Hey, I’m giving you pearls here.

[slowhand]

Nock another arrow immediately be ready for a follow up shot. I arrowed a nice bull last year (my third year hunting). Felt and looked like a good shot after going over it in my head again and again I believe I only got 1 lung due to shooting up hill. Anyhow I watched him buck once and stop for a few seconds before walking off to die. I should/could have shot him again when he stopped had I nocked another arrow. Unfortunately he went a long way into some really tall thick salal. I spent the last 2 days of the season looking for him never found him. I'll never make that mistake again.

Ouch, I could feel the emotions while reading this.

[Newb2020/509]

So I'm new to elk hunting, but will share one that I have learned it's better to side hill a elk, if the thermals switch you are less likely to be winded.

[HornHoarder]

I can't believe it hasn't been mentioned yet. Get your A$$ into good shape! Elk hunting is hard, and Ive seen many hunts ruined or called short because the hunter wasnt physically prepared. Prepare mentally as well.

[Tallan1976]

Agree on the cow call at the ready!!  One other thing I thought about was hunting alone!  Don’t be afraid to hunt alone, guys in camp w ya is great, but actually out hunting, do it alone, less noise, smells and every decision is your own! Your buddy may not want to sit as along as you, or climb that steep hill just to check out one more spot.  I’ve killed 99% of my bulls when I was alone.  Now of course archery when the rut is on is totally different, a good partner you trust is key.

Sometimes you can bring a buddy and use him as a bird dog, especially if he has less experience than you and doesn't realize what you are doing 

[GOcougsHunter]

When you find a herd in the distance... there will almost always be pockets of elk between you and the herd.  Satellite bulls and individual cows seem to always hang in the fringes.  Do not think that the herd you spot are the only animals around.

[highcountry_hunter]

Of all the latest and greatest hunting gizmos and gadgets, the most important one is your boots.