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Your Bottom Line

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Your Bottom Line

Postby Swede » 08 21, 2025 •  [Post 1]

As an elk hunter what is the minimum you will shoot on the first day of your hunt and the last day.

For me the answer is the same for the first hour or the last. I hunt in a visible antler only unit so that is my minimum.
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby RanchoSueno » 08 21, 2025 •  [Post 2]

Any legal bull as long as my shot opportunity makes sense. I don't lob hail Mary's
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby WapitiTalk1 » 08 21, 2025 •  [Post 3]

It is any bull where my buddy and I are hunting this year. Not sure we’ll take a spike too early (doubtfully) but it will be tempting to put a chunk of meat in the freezer 8-). Swede, both Joe and I got spud state tags this year… it’s getting much harder to get these.. not like in years past.
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby saddlesore » 08 22, 2025 •  [Post 4]

Any legal elk. Would prefer a two year old cow
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby Tigger » 08 22, 2025 •  [Post 5]

It depends. Mostly any legal elk. But it may change throughout the week. Or it may not. I shoot what makes me feel happy at the time. No regerts! :lol:
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby Dbllung » 08 22, 2025 •  [Post 6]

First good opportunity at a legal elk.
I’m not too hard to please!
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby Lefty » 08 22, 2025 •  [Post 7]

Ive been lowing my standards over he years. Mostly because my daughter has fewer and fewer hunting opportunities.

For years my goal was for her to get a nice 6x6 ( or bigger)
I believe I was a whole lot spoiled when I first started archery hunting,, I saw and got under 100 yards to a lot of big bulls. So I knew what was out there.
And for years we now have a muzzle loader hunt.


Maybe just maybe I shoot something small and closer /easier to pack out,,, Add some bank days to my wife for time Ill be hunting in Nodak and Sodak,,,

And maybe Im getting desperate. This is the first year ever that the freezer doesn't had game,,,

Ive always used the excuse there is something bigger and I don't want to miss that opportunity by having my tag punched But will I pass on the first day or ten or 20 days that Ill shoot on the last day,,, maybe.

Its been maybe 8 consecutive years We've/Ive gotten into the big bulls that last days ,,,, That's fun and exciting to me,,, A full freezer I would never have those experiences
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby Elkhunttoo » 08 22, 2025 •  [Post 8]

My brother in law cracks me up on this topic. He came into camp a few years ago and said nice bull only. A few days in we get back to camp and he said, “well, I’m ready to shoot a 3 legged calf”


I really want to get a mature bull this year but if an opportunity presents itself I will just play it by ear
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby Lefty » 08 23, 2025 •  [Post 9]

Elkhunttoo wrote: but if an opportunity presents itself I will just play it by ear
And I might be headed that direction... I also now have invites to other camps,, so I could continue to hunt with something in the freezer.

I have used the excuse and logic ,, it better be nice for a tough pack out, And well hunting in a was for me,,, gave me a real reason not to shoot
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Re: Your Bottom Line

Postby Indian Summer » 08 26, 2025 •  [Post 10]

First three days 6 point bulls only. After that any 5 point. Last 2 days any 5 point or a cow. It’s easier to hold those standards because if an opportunity on a smaller bulls happens I’ll let the Mrs. shoot it.
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