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60 OWHUNTERB ///SEPTEMBER 2019
could see the white tips of the bull’s antlers getting closer
as he neared an opening in the thick brush. He was com-
ing in so fast, that I had little time to set up and range
some landmarks. When the bull hit the opening, I came to
full draw. He caught the movement of the bow and hesitated.
I guessed the yardage at 40, and released the arrow. The bull
bolted, and I watched my arrow fly harmlessly into the brush
below the elk.
Lesson Number One: Roosevelt’selkarebig,andtheycan
lo ok closer than they really are as a result. Be sure of the range
before releasing an arrow.
Lesson Number Two: Draw your bow when the bull
can’t see you.
The Pope and Young Club recognizes three species of elk in
North America — Rocky Mountain, Tule, and Roosevelt’s. The
Roosevelt’s elk is the largest of the subspecies. Due to a steep