Jermaine’s Story – New Mexico Huntress

First and foremost I was born and raised in Northern New Mexico where majority of the year the snowcapped Sanger De Christo Mountains are the skyline. Growing up I was always surrounded by avid hunters. Having a cousin that is a guide who would always take my big brother with him and only him. Because my mom wouldn’t let me go meant I’d always stay up waiting for them to return. I always helped with the next part of the process. Never knowing what it was going to be was always the best part. It wasn’t till my teen years that I really fell in love with the sport. Getting out into the woods was the only thing I wanted to do. Whether it was to fish, hunt, or simply shed hunt its outdoors where I wanted to be. Then a few years later I believe I have met my soulmate Matias. We share all the same interests and love the hunt more than any words could ever explain. Matt is always pushing me to do my best, sometimes I think he believes in me more than I do myself. Example I told him I would like to try and bow hunt. So he went out and bought me my very first bow. I still don’t think I have what it takes to apply for a bow hunt. So I guess this is the story of a girl and her gun! I could go on and on and on about hunts and adventures I’ve been on. But, my fall 2015 hunt is at the top of my list last year was the year that I finally got my bull. Early mornings consisted of misty walks along the beautiful mountain top. Seeing a herd of elk walking so gracefully across a “llano” open field alongside the bottom of the mountain hoping they would decide to climb to the top wishful thinking right. Seeing animals every little while but not the animal I needed. In the herd was the bull I wanted and every hunter dreams about, a beautiful light grayish mature bull with antlers wider then his body and just inches from reaching his butt as he held his head back trying to get just hint of someone’s scent. After watching the herd for some time Matt and I continued walking and seeing Cow, Deer, and Antelope no luck that day. The next day we began our beautiful walk once more bugling and getting a response. My heart got that morning kick start followed by the adrenaline. The bulls herd crossed our path but he was nowhere to be found. We tracked and came up on the herd bedded down and I couldn’t see a bull anywhere. I was lucky enough to have a stare down with a spike keeping look out hidden behind a log for about 45 mins. Once again the herd ran off and no bull to be found. Getting late in the evening so Matt and I began walking back to the truck. We’re talking loud for the reason being we’re done for the day. When I turn around and tell Matt “Shhhh” he continues talking until I have to literally tell him to “Shut Up!” Four days and hours of walking good things come to those who have patience and never give up. At 150 yards I see the bull I had been hoping for and dreaming about for days. I shoot and Matt is unsure that I hit him, so he shoots and not until they run out of the trees, we realize that we were both successful in our hunt. It’s the best feeling in the world to have a successful hunt let alone two. Even though memories are more important than the kill more so with it’s with the one you love. It feels good to be lost in the right direction. Now with the extra patience that I have gained I can’t wait to take my 4 nieces hunting and see that same spark I had ignite in them. I have been lucky enough to see one niece when I helped get her first turkey at the age of 9. Hoping, Wishing, and Praying we get that 2016 draw.

“As a hunter we never return empty handed”