Still Optimistic About 2015

[Bowwild]

I started the year with a bow shoulder issue (tendon inflammation in bicep). Reduced my shooting a bunch.

Killed a black bear in Idaho with my Sitka. Then drew a KY Cow Elk Archery tag in the summer. Had high hopes for fall seasons. My brother and son killed their first bears on that same hunt.

I had only hunted 4 times in the first two months of the season. Hunted Illinois for the first time the first week of November. Passed shots on two small bucks. Saw no does.

I had not missed a deer with a bow since I was 17 in 1971. Missed two this year behind my house in Kentucky. Very close but I looked over them and so too flew the arrow (1 buck and a doe).

Didn't get after the cow elk until very late November. Had 5 in bow range but no shot that first morning.

Not done!  Shoulder is doing very well now (for 10 months it hurt to shoot and then next day, mostly ok).

I plan to hit it hard for white-tails until the season ends. I'm planning to hit the elk woods again next Wednesday (it is a 6 hour round-trip drive for me).

If the season ends with no more opportunities I will count the year as terrific just the same!  Most here know why. I was able to get out, I can still shoot, and the next season comes sooner every year!

[Biathlonman]

Me too, but 70+ degrees this weekend has be scratching my head.  Where you hunting elk?  I saw a lot of elk on ICG land a few years back.

[Bowwild]

Blevins tract (voucher area) about 30 minutes from Phrestonsburg. The elk I'm after are bedding on Dewey Lake WMA though.

If I don't fill the tag by Christmas I'll be moving my hunt to Floyd County.

[Michael Arnette]

Wow 40 years without a miss!!! Thats incredible.  I missed more than usual this year too, I think it had to do with being overbowed the first half of the season with my #64lb limbs...at least thats my excuse  

[Bowwild]

There have been seven I wish I had missed though. I've also missed pronghorn and an impala.  Except for a buck when I was 17 and that pronghorn, I've always been a very conservative shot,

[KentuckyTJ]

Best of luck Roy, I am glad you're able to get out more now. Hopefully I'll see you at the Kentucky Trad Fest this April.

[FerretWYO]

Perseverance is the most likely form of success.

[Friend]

Absorbing the full wonders of the outdoors and life itself appears vague, ethereal or intangible for the masses. Often times, reserved for poets and saints.

We are always beginning again.

The peace you search is found within your endeavor and I am thankful for you sharing.

[Biathlonman]

I'm sure you'll get back on them.  I'm off from work from the 21-1st, if you need a strong back I'll be happy to help.

[Medicare Bhtr]

Good luck Roy!  Glad you have had a good season. Maybe you'll get that conservative shot at a big cow.