X Marks the Spot Series 4

[WapitiTalk1]

Fourth series. OK, the stars have aligned and you find youself within 30ish yards of these beasts while bow hunting. You have the wind, and, to this point the bull(s) are unaware of your presence. You've came to full draw. Now, do you shoot or wait? If you shoot place and "X or dot" on the spot you pick to shoot or simply say wait for a better shot.

If you save the picture to your desktop and open them up with paint or a similar program, you can place an X, O, or whatever showing where you would shoot. Then, respond to thread with your comments, and, add your adjusted image(s).

As others have pointed out, shot opportunities at elk are oftentimes few and far between so one must make the best of them as they materialize, always factoring in the important variables:

1. Confidence in one's equipment and ability, "knowing" your arrow is going to hit exactly where you mean it to hit.
2. Knowledge of big game anatomy.
3. Situational awareness.

Shoot or wait for these elk please. RJ

[WapitiTalk1]

I'll even start this one

1. Yes, lung(s) and even heart are available at this angle with a well placeed shot. 2. Waiting - Not a clear shot at vitals for me.. besides, he's a little critter. 3. Yes, whispy grass isn't going to affect arrow flight signifiantly. Left shoulder is kicked back a bit but still plenty of room to slice an arrow through one or both lungs.

elk11a.jpg (12.86 KiB) Viewed 3662 times

elk12a.jpg (20.38 KiB) Viewed 3662 times

elk13a..jpg (16.99 KiB) Viewed 3662 times

[easeup]

hey thanks for posting up the pics with colors for me.

I am waiting on the first one. the angle is so great there it will be my luck that I hit a rib and slide the arrow left down the rib cage with no vitals damaged.

you're right about number 2 that dang little tree is in the way. The bull is alert and about to blow out. I am worried he will get away. If I call he has me pinned (since I am solo). what to do?

the lazy bull.....he's done.

[cnelk]

I dont like the angle of the first pic.
Those ribs can act like a shield when presented like that
PASS

Second pic the small tree is right where the arrow needs to go

3rd pic - zip

[slim9300]

I'll even start this one

1. Yes, lung(s) and even heart are available at this angle with a well placeed shot. 2. Waiting - Not a clear shot at vitals for me.. besides, he's a little critter. 3. Yes, whispy grass isn't going to affect arrow flight signifiantly. Left shoulder is kicked back a bit but still plenty of room to slice an arrow through one or both lungs.

elk11a.jpg

elk12a.jpg

elk13a..jpg

On the first one I would shoot right about 2 inches from your spot Rory. Basically directly in the middle of the line for the ass quarter and your spot.

Second one is a reluctant pass.

On the third one I would shoot about 2-3" lower than your mark right on the grass line.

I liked this one better! Some fun shots.

[JJ Overkill]

id agree with the 2,3 but the first one I think your mark is to far to the left. heres where I would aim

[cnelk]

An elk's paunch is usually full of grass and other organs and that can be pretty hard to penetrate.
You would have to go thru that to get to the vitals
Not my favorite... but its lethal

[elkmtngear]

I'll even start this one

1. Yes, lung(s) and even heart are available at this angle with a well placeed shot. 2. Waiting - Not a clear shot at vitals for me.. besides, he's a little critter. 3. Yes, whispy grass isn't going to affect arrow flight signifiantly. Left shoulder is kicked back a bit but still plenty of room to slice an arrow through one or both lungs.

elk11a.jpg

elk12a.jpg

elk13a..jpg

On the first one I would shoot right about 2 inches from your spot Rory. Basically directly in the middle of the line for the ass quarter and your spot.

Second one is a reluctant pass.

On the third one I would shoot about 2-3" lower than your mark right on the grass line.

I liked this one better! Some fun shots.

I'm with Slim on this one.