SENSELESS COW SHOOTINGS

UNBELIEVABLE continued from page 13

moment was surreal in that I do not remember drawing the bow. The arrow was headed in the right direction when he exploded down the hillside, but I did not hear it hit? He busted dry timber in his escape for what seemed like minutes and then all was quiet. Quiet except for my ragged breathing and a body shaking like a leaf.

Because I had not heard the hit (and usually do) I assumed the worst thinking I had missed. Kicking myself to where I thought the arrow might be, I just could not believe I had missed something that big that close. Scratching around in the pine needles was not turning up the arrow? Going back to where he was standing when I shot, I found no blood? What the heck??

When I first heard the sound, I was sure I was just creating it in my head. Then it came again. The sound was a cough, and it was coming directly from the direction he had gone. Then I heard a few branches break and then a crash. Could it be?

Gathering up my pack and bow I headed towards the sounds. The hillside was covered in thick juniper, so it was tough to pinpoint where to look. Moving further downhill I saw a blond body sticking out of the foliage. All I could think was “UNBELIEVABLE!” I don’t know how many times I said it out loud – but it was a bunch!

I certainly am not in the same harvest clan as the professional at the beginning of this story but have been fortunate enough to have taken my share of bulls. All have been stunning, and all are permanently etched in my mind. They just are incredibly special animals. This one was exceptional.

I just sat above him for over an hour taking it all in. I just could not believe what had happened. I reflected on my mindset the night before thinking that it seemed impossible to take one of these ghosts with a bow. So many things must go right to see what I was seeing. It is an easy time to feel very spiritual and I know I thanked God numerous times. What an experience!

It took all this 62-year-old body could do to move him out of the junipers. What an animal. He had almost no smell and was as plump as a 4H steer. His antlers were perfect with six on a side. Again, UNBELIEVABLE!

In moving him I could now see where the arrow had landed. There right in the crease behind the front shoulder was the entry and nearly the same spot on the other side was the exit. Perfect! Could not have placed it better if I’d have had a hundred chances. Exactly as I hoped it would be. I could not have been more pleased with that aspect. Why Muzzy stopped building Phantom broadheads I will never understand?

Breaking him down was interesting considering the steep slope and his size. When I had tied the last meat sack on the hanging pole, I was bushed to say the least. As I approached the truck right at dark, there was a game warden parked behind it. He had ran my plates to make sure I had all the correct licenses and permits and was getting ready to leave. The young warden was great (we need more like him) and actually offered to go back in with me to help bring out the meat. I told him that going back for the meat was out until morning and that he would probably have to help me get in my truck.

A cool night had all the meat in great shape. I brought back clean game bags to replace those that were bloodied, and fly blown. The pack-out was tough, but I enjoyed every part of it. What an experience – UNBELIEVABLE!

We are so lucky to be living the dream here in Montana. Rick Miller Region 7 Rep – Colstrip

Unfortunately, it was brought to the attention of the MBA late this September that some low life criminal shot a moo cow with not one, but two arrows. The cows’ calf was also shot, but thankfully both animals survived.

An act this heinous could not be ignored and an email request was sent to the entire MBA board detailing the situation. The folks whose cows were shot have always been sportsman friendly and let some of the general public hunt their property each year. The shooting occurred where their land meets forest service property. This ordeal got quite a bit of attention on social media and it was quickly decided that the MBA needed to get involved and let it be known that this was no “bowhunter” who committed this crime but some maggot criminal sneaking around the woods with a bow. The board unanimously decided to gift the land owners $1,000 to help defray any costs associated. We have also put up a $500 reward for info that leads to the perpetrator(s).

We have had a number of our members offer to help pay for these costs and if any one else would like to chip in a few dollars there is no amount too small. We are going to earmark it “the cow fund” and hopefully someone who has some info will step up and we can find and prosecute the guilty party. The landowners were very surprised and extremely thankful for the donation and willingness of the MBA to help out their unfortunate situation and have said that they will continue to let the public hunt their land and that they won’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch.

The senseless act of one gives all bowhunters a black eye and no amount of restitution can take away the fuel that this adds to the anti-hunter agenda. We have enough on our plate working to keep our seasons and keeping crossbows at bay. If anyone has any info that can lead to an arrest, please come forward. This individual needs punished.