WNC2500 Southwest bound again (2023) (tags filled)

[WNC2500]

I am set up, Bipod is extended out to 25 inches and I am set for the 140 yard shot. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

 

[WNC2500]

Still don't see him. I still hear bulls bugling but the one close to me, no dice. Has he ghosted me? No, my wind is still blowing into my face.

 

[WNC2500]

I am looking through the junipers hoping he will come through the arroyo, or across me. Where is he? I don't hear him walking.

 

[Mica Man]

And...

 

[WNC2500]

Within 30 seconds, I catch something out of my periphal vision on my right. Oh crap!!! This is the closest I have ever been to an elk. He does not see me. I am still aimed west and he is 90 degree angle to me on my right. I whirl to my right without making a sound. Settle the crosshairs on his vitals.

 

[WNC2500]

He is in bow range, even though I don't bow hunt. He is looking for what made the bugle. But, has not seen or smelled me yet. I better shoot or else he will smell me if he makes a couple more steps.

 

[WNC2500]

I pull the trigger and down he drops. He is a huge elk, but to me, any elk is a huge animal.

 

[Wild Bill]

Refresh, refresh, refresh, refresh.... BOOM! Awesome thread. Caught it right at the right time.

 

[WNC2500]

A bucket list animal is now checked off. Wow, he is a huge animal. Other people have killed bigger for sure, but he is blessing. Thank you God for this opportunity. Giving him time to die and I will walk up on him.

 

[WNC2500]

Bulls are still bugling. Just heard some turkeys. The shot does not seem to have affected those bulls around me.

 

[WNC2500]

 

[WNC2500]

Dragging him down the hill is freaking hard. Notice in this picture where he is being dragged/sliding down hill. That’s the path he came up after ghosting me around the arroyo. My heart is beating out of my chest.
God is good! Hunting is amazing, and so thankful to have the opportunity.

 

[WNC2500]

My plan is to hang him up, quarter him out, and take him to Fort Sumer Processing. I have heard great things about them.

 

[WNC2500]

Hung him up to cool. Called Fort Sumner. Drive to the processing place, and get to meet @Valley1320. Now, he is a sharp guy, nice man, and he helps me unload the elk. Wow. That is a lot of meat. I cannot wait to taste elk for the first time. My wife is excited to try it out. I got it cut in steaks, stew, and majority burger. Now to get it in huge coolers once processed and hopefully I got enough cooler space for my trip east.

 

[Valley1320]

Congrats!!! Great bull! And wish everyone that quarters their elk out would keep it as clean as @WNC2500, it was so clean the majority of it i just had to rinse it off. Hardly any trimming required!

 

[Pahoundsman]

Nice bull,great solo hunt. I enjoyed the recap.

 

[PorterHouse]

Awesome bull @WNC2500! Enjoyed your write up!!

 

[tystash]

Congrats! Great bull.

 

[Sask hunter]

Congrats!!

 

[WNC2500]

Thanks @PorterHouse, @tystash, and @Sask hunter
I thoroughly enjoyed the hunt. I loved it.