One afternoon in mid September I found myself and my friend, Jesse Lim, sitting high above the forest floor behind our binoculars in hopes of locating a couple of bulls which I had seen on previous scouting trips. Jesse wasn't fortunate enough to draw a tag this year, so when I told him of the tag I drew he offered to come along to video and help with calling. Jesse is a fellow PSE Pro Staff member; he is a very accomplished and focused archer. I knew he would be a tremendous asset to my hunt.
After an exciting but disappointing morning, we decided to locate a shady juniper and take a well deserved nap. While we were resting, bugling bulls occasionally awoke us. We decided that at 3:00 we would do a little calling and see if we could get someone fired up as they came out of their beds. Jesse let out a bugle and we got an instant response from a throaty bull a couple hundred yards to our left. Another bull quickly cut off his bugle, which was down to our right. After a series of calls from both bulls, we knew they were working toward one another; it was time to make our move. Our plan was to position ourselves in between them in hopes of intercepting them.
We moved a 100 yards and quickly realized that the bull to our left was closing in on us fast, so we stopped and began to glass. I picked up some movement amongst the juniper, I said, "Here he comes". When he finally appeared it turned out to be a cow that was followed by a yearling, but shortly behind it I could see a much larger elk. As I caught a glimpse of his antlers weaving through the trees I said, "I see the bull".
We knew we were going to be rushed so we decided to setup where we were. While Jesse got the camera ready I got into position and looked for some shooting lanes. After a quick scan I only came up with one and it would be my only shooting opportunity. To my surprise, the lead cow entered the lane, so I quickly ranged her, if the bull followed suit the shot would be 52 yards. The second cow entered in the same location, so I felt very confident the bull would be just behind her. As he approached the clearing I began to draw my PSE Nitro bow, before I was at full draw Jesse let out a cow call and the bull stopped instantly. I thought to myself, "Pick a spot and don't blow it!"
I watched the arrow from about mid-flight and saw it penetrate in the shoulder area. As the bull spun and ran off, I could see part of the shaft hanging out. The blood trail was very easy to follow. After tracking him for about 130 yards we could see him piled up at the base of a large juniper. We couldn't believe his size, with each step we took the larger he got. He was a magnificent bull, from his spectacular mass to his width and long tines; he carried 6 points on his left and 8 on his right. After quite a few minutes of celebrating and admiring the trophy, we phoned our wives and relayed the good news.
This hunt could not have been successful without the support and assistance of family and friends. I would like to extend my gratitude to Jesse for leaving his family and responsibilities behind to assist me with this hunt. I would also like to thank PSE Archery and Rocket Aeroheads for their continued support. This was a great hunt and I feel very fortunate to harvest such an awesome animal. With 7-1/2" of G-3 broken off, this Arizona bull has a typical gross score of 363-3/8 S.C.I.

Please visit http://www.huntingarizona.com/kh-elk-hunt.htm for Keith's complete elk hunt story and to learn more information about Arizona Hunting Adventures Guides & Outfitters, LLC.

First Elk Hunt
by Loren Robinson, PSE Pro Staff

As I fly from Charlotte, NC to Durango, CO I anxiously await the start of my first elk hunt. My outfitter came highly recommended, but I still didn't know what to expect. I was picked up at the airport by Connie the camp cook. After about an hour drive we were at camp. I was greeted by outfitter and guide for most of this hunt Troy Hicks and a couple of his guides Paul Weyand and Josh Hill. Troy told me up front that this wasn't going to be easy; that the bulls just weren't bugling much as a result of the full moon and to warm weather.

Day one and two were the toughest with many miles walked in very steep terrain and with little action. By day three I was getting more acclimated to the elevation and thin air. On day four we got close to elk but only cows and small bulls that didn't meet the four-point restriction. By the start of day five we had logged many miles, seen lots of beautiful country, but still hadn't gotten a shot at a bull. By mid morning we had worked a good bull but got busted by his cows. Later in the morning Troy got a bull to answer his calls and we moved in. I set up quickly with Troy and Paul behind me calling. Cows moved in with the bull in tow, this was starting to look like our day until we get an unfriendly shift in the wind. Well, back to the drawing board.

Day six is upon us, I'm supposed to be on a plane back home, but Troy is determined to get me a shot at a bull. We had a slow day until Troy got several bulls to answer his calls. They're was one that sounded really good. There was one that sounded really good, Troy said that's the one we want. The wind was in our favor so we set up quickly because daylight is fading fast. Out of the thick timberline the bull appears quick, and he's not a happy camper thinking Troy is another bull trying to steal his cows. The 300 class 6x6 bull stops about 70 yards below us bugling like crazy and destroying the timber. Precious light is fading faster and the bull won't budge. After what seemed like forever, I decided to try to slip in for a shot. But between darkness and a little too much noise on my part this doesn't work out.

Day seven, we need to get it done today for tomorrow I have to be on a plane back home. We start out early, this is our coldest morning yet so I'm expecting to hear more bugling. It was windy early making the pinpointing of bugles difficult. About midday we spot a bull on the mountainside above us but we can't coax him in. We're in the most elk sign we've seen all week so we decide to hang out in the area all day. After lunch and a nap, about 3:00 pm. Me, Troy and Jeremy are sitting discussing our game plan, when Troy does a little cow calling. In minutes I see movement below us, It's a cow with a 5x5 bull in tow. After a little more calling the cow is within 20 yards and the bull is closing quick. So quick we don't have time to make a move, I'm still sitting flat on my rear, not the ideal position to make a shot in. We're pinned down and can't make a move for fear of the cow spotting us. Suddenly the bull appears and it looks like he's going to step into the clear, I bring my PSE Nitro bow to full draw and the bull stops leaving me no possible shot. I hold the bow for what seems like eternity, It's getting to the point that something's going to have to happen quickly. Finally, the bull looks away and I let down, then the bull steps into the clear, it's now or never, I come to full draw. It's about a 37 yard steep down hill shot. In a flash the arrow is on it's way and hits it mark, the Nitro has done it's job like I knew it would if only I done mine. The bull went only a few yards before crashing down the mountainside, it was a quick recovery. After a few handshakes and some pictures, the work began.

The long pack out was worth it, I had gotten my first elk, with my first arrow, on my first elk hunt. I would like to thank PSE for such great equipment and the PSE Pays Program that's offered at the archery tournaments, which made this trip possible.

Equipment list for this hunt included:
PSE Nitro bow 70lb
Vibracheck Stabilizer
Scott Little Bitty goose Release
PSE/King Pack and Hip Quiver