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I love my snow camo. It is amungst the best camo out there. I can verify that it works. This bull was in a small herd of 8 and we were setting up an ambush position. They all came up the ridge and stopped when they saw my "decoys" further up, which were the rest of the group I was hunting with. The problem was the guys moved to soon which stopped the herd to soon. My bow was drawn and I had to eventually let it down. These bison were only 20 yards away. There was only a small deadfall of trees between me and them in the woods. I was crouched down on my knees for this shot.

So when I let the bow down they all looked at me but stood there confused. There was a stand off for several minutes and I remained still. When the other guys moved again, the bulls looked at them and turned to run off in the direction they came, which is when I shot my animal.

So he was 20 yards when I hit him with the first arrow. It burried to the fletching but was further back than I like into his liver. It did react with a buck and a lot of kicking. This being because he was begining to run off when I let go and I did not follow him as he was moving (stupid but probably the result of "nerves").

I shoot a 60 pound Parker bow, carbon arrows (Easton Red Lines) and Muzzy broadheads. All of my equipment functioned very well. The day was beautiful but very cold and I was heavily dressed. The terrain was challenging for me as I come from flat wooded country.

I landed a second arrow a short time later right into the crease, where I initially wanted to hit him and he ran a short distance and laid down for good. Before that arrow was let go I was wondering what this bull was planning. He was seperated from the herd and when he saw me getting close he began walking right to me, I had a video man behind me too. I wasn't sure he was going to turn but fortunately for me he did. Second arrow was probably 15 yards or less and hit him hard. It landed with a loud crack and burried again, to the fletching. The arrow must have hit the arm bones on the opposite side. The recovered broadhead was somewhat bent. As he ran off from this one the arrow snapped inside of him. A third arrow was added for insurance when I walked up on the downed animal. My quiver only holds three arrows so I knew I had to be precise. Other than the first shot, that was the case.

I don't think too many women have done this but those who have certainily have my respect. These bison are huge and can be intimidating. They look even bigger when you are on your knees trying to be small and blend in with the scenery! Some people have even taken them with traditional equiment, longbows and recurves, my hat's off to them.

Me and the guys:

I went on this excursion with a group from my SCI chapter. I did not know any of them before taking the trip. Great way to meet new friends. Try as I do, it's hard to get other ladies to go. They are really missing out.

John, do you think I could arrow one of your waterbuffs? I bet Oz is an archer's paradise. Christer, someday I will nail a moose too. I think you would have a great opportunity in Sweden to do moose as an archery hunt.

Some people ask why I do this (gun hunters), all I can say is being SO CLOSE to an animal SO BIG can't be beat for an adrenalin rush. Especially when they are wounded and decide to walk towards you!

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~Ann

Everyday spent outdoors is the best day of my life.

Aspen Hill Adventures