I'll start off by saying that my last 6x6 bow killed bull was taken back in 1998. That was not that long ago but yet it seems forever when I think back through the seaons. The last few years I honestly needed the meat so I have hunted with the attitude if its brown its down and I have killed small bulls and cows.This year I didn't need the meat and I realy wanted a nice to big 6x6 bull. I had a bit of glitch right from the start with my newand short lived hunting partner flaking out on me and giving up after the third day of the hunt. He wasn't up to all the hiking even though I preparedhim and told himof our hunting plans. We had planed to hunt the first week of the seaon and then come back from the 17-25.To be honestI was bummed and a bitangry that he quit on me,but hunted by myself anyway.Other thanno hunting partnermy seaon was great. Ipased on many raghorns, spikes and cows. I did call and decoy in a 6 pointbull to 18 yards away. He was smaller than Ienvisioned but I would have shot him providedhe would have given me a good shot. I had a excellent head and neck shot but nothing in the vitals.This year Ilearned a lot more about ratteling and decoying in elk along with calling. All in all it was a great archery seaon and I had a lot of fun even though my dreams were not filled. But then againin the last fewyears that I have puched my tag for meat. I can honestly say that all Ihave thought about while packing out themeat is dream about next year and hoping to kill a bigger and better elkand wishing I could still elk hunt for that year.This year I am proud of myself for sticking to my goals and not taking a animal that I realy didn't want or need. I do have a bit of space (not much) for some elk meat and my tag is still good for a cow rifle hunt. Knowing this did helpme with my decisonto hold out for a 6x6.So who knows maybe if a good tasting yearling cow or calf crosses my path I'll take it,,,,.

I too went emptyhanded this year for the same reasons. Did some hard hunting. Had a 5x5 47yds and passed. Had a 350 class bull bust my buddy and I as we were wispering very quietly about ours plans on how to harvest this huge bull, 35 yrds away from his bed(of course we didn't realize he was so close until it was to late). Man we were all in the elk and then the weather got warm the elk quit bugling ang we got skunked. Can't wait to do it all over again, maybe get the bullnext time though.

Way to go guys!
Thanks for the reminder thatthe hunt is the important thing.

God bless & good hunting,
PK

That is so true. I know I dont hunt for KILLING THE BIGGEST ANIMAL in the woods. I hunt for the enjoyment and the skill it involves.