Passing Up Shots!

by **ElkNut1** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 1]

Every once in a while you see hunters here talking about "passing up shots" -- What is your elk hunting thoughts on this? Do you pass on shots? Does it have to be a bull or would you take a cow? Let's say for grins that we are hunting DIY Public Lands, where do you draw the line on what you will shoot? No doubt amount of days on ones hunt can dictate pickiness or if you've taken many elk in the past. Where are you in your elk hunting career, I ask because we are all different but all strive for the same goal for success! (grin)

I'll start, I generally am holding out for a 5 point minimum because I've taken many elk over the years so it's a personal goal of mine. I will say I've taken plenty of cows in the past though & look at everyone one of them as trophies! (grin)

ElkNut1

by **Indian Summer** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 2]

Every year changes. Partly because it's based on the previous season. I've shot 2 cows and both times I said bulls only the following year. I've been on a pretty good roll so last year I decided 6 point bull or nothing. I passed several bulls in Wyoming last year including one that was actually just split into 6 points, a big 5. In the end I didn't fill my tag which was my choice so fine BUT... not this year. I'll hold out for 6 point bulls only for the first 3 days. Then I'm switching spots. Once I switch it will be any good 5 point bull. If I happen to strike out there I'll make another move and the first elk I see cows included will be going in the freezer.

Then I'll hopefully head to Montana where I'll hunt 6 point bulls for half a week and any legal bull the 2nd half of the week.

by **MLayden** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 3]

Was my first full year hunting last year and passed up on some cows and calves that were within spitting distance of me last year...this happened on my first day of the season. Probably wouldn't have passed up on them if the situation had presented itself near the end of the season though!

by **timberland** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 4]

Last time I took 4 greenhorns, all had different expectations. One wanted a bull only, one wanted a shot at any legal animal, one wanted to hear a bugle and one wanted to see a mountain. Goals have changed a little since they know what to expect, a couple will now shoot any legal elk because my mantra "its not an easy game" (but if it wasn't hard it wouldn't be as fun). As for me, bull only, just for the fact the work and time it takes to care for the animal in the backcountry would put a crimp in the other guy's already short hunt.

by **easeup** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 5]

most of the hunts are DIY in CO OTC units and I never get many chances to get a shot with a bow. So I guess I am not very good at finding them...With that said, I do not turn down a legit shot at a legal elk. In years past I turned down some shots at cows and some other bulls only because they were not the best shot angle or a little brushy. the luck of it all is that turning down a shot has not cost me a elk yet. Tag soup years happen when there have not been any shots to take.

by **elk-n-walleye** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 6]

I have always set out looking for a bull of course. However, seems like I haven't yet seen a shot opportunity I didn't like whether rifle or archery, cow or bull. which is why I've always ended up with cow elk meat in my freezer (still meat and still tastes good). I guess ultimately meat is my first priority. That's why this year I'm hoping to draw two tags. The any elk or otc general tag plus the extra cow/calf tag. That way if a cow crosses my path first I won't think twice about taking the shot.

by **Swede** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 7]

Last season I wanted a good bull. I felt that way from the beginning, but seeing Stringunner's bull just made me more determined. I passed on just one easy cow. Towards the end of the season I missed a cow when my arrow hit a branch. I don't know yet how I will feel about shooting a cow this next season. I will probably pass on one early in the season, but toward the end, shoot one if I have an opportunity.
I enjoy hunting, but ultimately am more of a meat hunter than anything else. My motto could be "fat's where it's at".

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 8]

I have only shot a cow with a rifle. so anything goes with a bow. except a calf....

by **Trophyhill** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 9]

Great thread. This will be my 7th year hunting elk God willing. Up until now I've been an equal opportunity killer. 3 cows and 2 bulls with dreams of killing a true herd bull 350 or better. And I know to do this requires discipline by passing cows and smaller bulls. I also know this would mean possibly eating tag stew. This is the crux of the issue for me. You see? I love elk venison! Hunting pressured elk may not afford me many shot opportunities at any elk. So looking ahead to after my next hunt I could be asking myself a couple questions. 1 why didn't I kill that cow or small bull when I had the chance? 2 was it worth it to pass up those gimme shots and go home empty handed waiting for the bigun? 3 why do I hunt? 4 how do I get better at targeting herd bulls?

On the flip side of that I could be saying to myself while looking at a monster shoulder mounted bull "I sure am glad I was patient and hunted til the last minute of the last hour of the last day of my hunt" or "damn this 5 year old cow tastes great"

by **Toby** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 10]

I usually get to hunt 8-10 days. I will shoot any bull during the first few days and will pass on cows early. I am kind of feeling things out. If there is a lot of good rut activity going on and I think I have a good chance at a nice bull I will hold out till the end. I don't mind tag soup.

by **sojurner 65** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 11]

I'll be going for the first time this year, archery. We are planning on the entire bow season if necessary. That said, if any legal bull gives me a shot, I'll take it. At age 66 I'm not getting any younger. By the time we get to the end of the 2nd week, priorities might change to any legal elk.

by **NirvanaFan** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 12]

My first elk hunt hasn't happened yet, so I'll just say what I think I will do.

The first half of the season, I'll shoot any legal bull. The second half, I'll shoot any legal elk. While a huge bull would be awesome, I don't see that happening my first time in an easy to draw area. I'll settle for pretty much any elk, as long as I get to have fun doing it.

by **baddaddy** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 13]

Any legal elk for me. I hunt for the meat.

by **GWH** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 14]

I have only killed a cow with my rifle. Last year I had a bow tag and passed on 3 bulls and some cows and missed a good bull, but by the end of the hunt I would have shot a cow just to get the meat, but it didn't work out.

by **Csrbowhunter** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 15]

Every year which has been five years now,I tell myself anything legal. But every time I have a cow in range or a small bull, I always can see the big bull and can't get myself to shoot the cow! Two years ago I was using my recurve and thought for sure I'd shoot anything but I shot at two nice bulls and missed both times! One was a chip shot and I hit a limb, the other I never should have tried the shot but with 2days left I made a poor choice. But at least I didn't wound him. I had all kinds of cows at less then 20 yds and couldn't make myself shoot. Looking back I would say I made the wrong choices going home 4out of 5 years with tag soup! Elk are hard to hunt and even harder to get out! I can guarantee this year I'll do the same thing but at least I won't surprise myself!

by **elk-n-walleye** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 16]

NirvanaFan wrote:My first elk hunt hasn't happened yet, so I'll just say what I think I will do.

I'll settle for pretty much any elk, as long as I get to have fun doing it.

Don't worry Fan, you'll have fun doing it!!!

by **ElkNut1** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 17]

Thanks guys! Lots of comments & I couldn't say it much better than what's posted here. Lots of great info to digest for those sitting on the fence about what is acceptable & what isn't & why? If newer elk hunter I'd consider the 1st legal elk except a calf, that's just me on the calf thing but do not look down on others if they see it differently!

ElkNut1

by **8upbowhunter** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 18]

Last year was my first elk hunt (2 week Co OTC) and my goal going in was any legal bull until the last 3 days then any legal cow or bull. This year my goals are the same. I am ok with eating my tag if I pass on a cow early and end up not killing anything. The adventure alone is worth the trip weather I kill or not.

by **stykbow67** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 19]

I killed my first elk, a spike bull, probably 8 yrs ago on some private ground just outside of Estes Park,CO. We didn't have
Much ground to work with so we had to bust out some southeast Nebraska whitetail tactics and use treestands so we wouldn't
Blow them out of the country! Now I'm on a quest to kill an elk in the backcountry without the use of a treestand so the
first legal elk will get the nod from me! So to answer your question, I ain't passin nothin that's legal!

Steve

by **Fridaythe13th** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 20]

Last year was my first year. My thought going into the hunt was glassing elk from a high point and moving in. Bull was the goal. For the 6 of us we see 2 elk glassing and never got close to seeing them again. The best luck for me was cold calling and playing the wind. never work out, but learned if a shot is standing there in front of you, take the shot. After I get a couple it might change.

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 21]

kudos to you sojurner! I couldn't imagine going into this for the first time at 66. I felt old four years ago at 34..... a big good luck to you!

by **elkoholic** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 22]

Because of the simple fact that I don't have too many notches is my belt for harvesting elk. So for me "brown is down"! The only shots I pass up are shots that will not give the animal respect in regards to a clean kill. Other than that, like I said "brown is down".

by **mongopino915** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 23]

Have passed up on a rag horn 4x4 on the first set up of opening morning.

P&Y bulls are not heard to find but on public land with lots of other hunters, anything that is legal is a trophy, including a cow.

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 24]

just noticed..... elkoholic, wheres your tat? mines on my calf. got mine after my first marathon.

by **jrnorton4** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 25]

This year will be my first ever elk hunt, and if I am blessed with an ethical shot at a legal elk, I am going for it. Just going on the trip and testing myself on new ground will be an experience, but to bring one home from an OTC unit with a bow, thats a trophy to me. Now, if I somehow put antlers in the truck bed, I am going to be a Monday morning quarterback for a while...

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 26]

jr. good luck! where are you from and where will you be going? be prepared to get addicted...

by **elkoholic** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 27]

zpd307 wrote:just noticed..... elkoholic, wheres your tat? mines on my calf.

My elk is on my left chest.

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 28]

if I could figure out how to transfer pics from my iphone to here. id show you. plus last years Colorado trip on there too.

by **elkoholic** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 29]

zpd307 wrote:if I could figure out how to transfer pics from my iphone to here. id show you. plus last years Colorado trip on there too.

I have yet to figure out how to do downsize pictures on my phone to transfer them to the site.

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 30]

I dont even know how to get them onto the computer.... :lol:

by **jrnorton4** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 31]

zpd307 wrote:jr. good luck! where are you from and where will you be going? be prepared to get addicted...

I am from Southwest Mississippi, and we are headed to southern CO. This will be the second time I have ever been west of Texas, and ironically, we are hunting within about 20 miles of where I went last time I was out there.
We were hoping to draw later-season Wyoming rifle tags, and would have in past years with our points, but didn't even get close this year. I am not at all bummed though. I love turkey hunting, like 5-7 mornings a week love it, and the thought of a bugling, hot snot blowing bull coming to call makes me wish we were there now.

by **ishy** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 32]

Anything legal except a calf. I have just as much fun if not more calling and videoing for friends so I have no problem taking anything that fills the freezer. I have not passed a shot, have temporarily waited too long waiting for a better shot that never came, but I don't think that qualifies. One I still kick myself for was a huge cow under twenty yards that was quartering to me just a little bit like 10-15 % and I drew three times on her waiting for one more step and that close shoulder to go forward and it never happened. At that yardage and no obstruction I should have just hugged the crease, but you never know till its too late if they will give you that better shot.

by **zpd307** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 33]

jr, i would love to see that also! but, where we have been going in central Colorado, the elk have enough people pressure that i just haven't seen it yet. i hope where i have picked in Idaho will get us some better action.

by **flystrait** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 34]

I have been holding out the last several years for 300" or better. Between my partner and myself we usually only get one shot per season on a bull over that mark so we will have tag soup at times as well. Where we normally hunt its a 3 point min and no cows due to the low numbers based on heavy predation (wolf areas).

by **stringunner** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 35]

I shoot whatever legal elk walks in front of me first, except a calf. Cow or bull makes no difference to me. I have killed several bulls and a cow to date and it doesn't make much difference to me. So opening morning if its brown I'm putting it down! I like high percentage shots, I won't take a shot that I think will end up in non-recovery. I know it happens sometimes but I try and do my best to eliminate the chance.

by **Triplebhunters** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 36]

So far any legal Bull is the goal, figuring the cows are my best decoys.

zpd307 wrote:I dont even know how to get them onto the computer....

To put them on your puter I've been just emailing the to myself.

To transfer from IPhone to Elk Nut
Open photobucket
View Full Site at bottom of page
Upload
Edit
Resize; I've been clicking on right size box will automatically resize left box. Not positive of max dimensions I've been gimping through.
On right side of page heighlite IMg box
Copy
Minimize photobucket
Open Elk Nut
Paste

What is the deal with the tat? Getting mine next week.

by **Lefty** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 37]

My first year I passed on some great shot opputunities at 63 yards including 2 big bulls
I had decided 33 yards would be my longest shot
I had multiple cows and calves 1-4 yards away that I passed on because I knew the bull was close even after I missed the bulll
Passed on a 30 yard frontal, just didnt feel right

I passed on a 5x6 at 27 yards becuase in my head I had decided he had to get closer I had great shoot chances at under 35

I drew on a cow at 53, decided to shoot a dry cow in the back, I drew on the last cow and the bull came in. Drew on the bull,.. he then didnt give me the shot, moved to a cow that was close14 yards,.. Swithced back to the bull, used the wrong pin

Passed at cows at 40 because there was one big bull,.. I knew he would get around to my side :lol:

Im great at screwing up a the shot. I will taker any bull all season, any cow last days of the hunt,.. but if there is a bull with cows Ill wait and take the chance he will give me a shot
We enjoy the meat and I want to bring something home but I know my wife, season is over when I bring something home

by **wewarev** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 38]

I've struggled with this one...

This fall will be my first year in the elk woods and I've heard everyone talk about taking the first legal elk that walks by but...

If I'm by myself I'd probably pass on a cow the first couple days simply because I wouldn't want the experience to be over yet (I'm planning to go for two weeks). After that first week I'd definitely take the first legal elk to present itself...I'm conflicted over this one.

If my son goes with me (pretty certain he will), then we will definitely take whatever shot we could right away since we'd still have another tag to fill. I'm looking forward to the experience above all else...can't wait!!!

by **welka** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 39]

Likely because I am fortunate enough to stick a lot of whitetails each year, I have always held out for bigger bulls. I have passed on a lot of 4x4 bulls, 5 bys, 6x6, etc because my goal was higher. Also have shot a couple so not a big deal to wait. Way back when, we were in the middle of a rut fest and I think I let like 5 bulls pass... outfitter walked up to me and said, "what, weren't any of them good enough?". He was not happy and I should have told him more about goals earlier. After going out on our own years back, the bar lowered a little, and even though we had plenty of opportunities, I always still waited for bigger bulls. Makes for less shots and %, but I am still at 25% and that's good enough for me based on what I have passed on. To each his own!

by **zpd307** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 40]

this took me forever to do...... as far as the tattoo goes, I ran my first marathon last October. my reward was to get a 26.2 tattoo on my calf. it ended up that was the only reason I didn't quit. I reallyyyy wanted that tat! while I was getting passed by lots of faster runners, I saw a lot of those same 26.2s. so I wanted a personal one and came up with this.
EDIT: whoo hoo it worked!!!!

by **zpd307** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 41]

here is a closer view