I aimed at his lower chest and to the right of his leg, then released. Instantly my arrow buried to the fletching as the bull lumbered off. I must note that I shoot instinctive with a compound bow that I cant to the left -- in my opinion, the perfect combination for a shot like this. I immediately let out a cow call, forcing the bull to stop momentarily at 25 yards before running off. Next, I let out a bugle to keep things as natural as possible, attempting to let him know it was only another bull that had surprised him.

I gave Jerry the thumbs-up as I figured it was a good shot. Jerry saw the whole event unfold as the bull ran right in front of him. He emphasized that it was a "big bull." We quietly discussed the situation, and because we didn't want to take any chances, we decided to wait a while before we went after the bull. We left the immediate area, taking our human scent with us. We were even able to flag a good trail out of the timber for the pack out. Normally, in this rugged area and the distances we sometimes hunt, we usually figure on hiring an outfitter to pack out the elk by horseback. Because this was only the first day, and our spot where we felled the big elk was close to the main road, we decided to pack out the elk ourselves.

First we had to make sure the elk was down. After about two hours, we returned to the scene and began looking for sign. We spotted a good blood trail a short distance from where the elk was first hit. The trail was easily followed to where the elk dropped, less than 80 yards from where I shot it. The arrow had penetrated all the way through with the broadhead protruding out the other side. I unscrewed the broadhead, which was still sharp, and pulled out the arrow. The arrow had gone through the rear lung, angling rearward. The broadhead had done its job. The bull was an impressive 6x6 and very symmetrical. The right and left beams measured exactly the same -- 52.75 inches. His number five and six tines were nearly 15 inches long. After the required drying time, the bull scored 363 7/8 gross with a net of 359 5/8. We were able to pack him out that day by 6:30 p.m. Because there was still time left in the day, we also decided to take the meat into town, 30 miles away. What a first day of hunting!

I shoot instinctive, as I mentioned, using a tab. I also might add that I'm one of those funny fellows who's right-handed but left-eye dominate. I switched to shooting left-handed many years ago, which wasn't as difficult as I had first anticipated. Several people have asked me if I was afraid or shaken up with a big bull that close. I can honestly say no. Because I have had many close encounters over the years, I seem to be able to just settle down and make the shot when needed.

I don't mean to make these moments sound easy. They are not. This trophy class bull, taken in the first hour of the first day, had actually been a 26-year venture for this elk hunting archer!