Ambush - in front or behind?

[welka]

So this is different than the many Qs ob "do you stand in front of a bush or behind". I agree "in front" is better on most opportunities. However, an ambush is different. If you can see where they are coming from and can set up an ambush where they can ONLY come in front of you, do you set up in front of or just behind the edge of a bush? The advantage of the in front are many, mainly the wider range of shots, BUT in ambush with cows leading, you have the negative of lots of eyes to catch movement. In the behind the edge of a bush mode, you are more concealed, but give up some range of shot. So, what's your pick?

[CurlyTail]

I agree that an Ambush situation is different. You are committed to an ambush site , and are going to remain there until a shot opportunity presents.

I will frequently opt for behind a fallen tree in this circumstance.The tree trunk, and underlying branches provide decent cover. About waist high is perfect. I clear any branches from the top of the trunk that might interfere with a shot. You can even construct a primitive blind in some instances, by adding extra sticks or a few pine boughs. This allows me the luxury of a little motion and still remaining hid from the Elk. In an ambush you are often sitting for a long time, and the Elk frequently appear out of the blue and catch you a bit off guard. Inevitably, there is some movement as you position yourself for the shot.

Of course, you are still out of luck when the wind swirls, or if the Elk comes from the opposite direction than you were expecting!

[Indian Summer]

Welka! How have you been man???

I guess my answer would be I'll take a little cover. Obviously not too much but right out on front makes me nervous unless it's a solo bull.

If I was Swede I might say I don't want to be in front of a tree and I don't want to be behind a tree... I prefer to be 20 feet up one!

[Lefty]

I like to sit in the shadow of cover, with cover behind you. I have had the urge to ambush style,.. But keep it at bay ,..unless the quarry is rifle distance out

[welka]

Joe,
Doing good. Crazy busy and finally got a little time to surf. I agree with the "find and get behind a little cover" as I got busted on a huge bull with a line of about 15 cows while I was in front of a bush many years ago. Still remember the bull as he was a monster. Didn't think I budged, but must have looked different to them and they bolted with me looking at his neck and rack!

[Swede]

Welka, are you sure you were not scented? Any sudden shift in the wind can betray you. If you are still, you are very hard to spot by an elk. I agree with the way Lefty likes to set up. The key is to not move when the elk is looking your way, and to stay in the shadows.

[welka]

Always be wary of wind. Not scented. Just put Q out there for thought provoking on ambushes with the right set up. They don't happen often so thought it would be good for input for when it happens to any one.