This past November, Tim Padilla won the lottery. But he waited to collect his six-figure jackpot until after his elk hunt.

“I’ve been pretty lucky in the lottery,” says Padilla of Farmington, New Mexico.

Not only has the 37-year-old UPS manager drawn a New Mexico elk tag three out of the last five years, he also raked in $200,000 from a winning Powerball ticket.

Although the winning drawing occurred August 15, Padilla’s wife Marguerite didn’t discover the ticket until November 2, only 12 days before its expiration. Instead of immediately rushing to Albuquerque to claim their winnings, the Padillas elected to go ahead with their weekend elk hunting plans in the Santa Fe National Forest.

Five hot hunting days and one antsy Marguerite later, Padilla claimed his $200,000—six days before the ticket expired.

“I must have used up all my luck,” jokes Padilla. “I didn’t get an elk this year, but five days in the woods with my family was still worthwhile.”

Taught to hunt by his father and uncles, Padilla takes pride in passing the tradition on to his sons, who accompanied him hunting last year. His 2-year-old shows particular promise. “He can’t say his name yet, but he can do a good cow call,” says Padilla.

Padilla and his father have volunteered their auctioneering talents to the Santa Fe Chapter’s Big Game Banquet for the last four years.

“I totally believe in what the Elk Foundation stands for and the work it does,” says Padilla. “I’m going to join now ... I have a little extra money.”