The bull was harvested in S.E. Idaho, in unit 76 (big unit), which borders Idaho and Wyoming. I was hunting with two other's. We were in the process of retrieving my partners 5x5 he shot the night before, which was quartered up and ready for haul. I decided to go out from camp, and get in a few hours of hunting before we packed the elk out. We located several bulls bugling below us, and decided we had to make a decision to focus on one bull.
We used several different cow calls. This bull was screaming, and I could hear cows and just knew he rounding up his cows, so I made a decision to go after him. On the way to him, we coaxed a smaller 6x6 to show his face, but he would only offer a straight on shot (not good).
After what seemed forever (probably only a few minutes), I had made my way over to my bull. When I first saw him, he was tearing up a pine tree. I was almost busted by one of his cows. I found a good place to set up, on the edge of a quakie pocket, with a little opening about 15 yards across. I thought this is where he would come, because at this point I was between him and his cows. I let out a little bugle (small spike bugle), and he came in screaming, probably to kick my butt. I could see him coming through the trees screaming. 30 yards, 20 yards, 15 yards, ten yards. Then, finally at 8 yards, he turned giving me the shot I was looking for. I made a good shot, catching one lung solid (the shot actually took place as the bull was moving). He had another bull with him (respectable 6x6), that knew something was up, which is why my turned (I basically split the two bulls). After my shot, he barreled off. The other bull took off to my right and stopped at 20 yards. Now I was faced with a dilemma. Did I hit my bull? Should I take a shot at this other bull? Deciding not to make a bad decision, I passed on the other bull. I stepped out of the quakies, and the other bull took off (only another 20 yards). I located some blood quickly. I followed the trail for about 80 yards, and located my trophy.
What a hunt!
Gotta love chasin' bulls in September. No better time!
