Quick Answer
When calling elk at a distance, consider the potential for over-pressuring the area, spooking the elk, and the difficulty of accurately judging the distance and trajectory of the shot.
Assessing Distance and Shot Trajectory
When calling elk at a distance, it’s essential to accurately assess the distance to the elk and the trajectory of the shot. This can be challenging, especially in open terrain where it’s difficult to judge the distance. A good rule of thumb is to use the “tree test”: identify a tree that’s roughly 20 yards in front of you and use it as a reference point to gauge the distance to the elk.
Minimizing Over-Pressuring
Over-pressuring an area can be a significant safety concern when calling elk at a distance. To minimize this risk, it’s essential to avoid using calls that are too loud or frequent, as these can alert other elk in the area and cause them to become wary. Instead, use soft, subtle calls that mimic the sounds of a cow elk, such as a series of soft bleats or a gentle bugle.
Shot Placement and Trajectory
When shooting at a distance, it’s crucial to consider the trajectory of the arrow and make adjustments accordingly. At longer distances, arrows will drop more significantly due to gravity, so it’s essential to aim high to compensate for this drop. A general rule of thumb is to aim 6-8 inches high at 20 yards, 12-16 inches high at 30 yards, and 20-24 inches high at 40 yards.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.