A good problem to have... What would you do?

[dreamingbig]

Here is the scenario:

I waited 9 years for a branch bull tag for archery and I was finally drawn this year!  I also have a cow tag in my pocket.  I have killed three elk in the same unit since I have been hunting it (cow 2005, spike 2007, cow 2009).  I have had shot opportunities at mature bulls every year since 2006 but no tag in my pocket.n   I will be hunting September 7th to the 16th.  I also have the multiseason elk tag.

So my question is:  How many days should I hold out for a bull before I shoot a big fat cow?  I only have 10 days to hunt and I am so very aware how tough bowhunting can be.  I have my answer but I am curious what you guys would do?  My standard for a bull is pretty low given I have never shot one.  My goal is the first decent 5x5 or bigger that I get a shot at.

So what say you?

[Button Nubbs]

I hunt bulls thru the last day. After all you've waited 9 years right?

[Maverick]

Yeah hold out for a bull the whole time. It'd be your luck that you'd shoot a cow and then the big boy would come out. I'd rather regret passing up a cow at the end of the season than shooting a cow and thinking i might of had a bull. Good luck!

[deadwoodbuck]

if meat is your goal...the first legal animal.  if a bull is your desire wait and get the best you can bull in sight then get it down.

[grundy53]

Yeah hold out for a bull the whole time. It'd be your luck that you'd shoot a cow and then the big boy would come out. I'd rather regret passing up a cow at the end of the season than shooting a cow and thinking i might of had a bull. Good luck!

 

[Kowsrule30]

It would depend on what tag you drew for what to hold out for point/score wise imo... I'd leave the cow tag in the truck/camp till your last day out.... 

[Band]

See that bull in my avatar?  I held out for him last year when I could have shot a cow or spike.  Since I waited about 1/2 hour into the season to shoot him, passing all other legal animals that I had a shot at (none) I would advise holding out at least that long.  Does that help?

I hope you had the same luck I did.  Go get 'em.

[300rum]

I try to approach every season as if I won't get anything.  Go to the bitter end. 

[iRem]

It would depend on what tag you drew for what to hold out for point/score wise imo... I'd leave the cow tag in the truck/camp till your last day out....

 
Hold out till the last day and then put the tag in your pocket and hunt your heart out! What tag did you get, that might change things?

[dvolmer]

You probably will not be getting another big bull tag for many years.  with this said I wouldnt shoot a cow or small bull until 1 minutes left on the last day.  This is your year!  It wont come again for many and maybe never.  you have next year and many more others to shoot cows and small bulls.  I am sure you have went years in the past without any meat so one more wont hurt you.  Go for the wall hanger or nothing!  "Give me Liberty or give me Death"!!!!!!!

[bloodhound]

yup it took me 15 years and 13 points to draw, if it isnt 300+ i'm not wasting my time ill keep moving and looking till the last day then ill shoot any legal bull on the last day.

[wall of wood camp]

I say hold off on the cow until the last day your bound to run across something with enough antler to satisfy your quest might as well make your first one a big one those tags are not easy to come by.  good luck

[Huntbear]

If you can cow call with confidence... you can bring in a branch bull.  It may not be a book bull, but you can get a decent (satellite) bull.   

I would give till the last weekend/day... then drop the first full grown cow I saw.    Elk meat in the freezer beats tag soup any day.... I like eating elk meat..

[rasbo]

hold out,Im thinking there is no late hunt season you could take a cow in

[jrebel]

No way I would shoot a cow until the last day and I love meat in the freezer.  As for how big I agree with your thinking depending on the unit and pressure.  For me anything that is 5x5 or bigger with a bow is a true trophy.  Good Luck and can't wait for the pictures.