Trip Report by Michael Bosma New Mexico Elk Hunt

My hunt was nothing short of amazing. My guide was absolutely cool as a cucumber. These guides know the herds, and how to hunt them. We saw a herd of about 30-40 the first morning, but because of the wind we were unable to get a stalk on them. We waited until that evening and went out. We glassed a couple of elk bedded down. Probably about a mile away.

We worked out way to about 75 yards or so to where we saw them bedded. My guide started his calling sequence. The first bugle we heard seemed like the the bull was at least a half mile away. We knew he was coming when we heard the 3rd or 4th bugle. My guide saw the bull before I did. I was crouched on my knees under a juniper bush. He first told me draw and I waited for the bull to come into sight, but the bull decided to start whooping a juniper bush. That’s when I could see him behind another bush so I was able to let my bow down. My guide went through a few series of cow calls and bugles.

Eventually the bull committed to coming the rest of the way. I was able to draw and shoot at 20 yards. The bull jumped and stopped. He did not know what hit him. He turned and I was able to get another arrow ready. My second shot sucked because I was shaking like a leaf in a hurricane. I hit the dad gum shoulder. I was cussing myself inside my head of course. The bull then decided to take off. He went probably another 50 yards away. I wanted to go after him but my guide said hold tight. We were able to watch him through a juniper for a while until finally my guide gave me the go ahead to stalk up to him.

I walked up behind him and booted his rump. Absolutely amazing. I did it, I realized my dream of hunting a bull Elk, and succeeded. I will say this. The guy who says preparation is separation is correct. I was probably the most prepared I could ever had been. I can’t wait to go again.