Part 1 of my back country DIY hunt

[Kessler10]

Had a great hunt with several close encounters. Ill break the stories up a bit in different posts. Here is one:

Went back out at about 430PM for my second night hunt. We camped low next to a creek so each hunt started with a nice climb to the top to gain elevation.
Once we gained about 500 feet of elevation I picked out a good spot with drainage's and some north facing benches/slopes close by. Sat for a while to just listen, heard nothing (let out a couple bugles). at about 7PM I figured I would move down 100 feet and try a bugle. Just as I started walking I let out a bugle and got an instant return bugle. It was a loud aggressive bugle and sounded to me like this bull wanted to fight. It sounded fairly close just on the other side of a little rise. Moved quickly to the top of the rise behind a couple trees that overlooked a meadow. Before I could bugle again he let out another aggressive bugle. I then returned with an aggressive bugle of my own. Before I knew it he bugled back and showed himself walking over a hill right at me at about 150 yards. he let out Another loud bugle with chuckles at the end. I knew it was a shooter as i saw the sixth point split at the top. this all happened within 1-2 minutes.

I ducked behind the tree to get my bow ready. AS I looked back up he was on a run closing the last 60 yards. I drew my bow and he stopped behind one of the only trees in the meadow at about 30 yards. there was a very small window I could maybe sneak an arrow through but it was to risky as my arrow could have easily deflected and inured this beautiful mature bull. I had my peep sight right on his neck as he was standing broadside behind the tree, waiting for him to take one more step. I really thought he would take another step.the wind (lack thereof) was good but he sensed movement when I drew my bow. He looked my way for a good 15 seconds then turned and started walking away. I cow called several times and he went behind the only other tree I could see at 58 yards. Now this is not a shot I would have taken last year, but I have put in the time and practiced up to 60 yards everyday and am confident if there is no wind (and there was not). I did not have time to range but figured he was right about 50-55 yards. but this time the tree only covered his back side, his vitals where clear to me from where I was standing. Set my 55 yard pin and i let one go and it slipped just under his vitals and missed low. Did not hit the bull. Found my arrow dry of any blood whatsoever and I watched the arrow slip under him when I shot.. I now knew it had to of been closer to 60 yards. When I went to range it it was 58 yards. of course the first thing I think about when I look back at this scenario is what could I have done different. one thing would have been to get my bow ready right when he bugled the first time,. Had no idea he would close the distance that fast. Lesson learned. open for to constructive criticism as well.

I play the 58 yard shot back in my head. I know some people might question that distance. Before you do understand that different people have different confidence levels with their bows and practice different amounts of time. As i said I would have never taken that shot 1 year ago. But I know the preparation i put in. And I suppose I am the only one that can know that. I felt much more comfortable with the 58 yard shot where I could clearly see his vitals than a 30 yard shot that i had to squeeze through branches that could have easily deflected my arrow. I know my bow and setup is where it needs to be for it to be deadly up to 60 yards if arrow is placed properly.

Was the coolest encounter I have ever had and was thankful this bull gave me this opportunity. I knew he did not wind me so felt I would have another chance at this guy if I left him alone for a couple days (and i did). this was only my second night and had lots of time left. If this would have been the only bugle/bull I would see the rest of my trip I would of been happy. Lucky for me this was not my last close encounter. More to come.

[saddlesore]

Good read.There are a lot of hunters that try a DYI hunt and never get to pull their bow back. It took a lot of effort to get back to where you hunted. Glad my info prove good for you. Look forward to the rest of your hunt. Call me so we can talk about them.

[Mathewsz7-elkridge]

Awesome story! It seemed very hard to judge the distance for me while I was on the mountain. Every set it was on I ranged tree's and before that I would try and guess. Most of the time I was wrong by 5 yards or more. I missed a grouse due to being 5 yards of. I thought he was 25 turned out he was 30. Going to practice judging more for next year.

[Kessler10]

here is a video of the bull coming in. You hear me bugle first then you hear him answer back. He comes to 27 yards and stands behind a tree. At the very end of the video you see him turn his head,. that is when I drew my bow. Had is neck in my peep site, didn't have a shot at his vitals. He walked away and I cow called and stopped him a 58 yards. Shot under him. Full story is above.



This second video is just of our reaction after



Let me know if these links do not work and Ill try to fix.

[WapitiTalk1]

Links worked fine Luke (I embedded them for ya). What an exciting couple of minutes....soooo close to putting your tag on that one! Great write up and short VIDs, thanks for taking the time to share your hunt with us.

[Swede]

Great encounter. I don't question your decision to try. You are right about how we all have different skill levels. Over the years, and a couple of mistakes, I have learned I am good to about 40 yards. I know others that can shoot accurately significantly farther. Good story.