My hunting partner is my special needs daughter, Audrey Healy. She is my life and best buddy. After drawing a 2020 New Mexico bull elk tag, I knew the year would be bittersweet. Audrey would not be able to go on this hunt with me due to her having previous plans. This would be the first time in many years she wouldn’t be hunting with me.
Not knowing if the hunt would take place due to COVID and statewide restrictions, I finally found out the hunt was still a go. Now, it was on. I was ready to go! I found a tagalong named Pedro. This would be my second outfitted trip to New Mexico with mixed emotions. We drove the two-day trip from Nevada to New Mexico and arrived one and a half days early to get ready to scout the area.
Day one came and went. We saw a lot of bulls, none of which Audrey would have given me the thumbs up on. On a five-day hunt, each day brings more anxiety. The outfitter, Isaiah Gonzales, seemed to read that loud and clear, so we relocated for day two.
Day two’s hike in was interrupted by the sounds of bugling elk seemingly all around us. The three of us looked at each other and knew this day would be a special one. If Audrey were here, I’m sure she would be beside herself. Shortly after daybreak, we spotted two bulls – a nice 5x6 and a very nice 6x6. After glassing the 6x6 for an hour, we all agreed, no doubt, this would be the one we’d go after.
With the bulls being in heavy timber, Isaiah drew up a game plan that would give us the best downwind opportunity for an evening shot. With limited timer openings, we would have to wait for the bull to make a mistake and step out. Late in the day with the sunlight fading, to our disbelief, the bull stepped out! Isaiah whispered, “There he is. Take him!”
I put the scope on him and let the first one rip. A cloud of smoke covered the entire area, and the scramble to reload ensued. The bull stood back up, and I let him have it. Down he went! I don’t think there are words to describe that feeling. It was a feeling of happiness, sadness, and being grateful this unbelievable animal was down.
Shortly thereafter, we located the bull about 150 yards away and all gave our thanks for that opportunity. We determined I had actually hit him the first time. We saw two perfectly delivered rounds to the kill zone. We knew now that the work had just begun. Luckily, Isaiah and Jace packed him out. We cooked a victory meal and had our fill of drinks, which were well earned.
I sure wish Audrey would have been there. However, I know she was there in spirit and without a doubt gave me the strength to put it all together. Thanks to Isaiah Gonzales and Jace Beaty of Prime Tine Outdoors for a top- notch, first-class, quality hunt. It was nice to hunt with two quality young men who have sharpened skills to hunt these magnificent animals.
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