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This hunt started back in 2007 when I was working up in Zama, Alberta. It was here that I first laid my eyes on free ranging bison. There wasn’t a day that slipped by I wasn’t daydreaming of what it would be like to harvest one of North America’s largest big game animals.
It was 12:01 a.m. and the draw results had just been posted online. I had stayed up waiting to check them. As I logged in and checked the results, I started looking. I got down to the bottom of the list and looked at Bison, next to it was the word “Drawn”. I rubbed my eyes, logged out and then logged back in and it still said “Drawn”.
I started to get bull fever in my computer room when suddenly my phone rang; it was my cousin, Sean O’Neill. He had called to let me know he hadn’t drawn a moose or sheep tag. I could barely get the words out about my bison. He didn’t believe me, as my words were tripping over my tongue. Finally, after a lengthy conversation, we ended the call and I never slept that night.
It was December 30 and I had my truck pointed north, heading to pick up Sean. Our wives were somehow okay with us spending New Years trying to find a bull to bring home.
We got out at first light December 31 with great anticipation of seeing bachelor groups of bulls. Well, 300 kilometres later and with last light approaching, we finally laid eyes on four bulls, about 400 metres off the road. This hunt was going to be much harder than it appeared it would be when I was working in Zama. With light fading, we watched the bulls disappear into the willows.
We woke up to alarm clocks ringing and -27 degree weather. We hopped in the truck and made our way to where we had last seen the bulls. After some glassing at first light, we located the four bulls bedded down. With a quick plan, we grabbed our gear and started to slip into archery range.
With the bulls still bedded, I ranged one of the monsters at 55 metres. However, we still had 10 minutes to wait for legal light. In what seemed like forever, finally our watches rolled over to legal shooting time.
By this time, the bulls had stood and were mulling around. However, the biggest bull wouldn't turn broadside for a shot opportunity. I yanked back my 73-pound bow that felt like a ton in the cold weather, only to hold and then let down. The bulls had made us and were getting nervous.
Finally, the big bull turned broadside and began to walk at a fast pace. I drew and let down once again, hoping for a standing shot. I was starting to shake violently from the cold weather and the adrenaline these bulls were giving us.
As they retreated over a berm, we followed to try to get one last chance. As we crested the hill, the bulls were now on a full run into some heavy cover. Sean looked at me and said, “I think it’s time to use the gun!”
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| Sean and Cole O’Neill with their Hay-Zama wood bison. |
I quickly grabbed my pack and laid it down for a prone shot. As I followed the bulls in the scope, Sean yelled, “Take the lead bull,” as they finally turned broadside. The 300 Win broke the air and a smack echoed back that sounded like hitting a metal gong. Sean yelled out, “Low! They’re at 412 metres!” I quickly reloaded and sent a 180-grain Accubond through both shoulders. Again, the hit was confirmed with a solid thud. I reloaded once more only to watch the bull stumble and fall to his final resting place. I quickly unloaded the gun and had a short celebration with Sean.
What a hunt, 2200 kilometres in 3 1/2 days! I can’t thank Sean enough for coming along with me to harvest this bull. I also want to thank the Fish and Wildlife officers in High Level. These people are managing an A+ hunt. Finally, a thank you to our wives for supporting us and letting us chase our passion. ■
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