Aaaaand *thwack*

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

You could eat him over twelve hours after you shot him.  Keep looking even tomorrow keep looking. 

[mulehunter]

If blood get less, Look for wet white foam dripps from mouth keep following that way. it could be 200 to 600 yds or more if Arrow go thur between Spine and Lung it will be LONG way but Hopefully you find him.

Dont give up.   ignore HW Thread and keep looking get it done.

[snowpack]

The meat spoilage concerns are from when he died, not necessarily from when he was shot.  I know it sounds like a Captain Obvious statement, but if hit in the elk grey area they could be alive for hours afterwards.  If no tracking sign, is there water nearby--wallow, stock tank, pond or a big clump of heavy brush?

[CarbonHunter]

I killed a bear last week and it took over 5 hrs to find him due to no blood trail. He was stiff when we found him but the meat is fine. It was about 60-65 degrees where I killed him. Without an exit wound it can take a long time for blood to start pumping out but if the broad head is still in his vitals every step will cut him up more.

[Band]

You had the same shot placement I had on my big bull, Bean.  He could very easily still be alive.  If there is water (creek, pond, etc.) anywhere near the area of his escape take a look to see if he is trying to alleviate the pain by laying in it.  That's what my bull did and he was still very much alive 6 hours later after the shot, he just couldn't stand up.  He was also making a strange noise that I mistook for a bear on each breath that I could hear from 50 yards away (which is how I finally located him) so keep your ears open.  Keep looking and good luck!

[coachcw]

your right band my buddy shot a bull in that area and I heard him take his last breath 20 hours later . remember theres always blood or tracks. I'd go back and start onto a blood and track trail . it's there you just have to find his trail and stay on it . if he takes you more than a mile you wont find him .

[ctwiggs1]

I'd just keep looking.  Your butcher will tell you if the meat is bad.  Don't give up hope - that elk didn't just vanish and it's not like he's going far.  Just stay on it.

Curtis

[raydog]

Keep at it. Unless you push him, he shouldn't go to far.

[bearpaw]

If you can't find blood try following his tracks, mark each track or blood spot with a small piece of tissue paper, if you don't have paper then poke sticks in the ground, that will help you keep going in the right direction and if you lose his tracks/blood you can go back to the last spot to get lined up again in the right direction. GOOD LUCK, hope you find him. 

[jrebel]

If you can't find blood try following his tracks, mark each track or blood spot with a small piece of tissue paper, if you don't have paper then poke sticks in the ground, that will help you keep going in the right direction and if you lose his tracks/blood you can go back to the last spot to get lined up again in the right direction. GOOD LUCK, hope you find him. 

 

This is how we found my cow this year....she put less than a teaspoon of blood on the ground.  Good Luck Hope you find him.   

[bearpaw]

Another thought, maybe you already know this, be sure to watch any bush leaves or needles and tall blades of grass for blood that may have rubbed off the animal when he walked through. 

[Bean Counter]

Still at it guys. Ran I to a guide from A3 Outfitters and said he'd keep an eye out. Got one partner And two other really kind strangers going in  circles. Never any blood even before the rain and hail we got.  Exhausted 200+ yard radius and going further. Going to look until sunset and all day tomorrow. Then going home and I'm going to put my bow on ebay and sell it to the lowest bidder 

[Bean Counter]

Oh yeah. I lied. He's actually a nature bull that had cows. I am going to post a road taken in the same unit on public land (not mine) and mine is pale in comparison. Best guess 330".

[ctwiggs1]

Just keep at it.  Don't sell your now yet.  Stop thinking like that

[Buck_Nasty11]

Here is to hoping he is straddled his big bull taking some selfies.

Good luck Bean.  Looking forward to your update.   10,000 feet is a real bugger for us lowlanders.  Made me puke when I was trying to cut my bull off climbing up that mountain.  There is definitely an acute lack of air...

thats how im going to be in two weeks hunting at 9700 ft!