I'll probably get some grief for this story, that's alright. This morning, here in Oregon, I made the sneak on 6 cows. The wind began to swirl when I ranged them at 50 yds. I've practiced incredibly hard this year out to 80 yards, although 50 yds is my max, but it is nice to practice further. A cow stood broadside browsing the tips of a rododendrun and I pulled back. The arrow flew true and hit it's mark, right behind the shoulder mid-level, maybe a coule inches lower than mid-level. I crawled behind an old stump thankful for the moment I was experiencing right then. A deep breath of fresh mountain air and the smell of success. I made the shot at 7:45. The other cows funneled out of the cut and I heard a crash. At 8:15 I crawled up several yards (10-15 yards) to be able to assess the situation, the wounded cow got back on her feet (apparently she only went 10 yards and fell. I was shocked! I saw the fletchings sticking out an inch from the hair and right behind the shoulder, but no blood running out of the entry wound. I watched her in my binos for a few seconds and thought I 'll shoot again. She was quartering away and I let one fly! it went in low but right at the last rib towards the chest cavity. This time she bolted with both arrows in her. I sat back down and waited until 9:00 AM. I slowly began looking for sign when I heard a log break just in the timber. I never saw her but found the blood right off. First she was bleeding fairly well. Bright red blood, just as I expected. Even blood spray on the side I hit her......She kept going and going. I don't think I ever jumped her (the blood was already dry as I got further along the trail). I took my time (hours)walking giving her time to expire but the only thing that expired was blood eventually. I just got home an hour ago after a very long day doing grids in some thick rain forests. I know elk are tough and many of you might think I am seeing things as far as arrow placement, but believe me it was right where it was supposed to be. The frustrating part is I worked year-long practicing, investing in good gear, etc... I felt like I did everything right, including the shot...Poor cow, may the coyotes and bears fill their bellies with the sweet flavor of cow elk. I'm cravin' elk meat! What do you think?