Trad Bowhunting Experience!!!

[shorthair ptr.]

WOW, still pumped. I decided this year I was finally going to get more serious with the trad bow. I hunted mule deer first couple days with the compound then for the next two I hunted elk around home with the recurve. I have decided as long as I have the recurve in hand that any legal elk is fair game, especially since I enjoy eating elk and I haven't shot any critters with a trad bow before.
Second morn out for elk and call me lucky but I just hapen to be in the right place at the right time. I just left the truck and had crossed a small stream when I heard and spotted a legal bull comming towards me through the bush. Now I think he heard me snap a twig and it peaked his interest as he was really looking and watching. The stream was littered with deer and elk tracks so he may have been coming for a drink or searching for a cow or two.
Man my heart took to pounding, like seeing my first big buck all over again. Well I crouched down, gripped the string and prepared for a shot. He had to walk through one lane first and I decided I would let him go through it with hopes that if he continued he would be more broadside. Like I told myself, I concentrated behind his shoulder as he walked, drew and released the arrow.
I MISSED! He ran 15yrds and stopped and looked around. I couldn't get another arrow to him behind the trees so I let him walk away with hopes to follow him and call him in.
That was it for elk this day, but man It was an awsome feeling trying with the recurve. I shot low and missed he was 24yrds. Chock it up to a lesson learned.

[manyletters]

It is a rush isn't it...getting that close and having a chance. That is why we do it!!

[Alberta Bigbore]

Great little read. When I used to use a stick and string, It made the hunt that much more fun.

[petew]

Your story is so familiar to many of us. Last weekend I had 4 legal elk at 45 to 50 yards from me. First were 2 cows, then 2 good bulls. Just to far for me to take the shot, but I wouldn't trade that day for anything. This weekend we try to close the distance into my comfort range. Carying a 19 ounce bow all day is just right for me.

[shorthair ptr.]

Yeah Petew, carrying the recurve even with an attached Kinati quiver with arrows just "feels right". I mean, I practice quite a bit but man I get frustrated with my "snap shooting" style. I blind shoot up close and anchor, hold and release. but as I step back and shoot I start snap shooting again. Still gonna keep trying. I GOT THE BUG.

[snortwheez]

I love reading the stories of success!
You got out there and had everything fall into place, minus the game....
But thats what its all about, its not always about the kill.
If there was a kill everytime afield i'm sure we wouldn't be into like we are, its just alittle bonus.
Thats why they call it hunting.
I know you will keep at it bro, and i'll be waiting for more stories.

[trapshooter]

Great story, dying to get out with my recurve!