An Elk Hunt Video

[WapitiTalk1]

Thought I'd post this up for your viewing pleasure. Yes, it's a bit long but worth the watch IMO. Scouting, trail camming, tent trailers, some fine outdoor cooking, ground blinding, blood trailing, perseverance and patience, highs and lows, and some pretty damn good camera work.......I think this VID has it all. Curious to think what you elknuts think about this and what you can pick out of it that you can relate to (good and bad).

[msd1228]

One of my favorite vids - really captures how quickly a guy can go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. Also shows that there is no substitute for hard work and perseverance.

[zpd307]

the vid reminded me a lot of my season last year. minus the bull coming back for a second go round....

[under H2O hunter]

I am not a fan of this video personally. I think the guy made a poor marginal shot which could of ended up bad. I am glad that he was able to get a second chance and harvest the animal. IMHO I think to many guys are making poor shots because they are on video and they really want that monster bull NO MATTER WHAT. I did like the ground blind they built though.

[Kessler10]

Great Video! I didn't see anything unethical about the shot in my opinion. But thats why its an opinion, everyone has their own and entitled to their own.
This looks to be a guy who waited ten years for this permit and spent the better part of a year planing and preparing for it. He didn't give up after the first shot failed to put the bull down. kept at it.

[CurlyTail]

Entertaining Video! Fantastic plot and story telling for an amateur production. A lot of honest emotion and enthusiasm for the hunt and reverence for the Elk - I like that. Shot seemed long, but hard to tell with the wide angle lens, but the Bull was broadside and stationary. Only the hunter knows his effective range. A great lesson that Elk are indeed often habitual. Can't believe that first shot didn't do more damage. Overall great video, and I cannot second guess anything they did.

[ishy]

I know...makes me think of all the shot placement discussions on here about going in front of the crease on a shoulder. Those bones are hard! Makes you wonder what broad head he uses, and if he is still using it. I think the only thing I've seen get less penetration on a good shot is a mechanical head.

[WapitiTalk1]

Yep, the bull jumped before the arrow impact on each shot. Just watched both shots again in the quiet of my house with minimal distractions. Could have ended up much worse than it did. Just an observation.. I think the first shot was 70ish and the second was a bit over 80.

[easeup]

just observations that come to mind.....there are no judgments entered nor malice intended.

That young man spared no expense on that trip as it was outfitted with brand new top end everything you could want except the 3wheeler. There were at least two cameras going at the same time to capture the hunt. One must assume the video of the event was a very important item. This is supported by the finished video product which was very nicely done.
I also perceive that he is a very good shooter to confidently take long shots. I expect that if the bull had not flinched from the bow noise, the impact locations of his shots would be very close to spot on. And the location of the blind set up is such that a long shot was a most probable event; and that location was selected after a number of scouting trips.
the shots I think were taken while sitting in a collapsible chair (those things just don't work for me). what talent! (I shoot better standing) or maybe he shot from his knees. Anyway, my observations on this point are that taking a long shot is usually very dependent on how steady you are.

on the first shot, no arrow penetration so he must have hit the scapula bone lower end but watching the bull run out, he was hurting and I thought he was going down. But he shook off the pain of the impact and would have had no additional issues it appeared. The G5 head is a good broad-head but the arrow could not deliver it into the vitals.

The bull he let go while waiting for the second shot at the firebull was a hoss. That took some character. I assume he was waiting for the same bull to return?

Why are those bulls alone? 20 days into the season had to be in full rut. Why did the bull walk out into the meadow with no escort so far from cover? I have never seen such behavior.

My congrats to him for his successful hunt.

[Heartwood]

Pretty crazy some of the things that can happen on the hunt. What is that saying? "The truth is somtimes stranger than fiction.
I guess it was just meant to be that that hunter was to harvest that bull! Anymore, i try hard to hold back judgment of other hunters and their shot choices. None of us was in that guys shoes at the shot. Once that arrow is released , we can't bring it back and we as hunters must live with the consequences, good or bad. I'm sure happy for him that it all worked out.

[Bow4me]

Awesome video! But the two things that popped in my head was man that looks like a long shot and did he say "at least my broad head deployed?"

[tdiesel]

Awesome video! But the two things that popped in my head was man that looks like a long shot and did he say "at least my broad head deployed?"

Yes I believe he switched broadheads after the the first shot and went to a fixed blade head. Although where he hit not sure a fixed would have done any better in that shoulder.

[Fridaythe13th]

Great long shot. I bet most people wish they had that kind of patience. I know I don't. I personally loved the video, but I like most, you tube elk video. It's fun how the wind was always right on the video. Thank for posting the video Phanton. If you got anymore that would be great........

[ElkNut1]

One of the best videos I've seen, very honest & down to earth. The shots appear to be around 50 yds or so, not real bad! I would have taken them.

ElkNut1

[Ghost]

Good video, great bull. Paul you think that was only 50 yards or so? Man it looked like 100 yards to me, but I know the camera is deceiving.

[ElkNut1]

Yes I do, I've shot elk to 50 yards in the past & it appears the arrow was in the air for a shot at about that aprox distance. I've shot out to a 100 yards at countless targets & the arrow is in the air a long time at that distance. Too, I could hear the arrow hit the animal both times, that's tough to do at 100 yards. Just my observation, no real way of telling unless the shooter lets us know! (grin)

ElkNut1

[Ghost]

It was roughly 2 seconds in flight before you heard the impact, Im way to lazy to do the math, but Im sure there is a formula to figure out roughly how far the elk was.

[ElkNut1]

LOL, Heck I wouldn't even know how to do the math? (grin) I didn't count time on them but 2 seconds is a long time!

ElkNut1

[wapitibowman]

I would love to see this video, but it won't pull up for me. Any suggestions??

[ElkNut1]

Go to youtube.com & put in the title of the video, it should come right up! Give that a shot!

ElkNut1

[twinkieman]

A very entertaining way to start my morning. Two observations, the hunter had extreme amounts of patience, my hat is off to him for that. Secondly, we should all take something away from the fact that his first arrow in the scap did very little to this bull, he may have hurt for a few days, but it didn't change his routine. While none of us would want this to happen, it does. Great job on all of the contents.

[Kessler10]

The 2nd shot was around 80 yards

[Ghost]

his first arrow in the scap did very little to this bull

I was kinda shocked that the bull didnt even have a limp.

[ishy]

The video can be very deceiving for sound and distance especially because he doesn't use any zoom. These guys are pros that outfit, make shed hunting dvd's, and sell a really nice scope cam adapter that is amazing for taking pics and video through your spotting scope. Pretty sure they just bought Trophy Hunter magazine as well. I know I could feel his pain making the decision to go back to the same stand wondering if he would ever see that toad again! Hats off to him for making it happen.

[ishy]

Found the write up, 80 yards on the first shot 75 on the second. Both shots were with g5 strykers.

[under H2O hunter]

The video can be very deceiving for sound and distance especially because he doesn't use any zoom. These guys are pros that outfit, make shed hunting dvd's, and sell a really nice scope cam adapter that is amazing for taking pics and video through your spotting scope. Pretty sure they just bought Trophy Hunter magazine as well. I know I could feel his pain making the decision to go back to the same stand wondering if he would ever see that toad again! Hats off to him for making it happen.

Found the write up, 80 yards on the first shot 75 on the second. Both shots were with g5 strykers.

No offense to you but an 80 yard shot and 75 yard shot doesn't make you a professional unless you're trying to be a professional at really long tracking jobs and loss animals. If they are aprofessionals then they should respect the game and wait till they have a much higher percentage shot. I don't care if you are excellent on the range at 75 and 80 yards. There is just so much that can go wrong at those distances with elk which was very evident in this video. He got really lucky yes and he was able to kill the elk the second time it came through. The odds are that you won't get a second chance and if you wound an elk like he did the odds are that the elk is going to suffer and possibly die without a recovery and that is so unprofessional. So in my book these guys are far from being what I call a "PRO"

[ishy]

under h2o, no offense taken. The "professional" was in actually in reference to their filming ability/equipment, not their shot selection. I totally agree about the distance that the shot was taken and that he was extremely lucky getting the second shot.

[Huntrgathr]

The video can be very deceiving for sound and distance especially because he doesn't use any zoom. These guys are pros that outfit, make shed hunting dvd's, and sell a really nice scope cam adapter that is amazing for taking pics and video through your spotting scope. Pretty sure they just bought Trophy Hunter magazine as well. I know I could feel his pain making the decision to go back to the same stand wondering if he would ever see that toad again! Hats off to him for making it happen.

Found the write up, 80 yards on the first shot 75 on the second. Both shots were with g5 strykers.

No offense to you but an 80 yard shot and 75 yard shot doesn't make you a professional unless you're trying to be a professional at really long tracking jobs and loss animals. If they are aprofessionals then they should respect the game and wait till they have a much higher percentage shot. I don't care if you are excellent on the range at 75 and 80 yards. There is just so much that can go wrong at those distances with elk which was very evident in this video. He got really lucky yes and he was able to kill the elk the second time it came through. The odds are that you won't get a second chance and if you wound an elk like he did the odds are that the elk is going to suffer and possibly die without a recovery and that is so unprofessional. So in my book these guys are far from being what I call a "PRO"

So, at what shot distance does an elk become immobilized ? If you get close enough do they just stand there and catch the arrow ? Excuse my French but, Shit Happens. AT ANY DISTANCE. How many guys on this forum have hit a scap ? How many hunters have botched a 25 yd shot because they hit a twig ? Does that mean ethical hunters should never hunt in the timber ?

Before you rebut me though, just think about it for a few days. We as hunters have a lot of beliefs about the "right" and "wrong " way to do things. Where did those beliefs come from ? The reason I ask is that 5-10 years ago I might have posted the same thing you did - calling out the hunter for " poor judgement". But My bow hunting experiences during those years have changed my perspective on a great many things.

The Tines Up crew pick up more monster sheds, kill more monster bucks and bulls than most of us could ever hope to and earn a living doing it. I'd say that qualifies them as professional. They've turned their passion into a profession. My hat is off to them - especially the hunter in the video. Never give up.

[Bow4me]

That looked like a lot more luck than skill to me. JS

[under H2O hunter]

So, at what shot distance does an elk become immobilized ? If you get close enough do they just stand there and catch the arrow ? Excuse my French but, Shit Happens. AT ANY DISTANCE. How many guys on this forum have hit a scap ? How many hunters have botched a 25 yd shot because they hit a twig ? Does that mean ethical hunters should never hunt in the timber ?

Before you rebut me though, just think about it for a few days. We as hunters have a lot of beliefs about the "right" and "wrong " way to do things. Where did those beliefs come from ? The reason I ask is that 5-10 years ago I might have posted the same thing you did - calling out the hunter for " poor judgement". But My bow hunting experiences during those years have changed my perspective on a great many things.

The Tines Up crew pick up more monster sheds, kill more monster bucks and bulls than most of us could ever hope to and earn a living doing it. I'd say that qualifies them as professional. They've turned their passion into a profession. My hat is off to them - especially the hunter in the video. Never give up.

I don't need a few days as I am pretty solid on my answer....So because someone makes a video about shed hunting and they kill monster bulls they some how are professional? Geeee who would have guessed that? I totally understand that "Shit" happens. I have smacked animals in the ass when my arrow deflected off a branch I just didn't see... I have also lost monster animals that were hit really well and just seemed to disappear from close range. I can totally understand that shit happens The way I see it we owe it to the animals to make the best possible shot we feel comfortable with yet still ethical. I personally don't feel that kind of shot is truly ethical. To me that is fling and a prayer. To many variable can alter that trajectory. The same reasons and issues that long range rifle hunting has. Thermals not consistent, Jump of the string, Not enough kinetic energy, blah blah blah.Is just to much out at 75 and 80 yards. It's ok to risk one of those but when you combine all those it just is to risky in my opinion. I respect your position and if you want to look up to those guys well thats ok you are your own person. I just can't respect guys who take chances with other living animals. I like a quick clean human death. Personally. I agree that over time our values and whats ethical changes what's important when we are young is not always as important when we are old. As I grow older I value being as human as possible. I appreciate your very candid response and thank you for being respectful.

[Huntrgathr]

Under h20 : I understand your perspective and respect your choices as a hunter. I don't want to be the billionth guy to start a debate about the ethics of shot distance with you ( or anyone else). But consider these two thoughts :

Every hunter is different. Good hunters try to capitalize on their strengths to be successful - The same as predators do in nature. Wether it's calling, stalking, tree standing - whatever. Some hunters are excellent stalkers while others are excellent archers - some are both. It's up to the individual hunter to make his/her own choices about how to capitalize on their strengths to be successful. And I don't think it's fair to criticize another hunter for doing so- just because you feel it's not " your way".


We all strive for a humane kill. But, as bowhunters, we have chosen a more primitive way to take game. A method of take that leaves more room for error. If you want an instant, painless death for the animal then you accomplish that with a close range head shot from a high-power rifle. Everything else is less than perfect. By going afield with a stick and string to bring down an 800 lb animal you are already giving up the " high percentage" shot. But that intimate act of hunting close, of living with the elk for a time each year bonds us to them in a way that makes us not just predator and prey, but two beings acting out ancient roles that have defined our entire existence for 10's of thousands of years ( sorry creationists ) up until now. And that experience and how it defines our lives has GREAT value. It's a trade off of killing efficiency for " the experience" that we are making. Experience that breeds conservationists and advocates for the same creatures that we kill - thereby saving those creatures from " death by lack of funding" and habitat loss that would result if game management were left to the non-hunting population. It really is a paradox that we kill what we love...

My opinion is that the hunter showed respect for the elk and took a shot that he felt was within his effective range. If that bull had not moved I suspect the first shot would have been deadly. In other words, he was hunting according to his abilities and using good judgement. I don't think we can slight him for that...

[under H2O hunter]

Under h20 : I understand your perspective and respect your choices as a hunter. I don't want to be the billionth guy to start a debate about the ethics of shot distance with you ( or anyone else). But consider these two thoughts :

Every hunter is different. Good hunters try to capitalize on their strengths to be successful - The same as predators do in nature. Wether it's calling, stalking, tree standing - whatever. Some hunters are excellent stalkers while others are excellent archers - some are both. It's up to the individual hunter to make his/her own choices about how to capitalize on their strengths to be successful. And I don't think it's fair to criticize another hunter for doing so- just because you feel it's not " your way".


We all strive for a humane kill. But, as bowhunters, we have chosen a more primitive way to take game. A method of take that leaves more room for error. If you want an instant, painless death for the animal then you accomplish that with a close range head shot from a high-power rifle. Everything else is less than perfect. By going afield with a stick and string to bring down an 800 lb animal you are already giving up the " high percentage" shot. But that intimate act of hunting close, of living with the elk for a time each year bonds us to them in a way that makes us not just predator and prey, but two beings acting out ancient roles that have defined our entire existence for 10's of thousands of years ( sorry creationists ) up until now. And that experience and how it defines our lives has GREAT value. It's a trade off of killing efficiency for " the experience" that we are making. Experience that breeds conservationists and advocates for the same creatures that we kill - thereby saving those creatures from " death by lack of funding" and habitat loss that would result if game management were left to the non-hunting population. It really is a paradox that we kill what we love...

My opinion is that the hunter showed respect for the elk and took a shot that he felt was within his effective range. If that bull had not moved I suspect the first shot would have been deadly. In other words, he was hunting according to his abilities and using good judgement. I don't think we can slight him for that...

I agree that I don't want to debate shot ethics. Everyone is going to have a different set. What about the fact that we as hunters owe it to the animals we hunt to be ethical? Beyond the shot how about the ethics that this man drew blood on an animal and took 1 day to look for it. When it wasn't recovered he gave up and assumed the animal wasn't dead... So he goes back to hunting? A real professional in my opinion is one who wouldn't do that. They would consider the tag punched and call it a day. If fact in Colorado right now that very subject is being looked at. Potentially becoming law. Meaning that if you draw blood on an animal then your tag is punched. Yes I understand people can lie and say they didn't find blood or that they are not sure they even hit the animal. But when it's on tape and you see a bad shot. Shit happening or not you should punch that tag once blood is located.. This to me is why I am critical about the whole thing.

Let's just role play this out a little, but this time lets say there is a law that says if you draw blood your tag is punched. Do you honestly believe this man would have taken that first shot? Even the second one if he passed on the first? I don't think so... I feel that he would of held out for a higher percentage shot. The arrow only had 3 inches of penetration it looked like when they found the arrow. On his second shot it wasn't a pass through so you have to assume from that distance that he only got one lung. They backed out when they were trailing it and came back the next day and recovered it which was the smart play. So you know that his K.E. wasn't enough. It's my opinion that this crew is talented in that they can hike and scout and find big bulls, however I think they are a donkey show when it comes to being a professional crew. Just my opinion. Like I said before you are free to respect and look up to who ever you like.. This is just one hunt I don't think needed to be publicized. That's all.

[Elkduds]

What strikes me about this is how a decent video with lots of things going right and plenty to like, went to hell for me and others w the 1st shot. Which illustrates exactly how you can ruin an awesome hunt by taking such a shot. Shooting @ a range w 2 seconds of arrow flight between bow and target ignores everything that might happen in that interval. I respectfully disagree w Huntr that the shot was within any archer's effective range. I failed to see any respect for game in this video, but I quit watching after the 1st shot.