Getting drawn

[Deertick]

In another thread, I listed \"getting drawn\" as the hardest part of elk hunting.

I don\'t mean \"getting a tag\", though that\'s tough in some places, too!

What I mean is getting a bow drawn and pointed in the right direction without getting busted.

Please list any and all advice that comes to mind!

 

[cnelk]

To draw at the right time can be difficult without have some previous experience.
A hunter should be able to \'read\' the openings or opportunity as they present themselves.

Most times, once an opportunity has passed, thats when you realize you should have drawn...

 

[Deertick]

\"Experience\"

What do they say about experience again? Oh, yeah ... Good judgment comes from experience ... and experience comes from bad judgement. :crazy: :lol:

Any other \"experience\" to pass along out there?

 

[cnelk]

I would recommend guys go out and do some stump shooting in the woods with their gear.
Kneeling under a tree, shooting thru small openings, with pack on, with pack off, into the sun, using their range finder
Stuff you cant do in your back yard

 

[Buglemaster]

This is a terrific topic! One of the guys I hunt with has been plagued with not getting drawn on elk on multiple occasions. Personally, I believe he just goes into a bull fever lock mode. I can\'t count the times over the years that I\'ve been able to get the shot , even with critters looking directly at me. Great camo with slow & deliberate movement is mandatory to pull it off & sometimes it goes south. Just as critical is to be able to stop a spooked animal while at full draw or in the process of drawing. One guarantee I can make is, if you can\'t get drawn, you ain\'t packing no meat. Sometimes you just have to take the chance. :shifty:

 

[Deertick]

Do you guys try to:

1. Draw slowly and steadily, or quickly while hoping you aren\'t seen?

2. Draw and half-way expect a mild \"spook\", then stop them with a grunt or mew?

 

[cnelk]

Draw smooth and fast.

 

[mtnmutt]

I would recommend guys go out and do some stump shooting in the woods with their gear.
Kneeling under a tree, shooting thru small openings, with pack on, with pack off, into the sun, using their range finder
Stuff you cant do in your back yard

Fortunately, I can do this at the CO Springs Academy Archery outdoor ranges, especially the 3D course. Its fun and gets your body used to the different shooting positions. Love shooting the 3D course at dusk when it is not busy and low light. Not too worried that people may miss seeing me tucked into some trees shooting because there is rarely anyone shooting this course in the middle of the week and I wear bright clothing for just in case.

I tried all last summer to draw while making the nervous grunt. I failed miserably. I prefer to practice a smooth draw. It worked once on an elk for me. I was sitting a little in a hole and he never even flinched. He could see my upper body. He was a 4x4. I guess that would not work on an older elk?

 

[Bob Frapples]

I always practice drawing while raising the bow up to the target and/or slowly and steady. this will tell on you if you skip a few days.

All the odd positions mentioned above plus I stagger targets to simulate a tree to one side or another.

This year I\'m going to try some small colored balloons to be extra selective plus have a report back with good hit.

 

[Jaquomo]

From the time I decide I\'m going to shoot an elk until the arrow is on the way, my total concentration is on all of the different spots where I can draw if he turns this way or that, passes through which shooting lane, when his eyes will be hidden. I\'m not watching the bull, but watching where he will end up when I\'m ready to shoot. I thoroughly plan the shot, then start looking at the spot to prep for my draw.

If I call him in straight on, since I\'m shooting stickbows I can draw and shoot on the turn or when he turns his head to look behind him, which they almost always do. I\'m not oone of the frontal shot guys, though I know it\'s deadly with the right placement. I\'d rather shoot one broadside or quartering away slightly.

I always have my bow in draw position to minimize extraneous movement. When practicing, I draw straight back to anchor. I\'ve shot a bunch of elk with them standing there watching me draw and release, even at very close range.