Shoot or No Shot 2026, Episode #1

[WapitiTalk1]

Let's get some of these going again during the loooooong off season.

Date:  Mid September, 2026
Location: SW Montana
Hunt: Archery partner hunt; branch bull tag
Situation: Nice job being patient!  You have set up as shown and did an advertising session for a good 25 minutes.  You (shooter) catch movement from your 2 o'clock and here comes this fine fellow.  Your partner (caller) sees him also and gives a nervous grunt stopping the bull in his tracks where he stands now, 25 yards from you (shooter).  You're at full draw with good cover to your back...... Shoot or no shot?


If you're shooting, download the image (Paint works well for this), place a "dot" on the pic where you're shooting, and repost the pic in your answer.

[Kingofthemountain83]

I'd take the shot if I could shoot a bow...

[andrew_in_idaho]

Based on those thermals and the directionality of that trail I’ll wait


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[Dan-o]

Based on those thermals and the directionality of that trail I’ll wait


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This.

I would not have confidence in that shot.

[WapitiTalk1]

Great discussion gentlemen, thank you. Do you think the caller made his nervous bark a bit soon?  The nervous bark or grunt is a tool that should be in every elk hunter’s tool kit. When used properly it will stop elk in his/her tracks but timing is most important.