LAST EDITED ON Oct-12-09 AT 04:10PM (MST)[p]Well,
I am sorry to hear of your guy's experience. I had much the same experience on my 1st LE archery hunt. I drew and hunted the Manti 5 years ago. My Dad and I both drew the same year and it was one of the funnest hunts I have ever been on. I was into elk almost every time out. Nearly got shots at some giant bulls. I missed 1 great bull.
Numerous times I had herds blow out in front of me only to find another hunter whom I would visit with for a minute and find out they were deer or spike hunting. I knew going into my hunt that there would be spike hunters. I knew the rut would be later. I knew it would be tough. I accepted those challenges and it cost my Dad a bull.
I applied for that hunt for 2 reasons:
#1- I hunted the area almost my entire life and really wanted to kill a bull on that mountain. I knew those bulls and wanted one of them.
#2- I applied for that hunt because I am a die hard Bowhunter and wanted to do it with my bow.
I ended up killing a respectable bull that season as the hunt drew to an end. My Dad did not. We experience a very tough hunt.
Fast forward 2-3 years and I draw another LE archery tag at the Expo. This was also on a very heavily hunted spike unit.
I changed tactics big time. No longer did I try to recreate a Primos video. I hunkered down and hunted mostly over water. Certainly not a traditional elk hunt, but proved very successful for me. I still encountered heavy pressure, Had many herds run off by other hunters, and did not kill my bull till the 14th full day of hunting.
I cherish both hunts and have many great memories. That being said, If I could draw the hunt up to fit my desires, we would not hunt with spike hunts going on. We would have a dedicated time to hunt.
Bottom line, the bowhunt is a very cool time to spend in the mountains chasing giant bulls. The opportunity to kill one is there for anyone willing to risk their points and hunt brutally hard. There will be heavy opposition such as weather and other hunters, but for me it is very worth it. I can reapply for elk this year for the 1st time. You can bet that regardless of season dates or spike hunts, I will be applying for the archery hunt and will give it everything I have got till I punch my tag. No hard feelings if I don't.
One thing I will say is elk are tough creatures to kill. I hunted with my brother this year on an any weapon hunt in a canyon that other hunters said had no elk in it. We killed his bull 3 miles from the road in that same canyon. Regardless of weapon type, be prepared for a physically demanding hunt and expect nothing. Put yourself in a place to be successful and it will happen.
Here are my two bulls. Good luck in your decision. The bowhunt is a great hunt, but certainly no guarantee.