Undecided. If I get an elk during archery I can spend the 1st rifle season throwing streamers… the cows better keep that in mind while they’re stomping around…
This is a tough one for me at the moment. Have an ES archery elk tag this September for a unit we know well and have had success in the last couple seasons. I’d like to hold out for a bull since there were chances in years past, but just didn’t pan out and we tagged cows, a spike, and a buddy got a rag horn bull. So I’m really looking for something with branched antlers, but at the same I have a few other considerations. Like this year we have Dads in camp for their first archery hunts, so looking for the first opportunity at a legal animal for them. Maybe I’d hold out looking for a bull if they get a cow? At home, for me, I have a newborn and could really benefit from tagging the first “any elk” thats within range and getting home sooner than later. Difficult decisions that will likely come down to “game time” decisions for me
My ES tag is for a fully draw unit and will be relegated to bull 280"+ only for the first two weeks of season. After that it's probably still the same. Lol. Can't kill a big one if you tag out on small ones.
As a rookie archer, I feel like if I have a shot on a cow I should probably take it. While I would love to take a bull, my pride needs to be smaller than the meat in the freezer.
Any elk will work for me. Too many times I have passed on cows and come home empty handed. I don’t like that at all. I don’t need the antlers just to show pics and have some bragging rights. I like having the bragging rights of saying I filled my tag.
I have a bull tag for regular rifle and a cow tag in December for short range weapons. Hope to notch either or both, but will just be happy being in the hills.
I have an ES tag last year I held out and passed cows this year I’m not willing to go without meat again…but that could shift quick if I start chasing bulls again. I like being in the moment if it feels right I’ll let an arrow fly.