Map of Where I Hunted

Google Earth these Coordinates
39°35'36.02"N
109°14'19.12"W

The story of the hunt - short version

This was an awesome experience. Thanks to Brandon, Brent. and Colton for all their help in harvesting this nice bull.

Friday September 26th. The hunt started well before daylight. We rode the four wheelers for about 15 miles from camp to McCook Ridge. We seen a number of bulls in a large burn area the day before and I think we seen the bull I shot right a daylight but couldn't get on him right then. We stalked and called for about 2 hours before we walked into the burn. We had a couple different bulls talking back to us but they never presented a shot. Around 10:30 a.m. we had made a big circle and was about 1.5 miles away from the four wheelers. Brent stopped and made some more calls - then the bull answered. He was on the next ridge over in the sky line. I knew he was a decent bull so everyone headed that direction to get a better look. Once we were in position we called and he wouldn't come in. Brent and I decided to try to sneak up on where we thought he was bedded down - however he wasn't there. Then suddenly the bull answered back from the bottom of the draw. He was well over 300 yards away. The next time I saw him he was 200 yards away and coming our direction. I didn't want to shoot my muzzle loader at that distance plus I didn't get that great of look at him. The next 20 minutes seemed to take for ever. I thought the bull would come to us on the North side of our position but he didn't. Brent whispered "there he is - it's the bull". I had to make a complete 180 turn to the South and take aim. I thought he was a good bull and I asked Brent "Is he the shooter?" He replied "He's a good bull - a little weak on his 5th and 6th but his thirds are awesome". I asked again "Is he a shooter - would you shoot him if it were your tag". "Yes" - BOOM - I shot (muzzle blasted Brent) and the bull whirled and ran. I watched as he appeared to drop - but I wasn't sure. Brent said he's down. I ranged the spot where the bull stood - 25.5 yards away. I felt confident the TC.50 Cal was accurate at that distance! We waited for Colton and Brandon to come over then we all proceeded to look for him. It was a short time before we found a small trail of blood, which quickly turned into larger pools. The bull ran back off the ridge top into the bottom before he collapsed. It was some work to get him out of the hill side but worth it. Four hours later we were back in camp reliving the events of the day.