Game Plan #3

[WapitiTalk1]

Well, I've done it again with my impatience. 13 September, a bit before 0930, on a nice wide bench which contains some decent game trails in (insert state here).  I set up and have been doing some world class cold calling (herd talk, some light raking, and an occasional scream mixed in) for about 20 minutes. Just as I motion to my buddy with a subtle hand wave signaling "let's go", I feel eyes on my location. Turning to the right, there he is, about 50 yards away. He must have came out of an underground bunker! I still have the wind (moving from right to left), and, both myself and buddy are set up with good cover/concealment to our backs, but barney bull probably saw my movement. What's do you think my game plan should be, if any, to keep this adventure going and perhaps get a shot?

[HUNT-HARD]

Wait him out and see if he gives you a shot opportunity. If he gives you the shot take it!!

[Band]

I'm going to put my hands in my pockets, roll my eyes, and start whistling real casual like so he will think I don't see him.

[lamrith]

Here is where a good hunting partner and teamwork can save your backstrap.  Come up with plans ahead of time.  If spread out have partner do light calling to pull attention and entice the bruiser to take 1-2 steps forward..  With experience you will both anticipate and do things automatically in these situations.

Failing that patience..

If bull looks away, slip around that tree to right and use tree to mask your draw as you move around it.  From right side of tree you may have open shot and be out of his line of sight as well.

TWANG! And bulls for dinner.

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[Shawn Ryan]

Wait.  When he turns or is otherwise not looking, give him some more seductive cow talk. He's going to want to see that sexy cow soon, though.  If I could draw when his eyes were off me, I'd do so hoping for a shot opportunity.

Though at 50 yards, I'm less likely to shoot at an elk if it is aware of my presence or real nervous. Being accurate at a stationary target in my back yard means squat when that elk takes one step.  His step is about 18" and takes less time than the time it takes my brain to start the shooting sequence and for the arrow to hit.  With a 300fps arrow, that bull is more than 1/2 second of flight time away (it takes time for my body to respond to the brain's signal and for the arrow to go from 0 to 300fps).  If Damian Lillard can catch the ball, gather himself, and get the basketball half way to the hoop in .9 seconds, I'm certain an elk can move at least as far in the same amount of time.    And I have the heartache to prove that an unaware elk's step can ruin an otherwise perfectly placed shot.

[Mumbles]

What if he's seen you but not whirled and left?  Could you not just deliberately walk away?  Partner cow calls as you disappear, attention off you, you reposition by swinging way left?  Possible shot for you or your buddy.