2008 NM archery elk

[weekender21]

I just wanted to share a few pictures of my first elk. I drew an early archery tag (Sep 1-15) for a unit in Northern NM this year. My hunt started on September 7th. I saw quite a few elk during the week and somehow managed to arrow this 6x6. He's no monster but by the time I shot him I would have arrowed a cow if given the opportunity. I only saw two bigger bulls that week, the biggest was in the 330" range. The bulled expired at 10,000 feet. I learned a great deal about the effort required to bone and pack out an elk by yourself. It was a chore to say the least but I was smiling every step of the way!

 

[DEERSLAM]

Dandy bow bull...big congrats to ya!!

 

[bpnclark]

Nice bull! Congrats

 

[SDHNTR]

Right on Andy! Congrats! So would you apply for the early hunt again, or wait and chance the tougher draw odds to hopefully pull a rut hunt a couple weeks later? I've asked myself the same question the last few years and I'm not sure what makes more sense. Were you over water or just slipping in? Or did you catch some early bugling?

 

[HeavyHorns]

Great archery bull. Congrats!

 

[weekender21]

Nate, They were bugling off and on the entire time I was there. I slipped in on this bull still hunting the meadow pictured. Most of the bulls had 3 or 4 cows already but a few were solo. This hunt was my third choice. I had a great time but it was a really tough hunt. I think the late hunt would have been a bit easier but who knows. I shot my bull on the 12th and had another bull bugling a few hundred yards away throughout the day as I hiked the cape and meat out. That was the first really fired up bull I heard the entire time. Most days they were quiet until about 15 minutes before dark.

 

[Gomer76825]

Awsome bull congrats.

 

[d'hunter]

Nice bull, congrats!

 

[dw33]

Nice job!

 

[OnShore]

Dude your hardcore! Looks like a great place to get your first Elk. How far was the back out? Thats a monster, Congrats

 

[bodega]

Great job. Congrats! That is encouraging for those of us thinking about doing our first elk hunt solo.

 

[brushstomper]

Congrats on a great bull!!!!

 

[weekender21]

I shot him about five miles from my truck but I was able to drive up an old logging road and get a little closer. All the meat and hide fit in two, HEAVY, backpacks. I shot the bull at 7:50AM and was in camp at 4:30PM. It was a ton of work but well worth it!

 

[SacFireJT]

Nice bull and Photo! Congrats!

 

[Speckmisser]

Nice work! That's a pile of meat, and sounds like a great experience! Nobody can say you didn't earn that sucker.

 

[hank4elk]

Good job!!

 

[magurley]

The smile says it all! Great bull, and congrats to you.

Mike

 

[BDB]

Congrats on your first elk, very nice!!

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

I learned a great deal about the effort required to bone and pack out an elk by yourself. It was a chore to say the least but I was smiling every step of the way![/b]

You said a mouthful there! I have pretty much decided never to go solo for elk for this very reason!!!!

 

[predatorhunter21]

Too Cool! Congrats!!

 

[FTTPOW]

Great job!