A Giant Bull and an Even Bigger Dose of Perspective

We know from some comments on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show Facebook page that some hunting stories aren’t everyone’s cup of coffee. Some folks would rather skip the play-by-play of somebody else’s hunt, and that’s fair. We all have our own opinions and interests.

But we also know there is a lot to be learned from other hunters’ experiences. Sometimes it’s a tactic. Sometimes it’s a lesson. And sometimes it’s a story that makes you look at your own time in the mountains a little differently.

This one falls into that last category.

After tagging a public-land bull, hunter Mike Stolt found himself alone in a remote drainage with a bad knee and an uncomfortable thought: maybe his wife is right. Maybe, as he approaches 60, his days of disappearing into the mountains alone really are numbered.

Then he met Mr. Preston.

At 76, with two knee replacements and shoulder troubles behind him, Mr. Preston had just covered 12 miles in pursuit of his own bull. And not just any bull. When Stolt finally got a look at the rack, he realized the older hunter had taken an absolute giant.
But the antlers aren’t really the point.

Around the campfire, Stolt began to understand why he and Mr. Preston keep returning to the mountains, even when knees ached, shoulders complained and family members understandably started asking questions. It isn’t simply about hunting alone. It’s about reaching that rare place where yesterday and tomorrow go quiet and all that’s left is what’s happening right now.

Stolt went into camp wondering how many solo hunts he had left. He drove away thinking 76 sounded pretty darn encouraging.

So, for those who enjoy learning from the miles, mistakes and memorable moments of other hunters, we thought this story was worth sharing.

This story is based on an excerpt from Spring 2024 Fair Chase Magazine, written by Mike Stolt, photos courtesy of the author. The excerpt was published on the Boone and Crockett website. You can read the excerpt here.