I got to take my son to new mexico on a youth hunt.WE went with a guide in unit 13 with a muzzlerloader on public ground.WE hunted in the morning seeing nothing but knew the elk were around us.AS we headed to or glassing spot to look for an elk we came across this bull.I can still see my sons face when the guide pointed him out and ask my son if he wanted to try for him.When he asked his leg started to shake as he shook his head yes.The elk was across the canyon from us.As we worked closer we realize there was no way to get to him so we would need to shot across at him.As we set up the tripod and my son got ready I ranged him.This is the best part as when I ranged him it showed 286 yds.When I ask if he could make the shoot he looked at us an smiled and shook his head yes.Know you must understand we shot 2 times a week or more and in 6 month my son has shot more then 250 round at the range with this gun.The elk could not have been nicer as he stood up from his bed he put his head behind a bush so all my son saw was body and no rack.Told him to breath and but the 3 bar of his scope on the shoulder and squeeze.The 150 grain charge sent the 260 grain bullet on its way.After the smoked cleared we seen the bull turn around and lay down like nothing happen.As we watched he layed his head down and nevered moved from there.I think the smile in the pic shows how happy he was but he still has no idea why i was so happy since I did not get to hunt.I can honestly say this elk hunt means more then any animal I ever taken by myself.My son know wants to watch me hunt as i have never harvested a elk this big and he thinks it my turn.I have one great kid that one day will understand what I mean when he has a kid of his own.The guide named him sharp shooter after the shot.Tell this was like being there all over hope all enjoy the pics and story.thanks Billc
