l missed this the first time, I guess. Really great story and very well told. I have hunted elk four times unsuccessfully and could appreciate all you went through.
Your lesson learned about "once you set up on a elk, trust it and don't move" really resonated with me. My best opportunity to shoot a nice bull was when I set up by a series of wallows.
I was about 15 yards from one with good wind. After a couple of hours I decided to move around as this was the first time I had been in this area, and there must be a better spot over that ridge...
As dark was approaching, I returned by the wallow to meet up with my son. It was raining and I put on my rain gear.
I was about 75 yards away from the wallow, on the ridge when I heard what sounded like a dog running through water splashing like crazy. Yup, no dog, it was a nice bull . As he hit the wallow where I had set up, he rolled onto his back with legs up into the air and thoroughly doused himself!
Then he stood up and trotted away. That picture is forever etched in my brain.
Anyway, I wish more guys would tell their stories like you did.
thanks,
Gary