Archery Hunt of a Lifetime

Rocky Mountain Elk Hunting | New Mexico

Story By: Jacob Lewis

On the morning of September 15, the moment I had been waiting for arrived. The New Mexico second archery season had begun. I had anticipated this trip for months, pouring weeks into planning. I studied maps, checked weather forecasts, monitored fire risks, and consulted with hunters who had drawn this tag in previous years, using information from Huntin' Fool. Originally, I planned to stay in New Mexico for the entire season. The week before the season, I scouted with friends and found several areas with impressive bulls. Little did I know, I would harvest the bull of a lifetime on opening morning.

We rose early at our spike camp, aware of the long, grueling hike ahead. As the sun rose, the mountains came alive with the sound of multiple bulls bugling along the canyon. The chorus fueled our excitement as we climbed closer to the top, edging toward the bulls. My friends Brian Neese and Kenny Meyer told me to set up while they stayed back to call. The bull we targeted was fired up. His deep, growling bugle was unlike anything I had ever heard, resonating through the canyon with raw power. He was just over the hill with his cows. As I eased into position, I caught sight of him moving my way. His size was staggering, far surpassing any deer I had hunted back home in Indiana. The anxiety and adrenaline were overwhelming, unlike anything I had felt before. This was the closest I had ever been to a bull of his caliber, and he was practically bugling in my face.

As he passed behind a tree, I ranged him at 40 yards and knew it was now or never. I drew my bow. When he emerged, he walked straight toward me, closing the distance. At about 10 yards, he stopped and let out a thunderous bugle that felt like it could blow my hat off. I released the arrow, and it hit exactly where I aimed. Staying calm was a challenge, but I forced myself to keep my emotions in check until the shot was complete. The bull ran about 50 yards before collapsing. Only then did I let the pent-up emotions flood out. I was shaking uncontrollably but grinning ear to ear. As I approached him, I remained in awe, repeatedly thanking the Lord above. This hunt was the most mentally and physically demanding thing I had ever done for pure enjoyment.

The celebration began with picture-taking time. After soaking in the moment, the real work started. Quartering the bull and planning how to get him off the mountain was no small feat. The terrain was some of the toughest I had ever encountered, steep and unforgiving. It took two full days of backbreaking effort to pack him out. We carefully secured the meat, stored it in a deep freezer, and began the long trek back to Indiana.

All the training and preparation paid off. This trip was unforgettable, yielding not only incredible meat for my family but also a stunning trophy for my wall. I will always be grateful for this experience and can only hope to spend more time in the great outdoors in the years to come.