tree stand mistake

[down2c]

I have been hunting the same waterhole/wallow from a tree stand now for about 6 years. I have harvested a few cows, but decided I wanted to hold out for a bull this year. At about 1730 hrs...I heard a crashing up above me. There was something large that was on it's way to the water hole. Because there is heavy cover between me and the main body of the wallow ( I chose this tree because of the wind advantage) I could not see the critter even though it was less than 20 yards away. Eventually, I could see it's body through the thick cover, and with his head down about 15 yards from me, it appeared that he would use a trail directly uphill from me to cross back into the timber....this is an open shooting lane... Because most of my elk had been taken directly out in front of me in the past, i figured I'd wait to see what it was....well it did exactly as I thought...A very nice 6x6 slowly paced uphill broadside to me using the trail. When he got past me, I had to turn almost completely around and draw at the same time...I hesitated, as he was quartering away at 18 yards. He stopped and turned his head toward the stand, and I let one fly...the shot was closer to it's neck, and fell inches short burying itself in the dirt. WTF!! In hindsight I should have drawn the bow when he was behind the cover and I was sure he was going to give me a broadside.Perhaps I could have shot as he slowly paced by me? I was worried he would see me draw....but honestly, I don't think he had a clue! The wind was perfect. (already going down the draw at this point)

My question is, should I have drawn my bow while it was behind the heavy cover...even though I wasn't sure what it was? next question, I still don't think the bull caught wind of me....will he come back to the wallow using the same exit and entry? What an idiot I am...the bull of a lifetime because I was afraid to draw?! My buddy always told me, make sure the critter is passed you or looking away when you draw. After observing elk behavior from a tree stand, I don't think this theory applies from 20 feet up! Any advice would be appreciated.

[JPD350]

I don't use a tree stand but with your description of the scenario you knew it was coming towards a clear shooting lane, I would have been been drawn before he appeared you can always decide not to shoot, unfortunately it sounds like you simply tweaked your shot and missed, chalk it up to another experience and don't forget "always the same, never the same".

[down2c]

Thanks for reply JPD,
You are right it's never the same...It's a little discouraging, as these opportunities don't come very often! Happy hunting!

[easeup]

well thanks for posting up on the dilemma. I myself have not hunted elk from a tree hardly ever so I cannot contribute directly.
one thing about it as you have already surmised.....each day is different and each opportunity is different and it seems that one must understand that and play it as though you have never had it happen to you before vs having a mindset that the critter will come from over there and walk up this trail to pt B and then I will draw before pt C. Read each critter as it happens and play the cards as they are played vs trying to play a card before it hits the table. Put your eye on him and read his posture and manner with the wind and the brush cover lay and then make your choice. As far as waiting until he passes before you draw,..... well that may be a good choice but not an "always" issue as was suggested.
Fred Bear once said to his fellow bowhunters a cardinal rule that pretty much sums it up....."Take your first best shot".

[down2c]

well thanks for posting up on the dilemma. I myself have not hunted elk from a tree hardly ever so I cannot contribute directly.
one thing about it as you have already surmised.....each day is different and each opportunity is different and it seems that one must understand that and play it as though you have never had it happen to you before vs having a mindset that the critter will come from over there and walk up this trail to pt B and then I will draw before pt C. Read each critter as it happens and play the cards as they are played vs trying to play a card before it hits the table. Put your eye on him and read his posture and manner with the wind and the brush cover lay and then make your choice. As far as waiting until he passes before you draw,..... well that may be a good choice but not an "always" issue as was suggested.
Fred Bear once said to his fellow bowhunters a cardinal rule that pretty much sums it up....."Take your first best shot".

Thanks for the advice! Funny thing is, I blew it again last night...this time it was Mr. Really Big! My buddies told me to rest the area, but I couldn't resist. Low and behold an even bigger bull came in directly behind the stand. Like a 12" split between 5 and 6! Really light blond hide...again, I sat and watched. At one point he was on the move in front of me 35 yards quartering away....no shot! He paced up the hill in the wide-open at 1730 in the afternoon all by his lonesome! Go figure....I would have thought he would have had his cows by now? Honestly, it was like the jungle book out there last night. Bull Moose, Muley buck, does, 1 cow elk, and a coyote...I don't think my scent was ever detected. Probably never see that bull again! It was nice to see him. As a side note, If this bull had gone left to get his drink vs right when he came out from behind, I would have had the perfect shot! For some reason he avoided it??? probably not enough cover??