2016 elk hunt - I choked

Just back from NM after my 3rd archery elk hunt. I've seen a lot of elk but something always stood in the way of taking the shot. Don't remember how many times I was inside of 20 yards from a bull but either in a bad position or had the wind shift and the elk took off. One year we had an almost 10 minute stare down with a bull and a cow at 18 yards before another cow barked and they all ran.

Earlier this we week, we were on a bull when a cow came in unexpectedly from the side and followed by a nice 5x6. I ranged my shooting lane after the cow had passed and while the bull was blocked out by a tree. I drew and was looking at a 30 yard shot when he walked into the opening. Unfortunately, the cow walked right into the brush where my guide was and winded or saw him at about 5 feet before bolting. The bull never made it to the opening.

But the next day, the last day, it all fell into place as we had about 20 elk in the trees at about 70 yards. We could see one bull and I got in position and my guide went to work. Pretty soon the bull was headed right where we wanted. Then out of nowhere comes a big 6x6 who apparently didn't want that little bull going after any cows. He literally muscled into the smaller bull forcing him away at a 90 degree angle from where I was.

But that didn't stop the smaller bull who circled away from the other bull and then bee lined it toward us at a full trot, if not run. There was little cover and I drew at the first opportunity. Then I proceeded to rush my shot and missed him altogether.

I wish I could make excuses about their size and looking closer than they appear, misjudging the distance, etc., but the simple fact is that my brain quit working and I choked on my first opportunity to actually arrow a bull elk. All I had to do was wait for my shot, find my shot and release.

Painful.

That's why they call it hunting and not harvesting bud. You'll learning from this and get you one next time.

Been there myself. It happens. There's just no rush quite like it, and that's hard on a person's faculties.

Yep. It's what makes hunting, well, hunting. Especially close-up hunting big bulls with a bow. It's also why success tastes so sweet when it happens - as it will. Hang in there.

nothing compares to the sound of a bull elk bugle at 30-40 yards. That is why those that have heard it will keep going back.

X2

Sounds like an experience you will never forget, and to be that close to rutting elk is something many of us can only dream of. Better luck next time, sir.

It is an indescribable adrenaline rush on both sides of the bow, things happen, but you're a better hunter for it. Next year he will be bigger when you take him

I too can relate to this. I stayed on a mountain for a week in the rain and cold. The last day I had a shot at a mountain goat and missed, 3 times! Climbing up that mountain messed up my scope and I never knew it. So I basically stayed on that miserable mountain for a week for no reason. Don't get me wrong it was beautiful up there but that was not pleasant by any definition. Came home with nothing but scratches, bruises and heartache.

It is exciting to be in that proximity to such magnificent animals. For me that was probably a necessary step in my elk hunting evolution and I'm glad it was a complete miss.'t

Next time, I'll stay still and wait for my shot until he gets distracted by the call. And if he doesn't and busts me, I'll hunt for the next elk.

One of the paradoxes of hunting is that the excitement and adrenaline rush are what make hunting a special experience, but we shoot best when we're completely calm and relaxed.

Win loose or draw you were on the ground with your bow and BULL ELK. You have a life time memory.

A great experience regardless. And the honesty is refreshing. Nothing wrong with saying "I blew it"! It happens to everybody as some point. Too many people are too macho to admit failures such as you did. Keep your chin up.

I feel for you....it's tough knowing you had the opportunity but missed out on it.
Bottom line, you got to hunt elk and that experience alone will bring you back each
year. Not many people get to draw a tag.

I had a 5X5 within 20yds of me during muzzy season 2013. My guide kept whispering
to me to take the shot, however, he didn't see that I had nothing but heavy branches
between me and the elk. I could only see pieces of the elk through the leaves/branches
and didn't want to wound the bull. Eventually the bull spooked and took off uphill.
My guide said my .50 cal would have gone through any foliage had I taken the shot.
To this day, I still feel like I made the right decision. I would have been miserable
had I taken the shot and wounded the bull.

Great effort to get within 20 yards. The success will come with each opportunity missed.
Good luck

Sounds like a blast!

Better luck next time... I'm afraid if I was in your shoes I would hate myself for a while, but hey I have never been so your still a leg up.

oh man,.... I cant imagine how that felt

Two kinds of hunters....... (1) Those of us who HAVE done it & (2) Those that are GONNA do it!

Been there myself. I've drawn a tag in the Gila twice and eaten tag soup twice. So many close calls. Could have shot smaller bulls, but it's hard to pull the trigger when you are seeing 350"+ elk. Coulda, shoulda, woulda. It's not always about the kill though. Loved every minute of my hunts in the high country.

I am an over it as I am going to get. Working on booking next year's hunt.