I have mixed feelings about returning home.. Looking forward to going back to work, but had such a good time in New Mexico that I didn't want to leave!

Two friends of mine traveled to NM to hunt with another Friend/outfitter NE of Albuquerque on the 9th-17th.

Bulls were real quiet most of the time, but several opportunities were had and we did hear some bugling.

My story is sad however. On the 4th morning of the hunt, My friend called in a whopper of an elk.. Right over the top of me no less! It stated with a distant bugle response to a cow call. We decided to go towards the bull aggressively. The second set of mews were answered at 1/3rd the distance and it was on. I got set up in a small opening to where I could cover a couple lanes and my friend retreated to about 70 yards behind me. The next cow call revealed that my bull had closed the distance to within 30 yards as he screamed from so close, I thought he was on top of me. After bugling, my bull turned in to the lane I was watching and we made eye contact at 15 yards. He hit the brakes and we spent the next minute..maybe, checking each other out. I don't think he liked me much as he turned to leave slowly. The bull had to lift his head to clear a cedar tree to leave. As he did, I drew. One step later I shot and unfortunately hit him high.. I believe he dropped a little combined with a slight deflection upward from a limb of the cedar tree. After giving him 8 hours to expire we did an extensive search.. and again the next day. The rest of the days we watched for buzzards. We are convinced the bull survived. I hope so!

This was a bull of a lifetime 7x7 or possibly 7x6 in the 360" plus range (I didn't want to focus on the antlers too much)and I am truly tore up over the outcome.

I will put it behind me.. eventually, but I vow not to let it sway my confidence. BigJim

Thing has happened to us hunters for eons, And I know your feelings on both parts, but mostly not wanting to quit and come home, wonder if the wife was glad you were gone, or glad you were coming back, she probably thinks you need to get back too Work, take care Big Jim

It happens buddy. Thanks for the story.

It happens. But at least you got to go chase elk in NM.

As they’re saying, it happens. Keep your fire burning!

Sorry for the lost bull but I am sure he is still chasing cows.

Next time James stay on it.

hey Jim.. You are now an official member of the cripplers club... Sorry for your loss... I've been in the club for quite some time..Wonder what Frisky is thinking about this one...

Been there and done that with deer.

Jim, some guys would never share that story although we all know stuff happens. I appreciate your honesty sharing that with us. Yes, we can't let those things shake our confidence.

Most anyone who's done any amount of bowhunting has wounded and lost an animal. Don't be too hard on yourself, move on.

I have been here before. I know my mistakes and vow not to do them again.. but there's always new mistakes.

On a positive note, my friend the outfitter sent me a video of my bull alive and well enough to bugle and chase!

I'll get him next year if someone else doesn't get him first! Thanks, Bigjim

Sorry about the bad luck with the bull. Glad to hear he is OK and bugleing and chasing.

Get him next year!

Sorry that things didn't work out to bring the bull home but there is ALWAYS a "next" time. Sounds like the BULL is alive and well and helping to make babies.

I know you are relieved to see the video of the bull carrying on.

I hope you get him next year!

The big ones get big for a reason! They are lucky or smart. Try to learn from the experience and remember the good parts of the hunt.

jim did you with jamie shockey?

That's tough for sure but luckily not every time.

Sorry to hear that Jim, it happens to all of us one time or another, all you can do is get back on the horse and ride and try to do better next time around.Hope the elk made it as I am sure he probably did. Pappy

It's a part of hunting. Shoulder blade hits can happen easily. An animal can be standing there, broad side, but it can start to turn toward you as you shoot, resulting in what would have been an easy double lung shot hitting the shoulder bone.

Joe

Well those are the experiences that keep you going back. I missed the largest whitetail I ever got close too last season and after it went south I got a charge just from the encounter. Glad to hear your bull is alive and well, waiting to see you next year. Speaking g of seeing, how did he lock on to you so quick? Were you caught In the open or just not covered up enough?

I feel for you Sir, many of us have had similar things happen to us, just not a monster bull elk. I am glad for you that you still had a great time. Who knows, you might see him next year. which bow were you using on this trip? Things happen and they tend to happen fast in moments like that and they usually make you sick to your stomach as you play it over and over in your head. But, sometimes it is what it is and so we go on. Me, I have never got to go elk hunting and now my disabilities make it pretty impossible, a distant dream if you will. So, guys like me live thru the hunts of guys like you for the good or the bad. I still enjoyed your post.

Elk hunting with a bow can be summed up nicely by the words of Jim McKay (God rest his soul) from Wide World of Sports back in the 70's.

"The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat".

I have killed 8 bulls with a bow and arrow. I am a lucky guy. But I have wounded three. And those three bulls burn more brightly in my mind than the others. Glad to know even an expert like you is human too.

And I LOVE your bows. I own six of them now. I shoot all of them all of the time..quite literally every day. Get back to work - I am on the list for number 7.

Rico in Wisconsin. Hope to meet you in person someday Jim.

I shot this bull with a 64 lb thunderchild and a bear razor head. I was hunting with Jamie Shockey of Faith Ranch in NM.

Jamie and I have become good friends and are planning a few more adventures together to include turkeys in Mexico.. and New Mexico, Mule Deer in Colorado, and of course, more elk at Faith Ranch. Jamie is the proud owner of several BigJim Bows and we are planning another using some materials from his ranch.

Thanks for the support ya'll, BigJim

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