5 yards for me. I remember it like it was yesterday. It wasn't. It will be 30 years this September. I was about to enter college so my dad took me on a week long archery hunt for elk near the Bighole in Montana. I had shot deer before with my wheelie bow and rifle. Never shot an elk. First day we got into them. My dad bugled in a large 6-point bull. The durned critter made a beeline right for me and stopped broadside at 5 yards, turned his head, and looked right at me. I will never forget his piercing eyes or the sheer size of his bulk. I was nearly pissing down both pant legs. Missed him at 5 yards. Amazing how fast they can move. That single experience hooked me for life. I have managed to shoot some elk over the years with my wheelie bow and rifle, but have never got a shot at a bull that would equal that first one. Keep trying, though. And for the last year, with my longbow. Truth be told, I'd be plum happy to get a cow or even a doe deer with my longbow. I don't really hunt for antlers anymore. Wouldn't pass up an opportunity, though.
Yeah, you can get plenty close to elk.
Tom