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Question
My brother and I are going to be first time archery hunters in the Mt. Taylor area. Honestly I don't know the first thing about archery hunting, and I want to make sure we do it right. I feel you may be the right person to help.
Questions I have are:
What should we wear? guilly suit or is this not necessary
Do we sit in one place for a long period of time and wait till they come?
When is the best time to go out and practice learning their habits, how many months or days prior?
Are there any books we should read that may help us understand the animials and the area?
There are probably many more questions I could ask, but I was hoping that maybe you could give me the best advice possible.
Thank you very much,
Waylon
P.S. I really like your philosophy about respecting the animals. I will do my best to follow.
Well Waylon, welcome to the world of Bowhunting!
Mt. Taylor? Wow! That's a great place to cut your teeth on elk. There are really some great bulls there.
As far as your questions go, your right, that's a ton of typing..practically a book. But, I do want to help you out as much as possible, so I would rather you give me a call. My home number is 505-376-2438. Also, I am at work this Tues & Wed (I am a teacher and I am cleaning out my room) until 4:30. Feel free to call me there. The number is 505-376-2241 x 119. If I am not at that extension, just have them page me. Call me ASAP.
Joe G
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Answers by Expert:
Joe Giglia
Expertise
I am a bowhunting specialist. I`ve taken numerous species, all in New Mexico, but elk are my specialty. 21 elk taken in the last 21 years I`ve drawn. Furthest shot has been 40 yrds, closest was 8 ft. This year`s bull is pictured to the left.When it comes to elk habits and language, gear tips, clothing, preparation, equipment, what to expect from guides, what to do, how to do it, and when, I can help you.
Experience
Twentysix years in the field bowhunting. Guided for several outfitters or ranches. Taught 4-H archery. Shot competetively for Pearson Archery. Was raised in the woods. I hunt, that's what I do.
I am often asked questions by people that have a dilema with the possibility of wounding or hurting an animal, or that question my mindset or ethics as a hunter. To that, here is my answer....
The possibility of wounding an animal is a dilema for ANY hunter worth their salt. The difference is that when I hunt, I am not out to hurt an animal. I am out to harvest it....yes, take it's life. Now for you, It will be up to you whether you can except the bigger picture or not. You see, I am a hunter. Just as the other carnivores, I am a part of the natural order of things. I do not misuse nature. I am a part of it. It's funny, but most people do not understand the great respect, awe and love I have for the very same animals that I search out to kill. But for me, to hunt an animal with my bow in hand, to understand it's language, to learn it's habits, likes, dislikes, thought processing, to see that animal and hear it in ways no other human might see or hear, to me, is the ultimate respect and tribute. To me, to harvest such a grand creature is an honor. Hurt them, no....practice and practice and cleanly harvest, put a quick kill, big difference.
Does that mean that you won't experience that animal dying? Again, not if your worth your salt. I have sat with many of my animals during their last breaths, thanking them and my creator for their sacrifice and honoring them with my presence. To me, if you are man enough to let that arrow go, you should be man enough to experience the reality of the sacrifice. It is a humbling and honorable experience. Every animal I have killed, died in the most honorable experience of the hunt. None, were hit by a car, shot down by farmers and left to rot in fields, starved to death due to over population, or killed by poachers for their horns alone. Every animal I have killed was a part of the natural order of things.
Now, whether or not you will be able to understand this, well....it will depend on YOUR connection and understanding of nature. If you are wondering if you will become cold to killing....I pray not. Understand it, embrace the reality of it...but never become unfeeling. Then the tribute and honor is gone.
Joe Giglia
"Aggressive by nature, accurate from practice, effective through both."
Publications
Bowhunter Magazine
National Bowhunter Magazine.
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