Elk jumping the string?

[TJH24]

I dont have a ton of archery elk hunting experience. How likely are bulls to jump a string? I know most of the whitetails I hunt on the east coast will react some to a bow shot. Especially if the deer is alert and a distance longer than 30 yards.

Most of the hunting shows and videos on elk hunting seem to show the elk dropping very little. I would assume that each situation is different and depending on if the bull is alert and looking for you or has his focus on cows or elsewhere. Just want to know what your observations have been.

Thanks

[ElkNut1]

Absolutely! Elk can & do react to a bow shot even when not looking at you! The further the shot the more they can move. We find they drop down more than jump up. 30 yards & under though & shot on the money you are generally good to go!

ElkNut1

[GobbleFarmer]

I have no experience with elk, but from the videos that Iv'e seen I haven't once seen an elk duck below an arrow, but that doesn't mean they cannot! I shot at a 4 pt whitetail last year, and realized that they have super fast ducking reflexes ... Elk seem to be more tolerant to the sound of loosing an arrow, but if your shooting 30-40+ than yes they can move a lot.

[Trophyhill]

I haven't seen this or maybe haven't noticed.

[Wapitibob]

I've seen a total of 2 bulls jump at the shot in over 40 years of hunting them. Both times the archer was pegged and the bull was simply daring the guys to shoot. Also, both times the bull was gone before the arrow even got there. One shot was 19 steps in the early 80's and the other was last year at 40 yards. It never enters my mind.

[RooseveltObsession]

Absolutely! All of the videos I have at home, when they slow down the shot footage, you can clearly see the Elk either start to turn or duck or flinch in preparing to run away from the noise.

I don't know what the percentage is, I will guess 50-60% move at the sound of the shot. How much? It all depends on distance and flight time.

I'm going to start a movie marathon and keep track. Although, I won't be able to record shot distance, as they don't always say how far the shot was, at least I will have a movement percentage. I will post up my findings by the end of next weekend!

Paul