chances at cows

[fulldraw1972]

How many of you archery guys have chances at cows but don't shoot??

First year hunting elk with a bow so any elk will do.

 

[realunlucky]

I pass many cows every year because its further than I want to pack one out. Seems like when I want to shoot one I cannot find one though

 

[UltraBound]

I have passed on cows many times now. I tell myself I'll take any elk, but I just cant seem to pull the release on a cow. I will take a spike if I only have a short while left in the season. Can't kill a mature bull if your tag is hanging on the ear of a cow.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

Depend on where I'm hunting, but if legal and I have another tag or another hunt lined up I will let it fly!

 

[TJ]

So far I've resisted the temptation to pursue shot opportunities on cows and small bulls.

Although Oregon's rules have changed to where most units that I hunt no longer let you take a cow.

 

[LostArra]

One time. Cow at 5 yards but 6x6 at 60 gathering up his harem.
He never gave me a shot and she moved off. I didn't regret passing on her. It was the first day.

This year I've only got cow tags so I'm hoping to get that cow opportunity again.

Usually if I have an either sex tag, I'll take an either sex shot with my longbow after the first day or two. This could change if we are hearing or seeing a lot of bulls but traditional archery and my love of elk meat has led me to be an opportunistic shooter. If I get the opportunity, I'm shooting.

 

[dreamingbig]

I don't pass many up but that is because I usually don't have a bull tag.

 

[Manosteel]

I will pass on cows until it gets close to a hunts end and I won't have a chance to get out again or the season is ending. After a while I focus on filling the freezer or my wife starts to wonder if I'm actually out hunting when I leave the house with camo

 

[Colbyqueso]

Meat in the freezer. Get home. Get ready for next hunt. In 2 weeks. Repeat 2 times.

 

[ktowncamo]

If I have an archers choice tag I still go after bulls until the last week. That said I'm fortunate to have drawn cow tags as well in 3 of the last 4 years and filled two of those tags. Just bought a cow tag tonight and my goal on day one this Saturday is to fill the freezer so I can chase antlers for the next four weeks.

If it were my first year I'd go brown is down all the way. Get your hands bloody and putting meat in the freezer in year one is an accomplishment for sure. Good luck!

 

[trophyhill]

I have 2 tags and it wouldn't hurt my feelings to fill my freezer with 2 cows. on the other hand a bull and a cow would be nice too.

 

[jjenness]

I usually fill my cow tag with my bow, so typically the first cow I come across. Unless there is a big bull nearby, then I might pass, knowing I will have another shot opportunity later in the season.

 

[Renoit24]

Last year my cousin and I passed up on cows early on in Colorado on our first ever archery hunt. We didn't see any more animals the rest of the hunt and came back empty handed. While the experience was great, I do regret not filling the freezer. This year my wife drew a NM bull tag so the pressure won't be as bad and I'm willing to hold out for a bull on my hunt. My cousin and I agreed to at least take 1 cow this year without hesitation. For your first year it would be wise to take what you can.

 

[ELKCRAZED77]

I choose to hold out the first 3-4 days on cows. Just because I really want that bull. Have ate a few tags but no regrets. I go for the hunt.

 

[elkmtngear]

I have shot them, and I've passed on them.
And I've passed on them, wishing I would have shot them!
Great shot opportunities on elk may only happen once or twice in a Season (depending on where you are hunting).
You just have to do what feels right.

Last time I passed one up, we walked smack into the middle of a bedded herd. Had a huge cow lying there looking at me at 10 yards with plenty of time to shoot. It was
day 3.

That was my only shot opportunity that Season.

 

[fulldraw1972]

Thanks guys for the replies. Like I said this year any elk will do so was wondering how my odds were for getting an chance at any elk.

 

[Brent1321]

This will be my 4th year archery hunting. I have not come even close to closing the deal. Never had an animal with 100 yards. My attitude last year will be the same as this year, first chance at any legal elk will result in my arrow going down range. I will take a cow on the first day and have no regret!

Brent

 

[G Posik]

Well since I will be doing mostly calling for the group, I will not be shooting. Unless the shooter is slow!

Now normally I will shoot what is legal. A cow makes a fine trophy and table fare. I shoot traditional archery so a trophy is what I make it to be. Like I always say" A trophy is not measured by points and inches. Rather by the memories created".

Glenn

 

[Tookeymonster]

Dont Pass the first day what you would shoot on the last day!

 

[manbearpig]

Dont Pass the first day what you would shoot on the last day!

This is a great thought.

I also can't eat antlers, so if it's brown it's down.