For me, shooting at any animal with a bow and arrow is stressful. Enjoyable? Yes, but still stressful.
I can’t imagine the self-imposed pressure of attempting to complete bowhunting’s Super Slam — tagging one each of North America’s recognized 29 big game animals. And doing it with a cameraman right next to me would only make it all that much harder. I certainly admire those bowhunters such as Miranda who have completed a Super Slam. FYI: Legendary bowhunter Chuck Adams was the first to do it.
In the 40-second Facebook video below, Miranda is pursuing desert sheep hunt in Mexico. This is his second hunt for this species. On his first desert sheep adventure, Miranda spent 19 days hunting from a tent basecamp and never saw a legal ram. Ouch! And knowing that fact just adds to the stress of this encounter.
As you’ll see, the big ram is quartering away at a fairly severe angle. Is there enough room to slip an arrow into the ram’s chest? Yes, but not much. If Miranda’s arrow impact is just a couple inches too far left, it will hit the ram in the hindquarter. If that happened, would the broadhead penetrate into the chest? Maybe, but probably not.
If the arrow impact is a couple inches too far right, it will strike the ram in the shoulder or front leg; neither would be fatal.
The distance is 42 yards, the elevation difference isn’t crazy but it does require some consideration, the wind is howling, and the ram isn’t broadside. All things considered, I’m not surprised Miranda missed. Of course, he’s an outstanding shot, but this chance is far from a slam dunk.
I do know this: I’m not a good enough shot to even attempt it. At minimum, I’d wait for a more broadside angle. The good news — for the ram at least — is Miranda’s arrow is a clean miss.
Look closely at the right photo (above) and you’ll see the bright-colored vanes of Miranda’s arrow as it speeds toward the ram.
Click here to watch the short video. And be sure to turn up the volume for best viewing.
