The one that got away...
Well, I am still a novice hunter, but this was my first antlered elk rifle hunt. I was out with my dad, spent the whole week working at it. We saw a few herds, but in the Dec hunt, the bulls were hiding in with the cows, I wasn't comfortable taking a shot.
Last day of the hunt, we turn to the game and fish site, start checking the locations they recommend. Pretty rough trail in to a gorge (driving). As we near the edge, a herd maybe 50 strong breaks and heads down. It took me some time to get out, grab my rifle, etc, then ran up to the edge, did a quick range on the bottom at 250 yards or so. The herd is at the bottom, running away, up the other side, maybe 4-500 yards (measured later). I see a small bull straggler, but running, and I lay on the hill, on my back, shooting down. 1 round, and then he was gone. I knew I didn't hit him, but I couldn't chance it. We hoofed it down in and of course I missed.
Even still, I had a great week with my dad, saw some amazing things, and made everlasting memories. I also don't have a regret not taking a shot.
Well, I am still a novice hunter, but this was my first antlered elk rifle hunt. I was out with my dad, spent the whole week working at it. We saw a few herds, but in the Dec hunt, the bulls were hiding in with the cows, I wasn't comfortable taking a shot.
Last day of the hunt, we turn to the game and fish site, start checking the locations they recommend. Pretty rough trail in to a gorge (driving). As we near the edge, a herd maybe 50 strong breaks and heads down. It took me some time to get out, grab my rifle, etc, then ran up to the edge, did a quick range on the bottom at 250 yards or so. The herd is at the bottom, running away, up the other side, maybe 4-500 yards (measured later). I see a small bull straggler, but running, and I lay on the hill, on my back, shooting down. 1 round, and then he was gone. I knew I didn't hit him, but I couldn't chance it. We hoofed it down in and of course I missed.
Even still, I had a great week with my dad, saw some amazing things, and made everlasting memories. I also don't have a regret not taking a shot.