Tuccanon D (archery)

[bowtech721]

stuff happens... sounds like you gave it your best though

[257 Wby Mag]

Sorry to hear that Jason. I'd heard from a mutual friend about your first day, we were really rootin for ya, then didn't hear anything else. I tried that same shot, only 8 yards, out on the chuck with a hellatious 7x8, turned out the same as yours. The next day a guy got a 3 month old fully loaded mathews LX for 2 bills. Haven't picked one up since, though I've been pondering it. You guys hear how Toby did? Later

[EastWaViking]

  draw it again next year. 

FYI It takes 10-15 points to get drawn for that tag. 

[jackelope]

try telling nwhunter that. he's drawn a wenaha tag 2x in the last 3 years.

[dreamingbig]

So it sounds like you took a straight on shot if I am reading this correctly.  The problem with that shot is that if you don't hit the heart or the arteries around the heart and only get one lung then they can live a long time and go a long ways.  I am not going to beat you up but I think you learned the hard way that it is not a very responsible shot.  Broadside or quartering away are your best bets... you can get away with slight quartering to as long as you know to shoot for the "v" and hug the front shoulder tight.

You did the right thing about trying to get that second arrow into him; it is too bad that the arrow went awry.

[EastWaViking]

So it sounds like you took a straight on shot if I am reading this correctly.

I've  reread his post, I think you may be right, I originally thought the other guys calling got the bull to turn broadside.

Front shots are nearly impossible.  My first big game archery kill was a near straight on shot... I got very lucky and hit an artery or my biggest mule deer ever  (the one that is my avatar) would have ran off and died a slow death.   I learned from that event,  just as Scroder has learned from his.

[trophyhunt]

Ditto, I know you feel bad enough and probably know what you did wrong but i have to agree with the last few post.... Bad shot. It's tough when you have seconds to decide what to do, but learning from all our experiences is how we heal, so next time the right shot is made or a better decision is made and the animal gets away to live for the next better shot. You'll get to redeem yourself in time.

[gunnarnewt]

Scroder, I for one would never blast a fellow hunter who put in that kind of effort to find a bull. I've done the same thing and can relate to your disappointment and frustration. I congratulate you on the fact that you spent the rest of your time searching for your bull. You are a true sportsman. Keep your chin up, I know it's difficult from past personal experience, but applaud you on your efforts.

[jackelope]

Scroder....as others have said, everyone runs the risk of this happening when we decide to go hunting. you did the best you could do given the situation. if this has to happen, this is the way it should be handled.

[bow4elk]

Tough for me to read this.  But I think you've learned from this, which is good.  Tough deal all around.

A broadside or quartering away shot - inside your effective range - is critically important.  And you need to be selective in your shots based on terrain, vegetation obstructions, your target animal's disposition/behavior, wind/visibility, and other factors.  I strongly recommend that archers (new and old) complete the NBEF Bowhunter Education course.  You need to understand anatomy before you start shooting at game.  I can't stress this point enough.

Nothing is absolute but I will state firmly that a frontal shot is NO shot on elk.  Yes, it can be done.  It's a low percentage, high risk proposition at best.

You sound like the kind of guy who truly cares, so please take the turmoil you've been through to heart.  In the future, don't allow the potential glory of long tines sway you from your eithical duty in taking only high percentage shot opportunities.  From where I sit, this means broadside or quartering away inside your effective range only.  That is the limitation we choose with archery tackle.

[Austrian Hunter]

Don't beat yourself up anymore,  Chin up as Viking said. You still have a memory of a lifetime and I am sure you maid some new friends, maybe you meet someone on here who will draw this tag next year and you can be the big help and get some redemption should be just as satisfying "I think"  Great story and thanks for sharing.  Austrian, 

[Elkpiss]

Ya that sucks.. Sounds like to me you didnt give him enough time to die, 45 minutes is not enough, and you seen where it looked like he bedded down . ITs the toughest thing to back out, but when in dout back out.. This is how you learn to be a better elk archer is by messing up.. but you did the right thing by spending the time to look for him, nothing more disheartning then to loose a bull.. keep your chin up guy!! 

[Dipsnort]

I strongly recommend that archers (new and old) complete the NBEF Bowhunter Education course.

Sounds like a good idea so I searched the web and found the NBEF Bowhunter Education website but when I searched the state of Washington I got no hits for the course.  If you have a tip on how to find the course locally (South Sound area) I'd love to hear it, please.

[coldsteel3d]

Posted by: EastWaViking
Insert Quote
Quote from: 3dvapor on Yesterday at 08:17:43 PM
  draw it again next year.

FYI It takes 10-15 points to get drawn for that tag. 

FYI anyone could draw that tag or any other with 1 point. Just depends on how lucky you are.

[EastWaViking]

true, but most people don't.  Besides, I'm getting it next year.