Good plans don't equal good results

[diamond hitch]

We all have stories about the successful hunts but sometimes we learn more from mistakes. A technique we have used over the years when exploring new ground is to find a game trail through some ground, note the directions of the tracks and let the elk give you a tour. One of us takes the trail and the partner goes up the hill 30-40 yds and hangs back about 10 - 15 yards. While keeping track of the wind direction we scout the drainage. Elk follow paths and often mirror the habits of livestock. If trail goes down and you want to scout the drainage, you might have to work uphill until you encounter a parallel trail system ( if it exists).

Last year on one of these recons, on ground too steep to stand on comfortably, we walked into a herd of 15 head. Most were going towards us. We were going the wrong direction. Up on a down trail. As I stepped forward on a steep ridge a cow advanced toward me at ten ft. There was a large snag between us. I could see her left hip but the tree blocked the rest. My partner had a shot but didn't have a tag. We stood silently in a standoff waiting for her to move for 1-2 min. I hoped she would turn and then linger long enough for a shot. She turned so fast and went over the hill and out of sight in two steps. I should have risked the issue and stepped to the left and shot. I lingered and lost.

 

[Luke_with_a_lab]

Damn son

 

[Deleted member 16014]

I have to ask, given your previous revelations...why didn’t you just shoot through the tree?

 

[diamond hitch]

Experience has shown me that the tree option is about 4 inches. This tree was about 24 inches.

 

[MITCHMO]

You’re in good company here. I typically “walk up” on elk and I have to decide to make the first move or let them make the first move. I make the wrong choice almost every time. I guess it’s good to remember that there doesn’t have to a good choice. You could’ve blown that either way.

I can’t wait to get better at elk hunting someday.

 

[Trial153]

"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

 

[Muley_Stalker]

Hunting should never be so easy that you always win. In the example you talked about the cow won. Nothing wrong with that and if was me i'd have said...Good job girl.

Had you moved for a better angle she would have been gone. Even though you thought you were standing still she probably saw a little movement from you. That's why she spooked.