| When you leave the comfort (or confinement) of | | | | breath, relax, squeeze slowly for the kill. Even with |
| your office, fly across the country, land in Montana | | | | that and even with experience taking aim at an Elk |
| then drive into the mountains, are you prepared to | | | | more than two yards out is a fool's shot; and I know |
| take down an Elk? Are you confident not only in | | | | you are not fool. Instead of taking a shot at three |
| your abilities, but mental toughness? Can you walk | | | | hundred yards plus, and possibly missing or wounding |
| across miles of rugged terrain, and then have the | | | | the animal, improve your hunting skills and move |
| inner calmness to focus, relax, aim and slowly pull the | | | | closer. |
| trigger? | | | | The One Shot Kill |
| None of that is said as a negative; since hunting Elk | | | | Are you on the hunt for Elk or bragging rights? Now |
| can and should be an exhilarating, possibly | | | | I'm not saying a bit of braggadocios is bad, but "one |
| life-changing experience; something you'll look to | | | | shot kills" are not the norm. If your rifle has a good |
| many times over the years. Will this be your first Elk | | | | rest, and your site line clear enough for the first shot, |
| hunt? Have you thought of calmly squeezing the | | | | then take a second shot too. Better to be certain |
| trigger on a seven hundred plus pound animal? | | | | your Elk is dead, then tracking him for two days; |
| The Five Second Rule | | | | that's no fun for either of you. Your shot may be |
| Why is hunting Elk both exhilarating and difficult? One | | | | perfectly placed right behind the shoulder, but if you |
| is the terrain, Elk enjoy being in the high difficult to | | | | can take the follow-up shot, experience has proven |
| reach places; two is their inherent sense of life and | | | | that is the right call. |
| their continued living of same. If they see or sense | | | | You're in their domain, so when either skill or luck |
| you, you possibly five seconds before they will | | | | gives you an edge, take advantage and make your |
| disappear, and the miles you walks may have been | | | | shot (both shots) count. One thing is certain, if you |
| for naught. Be prepared both mentally and with | | | | find yourself tracking a wounded animal, each mile will |
| practice to "take the shot" when the time is right. If | | | | seem longer and longer, and the trip back to camp |
| you're hesitant, your opportunity will be gone. | | | | like a million miles. |
| Know The Distance | | | | The Primeval Call |
| How far can you shoot accurately? We'd all like to | | | | Elk are an animal with strength and cunning for |
| say or think we're the best, but be honest. Can you | | | | preservation that verges on supernatural. From the |
| get a bullseye at two hundred yards? And is that | | | | throated primeval bugles to the aggressing ruts, an |
| bullseye on a paper target? If it is, then know that | | | | Elk is a spectacular hunt. Learn to utilize finesse, skill |
| when you sight your Elk, your blood will be pumping, | | | | and patience and your hunt will be the memory (and |
| you're emotions will be taunt, your finger may twitch, | | | | trophy) of a lifetime. |