Stop passing on animals waiting for "the perfect one"

[Alan]

I once went home empty-handed two years in a row because I was too picky, I passed on good animals holding out for giants that never showed but this year I'm being more realistic about my expectations. Anyone else need to adjust their standards and just enjoy the hunt more?

 

[PRAIRIEDOGGER]

Passed on a cow elk on the first walk of the season. Didn't see another elk the rest of the year.

 

[Alan]

Ouch, that stings. Happens to the best of us

 

[CoachChris]

In 2020 I passed on a 5x5 bull at first light on opening day because he had no mass.
I watched him feed at a distance that was within my comfort zone under the given conditions.
The next bull I saw was 3 days after antler season closed.

 

[Wind River]

I’d take a nice bull or buck given the opportunity but never had the determination, self discipline, or patience to hold out for a big trophy. I usually drop the first legal animal I see.

 

[CoachChris]

I’d take a nice bull or buck given the opportunity but never had the determination, self discipline, or patience to hold out for a big trophy. I usually drop the first legal animal I see.

With elk
If I don't find a big bull then I'm just hunting for meat, in that case I would rather kill a cow.
Since the devastating winter of 22-23 I won't kill a Mule Deer buck unless it's absolute monster. I didn't hunt muley's at all during the 2023 or 2024 seasons.

 

[Alan]

In 2020 I passed on a 5x5 bull at first light on opening day because he had no mass.
I watched him feed at a distance that was within my comfort zone under the given conditions.
The next bull I saw was 3 days after antler season closed.

Hard choices make hunting memorable

 

[Alan]

With elk
If I don't find a big bull then I'm just hunting for meat, in that case I would rather kill a cow.
Since the devastating winter of 22-23 I won't kill a Mule Deer buck unless it's absolute monster. I did hunt muley's at all during the 2023 or 2024 seasons.

Patience is ideal but enjoying the moment and the success counts just as much.