Shoot in bed?

[sndmn11]

30.3yds
You are sneakycreeping and when you apex the crest of ridge you see this elk's ear flicker.

Are you shooting? Simple as that, if not, what are you doing? If you shoot, where's your arrow go?

For the sake of discussion, this is an elk that you would shoot any second of the hunt regardless of if size or sex.

Mid-day
No wind, but you can feel a touch on the back of your neck and know you are a few feet higher in elevation than the elk.

There are no other elk in sight, the rut is a few weeks out. You are by yourself.

@KickinNDishin and I were talking through this yesterday.

 

[elkguide]

Not taking the shot from that angle.

 

[rayporter]

i have shot em in their bed before. so yea, if i can get the angle right.

 

[FLATHEAD]

I dont see a shot.

 

[go_deep]

Nope, zoom in, there's a cross branch smack in the middle of the chest. No way I'm lucky enough to sneak an arrow by.

 

[Coveyleader]

No

 

[scott85]

I’d shoot them in their bed all day long but there is no shot in this picture.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

No shot here from me but hard to tell from the photo/angle.

Clean neck shots, especially with rifle, while the animal is bedded is a great way to kill elk. A quick cow call to get them to stick their head up and really extend that neck is ideal.

 

[cnelk]

How far from the truck?

 

[sndmn11]

How far from the truck?

3 drainages!

 

[Next Ridge]

No shot as is. Id try getting a window while bedded, very carefully. If it’s not there I wait for him to adjust…and watch wind…

 

[cgasner1]

Looks to me like the only thing that’s exposed is a gut bag I’d try and wiggle a little to sneak it in


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[Hnthrdr]

Not taking that shot, vitals look pretty covered up to me, now clear shot at vitals, I have no problem taking a shot while they are in their beds.

 

[bradyhunt]

Nope, as already stated no good shot. Some would probably argue you're either going to have a lethal hit or a clean miss, but I wouldn't take the chance.

Edit: "If not what are you doing?" Waiting him out (even with bad wind) or chucking something up to either side of him to see if he stands up and gives me a clean shot.

 

[trevvamos]

Taking the shot, branches don’t effect my arrow.

#125 lb draw
845 grain total arrow weight

 

[Wags]

My arrows are 178grain ELDX so, yes, right through the neck.

Not being a bow hunter I'd pass with a bow. I'd wait him out right there and hope he stood giving me enough time to send one.

 

[4rcgoat]

No shot for me....maybe toss a rock off to the side to get him to stand up,it worked once before.

 

[Billy Goat]

I wouldn't take that shot, but only cause it ain't clear.

I have shot them bedded before, so that ain't the issue.


Looks like it's a downward angle, so spine is positioned lower with his feet on the off side. Then he is rolled back a little, so the window is small from his body position. Then about 75% of the vitals are covered.


I haven't ever been too worried about where my arrow goes when it exits. Maybe I should be, but it's not something I put much thought into.
Except with grouse, I want that arrow back.

 

[sndmn11]

This is interesting, I thought there'd be 1/3rd to 1/2 shooters.

For those with the sketch skills, can you draw I'm the spine, scapula, rib cage?

 

[Marble]

I would wait him out. If he stands there may be a shot.

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