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Well It Happened. Drew an AZ Elk Tag.

teenbowhunter

Junior Member
1,059
72
Delaware County
I think it's an eastern hunter thing. Most western hunters have no issue with it and consider an 80 yard shot at an elk the same as we do a 40 yard shot. I've never shot at an elk with a bow but i have been watching a shit ton of videos and one thing I've noticed is they just aren't as squirley as a whitetail. 95% of the time they don't immediately bust out at the sound of a bow rather they turn their head to look. Whereas a whitetails first instinct is to run I would be real hesitant to shoot at a whitetail beyond 50.

The one I just shot didn’t even move for 5 seconds after being hit. 80 yards is okay if you can read the situation!
 
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I practice at 80 but at my skill level would never shoot at an animal that far.
I hunted out west with a friend who could. I saw him shoot a wounded antelope at 102 by the range finder.
Jack is completely right muscle memory won’t do it on long range shots. Even the wind needs to cooperate when shooting long range.


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Thunderflight

Dignitary Member
17,770
167
Shermans Dale, PA
There is a big difference between shooting at a whitetail at 40 and a mule deer/elk at 80.

Whitetails are much more high strung and on edge. Elk and Mule deer are not near as much. Chances are very good that at 80 yards they will take a few seconds or minute to check you out before they take off.
 

Jackalope

Dignitary Member
Staff member
38,841
260
First day of the hunt. Good sign everywhere. No building yet. Hopefully it cuts loose soon. Would make them much easier to find. Had this speed goat walk right up to us in the pines yesterday. New to me i thought they were a plains and open species.

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giles

Cull buck specialist
Supporting Member
There is a big difference between shooting at a whitetail at 40 and a mule deer/elk at 80.

Whitetails are much more high strung and on edge. Elk and Mule deer are not near as much. Chances are very good that at 80 yards they will take a few seconds or minute to check you out before they take off.
Ok, change the animal to antelope.
 
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