elk ducking the string ???

[romaknows]

just was wondering if anyone else has had an elk " duck the string". it happened to me in Montana this year.It was at 40 yards broadside looking at me, as soon as i released he ducked and turned (clean miss over his back thank goodness)it really showed me that even though you might be a great shot at longer ranges a lot can happen if the animal moves.

[KillerMiller]

It has happened to me.  Fortunately, I still got a high hit and recovered the elk.  It has happened to me on deer more often.  Sorry you missed, but better than losing it wounded.

[bearpaw]

Here's a thought to consider:

IMO - I don't think they are really ducking so that you miss, when they hear the bow released they take off, in order to take off they have to bend their legs which lowers their body, thus it appears they ducked your arrow at the sound of the string to avoid being hit. 

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

I have had 2 turn towards me after the shot so that my quartering towards the offside front shoulder went through towards the rear, I still recovered both animals within 50 yards, but was surprised at how fast they spun !
If I hadn't been within 30 yards it might have been a different story !

[romaknows]

That is what i thought also,it really concerns me when i hear people saying they can shoot tight groups at 60 plus yards so they think they could take an animal at that range, it take so little for the animal to move just a bit and all of the sudden your "perfect shot " becomes a disaster.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

 

[ouchfoss]

I had that happen to me a couple years ago on a big cow. it was about a 35-40 yard shot and stuck her high up in the backstrap. She ran a long ways with the herd but I never saw a drop of blood. No idea if it killed her or not. Made me feel horrible about it.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

In my experience, when they are just walking along and have no Idea you are there, they will stop and look at you when they hear the bow.
If they are looking for something (as in coming to a call) then all bets are off, it depends on how tight they are wired, although I have noticed that they turn towards me if they are waiting for me to catch up while calling. duck a little and jump back when coming to a call , and blast out of there if I happened to walk in on them without calling.

I try to get within 20 yards, but will shoot out to 40 if it feels right, the closer the better.
I had one this year at 16 FEET and had no shot
the trick is to get the shot off as soon as it appears, thats why I like my recurve., the longer it takes to shoot the tighter the spring is coiled.
If they spook before I get in range, Oh well I didnt want to quit hunting and start working yet anyways......

[grousetracker]

if the elk is looking at me , i aim bottom 1/3 . have never had an elk lower its body below the arrow if you know the range. i did bounce an arrow of a bulls back when i shot him for 45 when it was around 40 and it flew high.

[carpsniperg2]

i haves not had it happen to me but seen  it happen on elk and deer. all times the animal knew that there was something wrong or looking at the hunter already.

[royalbull]

you guys need faster bows

[carpsniperg2]

faster bows is not it. i shoot a xforce at 343fps at 83 lbs somkes it depends on range allot and if the animal is on alert. my freinds i hunt with shoot quick bows to!

[MIKEXRAY]

Even at 343 fps (which is fast) the arrow is flying for a 1/2 second @ 60 yards, 3/10Th's of a second @ 40. The animal can move a lot in that time. I'm not saying people shouldn't take those shots, not my place. Just pointing out the flight time & an alert animal could jump clean out of the picture in 1/2 second. Mike

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

 

speed of sound 1000+ feet per second,

[rougheye]

Never had one duck the string . Maybe im just lucky