The rugged landscapes of New Mexico stretched endlessly before me, a mix of rolling hills, dense pines, and wide-open meadows. The 2023 elk season had finally arrived, and after months of preparation, I was ready for the challenge.
At dawn, we set out, the crisp mountain air filling our lungs as we listened for the telltale sound of a bugling bull. It didn’t take long. A deep, guttural bugle echoed through the canyon, sending chills down my spine. This was it.
We moved carefully, using the wind and terrain to our advantage. After hours of stalking, we finally spotted him—a massive bull standing on the edge of a meadow, his antlers dark and towering. He was locked onto a small herd, unaware of our presence.
I settled into position, my rifle steady. The distance was just over 300 yards—a long shot, but one I had practiced for. I took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and squeezed the trigger. Boom! The bull jolted, took a few steps, then collapsed.
As I walked up to him, the sheer size of his antlers and body left me speechless. This was the bull of a lifetime. Kneeling beside him, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude—not just for the harvest, but for the entire experience. The challenge, the patience, and the respect for the wild all came together in this moment.
\
Back at camp, we celebrated around a warm fire, sharing stories under the starlit New Mexico sky. The 2023 elk hunt had been everything I dreamed of and more—a memory that would stay with me forever.
