Passing up bow shots....

[canislatrans]

I went on my first big game hunt back in 1989 for mule deer using a rifle. So so the next 15 years rile hunting for muleys every season with my trusty rifle is all I ever knew. And every year I am presented with a option to fill my tag. But 9 out of 10 times I will pass on the shot and go home with just great times to think about. Last year was the first year that I hunted with anything other than a rifle and my first year to ever hunt anything other than muleys. So I headed up to the hills and shot the first legal bull I saw which was a 4x5 raghorn at 15 yards with a muzzle loader on opening morning. That was the first animal I had taken in 5 years though I was very happy to have my first elk I could not help thinking about what if I would have passed him up. So this year I decided I wanted to pick up bowhunting and try that out. I drew mule deer and bull elk bow tags and was happy to have them. I just got back from my Gila elk hunt and while I was up there I met several people who did not share my thoughts about passing up shots. Most every one I talked with said they would take the first shot at a legal animal that they could get. And that anything you can get with a bow is a trophy. I would agree that anything with a bow is a trophy. However, after many days of hard bowhunting, I presented with the option to shoot at the first legal bull I had a shot at. So here was this slightly quartering away 5x5 at 40 yards looking away from me. Well, I elected to pass at the tempting shot and keep my hunt going. While watching him walk away I knew that might have been my only chance. I also knew that the guys back at camp had been hunting harder than I have been and were still hoping for a shot like the one I just passed on. So that may have been the best time for me to take a shot the whole time I was up there but I would have never had the chance to fling an arrow at a 330 bull that my partner had stuck just seconds before. I guess my idea is to hunt for the sake of hunting, filling a tag is bonus. So let me know what you think. Do you pass up shots or do you take the first thing you can get with a bow. Even though I am a first year bow hunter I passed a shot! And the bull will be bigger next year.

 

[jasn]

That's a hard question to answer. It depends a lot on the species, how far into the hunt, how many I already have taken in previous years, what my expectations are going into the hunt, etc. If it was my first elk hunt ever, and with a bow, I probably would've taken the shot unless it was my first day or two hunting. However, currently I would pass that shot everyday until the last day of the hunt, hoping for the one that I really want to take home!

I got a lion with my bow (posted w/pics) by passing up on a smaller 4 point deer this year as well as other bucks, where I would've slept in if I already had a buck hanging in camp! I guess things work out in mysterious ways sometimes!

I seem to pass up more shots than I take these days, but then again I'm always sure that I made the right decision for me, and as long as you are too, then who cares!

 

[a3dhunter]

I agree with passing on some shots but I think it depends on your expectations of where you are hunting. If you are hunting an area where that 5x5 would be a good archery bull then take the shot. If you are hunting an area where you know there is a chance at a bigger bull then go ahead and pass. I hunted archery elk this year and passed on several legal animals the first couple days, then it seemed like the elk moved out. The next bull I saw was a three point and I passed, then a four point stepped out. Since this would be my first elk I decided I could go home happy with this animal and let one fly(I missed!)I then passed on several cows that could have been taken with an either sex tag that I had and continued hunting. After 7 days of hunting I had two days left and decided that now I would take the first good shot that a cow presented me so I could have some elk meat. This shot didn't come until the last evening and then I shot the cow and couldn't locate her! I would rather have not taken the shot had I had any idea this would happen, but the setup was perfect and I thought I nailed her good. I made the right choice it just didn't work out. That being said I would still pass on the shots that I did pass on, but I will take home any animal that I will be happy with. If it is a 4 point bull, then so be it. If it is only a 6 point bull that I will be happy with then I guess I will pass on a lot more animals. To each their own. You have to hunt according to what you want to take home, not what someone else would do. There were guys that I talked to up there that hadn't seen even a cow elk and would gladly have taken that first cow they saw, they probably thought I was full of it because I saw elk 7 out of 9 days I hunted. I knew what I was hunting for, and I took the shot I wanted. Everyone else should do the same IMHO.
a3dhunter

 

[BOHNTR]

I pass up far more shots than I take each season. I've basically decided if it's not what the caliber I want or the right shot, I'm not disapointed if I go home empty handed. I think it's an individual decision that each bowhunter makes. If someone wants to arrow a spike (where legal) it's a trophy as well and they should be proud. JMO.

BOHNTR )))---------->

 

[ronaldo]

I agree that passing on shots very much depends on the individual and his or her experience. I am 65 years old and have had the good fortune to take numerous deer and elk with rifle and muzzleloader, some of good antler quality. It is now easy for me to pass on game whereas in my younger days, especially hunting in California, I very seldom passed on an animal. I hunted for a few years with a bow in my youth and would have loved to have gotten any elk, but never did. Three years ago, after taking up archery again, I hunted elk in southwestern Colorado and passed on several raghorns while chasing some decent bulls around- never got a shot. Last year I archery hunted a quality unit in Colorado and chased several 30 inch plus bucks around for seven days again passing on some smaller deer and again not taking a shot. Archery hunting in Colorado alone on public land this year on the second day of the hunt I had a 6x6 come by me at 26 yds and got that opportunity I had hoped for. I was able to tag a 350+ bull. Being in a mode of holding off on smaller game finally worked out for me, but I know it doesn't always work that way. For me it was well worth the wait.

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

I really respect your thoughts and approach to hunts.I too feel that tagging animal is just a bonus , but have had many successful hunts with out bringing home a deer or elk. I have also passed up shots , with bow , muzzleloader and even rifle. But I have a love for hunting, and actually day dream of oppertunities and if presented with a makable shot ,I will take it.I bow hunted for 5 years straight without ever taking an animal and finally killed my first muley buck and cow elk on the 6th year.So it was also going many years of never tagging and watching others have success that also led me to taking my first chance on hunts. My dad has so much patience , and I feel I'm learning, I've been able to pass very makable shots on antelope as I've killed quit a few now and would love a 80+ inch buck , but still will take the first elk I can put an effective arrow in. I also put in for my elk hunts in units with high numbers of elk , not so much high numbers of big bulls...If I ever get back to the Gila or can ever draw an AZ tag, hopefully I'll have some more experiance with bull elk where I could pass on smaller bulls but until then ,I'll stay in the units I'm at...

 

[Cookie2]

In my opinion it is the individual hunter who decides when and when not to shoot. If you have to tag out to feel successful then by all means take the shot. For me it isn't about the kill, it's about the HUNT. I live for it. I tagged out on elk for the first time in eighteen years this year and to be honest, I was a little depressed that my hunt was over. I always feel that way when I tag out, whether it be deer, antelope, or anything else for that matter. I have never hunted elk with anything other than a bow and I probably never will. It's all about the experience of getting in close to these magnificent animals for me. The choice is yours and you have to live with it. If you can go home with a tag in your pocket and feel good about the time you spent in the woods, who really cares what someone else thinks about it?

 

[Wiszard]

At this point in my bowhunting career I could not pass on any legal animal. I've been bowhunting for 5 years now and I've taken one legal buck. This past bow season (2006-its an early season here in Ca) I had a little spike/fork come into 8 yards, spook and then stop at 15 yards broadside. Nothing between us but an inch-wide T-post covering just a portion of his vitals. I'm not passing up a shot at a legal buck so I let my arrow fly and, of course, my shot was perfect! I hit smack dab in the center of that T-post. The deer took off and that was it. I figured if I aimed right for the post I'd miss it either right or left putting a fatal shot on the buck. I was too good of a shot that day!! My point is that you dont get very many opportunities at game with a bow. I will take advantage of every shot until I think its time to up my standards. I agree with everyone else that it is the hunters decision. Theres nothing wrong with passing on a shot. I'm sure the other hunters appreciate it as well. Let them get bigger for the following year.

 

[Kirby]

I pass up shots all the time. I've passed up over 2 dozen bears this year, and a couple of small but legal bucks. I hunt for the hunt. The chance to take a truly amazing animal is there, and I love that feeling, if I shot a spike buck I would regret it, and I owe more to the animal than to regret its death.

Everybody holds out for something differnt, a spike is a great animal, and if somebody is happy with that I fully encourage it.
However there are animals I shoot first legal one, such as moose, its spike or fork only, so no chance to get a monster bull so thats a "meat" hunt.

Kirby

When in doubt, floor it.

Diplomacy is the art of saying "nice doggy" until you find a big stick.

 

[AWHOLELOTTABULL]

Passing up shots is hard to do unless you have set your goals on something and have the realization that you may go home empty handed. I have often wondered if I did the right thing by passing on some shots but as I get older and appreciate just the opportunity to get out of the house I don't ever regret making that choice. I believe that it is a personal decision and one that you have to make prior to going on your hunt. Make up your mind what you are going to go after and stay with it. In my oppionion, the ability to pass on an animal makes me appreciate the hunt even more.


It's always an adventure!!!

 

[mmwb]

Guess it depends on the purpose of the hunt. I bowhunt more for pleasure than anything, but am a meat hunter. Early in the season I tend to pass up small deer, but might take a sure shot, if there is such a thing. I would take any good shot at an elk. If I have an empty tag at the end of the bowhunt, then I get the rifle out and get serious about making meat. With the number of people in the woods at that time, and increased accessability problems with the weather, I generally just go out and take the first legal animal. I love the meat too much to not fill that tag at some point if I can... On the other hand, unfilled tag=empty freezer is a disappointment, but I always am glad to have been able to hunt. What a great experience!

 

[muledrhnter]

sounds like you enjoy hunting so much, you don't want the hunt to end so soon. i probably don't have the patience you have, but i still respect your way of hunting. As long as your happy w/ your decisions. i have a relative that quit hunting some time back but he still goes out just for the enjoyment of the hunting experience. he has one picture of a very nice 6x6 bull he took while walking the hills. be safe and have fun on your future hunts.

 

[Warren]

"Any animal with a bow is a trophy" is kind of worn out. If you have never killed with a bow, then it is true. If you have numerous kills, it might make a lot of sense to hold out and see what might happen. Making a good bow shot is very satisfying, no matter the size of the animal. A lot has to do with where you are hunting and the potential for multiple shots.

 

[littlebighorn]

To me, the bottom line is can you be happy with going home empty handed? Last week I talked to a guide who said 13 of the 15 archers in a great limited entry elk unit in Utah went home without their bull. I would guess, knowing the number of bulls in that unit, most of those archers passed on numerous bulls, hoping for a monster(because there are monster bulls there). So then the question becomes, how big does an animal have to be in order to feel good about sealing the deal? With the current drawing odds in Utah, having one of those tags is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am confident that most of those hunters now wish that they had perhaps set their sights a little lower. The point again is, can you be happy with going home without an animal. If so, great on you!

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

This post has had some very good and interesting points. Its a self determining action it seems. I love to hunt , just like all of you , but my girls love to eat elk and this makes me set my goals differently. As I stated I put in for archery elk hunts in areas that are known for hgher numbers of elk not so much big bulls , but thats because my hopes are to bring home an elk. And as mentioned above , its a great feeling to make a good shot ,after all I shoot year round in hopes of that one oppertunity to loose an arrow.
Some great input guys....

 

[caelkhnter]

Years ago I would take the first legal shot opportunity presented. Over the years my buddy was explaining his view of hunting and how he had become more disciplined and wanted to get more trophy type caliber animals. He would always tell me that you would likely never harvest a trophy if I kept shooting the first legal animal that presented itself. It took some time but I began to realize the wisdom in his perspective and having harvested animals with my bow I did not feel a need to prove to myself that I could be sucessful with harvesting game with a bow. For the last several years I have been very disciplined and as a result I pass up many shot opportunities and more often than not eat my tag. However I can say without reservations I enjoy my hunts even though the harvest rate is much less. I think it is an individual decision for everyone to make. I am not critical of anyone just because they do not hold out like me. I am happy for all hunters when they harvest and enjoy sharing in their sucess. I do not think this is anything that should divide hunters, it is just a personal decision everyone will make and their decision may change over time. Mine certainly has.

 

[rabidrattlesnake]

I pass a lot of the smaller bulls. I too passed on a 5X5 down in the gila this year (16D). I hunt for the memories not the meat. For me if I wanted to hunt for the meat I would just go tot the store and buy beef. Far be it froom me to look down on the guy who shoots the first legal bull. A trophy to him might not be one to me. I consider all the animals I pass on a trophy experience. Nothing like drawing down on an animal and letting it walk. I never conected with a big bull by the way.

 

[ismith]

Isnt that the way it aways works? If there is some small obstruction you WILL hit it, not matter how small it is. Now if you were trying to hit it you would never in a million years be successful. Same thing happened to me on saturday afternoon. It was a rainy and miserable morning so I went back to bed. The rain seemed to slack off closer to noon so I figured Id go see if I could find some shed antlers and perhaps a nice mulie buck to tie a tag to.(I drew an either-sex elk permit for the missouri breaks so I decided NOT to hunt elk around here and save my tag for a breaks bull). Well, to make a long story short, it started raining again, allowing me to stumble into a beautiful 300-320 class 6x6 that I didnt see until I was 40 yards away. He was bedded down facing away from me. I calmed my nerves and stalked in 10 more yards. 30 yard quartering away shot on a calm, bedded bull. Would have been a chip shot had it not been for a twig. I did find a new shed antler hunting spot though, and I didnt have to pack that bull outa that canyon in the rain and slush. I am really glad it was a clean miss too. Few things worse than wounding an animal. Hopefully I learned my lesson on shooting at critters in the timber.
ismith

 

[jd332001]

Pass the shot so you can hunt longer and have your wife get madder. Passed on 3 bulls this year and went home empty handed. Wouldnt change a thing. Love of the hunt.
JD

 

[300WSM]

I think anybody should do what they think is right. This year, the first oppertunity I had while whitetail hunting I took it and got a little 3X3 about 8 wide and 8 tall. It is definately trophy for me because I got it with my bow, my first animal with a bow nonetheless. But in the past I've shot the first thing I'd seen and was then sad because the hunt was over. So it can go either way. Whatever makes you enjoy the experience the most.