2009; my cousin and his hunting buddies from West Virginia, invited me to join their Muzzleloader hunt. So, I got a rifle, watched DVDs, read up a little and spent a lot of time at the range. I drew a bull tag. Now it was show time; time for the rubber to meet the road! The camp was based in Buena Vista, Colorado at the base of the Continental divide.

I got started on Day 3 of the season. Monday thru Wed was spent hunting, as well as getting to know the lay of the land. The herds were scattered due to the bulls vying for and gathering their cows. Our hunting zone was from 9400 to 11000 feet, in mixed pine forest, Aspen groves and stream fed boggy areas.

Mike and I left out cabin about 0530, arriving at the trail head approximately 30 minutes later. It was dark and the wind crisp. After the initial switchbacks, we heard our first bugle around 7am. Mike responded promptly and got a not so distant reply. The day was off to a good start. Based on the prevailing wind and herd pattern, we left the trail and took off up the adjacent ridge toward 10900. After a few minutes, Mike bugled again and got another reply; only this time closer. Again, we moved higher and further North. Our tensions and anticipation levels began to accelerate! With about 6 calls and replies behind us, the bull started up toward us and his responses were more agitated in tone. Mike quickly picked a bench at 10700 for my setup shot and another call. It was silent afterward but we held our ground. My heart was pounding and I was afraid Mr. Bull would hear it! I set up in a little trio of pines and Mike was up the hill and behind about 50 yards. I was less than 30 yards from the crest of the bench. It was dead silent. Then his sun lit tines broke the horizon line of the bench looking for his adversarial rival bull. Our hearts were pounding faster now and I was shaking like crazy. Seconds later, he stepped forward, looked straight up my barrel at me and bugled and also gave us 3-4 chuckles. Still no shot. Moments passed and as I pulled the hammer back but it did not budge! Was it stuck? Panic set in. To my relief, the safety was pushed in a little. Now, with the hammer back, I waited for him to clear the pines and step into a very tight clearing. From Mike's point of view, I am sure he thought I had a clear shot; shoot now, what are you waiting for!! The bull now peeped around the final pine, still looking for his adversary and my opportunity materialized. The shot was less then 25 yards, on the mark and he was down in his tracks. It was 0845 and 10700 ft. Only after a short break, the obligatory Kodak moments and some video did the real work began. This hunt was classic in every aspect. It was surreal. I thought I was on my sofa watching a pro hunt! I give most of the credit to my new buddy Mike and his knowledge of the area and Elk hunting prowess. I just pulled the trigger. Thanks Mike for a great day and a truly once in a lifetime experience. Soon to be repeated, I hope.

Bull Elk - 4 x 5
Bullet-Hornady 50 Cal. 350 Gr FPB
Powder-Pyrodex RS 150 Gr
Rifle-Traditions Pursuit XLT