How do you set up for a shot

[Drawnandpinned]

Title says it all its my first year bow hunting and everything I have is ready I'm just worried about getting busted during my draw what do you use as cover thanks and good luck to everyone this year

[WapitiTalk1]

Always back up against concealmeant, never behind it. Try to use the natural choke points/travel obstacles to protect your position (if you can get back against blowdown where bullwinkle has to come around it and in front or you/by your shooter, that's a plus). Wind is huge here.... you obviously want the wind in your face but Mr. Wapiti doesn't always play by that rule (and oftentimes does not)... watch your sides where he may come in to wind you, or, your shooter. Make sure your shooter is in front of you where you feel an elk may come in, but not straight ahead, he/she needs to be at an angle to right or left. If hunting solo, call and move to a location where "you" will be at an advantage when he comes in.. Just a few thoughts, I'm sure others will chime in. Best of luck to you this season.

[Heartwood]

With a shooter and caller set up you will have less attention on your shooter position so no need to be concealled, just have some "background cover" behind you as Phantom said. Be very strategic about when you draw, using cover near the bull to hide his line of sight. Somtimes you will have to let him pass you so you are in his peripheral vision before drawing. It is an art that i have not mastered. Somtimes i've been forced to draw on a bull knowing i would spook him then stop him with a popping grunt further out for the shot.We have had success at times by putting the shooter down wind of the caller because this is where some bulls tend to go to size up the situation with their nose before committing . Seeems like satalite bulls do this often but worked up aggressive heard bulls seem to just come streight in with less caution. I think the satalites are fearful that another silent bull may be present and ready to confront them. Always try to call from a position where an incoming bull can't stop and see the call position or he will expect to see another elk. Make him come look for you. Have the shooter out in front far enough that the bull is already in range if he hangs up. Pick a setup with enough cover to conceal but not so much as to hinder shot opps.
There is a lot to consided but you will get good at it with some field practice and this stuff is "key" to putting an elk on the ground if you want to harvest by calling one in. Not every spot in the woods is good or right for calling a bull in so be selective with what you have to work with (cover, terrain, wind, shadows, pinch points, obstacles etc.) Remember also that it pays to be bold and agressive in your actions with elk. Take risks and you will eventually be rewarded.

[easeup]

have some nerves of steel at this point. It is not wise to draw if you can see his head because he can see you if you move. Draw when his head is behind something.
Like posted above, you may have to sit like a statue until he passes in some cases so that he gets covered up somehow. If the wind is right for you be patient.
If you draw too early, be still and let the drawn bow rest on your leg or something as it will allow you to stay a draw much longer if need be. patience will win for you here also.

[brun]

I think the two most common mistakes are setting up behind cover and waiting too long to draw. Of course you want to work the wind, but you never know which way they will come. If you have time try to find a spot with some concealment, but also some shooting lanes. If you are in too heavy of cover you usually won't be able to shoot. Sometimes it happens very quickly and you may not be able to find an ideal setup , but if he sounds like he's coming grab a spot and be ready. Good luck and have fun.