Nope, it was my "once in a lifetime" draw in the Valle Vidal, which borders the Vermejo Ranch, Philmont Scout Ranch, and Forbes on the north. Bull wasn't massive--I passed larger bulls during the hunt, one 300+ bull on the first day I gave to a feller from the NRA--but on the fourth day it was the "right bull, right time". Like to tell you it was a running 200 yard shot offhand but truth is he was bugling his guts out broadside at about 20 yards and I had a pine tree to lean against. Truth hurts! Roundball totally destroyed his heart, etc. but he still ran 30 yards on pure adrenaline.
Here's a picture of the bull I gave away. He was walking down a long finger meadow bugling. Came from my side and we had agreed that if something showed up the hunter closest would have the shot. He was about 75 yards away and I levelled the rifle on him but it was the first day of the hunt and I was just having too much fun playing with the elk. I didn't want to end it this way. So I whispered to the other feller to take him and he did and he was thrilled. I think it was his first bull. Over the next three days my guide and I had more fun calling in bulls and playing with them. I really didn't care if I took one--been there, done it too many times before. But on the fourth day something popped in my brain when the little bull just stood there bugling and slobbering all over himself. Strange....I think this was the last bull I'll ever take. Time changes.
