Large Axis Bull – Another Father/Son Hunt!
Eli and his son, Little Eli, seem to be inseparable and best “buddies”. Eli’s love of hunting has definitely been passed on to this bright and loquacious young man. Young Eli at 6 years of age can tell about the life history and other behavior details of many of the exotic hoof stock species on the Patio Ranch from listening to conversations and stories told in his presence as well asA the books that he and his father read together almost every day. He can identify on sight most of the animal species on the ranch. His desire to hunt and be in the great outdoors is evident.
The father/son team was back to look for an axis buck for Little Eli. He had taken an axis doe last year as his first exotic. When I say team, that is the best description of the two. When hunting, Eli will hold the rifle and aim while little Eli will gently squeeze the trigger while standing next to his father. They have practiced this drill together often and are very efficient with this method.
The weather was hot as has been the story for this whole summer. The deer were not moving much and when they were, the bulls were on the edge of the brush line under large shade trees staying cool in the breeze. A number of large axis were seen, but no opportunities were presented for a shot. The morning ended with excitement, but no trophy. Later, during the hottest part of the day, the hunting duo were out again searching for that opportunity at a large trophy axis. A spot that had shown potential for sighting some bulls under trees that could be approached with care to get a shot proved to be empty of targets. It was decided that we would head back toward the house to cool down and get something cool to drink. As return trip was started, a group of large bulls was sighted upwind and through the shade of some large Spanish oak trees. They were just starting to move and we set our sights on a large axis to the right. As the hunting team prepared for a shot, a movement to the left caught our attention. A bull that seemed to dwarf the other bulls moved into view. A hurried reposition would give Eli & Eli one shot as he moved into an opening below us. As they finished their adjustments, the bull stopped. Their practice as a team paid-off. They were able to aim and shoot quickly before the herd could move again. With the recoil of the rifle, the target was lost in the scope. But, not to worry; the bull had fallen where he stood!
This father/son team is a joy to accompany on a hunt…the enjoyment of the hunt as well as their enjoyment of each other is a pleasure to experience. Their hunting story is growing as a new and exciting chapter is added with each new hunt. We invite you to come share in an axis hunting story that is waiting to unfold for another hunter to tell. Yours could be similar or completely different from that of the Elis. But one thing for sure is that you would be able to “…tell a different hunting story!”
Best regards for a fun and relaxing summer!