What would you do?

[BowNut]

I hate to even think about how many more bulls are hit fatally and never found than the ones that are fatally hit and found to put the tag on it. I guarantee that if there was a way to estimate it or come up with a real number they would either shut it down for good or make people pass a proficiency archery exam, making hunters run a 100 yards stop shoot at a 50 yard target, shoot moving targets and be able to hit a 6" circle when given only 3 arrows and making all 3 inside that circle. Also watch a video where opportunities are shown to them and they have to take the shot or pass and if they get any wrong they fail and only get one try for the whole course (shooting and video/written portion) It sounds crazy hard and a lot of people are going to say I am crazy but if an archer could shoot that perfect and answer all the questions correctly under pressure of three officers watching him he is probably good to go for making a good shot. It doesn't make 100% recovery of every elk shot but it would sure increase that percentage. If a regular guy that never or has never shot a bow knew he had to take this test he would probably not put in for the archery tag in the first place. It would weed out the guys that put in for bugle elk hunts because thats what their friends said to do and they have never shot a bow in their life. They get drawn and buy a used bow and a cheap range finder. Then practice once a week a month prior to the hunt. Then the hunt comes along and they get this new call that is so cool called a hoochie momma. You don't even have to blow on it. Then they go out and have an elk scream in their face, crap in their pants and shoot it in the a%# as the crap runs down their leg.

I agree with this! I posted something like this a long time ago and it did not go over well. I don't think you would need to make it as hard as you posted. I spend a lot of time at the archery range and I can not believe how some guys are shooting the weekend before hunting season. I know if G&F just placed a paper plate at 40 yards and said put 4 out of 5 arrows in it before putting your app. in the box I would get a tag more often!

[elkaholic]

""I know if G&F just placed a paper plate at 40 yards and said put 4 out of 5 arrows in it before putting your app. in the box I would get a tag more often! ""

 

we all should know Bryon Ferguson , the famous trick archery shooter - shoots aspirin tossed in air - shoots thru a wedding ring - famous for all types of trick shooting. did you see his most famous moment - missed an elk at 30 yrds didnt even come close - it was televised on a hunt show once -

 

even the greatest archers in the world can miss - hittin plates a 40 yrds dont mean jack in the field lookin at a live animal, doin his thing.

 

sure practice and skill is a good base but it aint real huntin and we all know it -

[THOR]

""I know if G&F just placed a paper plate at 40 yards and said put 4 out of 5 arrows in it before putting your app. in the box I would get a tag more often! ""

 

we all should know Bryon Ferguson , the famous trick archery shooter - shoots aspirin tossed in air - shoots thru a wedding ring - famous for all types of trick shooting. did you see his most famous moment - missed an elk at 30 yrds didnt even come close - it was televised on a hunt show once -

 

even the greatest archers in the world can miss - hittin plates a 40 yrds dont mean jack in the field lookin at a live animal, doin his thing.

 

sure practice and skill is a good base but it aint real huntin and we all know it -

+1

Elk are crazy tough animals...thats all that needs to be said...its a personal opinion on if you want to keep hunting. everyone is different and doesnt make them a better or worse hunter. things happen you could hit a limb or all kinds of stuff could happen. as long as the hunter tried to follow up on the shot and trail there is not much more that can be said. it was a wet week up north_ blood trails go quick. i wouldnt try to shoot another and that would be a tough thought (thats just me)....with many sleepless nights....thats why they call it hunting and not killing. I have been fortunate to not wound anything yet.....but i have slept..or tried to sleep through the night and get him in the morning....its a horible feeling.....

[hunterdude]

Last year I shot one on the first monday of the hunt at about 1745 and followed blood til midnight. Went back in the am and searched il noon, and then back at it around 1500. I searched every day till I found it! Found it 4 days later by smell and crows. The meat was spoiled but I still tagged the rack. It sucks loosing one but if you hit it good stay after it and it will start stinking and lead you to it!

[hunterdude]

Now that I think about it a CWT member stopped by to check out the rack but I cant recall who it was!

[TwoGuns]

Would you keep hunting if you already shot 2 bulls and couldn't find either one?

 

Probably

[matthewp45]

The reason you practice every day is to get your musclee memory built up. Just like the blue angels. They are an extreme example but those guys totally submerge themselves in a routine for almost a year and the result from doing the same routine everyday is your brain will do exactly what you have practice no matter the situation you are under. To think about the shot and make everything perfect is impossible with a bow unless you have a animal that is suicidal in front of you. You get excited and your nuscle memory and same routine that you have burned into your mind takes over and the shot will be true. To achieve this it is really hard work, But if you really want increase your odds of a fatal shot you have got to practice everyday and no matter how many arrows you shoot, the most important thing is to do the exact same thing before during and after the shot while practicing every shot.

[matthewp45]

The reason you practice every day is to get your musclee memory built up. Just like the blue angels. They are an extreme example but those guys totally submerge themselves in a routine for almost a year and the result from doing the same routine everyday is your brain will do exactly what you have practice no matter the situation you are under. To think about the shot and make everything perfect is impossible with a bow unless you have a animal that is suicidal in front of you. You get excited and your nuscle memory and same routine that you have burned into your mind takes over and the shot will be true. To achieve this it is really hard work, But if you really want increase your odds of a fatal shot you have got to practice everyday and no matter how many arrows you shoot, the most important thing is to do the exact same thing before during and after the shot while practicing every shot.

[chico]

My friend passed on 2 opportunities this early hunt in 22. Opening morning on really big bull at 35 yards, just didn't give him the right angle to let the hammer down. Was close several times, just didn't present the shot. Following weekend same thing, 4 chances. Drew on one and held, not the right angle. Chose not to let the arrow fly. That is ethical in my book. Best of luck to all next year.

[Today's the Day]

Talked to game and fish today. The game and fish rep said he would try to track the guy down and have a talk with him about ethics and shot placement.

[gearsnagger]

You should stop bowhunting and get a rifle! Pray for forgivness and make amends to the Elk God before applying for or going on any more hunt's! Also consult you priest or minister about this get Amanda to bless you and absolve you of you hunting sins then donate you bow and archery equipment to some one who knows how to use it!

This is what I say you should do - If I hit two elk and couldn't find them (highly unlikely). I would look for them for at least a day each and then return to hunting for another!