Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Bow Hunting => Topic started by: huntingbaldguy on August 18, 2015, 12:52:21 AM

Title: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: huntingbaldguy on August 18, 2015, 12:52:21 AM: Figured this was a bow hunting question considering the seasons overlap unlike other weapons. How many of you have or would shoot a deer, and what would be your requirement, while specifically out elk hunting and not deer hunting?

Even though i elk hunt in some great deer country in an any buck unit and have seen really good animals while elk hunting (and scouting this year), i think i would feel bad about ending an elk hunt to pack a deer out unless he was an absolute beast of a deer. In rifle season last year i saw a really nice 3x3 blacktail and it got me thinking about if i see something similar and can actually shoot it in bow season (obviously can't in rifle elk season), would i do it. I still haven't answered the question.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 01:04:51 AM: Most of my elk have been taken while deer hunting. Now you know my secret! :chuckle:

Seldom kill a good deer during an elk hunt. Though my last good blacktail buck with a bow was taken on the second day of a late elk hunt. He was so love struck I could have been driving a Mack truck through his bedroom and he wouldn't have noticed. I miss judged the uphill cut and put my first arrow through his ear. He went right back to chasing tail. Made the right cut on the second one ;)

If it weren't for the wife I'd never hunt elk with a deer tag in my pocket.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: huntingbaldguy on August 18, 2015, 01:16:44 AM: Quote from: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 01:04:51 AM
Most of my elk have been taken while deer hunting. Now you know my secret! :chuckle:

I find that really interesting in all honesty. So does that mean you're not typically out calling elk when you shoot one?
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Humptulips on August 18, 2015, 01:34:34 AM: Rifle deer and elk used to overlap and I have killed a deer in elk season so to answer your question I would.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 01:37:33 AM: I'm one of those odd weirdoes, I guess. I enjoy hunting big bucks much more than hunting a stupid elk. I also prefer to hunt alone.

The few cows I have tagged have all come while hunting elk exclusively. But I'd guess that half of my big bulls have come as a surprise opportunity while hunting big blacktails in the early season. One out of pure spite after he spooked a big bedded buck I was about to draw back on. Dang bastaige paid the price for that :chuckle:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: huntingbaldguy on August 18, 2015, 01:52:49 AM: Quote from: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 01:37:33 AM
I'm one of those odd weirdoes, I guess. I enjoy hunting big bucks much more than hunting a stupid elk. I also prefer to hunt alone.

The few cows I have tagged have all come while hunting elk exclusively. But I'd guess that half of my big bulls have come as a surprise opportunity while hunting big blacktails in the early season. One out of pure spite after he spooked a big bedded buck I was about to draw back on. Dang bastaige paid the price for that :chuckle:

Hahahahaha!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: RadSav on August 18, 2015, 02:11:33 AM: I suppose it has to do with where and when I hunt early blacktails. Most of the time I'm in heavy timber, 10-noon, on the edge of a break in vegetation like vine maple or salal and less than 300 yards from a clearcut's fire trail. That seems to be where those early season big bucks like to bed. It also seems to be a place where bulls push their cows after the morning feed on there way down into the depths of hell. You hunt low and slow enough to tag a big buck in there and a stupid elk doesn't have a chance!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: huntnnw on August 18, 2015, 02:46:03 AM: In a heartbeat if its something big enough...I shot at 1 buck elk hunting in my life and I missed it..to big to not take a shot
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: boneaddict on August 18, 2015, 05:01:27 AM: I was bow hunting for elk up in the NE corner and I had a big buck walk within ten yards of me . I hadn't bought my deer tag yet, so I got to watch him walk. I went and got my tag, came back the next day, and ran into the needle in the haystack and arrowhead him while he payed in his bed.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: JJB11B on August 18, 2015, 05:04:10 AM: Ive done it, Dang doe kept getting between me and a nice little herd of elk. Told my partner if she does it again I'd kill her and then he could go on ahead of me. Of course It happened again so I arrowed her.... and I wonder why I never kill nice bucks.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: predatorG on August 18, 2015, 08:03:00 AM: I'd shoot anything in elk season. That might be because I hunt with some buddies so we can pack whatever it is out fast and return to elk. I had a bear run in front of me at 15 yards but he was moving too fast for a shot. In short, it's meat in the fridge and possibly a head on the wall. If you've got the combo tag drop it.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: bobcat on August 18, 2015, 08:39:21 AM: I'll be muzzleloader hunting for elk this year, early season, and deer will be open at the same time. I'm really hoping I don't see a big blacktail buck, as I have a modern firearm deer tag. If that does happen I'll really wish I had spent the $140 on the multi-season deer tag! :bash:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: fastdam on August 18, 2015, 08:41:17 AM: If its deer season,and elk season at the same time, and I have a tag for both, I cant think of a good reason not too. Thats why I bought the tag.
This year while hunting bulls with a muzzleloader, I will take full advantage of my multi-season deer tag if possible. There 8s plenty of time for me to get the deer out and get back on elk. I dont know why you wouldnt :dunno:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: fastdam on August 18, 2015, 08:43:15 AM: I would also shoot a bear....a cougar....any mature grouse,.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 18, 2015, 08:49:44 AM: Quote from: fastdam on August 18, 2015, 08:43:15 AM
I would also shoot a bear....a cougar....any mature grouse,.

:chuckle:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Taco280AI on August 18, 2015, 08:59:32 AM: I shot a Blacktail while elk hunting. Was my first archey deer and why pass up the meat?
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: bobcat on August 18, 2015, 08:59:37 AM: The reason I wouldn't shoot a deer, is because I like elk meat. I like deer meat too, but an elk is like four deer. So the reward is much more when an elk is killed. Plus, at least for me, the chance to kill an elk only comes around about once every five years, while I can kill a deer every year if I really want to.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on August 18, 2015, 09:02:18 AM: I've lived in WA state off and on for 30 years and I do not like these darn nocturnal, brush dwelling blacktails! I don't target them during early deer season but will take one during the late archery elk/deer season (while they are in the rut) if the opportunity presents itself, and, if he's within dragging distance of a trail or road.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 18, 2015, 09:07:45 AM: Generally speaking I elk hunt mostly in the early season when my standards for a buck are pretty high (relatively for me) and it's unlikely I'll see something worth taking (by my personal esteem) while elk hunting.

That said, yes. If I was elk hunting and a solid 120" whitetail stood up or a any nice blacktail stood up :archery_smiley:

Breaking down a buck doesn't take much time away from an elk hunt :twocents:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 18, 2015, 10:19:00 AM: Hunting mature mule deer bucks was my favorite pastime. I have killed two deer while elk hunting, the first time I was really trying to put an elk in the freezer but wasted my first two days exploring sweet little high elevation pockets with little chance for an elk. Day 3, I killed the first legal deer I saw so I would actually hunt elk. The other time was sunset on the last day of archery season, I was walking back to my truck having just blown a setup on a herd bull, and saw three bucks feeding in a clearing about 400 yards away between me and my truck. Wind in my face and sun at my back, I didn't try to sneak, just walked right at them. They never even noticed me, I walked up to 30 yards and shot the closest one broadside while he was feeding. Even better, I was able to drive right to him and load him whole! Not a bad way to end archery elk season.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: boneaddict on August 18, 2015, 12:57:48 PM: That reminds me of a super buck I tracked in the fog and snow and mud all dang day, only to follow him off the mountain and have him walk within one foot of my parked truck. Lol!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: D-Rock425 on August 18, 2015, 01:24:17 PM: I shot a little buck last year on the first day of elk season. I kinda wish I hadn't shot it but I have some sort of switch I can't turn off. Legal animal must die kinda thing I have no self control.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Tbob on August 18, 2015, 01:28:20 PM: If I have a tag and the critters are in a legal season, I'm shooting! I've been on a dry spell for a while now in WA so anything legal is going down! I haven't heard of any good horn recipes lately so I don't care what it is. I like to eat wild animals and if one happens to get in the way of one of my arrows..... So be it!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: vandeman17 on August 18, 2015, 01:34:39 PM: I would have no problem shooting a deer while elk hunting. I see it as no different if a bear or cougar strolled by on a deer or elk hunt. If a tag is in my pocket, game on.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Dhoey07 on August 18, 2015, 01:52:45 PM: Make sure your hunting buddies are ok with it :chuckle:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Elkrunner on August 18, 2015, 01:54:26 PM: I can't even believe this is a debate. Its meat in the freezer in my book.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: bobcat on August 18, 2015, 02:31:34 PM: Most people prefer to hunt elk in the early season while they're rutting. You get 13 days. Some people only hunt weekends, so they only get 4 days. Why waste a day of that short time on a deer, when you have 7 weeks to hunt deer in the late season? I think that's why most people would pass up deer in the early archery season.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: CoryTDF on August 18, 2015, 02:49:58 PM: Shot my buck last year while elk hunting. Stalked up on him in a clear cut. He was a dink but he just made it to darn easy so I got backstrap fever and shot him!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: ridgefire on August 18, 2015, 03:27:06 PM: When I'm elk hunting I'm elk hunting. If i was already tagged out I would shoot one.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: predatorG on August 18, 2015, 04:26:38 PM: "If it flies it dies, if it hops it drops" as long as it's legal that is...
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Woodchuck on August 18, 2015, 04:35:58 PM: A deer in the hand is worth...
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Turner89 on August 18, 2015, 06:32:48 PM: Quote from: fastdam on August 18, 2015, 08:41:17 AM
If its deer season,and elk season at the same time, and I have a tag for both, I cant think of a good reason not too. Thats why I bought the tag.
This year while hunting bulls with a muzzleloader, I will take full advantage of my multi-season deer tag if possible. There 8s plenty of time for me to get the deer out and get back on elk. I dont know why you wouldnt :dunno:
:yeah: I'm hunting :tup:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on August 18, 2015, 06:42:49 PM: IF I have the tags you bet ...The more killing I can do the better :dunno: :chuckle: :tup:
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: jpharcher on August 18, 2015, 06:46:23 PM: Early elk season, warm temp, a long distance from a meat locker- no, don't want to lose a day chasing elk to go hang a deer
Late season closer to civilization- yes
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: jdb on August 18, 2015, 07:05:12 PM: Ii had special permit years ago for muzzy elk and it over lapped with the last weekend of modern deer last day of modern deer last hour I killed a little buck running flat out with a shot to the neck. It was like shooting a flushing quail. Probably the best shot I've ever made he flipped clean over!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Firedogg on August 18, 2015, 08:35:47 PM: This year deer and elk are at the same time for the area I am hunting in early October and I have a cow tag..... but, I also have a quality bull tag for the general elk season on Halloween. So for me it's deer down, then decide on what to do about the elk.

The way my knee is feeling I might have to settle for the cow.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: AKBowman on August 18, 2015, 10:59:01 PM: I normally scare every deer into the next county while I'm elk hunting in the early season so I've never had a chance. I love hunting Blacktail later in the season so it would have to be the right situation for me to arrow a buck during elk season. By "the right situation" I mean...a decent three poky or better, within range and broadside ish!!
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: huntingbaldguy on August 19, 2015, 12:54:03 AM: Quote from: Elkrunner on August 18, 2015, 01:54:26 PM
I can't even believe this is a debate. Its meat in the freezer in my book.

My biggest reason is I have 93 days to get a deer, possibly withing a few miles of my house, and maybe 14 to get an elk 3 hrs from my house.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: 4fletch on August 19, 2015, 01:08:55 AM: I concentrate on elk. For the taste and volume in 40 yrs of elk hunting only shot 2 deer during early elk I would shoot a mounter so 4 yrs ago I ran into a 24" 3 by 4 messed with him for a couple hundred yards and shot him at 15 yrds and had Buzzy mount him up for me. I didn't want to waste time on him so I took him to the butchers and made hamburger out of him. Still wasted a day on him
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: STIKNSTRINGBOW on August 19, 2015, 01:18:07 AM: Most of my deer are killed during elk season.
I hunt for meat, the first legal animal dumb enough to stand in front of me long enough for me to pull my thumb out and shoot it with my antique recurve with a twisted limb deserves to die, just to get it out of the gene pool!
Hell, it takes what, an hour total to get a deer in the cooler, :dunno:
Elk have ruined a good time a lot more often than any deer...
Deer are like rabbits and grouse, great eating and an interesting diversion...
But , again, my biggest trophy is my Dunlap, cause I sure like to eat.
I carry the tags for a reason, and they taste like TP.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: D-Rock425 on August 19, 2015, 02:57:59 PM: I'm not really in it for the meat anymore. I just like to be out in the woods. Cheaper for me to go to Safeway if I just wanted meat.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: elkinrutdrivemenuts on August 19, 2015, 03:44:12 PM: If its big enough sure! Seasons of here are a little different so deer is usually open when you are elk hunting. I do like to take a few dedicated muley hunts though, but if I see a dandy I'm taking a shot.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: ing on August 19, 2015, 08:10:15 PM: Quote from: Woodchuck on August 18, 2015, 04:35:58 PM
A deer in the hand is worth...
Two elk in the bush
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: northwesthunter84 on August 19, 2015, 08:18:23 PM: wouldn't bat an eye, if its a legal animal, I'm letting the air out of it. They just taste too good.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Dbax129 on August 19, 2015, 08:38:51 PM: Quote from: huntingbaldguy on August 19, 2015, 12:54:03 AM
Quote from: Elkrunner on August 18, 2015, 01:54:26 PM
I can't even believe this is a debate. Its meat in the freezer in my book.
This is why I would hesitate as well. On the last day of elk maybe. In the last couple of hours maybe. I would probably take a bear though, which is weird I know because there is even more time for bear than deer, but I havent taken a bear yet. Same with a cougar. But with such a short elk season I would weigh my choice very carefully.

My biggest reason is I have 93 days to get a deer, possibly withing a few miles of my house, and maybe 14 to get an elk 3 hrs from my house.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 20, 2015, 10:32:31 AM: Last year I was driving in to hunt an elk area. On the way to it, there was a little velvety 4 point whitetail that I decided to take. Well he decided to jump the string and then head into the next county.

I grabbed the arrow...replaced the blades on it (favorite arrow) and went on to shoot a small bull elk a few hours later. In retrospect I am glad the buck saved his own life but given the same option, I'll do it again.

I hunted with somebody one year during early muzzleloader season. A big heavy bear ran across the road about 50 yards in front of us, cinnamon. He kept driving and I told him, "pull over...pull over!" The bear stopped running and was walking up the clear hillside about 150 yards uphill. "PULL OVER $%%$%*#$!" He said, "we're hunting deer not bear" Haven't hunted or talked to him since...too dumb for words.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: JJB11B on August 20, 2015, 04:37:07 PM: Quote from: Jonathan_S on August 20, 2015, 10:32:31 AM
Last year I was driving in to hunt an elk area. On the way to it, there was a little velvety 4 point whitetail that I decided to take. Well he decided to jump the string and then head into the next county.

I grabbed the arrow...replaced the blades on it (favorite arrow) and went on to shoot a small bull elk a few hours later. In retrospect I am glad the buck saved his own life but given the same option, I'll do it again.

I hunted with somebody one year during early muzzleloader season. A big heavy bear ran across the road about 50 yards in front of us, cinnamon. He kept driving and I told him, "pull over...pull over!" The bear stopped running and was walking up the clear hillside about 150 yards uphill. "PULL OVER $%%$%*#$!" He said, "we're hunting deer not bear" Haven't hunted or talked to him since...too dumb for words.

someone did that to me one time, turned into a hell of an argument and name calling. would have only taken him a second to drop me off, I could have walked back to camp and got my own rig....We were in High-School
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: andersonjk4 on August 20, 2015, 05:05:27 PM: I've never had the opportunity. In 20 years of hunting I have never hunted an area that has been open to both while I held the right tags. But I feel like I would be like a lot on here.... if I was elk hunting and came across a really nice buck I probably would go after it, but I would put the priority on the elk. Elk opportunities are just too few and far between compared to deer.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Bullkllr on August 20, 2015, 05:12:08 PM: A few years ago I had a herd with a decent 5 point in it scoped out. I went up the road to get on the herd and had another bull bugling in the timber. As I waited, I spotted a really nice 4pt blacktail with a doe just above the road I was on. Really wanted a shot at the buck, which never materialized. Ended up killing the 5x5 bull. But the buck would have been the real prize.

That said, I've passed up easy shots on deer while elk hunting several times. Can't justify stopping the elk hunt to deal with an average deer.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: billythekidrock on August 20, 2015, 05:38:17 PM: Not me. I would if it were a good 3pt or better bt, but I don't want to run home and butcher a deer when I could be elk hunting and I certainly don't want my partner running home for some doe or spike they arrowed.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: Jonathan_S on August 21, 2015, 07:57:05 AM: Quote from: JJB11B on August 20, 2015, 04:37:07 PM
Quote from: Jonathan_S on August 20, 2015, 10:32:31 AM
Last year I was driving in to hunt an elk area. On the way to it, there was a little velvety 4 point whitetail that I decided to take. Well he decided to jump the string and then head into the next county.

I grabbed the arrow...replaced the blades on it (favorite arrow) and went on to shoot a small bull elk a few hours later. In retrospect I am glad the buck saved his own life but given the same option, I'll do it again.

I hunted with somebody one year during early muzzleloader season. A big heavy bear ran across the road about 50 yards in front of us, cinnamon. He kept driving and I told him, "pull over...pull over!" The bear stopped running and was walking up the clear hillside about 150 yards uphill. "PULL OVER $%%$%*#$!" He said, "we're hunting deer not bear" Haven't hunted or talked to him since...too dumb for words.

someone did that to me one time, turned into a hell of an argument and name calling. would have only taken him a second to drop me off, I could have walked back to camp and got my own rig....We were in High-School

Makes me wish we had the driver's ed car with the auxiliary brake.
Title: Re: How many have or would shoot a deer while elk hunting?
Post by: ouchfoss on August 22, 2015, 08:52:47 PM: I have probably 7 times that I can remember. I always hunt not too far away from home so if I get a deer, it can be brought home, cleaned and hanging in just a few hours and still have time left in the day for an evening elk hunt if it happened early enough in the day. Thankfully the season start date this year is back to the way I like it. A good week of scouting/deer hunting and then pursuing elk nonstop. I have always been a meat hunter for deer so the first legal one that stands there long enough, goes home with me. Same goes for bear too, which is what happened in 2012.