Shoot or No Shot 2019 - Episode #8

[WapitiTalk1]

Location: Somewhere in the elk woods
Hunt Pressure Status: Minimal
Hunt: 7 day out of state elk hunt; solo hunt today
Date/Time: Early OCT, around 9:00 AM
Tag: Archery; Bull Tag only

This morning, you decide to sit/post on a game trail, in a ground blind you roughed together a few days ago for the morning hunt.   Your ground blind is kind of on the corner (see red trail marks) of this game trail that winds from a known feeding area below (nice, wet meadow) and winds up to some bedding areas about ¾ up the hillside above you.  This particular trail seems to have at least some travel each day you’ve been close to it.  You’ve got into vocal elk before on this hillside over the past few days but no shots as of yet (it’s very thick on this hillside for the most part).  As you sit and watch, listen, and even smell for approaching beasts from below you moving up, as quickly as a hiccup, this fine young fellow, who is obviously confused about the direction he “should” be traveling this time of the morning clears those two blowdowns behind him and surprises you with his presence.  He’s moving slow and to this point, does not know you’re there.  The bull is only 20 yards from your position. 

What’s your game plan to get a shot, and, shoot or no shot here?


If you're shooting, save the picture to your desktop and open in MS Paint, then place a spot, X, or whatever on the critter before you save it back to a jpg or png and add the marked up pic with your post.

[WapitiTalk1]

Anybody?  Bueller, bueller... 

 

[pianoman9701]

I will wait until he continues and gives me a broadside, then hit him in the engine room.

[elkrack]

Just too much angle! You would definitely get lung liver but no opportunity both double lung IMO. I wait with cow call ready to chip him

[Stein]

I would wait unless I had a rifle in my hand, I agree with others the angle is bad.  It looks like he might go broadside in 2-3 steps.

[jdb]

I’d shoot him right in the eye!

[Crunchy]

This is about the only shot you got.  I would likely wait to see if he turns, but that might not work out either.

[elkrack]

  
But I’ve seen an arrow only penetrate a few inches on that shot😬.

[mburrows]

Id try to stop him and Im sending my 520grain arrow tipped with a Stinger Buzzcut, if he doesnt stop I wouldnt shoot. At 20 yards I shouldnt have an issue putting the arrow exactly where I want it.

[WapitiTalk1]

Provided for reference. 

[Shawn Ryan]

Presently no shot that hits both lungs. I'd wait for a few more steps.  Hopefully, my nervous grunt stops him and my draw doesn't spook him.  If he makes the slight right turn with the trail, he has less chance of seeing me draw.  If he is already nervous (slow walking with the wind), he may bolt at the slightest movement. But, then, again, that's hunting.

[CackleBird98]

Since I shoot a 300 WM, and it is basically in my lap, I'd take a neck shot and make him DRT. 

[WapitiTalk1]

Since I shoot a 300 WM, and it is basically in my lap, I'd take a neck shot and make him DRT.

Ha, it’s an archery tag brother. 

[CackleBird98]

Since I shoot a 300 WM, and it is basically in my lap, I'd take a neck shot and make him DRT.

Ha, it’s an archery tag brother. 

Lol, is still using the 300 against the rules?    . With a bow, think I'd wait for a broadside shot.  Not worth losing the animal to a poor shot