Big Tex
New member
I closed out my hunt in northern NM on Thursday. With rain and thunderstorms off and on Monday through Wednesday the hunting was pretty slow and bugling action very weak, although I was able to get within biw range of bulls each day, I Just couldn't close the deal hunting solo, so I phoned a friend. I had a local outfitter connection, in Steve Rivera at Rimrock Outfitting, who had showed me around the unit and helped me develop a game plan before the hunt, he had a few days free at the end of the week and agreed to come out and call for me. Thursday morning started out much like the rest of the week, very quiet, no bugling and nothing responding to our calls. At about 6:50 Steve thought he smelled elk and put out a few soft mews that were imediately greeted by a bull close by. We quickly set with me rushing 40 yards out in front of Steve and within a few minutes of calling back and forth I see the bull coming at a dead sprint. I drew as he went behind an evergreen and Steve stopped him with a call as soon as the front half of his body cleared the trees. It all happened in a flash, as I zipped my arrow right behind the Bulls front shoulder at 12 yards. He ambled off another 40 yards and we watched as he laid down and took his last breath. Steve was a pleasure to hunt with in the field and talk with out of the field. If you ever have an interest in hunting northern NM look him up, he's an elk whisperer.
