I followed rookie guide Adam up the mountain for only about 200 yards when he turned in the gloom and whispered that he saw a bull just ahead. I moved in front of Adam but couldn't see anything. Apparently, the bull had moved off before I got to a good vantage point.
We moved laterally and then up to get the wind in our favor. Shortly, Adam turned and whispered that he saw elk close-by. I moved into a better position, knelt among some small spruces and watched the small opening to my right (I'm a lefty).
Adam softly cow-called and and almost immediately an elk came walking toward us across the opening. When it turned downhill and passed behind a large spruce tree I came to full draw. As it came out into the open, it turned my way and looked directly at me. I held my 50-pound Morrison ILF recurve for an eternity before I eased back down. The elk didn't spook, though. When it turned and started walking downhill again, I realized that it was a calf. It stopped again at about 20 yards and presented a broadside shot. I again drew my bow, anchored, picked a spot and loosed the arrow.
I immediately saw a red spot appear on the animal's arm pit as it bolted down the slope. It stopped just 25 yards later and stood there. A few seconds later, it tipped over on a log and was done.
Although he wasn't the monarch of the mountain I dreamed about, this elk is a trophy to me. After six prior DIY hunts for elk that did not afford me a shot at a legal elk, I was very pleased that I came through in the clutch with a good shot on this fine animal.
This was also Adam's first guided harvest, so good for him.
BTW, the meat is wonderful.
Topic: Broke the jinx (Read 922 times)
