I would have put some pictures on here earlier, but had to sort through a few to get back in time. I didn't start bowhunting elk until the late 70's or so, but had some success. This is a bull from the early 80's I think. Probably a Kodak instamatic and one of my kids took the picture. Bill, that would be a Groves wooden handle takedown. Not to be traded for blonds.
1991. First year with a longbow. Doug fir shafts and a wolverine broadhead. He was trying to circle me after eight hours of combat and the arrow broke his neck just in front of his ribcage. Dropped, but had to shoot him in the lungs to kill him. Felt bad about it. Probably the heaviest elk I've ever shot. He was missing half of his left antler.
1994. Thayne said "DAD, ELK", and I woke up and killed this bull.
Role reversal. I said "Git over there!!!"
Same bow from the '94 year, but my son was using it. He made a good shot.
Some of the elk I have killed never get their picture taken, and their antlers got left for the rodents. I do bring some racks back, if we have horses.
Woodsman after work.
From last fall.