Western Hunting Journal, Premiere Issue whj001_premiere | Page 51

Elk hunting is fun if you do your
part and make a quality shot.
Holding the antlers of a public
land bull is the pinnacle of
western big game hunting.
10 Steadfast Rules For Archery Elk Hunters
Think of your scent like a wall floating
through the air. When an animal is hit with
the “human wall scent” they immediately
associate it with danger and run. I don’t
care how fast your bow is, or how effective
your camo is, if you don’t have the wind
right, you’re wrong.
2. CONCEALMENT
Whether it is as simple as a depression on
the ground or a piece of brush, you just
need something to break up your outline. I
sat down with an old timer the other night
and he told me how he killed his bull in blue
jeans and flannel again this year. The trick?
He was concealed in the brush.
3. LET THE ELK REST
If you do like we did and push them all
morning, let them rest for a few hours.
Allow them to get comfortable, then slip in
and rattle their cage. The results will sur-
prise you.
4. WAIT IT OUT
Wait at least 30 minutes after you shoot.
Give them more time after you’ve hit them.
If you don’t see the elk go down or see an
entry or exit wound after the shot, wait an
hour. I think if I would’ve waited an hour
before I started my track that maybe my bull
would’ve been bedded and possibly stoved-
up by the time we got to him possibly giving
me a chance for a follow up shot. Elk can run
a long time on adrenalin. Their will to sur-
vive is unmatched.
chances are your shot was less than perfect.
Back out, and give the elk more time.
9. SHOT SEQUENTIAL
Having a shot sequence in your head for the
moment of truth can be crucial; it can also
help keep your composure.
10. MAINTAIN PERSPECTIVE
Find success in every hunt, no matter how
big or small. If you define success purely on
a notched tag, then that’s fine. But in today’s
fast-paced world, take a second and slow
down and enjoy the moment you are living in.
5. ANATOMY 101
You owe it to the animal to know where the
vitals lay inside its chest cavity. Best to take
a lung shot. Elk lungs are big. Aim for a small
spot on those and you’ll get them.
6. MID-DAY FUN
Mid-afternoon is prime time to get a bull out
of his bed and into bow range.
7. SILENCE IS DEADLY
As long as the wind is in your favor and the
elk are not pressured, sneak up on a herd
and let them come to you; they’ll never know
you are in the neighborhood.
8. BACK OFF
If you think you made a perfect shot and you
don’t find the animal in the first 100 yards,
Make good on your opportunities when
chasing elk. One well-placed arrow is all
it should take.
1. KNOW YOUR WIND
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