Arizona Bull Elk Hunt

Wake up call 4:30 am. We were all prepared to do what must be done. We had glassed up quite a few bulls the night before, and had decided on a plan of attack to bag one at first light opening morning of the hunt. Loading gear into the truck we took off. Arriving around 5 am we began the hike to get into position. The hike was somewhat difficult we spotted up our first bull around 7:15 am and he was beautiful except for the fact he had a massive five, but had been beaten down to a very small two. Looking around we spotted another great five by five this time intact. Putting my scope on him; he was ranged by John at 365 yards. I decided to take my gloves off for a more accurate shoot. Mistake glove got caught on the trigger bull fever caused mistake. This may have actually helped bull froze in place letting me get off a broad side shot which connected. This tough bastard wasn't done yet he kept moving at around 10 more yards away per shot I connected 3-4 more times as he moved up and away from us finally going down on some nasty ass terrain. He slide a few feet before being hung up by the tinniest bush. Our work far from done we headed over to pack him out. It took us just about 45 minutes to get to him. Then the real work began practically on a cliff. Sliding all over the place cutting with your arms above you head it was done, and loaded to pack out in about an hour and a half. Then we hiked out. No one seemed to care how hard or long the hike was since we had one in the books with opportunity to bag another. (My Uncle had a tag as well; which would be filled a couple days later.) 11/30/2012