran. the bull side hill about 200 yards and fell over as he was running. he went to sleep about 15 seconds after the arrow hit him. the arrow hit one lung and cut his windpipe then broke his shoulder up high on the back side.
well that's my story and I'm sticken to it. i am very grateful for the opportunity i have to hunt these great animals. we live in a great area of the world. thanks to my dad, gramps, and uncle who is the best hunting partner you could ask for. your the man!!
