BigJim is back from NM

[BigJim]

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

[trad_bowhunter1965]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[GCook]

It's easy to share the happy ending hunts but we've all been where you are regarding some critter and empathize with you. 
But that was then and now it's past.  Just focus on the next one.

[kennym]

Jim, hate to hear it but stuff happens !!  On to the next hunt.

I had a little deal with a cedar twig during rifle last year, but it turned it enough to miss him.  Bad part was I thought I made a great shot on him , and a bigger buck came up and I passed several shots on him because I was sure I'd killed the first one.  So two lucky bucks that day.

BTW if anyone wants to know ,this wasn't with a gun, just a longbow 

[BigJim]

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

[kennym]

Awesome !! 

[Bisch]

I hate it when that happens!!!!

Better luck next time Jim!!!!

Bisch

[BRONZ]

I have a similar story from NM in 2009. Hit was back. Tracked him, saw move off, started to rain, decided to push him and never saw him again. 300" 6x6.

Really stinks....

[Friend]

Accepting the reality of a lost animal is tough as it should be. We both love and respect the animals we pursue.

Hope you are presented with a shot at redemption in the very near future.

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Welcome home Jim. Bummer about the Bull but the hunt and your camp mates dound about as good as they can get . 

[George Tsoukalas]

Sorry to hear that but at least the bull survived. Jawge

[TIM B]

 Been there myself as most of us that have done this for any amount of time have. Don’t dwell on it too long…..
Tim B

[beemann]

Hate it for ya bud.  Thats the unfortunate part of this game that we all experience at some point.  Get back at it and good luck. 

[Mike Falkner]

That's a bummer but it's real life and I appreciate you sharing it.  Not every shot ends up in a hero pic, and I'm stoked that you know the bull is ok.  Get him next year.

[Tradcat]

Hey Jim that’s why they call it hunting and not killing. Anyone who has hunted for any length of time has either made a less than perfect shot or lost an animal while trying to recover it. You were in the game and I have seen you shoot and know that you will seal the deal next time. I just wished the so called hunting shows showed the truth that a successful hunting trip doesn’t always end with the hunter standing over a dead animal. All the best in hunting for the rest of the season sir. Tradcat