Almost too many to count. Countless birds landing on me, Had a squirrel run down the back of my shirt while i was in a tree stand once. Sitting on the ground waiting for " Mid-day madness " and had a badger walk across my feet. I have pulled hair from 2 separate Elk also.
Look up Dirk Durhams ( the Bugler ) series on Youtube. he starts you at ground zero and walks through making all the sounds you will need in the woods. Once you have that down, like the fellas above mentioned, Elknut app for sure.
One note ( from personal experience ). If you use this route...BE READY! I mean, arrow knocked, in your set up spot, ground cleared around you, able to draw..etc. They come fast and ready to fight, they are not going to stop and scan and it will most definitley be a frontal shot. I did not do...
Okay with this said maybe it was the upward direction of the arrow since you were on one knee and at such a close proximity to the elk. the arrow never had a chance to "level out"?
That's exactly where i hit my bull this year and it was both lungs, he tipped over insight and was done in about 10 minutes. Are you sure you didnt break a rib and thats what punctured the liver?
Another vote for the Zoleo
I used one this year and the unlimited check ins was nice. She could "follow along" with the hunt and she could see where i was at. With out it i think she would have been a nervous wreck. Also good cheap peace of mind if gawd forbid you step wrong or something...