3 Common Mistakes By First Time Archery Elk Hunters

written by crayton campbell

It’s early September in elk country. The air is crisp, the coffee is hot, and there are still a few hours before dawn. It’s the morning of your first archery elk hunt and the excitement is rich. While you can find ample advice of how to prepare for this new adventure, what may be more beneficial is knowing what costly mistakes to avoid. The three most common mistakes made by first-time hunters are:

Practice – Shooting the wrong way
Gear – Not knowing the gear you are carrying
Movement – Moving at the wrong time

As a guide in the industry, I’ve seen crucial mistakes cost hunters the bull of a lifetime. Some of them are so easily overlooked yet absolutely detrimental to an opportunity. Let’s start with a common preparation mistake.

Practice – Shooting the wrong way

When it comes to shooting leading up to the hunt, most hunters are good about practicing regularly. The mistake they make is how they shoot. They tend to shoot standing in a straight line with their target, adjusting in 10-yard increments. While you can become extremely proficient this way, it’s not realistic. Hunters should practice shooting in a variety of positions including standing, one knee, both knees, sitting, and altering elevation and angle. You should also practice while wearing your hunting gear. This includes a binocular harness, range finder, bear spray, backpack, etc. Make your scenario as realistic as possible. When that bull comes screaming into range and stops at 28-yards downhill just exposing his vitals, you want to be prepared to make the tight shot.

Remember: Practice like you play! Adjust elevation, distance, and stance to prepare for all scenarios.

2. Gear – Not knowing the gear you are carrying

The second most common mistake is all about gear. You should check your gear before every hunt. Prior to that, you should know your gear inside and out, how it fits, and be extremely comfortable with it. Years ago, I had a client borrow a range finder from a friend just days before the hunt. As most of us would do, he assumed it was ready to go. After exchanging a series of bugles, we had a beautiful bull slip in and stop broadside well within range. As I watched from a distance, he raised his range finder, then drew his bow, and took the shot. All I heard was a loud “thud” and instantly knew it wasn’t the intended target. He had shot over the bulls back and hit a tree. The culprit was dead batteries causing him to guess the distance. It was a tough pill to swallow but a great reminder for both of us.

Remember: Check batteries, bow screws, straps, etc. Know your gear inside and out!

3. Movement – Moving at the wrong time

Finally, the most frustrating mistake of all is movement. In my experience, the majority of failed shot opportunities are because someone moved at the wrong time. Elk can see roughly 280 degrees around them at all times and their ability to detect movement is unrivaled. Just because a bull isn’t looking directly at you doesn’t mean he won’t see you when you go to draw back or shift your body weight. Too many hunters think they can get away with the slightest movement and every time it costs them an opportunity. Just because you’re wearing camo, doesn’t mean you’re invisible. Always wait until the animal is absolutely out of sight or looking straight away from you before you move.

Remember: Don’t move! Listen to your guide or wait until you are absolutely sure the bull cannot see you.

We don’t call them the elusive wapaiti for nothing. They are extremely smart and challenging to harvest especially with a bow. Avoid these three costly mistakes to help give yourself the best chance at that bull of a lifetime!