My buddy Travis and I got up to the top of a ridge nice and early. It was the perfect morning, super cool and crisp. The bulls were mostly already in their safe zones and beds due to the full moon, but they were ripping off like crazy. One bull specifically stood out and would not stop talking. From about 6:30 until 7, this bull was bugling every 3-5 minutes. This bull was yelling from way across a canyon.... I looked at Travis and asked if he wanted to go chase him.
IMG_9909 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
He said no that he wanted to go chase a different one and I told him "Ok, I'm going to go kill that bull."I said it out loud, but in my head I was unsure. I've never done anything like it, but how am I going to learn if I don't try.The canyon I had to cross was very steep and I followed what seemed to be goat like trails all around it. I got above where the wind was right and dropped down to where I thought the bull was.
IMG_2247 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
IMG_2243 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
IMG_2242 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
It had taken me almost two hours to get around the canyon and through all the blow downs. As I started to climb down I found this beautiful little bench. It was thick with green grass, cover, and shade. I figured that it had to be where the bull was. It didn't take long for him to bugle again and I knew I was within 100 yards from him......The wind was right and I began my tippy toe stalk in on him. It felt like an eternity, but I kept closing the gap down. Every time he would bugle I'd run a few extra steps to cut the distance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i0dvWiTodo
I got to a point where I had a giant blow down coming up about 15 yards ahead and wasn't sure how to get around it. I knelt down to access it better and there he was..... standing 40 yards away from me feeding on grass and announcing to the entire canyon his presence......I ranged him, drew, picked my spot, and the rest was history.
IMG_2255 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
IMG_2260 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
IMG_2263 by Daniel Porter, on Flickr
I saw the hit and my body went into an emotional surge, it flashed back to the top of the ridge where I told Travis "I'm going to go kill that bull."It happened.... I couldnt believe whathad just happened. Being able to sneak into the sanctuary of a bull and arrow him at 40 yards is something that I've always dreamed about, read about, and I finally did it.This was by far the most special bull I'd ever taken.
IMG_9909 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrHe said no that he wanted to go chase a different one and I told him "Ok, I'm going to go kill that bull."I said it out loud, but in my head I was unsure. I've never done anything like it, but how am I going to learn if I don't try.The canyon I had to cross was very steep and I followed what seemed to be goat like trails all around it. I got above where the wind was right and dropped down to where I thought the bull was.
IMG_2247 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrIMG_2243 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrIMG_2242 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrIt had taken me almost two hours to get around the canyon and through all the blow downs. As I started to climb down I found this beautiful little bench. It was thick with green grass, cover, and shade. I figured that it had to be where the bull was. It didn't take long for him to bugle again and I knew I was within 100 yards from him......The wind was right and I began my tippy toe stalk in on him. It felt like an eternity, but I kept closing the gap down. Every time he would bugle I'd run a few extra steps to cut the distance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i0dvWiTodo
I got to a point where I had a giant blow down coming up about 15 yards ahead and wasn't sure how to get around it. I knelt down to access it better and there he was..... standing 40 yards away from me feeding on grass and announcing to the entire canyon his presence......I ranged him, drew, picked my spot, and the rest was history.
IMG_2255 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrIMG_2260 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrIMG_2263 by Daniel Porter, on FlickrI saw the hit and my body went into an emotional surge, it flashed back to the top of the ridge where I told Travis "I'm going to go kill that bull."It happened.... I couldnt believe whathad just happened. Being able to sneak into the sanctuary of a bull and arrow him at 40 yards is something that I've always dreamed about, read about, and I finally did it.This was by far the most special bull I'd ever taken.
