Do you take a spike, or wait???

[rbkircher]

Here's the question I have for you. This is my fourth year bowhunting and have not closed the deal yet. I'm just thinking it's so early in the season, do you go ahead and take your first opportunity, even if it is a spike? I don't want to put an early end to the season, as I really enjoy being out in the woods and would really like to extend the season until the bulls really get fired up, but would hate to waste an opportunity for success. Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[scomp25]

take the spike!!!

[hillbillygoat]

I beat myself up over that one ever time I go out. I "let" several spikes walk last year, my first year for archery elk, and ended up with tag soup. Had a blast though.

[Hookset]

Without a doubt, shoot the spike. Any archery elk is a good animal, spike or otherwise, plus they eat really good. Everyone would like to get a branch bull, but for the majority of us hunters, it never works out. So if you find yourself close to an unsuspecting spike elk, pick your spot, focus and release and never give it a second thought.

Good hunting,

Gregg

[Lepper]

Shoot the spike. You can always go back out and participate in the fun with someone else!
d

[DTSportsman]

Take the Spike! Heck a Big cow is probably near by, more Meat .

[lor]

First legal animal.

[RedneckFishin]

depends on how often you see bigger bulls. i branch bull is a trophy on the wall bout a spike is a trophy at the dinner table. if its me, id take it

[Adjhunt]

spike!! without a doubt. and they taste better then a big bull
Unless you want antler soup, then by all mean wait for a biggun!

[cubsfan]

Take the first legal/ethical deer you see.

[BeaverBoy]

I would take a spike in a heart beat. You can always still go with a friend and help them out, besides who knows you might see a nice buck to put on the ground.

[sliverslinger]

I take the first elk I see, I am a meat hunter. You cant eat the antlers but they do look nice. Shoot the spike!

[Ifishsum]

I say get the first one under your belt and shoot the first legal animal that presents a good opportunity. Complete the hunting experience - You might get pickier once you've killed a couple, but any elk bagged is a feat not everyone can accomplish and something to be proud of - they are not easy to hunt.

[oregonoutdoors]

You gotta shoot a few animals with a bow before you start to figure it out imo. That is why I am still shooting cows, I just havn't quite figured the elk out yet. But I am getting better. So much can go wrong at the moment of truth that experience really helps. With deer I have killed quite a few with a bow (and missed many more) so now I am more selective. You will never get that first kill with an arrow on your string. If it is legal let one fly.

[JHoyt]

Wow, this could have been my post. Sounds like me word for word except I was thinking cow instead of spike. I asked my dad the same question; he laughed and said, "whats there to think about, it's meat in the freezer and I don't plan on eating horns."

I am going to shoot whatever I get a chance to.

Good luck.

JHoyt

[Eagleclaw]

shoot the spike.

[Bait O' Eggs]

I will stand alone When you kill that spike your done hunting and have no chance of killing a bigger bull.

Sliverpickers journal shows a little buck under his tree stand, he didnt stick it because he wants something a little more substantial, and I would have done the same thing.

[SImudBogger]

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

I will stand alone When you kill that spike your done hunting and have no chance of killing a bigger bull.

Sliverpickers journal shows a little buck under his tree stand, he didnt stick it because he wants something a little more substantial, and I would have done the same thing.

Sliverpicker isn't a first timer though, he has many animals under his belt. For your first one you gotta take what you can.

[GreatWhiteHunter]

I've killed a 6x6, raghorns, spikes, and a cow with my bow. Last year, opening day a spike presented itself at 40 yards. The next evening I was enjoying bacon-wrapped tenderloin medallions fresh off the grill.

Everyone has their standards I suppose, and there will not doubt come a day when I am a little pickier about which animal I punch my tag on...but I can assure you of this: I was awfully proud to take my 8th archery elk and it made no matter to me that it was "only" a spike! First elk???

Good luck, and don't feel bad about setting your own standards either - it's YOUR hunt, and if you want to hold out for a big bull, than that's your perogative! Just make sure you are OK with spending the winter hoping some of your buddies will kick you down some meat...my wife and I do not fall into that category!

[beardbuster]

Do you want steak or horns? I prefer steak.

If you haven't sealed the deal with an archery kill, you need too. If your goal is to hammer a large animal with your bow on public land - you shouldn't be hunting in Oregon. There are many other states that have a much better success rate for archery kills with a bow.

Oregon is a meat state unless you draw a tag that would force you to hold out for a good bull, OR have the area (like Sliverpciker) that can provide multiple opportunities at elk. Any animal with a bow is a trophy in my book.

Friend of mine shot a doe the other day, I was happy for him as he was thrilled to finally put an animal on the ground.

[Beamerfish]

Originally Posted by Ifishsum

I say get the first one under your belt and shoot the first legal animal that presents a good opportunity. Complete the hunting experience - You might get pickier once you've killed a couple, but any elk bagged is a feat not everyone can accomplish and something to be proud of - they are not easy to hunt.

Couldn't have said it better myself. The reality is that if you are passing on stuff when you are starting out and still learning, you must be prepared to go home most years empty handed.

Speaking from relatively recently being in your shoes, there is nothing better to fuel the fire and build your confidence then sealing the deal with the next good opportunity. Success will build on success. Sooner or later, you will be in the position to take that branch bull and you will have the experience and confidence to make it happen.

[brianschnoor]

Shoot the spike....if you still have the time off you could still go out and hunt for deer or bears!! Brian

[lor]

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

I will stand alone When you kill that spike your done hunting and have no chance of killing a bigger bull.

Sliverpickers journal shows a little buck under his tree stand, he didnt stick it because he wants something a little more substantial, and I would have done the same thing.

Originally Posted by SImudBogger

Sliverpicker isn't a first timer though, he has many animals under his belt. For your first one you gotta take what you can.

BOE is a known big bull/buck only guy who would never shoot a young animal or a female.

[Bait O' Eggs]

Originally Posted by lor

BOE is a known big bull/buck only guy who would never shoot a young animal or a female.

Its a good thing the question wasnt "do I shoot a cow?"

[Got One!]

Personally, I think the younger the animal the better meat! If there is a specific bull you're targeting, go for it, otherwise I see nothing wrong with filling the freezer with a spike.

[buckhunter]

First legal elk or deer. If it's brown, it goes down . BH

[Little Fish]

Take the spike! Like you I am a newby elk hunter and I am planning on taking the first legal animal that presents the opportunity. You can always hunt with buddies if you take your animal the first few days of the season. Once you get it figured out then you can start getting picky.

[Teton]

Originally Posted by sliverslinger

I take the first elk I see, I am a meat hunter. You cant eat the antlers but they do look nice. Shoot the spike!

Yeah that, +1.

Plus, they taste SO much better than a big, stinky 6x6 (unless you just have to have one on the wall, which we all would like).

[spottedhawk36]

I usually call in a few branch bulls a year but calling them in and calling them into bow range is too diffrent things with all the variables, wind ect..... so in my opinion if a nice spike walks in front of you and gives you a good shot take it and punch your tag on a spike, i have done the same thing on deer passed up tons of smaller bucks hoping to get that big buck and ended up having tag soup, there just isnt too many ways to make a tag tasty.

[seaworthy]

cant eat horns shoot the spike and enjoy it all year long

[chromebright]

First elk, Shoot! You gotta get one under your belt.

Passed on a spike multiple times as well as a few cows opening weekend. Too early for me to punch my tag on something less than my goal. There is some great hunting yet to come. I'll let you know in a couple weeks how that decision works out.

[Don Fischer]

I'm courious why if someone is truely a meat hunter they would chose a bow in the first place? I don't bow hunt, don't have the patience. If I did I would go for the biggest animal I could find but would not settle for a spike or a cow. Shoot them with the camera and save the arrow for the big guy. I think it was Elgin Gates that would not take small animals. Instead he'd count coup. Meaning he'd stalk the animal, aim and dry fire. He was a trophy hunter. The indians were meat hunters that gave up bows for rifles!

[Legend21]

Take the spike and don't think twice about it. You'll never be sorry when your downing that elk stake a few days later brutha.

[Hookset]

Originally Posted by Don Fischer

I'm courious why if someone is truely a meat hunter they would chose a bow in the first place? I don't bow hunt, don't have the patience. If I did I would go for the biggest animal I could find but would not settle for a spike or a cow. Shoot them with the camera and save the arrow for the big guy. I think it was Elgin Gates that would not take small animals. Instead he'd count coup. Meaning he'd stalk the animal, aim and dry fire. He was a trophy hunter. The indians were meat hunters that gave up bows for rifles!

Alright, this is going to be a little off topic.....

I don't bowhunt for the meat or horns, I bowhunt for the chase, the pursuit, the adrenaline charged excitement of a close encounter that only a bow and arrow hunt can provide. Because of this close proximity to game, I feel more connected to the hunt which in turn provides a great sense of accomplishment when successful. So why shoot a spike or cow for the meat? Because not everyone has the experience, confidence, ability or luck to get close enough frequently to be successful. Ultimately, we all would like to take home game and closing the deal during bow season is not a slam dunk where the odds are stacked against you and the opportunities for a shot are few and far between. So working hard to get close to a cow or a spike can yield the same personal satisfaction as a large bull, closing the deal with a good shot and a quick kill can be more important then the size of the animal.

[Adjhunt]

Originally Posted by Hookset

Alright, this is going to be a little off topic.....

I don't bowhunt for the meat or horns, I bowhunt for the chase, the pursuit, the adrenaline charged excitement of a close encounter that only a bow and arrow hunt can provide. Because of this close proximity to game, I feel more connected to the hunt which in turn provides a great sense of accomplishment when successful. So why shoot a spike or cow for the meat? Because not everyone has the experience, confidence, ability or luck to get close enough frequently to be successful. Ultimately, we all would like to take home game and closing the deal during bow season is not a slam dunk where the odds are stacked against you and the opportunities for a shot are few and far between. So working hard to get close to a cow or a spike can yield the same personal satisfaction as a large bull, closing the deal with a good shot and a quick kill can be more important then the size of the animal.

I was going to write something, but I think you summed it up great for me!

[Fisherdaddy]

Originally Posted by rbkircher

Here's the question I have for you. This is my fourth year bowhunting and have not closed the deal yet. I'm just thinking it's so early in the season, do you go ahead and take your first opportunity, even if it is a spike? I don't want to put an early end to the season, as I really enjoy being out in the woods and would really like to extend the season until the bulls really get fired up, but would hate to waste an opportunity for success. Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

If you want to get one, take the first legal animal you can!
You can spend time in the woods hunting without a weapon any time.
Shoot it!

[fishinpoor]

I always hold off on shooting spikes and cows until.......................the season is open and they present a shot

[cougfan]

Unfortunately I hunt in Washington and can't seem to draw a tag (8 points). I'll be forced to shoot one if I'm lucky enough to see one in the spike only area I hunt in. At any rate, I'd put some blood on that bow and shoot the first legal animal I saw. Work your way up from there. You've spent too much time energy and money not to take something once in a while. The old adage that if you don't pass on smaller animals you'll never get the bigger one is in my opinion only relevent to the amount of time you spend in the woods. Most guys don't actually spend that much. Wish me luck I'm off tonight for the Monday opener!

[greenbuttskunk]

I'm not a trophy hunter at all. it's about being out there, and getting some meat if possible. If it's "brown, it's down" is my motto. often in bowhunting, a pass up shot is your only shot. Take it, get your meat, go home happy.
Too many " oh, I really should have's" out there.

[BrotherWolf]

If it is snowing like crazy and there is 8 inches already on the ground on the first day of the season...Take the Spike........Im glad I did last time out Elk Hunting.....because there were 12 inches on the ground buy the next morning

[6x6xBow]

For me, it's always a meat hunt in Oregon unless I draw a limited entry tag. I'll take a cow or spike any day of the season and be thrilled.

I'm off to Idaho for 10 days this season for a big bull hunt. I won't shoot a spike even if it means coming home without. I go there for the close encounters with big bulls. It's all about being so close you can hear the snot bubbles in their nostrils and see the individual hairs on their chins. I've been that close several times in Idaho and didn't get a shot because of that chest high brush. But, man, what an adrenaline rush when they bugle so loudly that the trees tremble.

Archery hunting is all about the pursuit and the meat is a bonus.

[kingfisher74]

Originally Posted by scomp25

take the spike!!!

[stlhdr1]

I absolutely love elk meat. It's my favorite of all. The first legal animal that presents it's self in coming home...

If it happens to be a large bull then I guess I'll eat a little tougher gamier meat this next year and stare at his horns on my wall....

Keith

[SwellRider]

I say take the spike also!I've hunted awhile and yet to have taken a bull,sure it would be nice for a branch for bragging right's but they all eat the same,so if a spike walk in front of me i'm shooting.allthough i rifle hunt.

[blacktail519]

I'll shoot the first legal animal in a heartbeat. When i see them walking around, i see a big steak on the plate. You do it long enough, your time will come that you'll connect with a hoss, and in the meantime, your eating good.

Good luck

[Don Fischer]

Originally Posted by Hookset

Alright, this is going to be a little off topic.....

I don't bowhunt for the meat or horns, I bowhunt for the chase, the pursuit, the adrenaline charged excitement of a close encounter that only a bow and arrow hunt can provide. Because of this close proximity to game, I feel more connected to the hunt which in turn provides a great sense of accomplishment when successful. So why shoot a spike or cow for the meat? Because not everyone has the experience, confidence, ability or luck to get close enough frequently to be successful. Ultimately, we all would like to take home game and closing the deal during bow season is not a slam dunk where the odds are stacked against you and the opportunities for a shot are few and far between. So working hard to get close to a cow or a spike can yield the same personal satisfaction as a large bull, closing the deal with a good shot and a quick kill can be more important then the size of the animal.

I buy that but your not talking about meat hunting, that is recreational hunting. I wouldn't have a problem either way. Just can't understand if someone needed the meat they would seemingly stack the deck against themselves by using a bow which has to greatly increase the difficulty.

[where's your bobber dude]

THWAP!!!! What was the question again.........I was too busy shooting that spike.

[Hookset]

Originally Posted by Don Fischer

I buy that but your not talking about meat hunting, that is recreational hunting. I wouldn't have a problem either way. Just can't understand if someone needed the meat they would seemingly stack the deck against themselves by using a bow which has to greatly increase the difficulty.

I can understand your point and your right, a serious meat hunter will be more inclined to use a rifle and apply for cow tags. But people that I know and hunt with that use a bow enjoy the challenge and accept the fact that the odds are not in their favor. So the meat has to be secondary, at least it is for me. But this doesn't mean I don't want to bring home an elk or deer, far from it. I want the challenge and I also want to be successful, this is why it's hard to pass on a legal animal. What you really need to understand is; for most of us, it's not about how big or how many points, it's about the hunt. What archers enjoy that rifle hunters seldom do, is more animals sighted and more close encounters. And typically, it takes several close encounters before the right shot presents itself. This is why many of the bowhunters who responded here recommend taking the spike, by doing so means you were good enough on that day to complete the hunt. Which in turns provides a deserving sense of accomplishment and confidence for the next hunt.......and confidence is the building blocks that breeds success for bowhunters.

Gregg

[Hookset]

Originally Posted by where's your bobber dude

THWAP!!!! What was the question again.........I was too busy shooting that spike.

That was good......!!

[jmg]

The way I look at it is...ANY animal with a stick is a trophy! You'll get more meals out of the spike than you would with a stock pot and your tag in it for seasoning.

[Brush Hunter]

If you need the meet and want to get a kill under your belt take him. I never have because if I wanted a spike I would rifle hunt. I bowhunt for the thrill of having a branch bull screaming at me at ten yards. And that is why I hold off.

[blacktail hunter]

The hunt should be the trophy...

[Turf Dude]

This happened to me on the evening of opening day. My little brother whom has only bowhunted for two seasons was with me and I called in a spike to withing 15 yards with my brother telling me over my shoulder not to shoot it and that we will get more chances. For some reason I listened to him and let him walk and I am regretting it every moment since. I have bowhunted for 16 years and have only taken 3 elk and I consider myself a good hunter. The chances of success are so small with all the variables that we all know exist. I would have been very proud to have brought something home and still could have enjoyed spending our week long hunting trip trying to get a deer and calling for my partners. But I didn't release and I am again regretting it very much. Best of luck.

[idduckhntr]

Archery tags generally are "hair" tags-everything's legal, archery seasons generally are BEFORE the rifle crowds get them real spooky, they are generally longer as well-makes pretty good sense for a meat hunter like me.........LET HER FLY ON THE SPIKE!!

[Medics-R-US]

Take em or even a cow as meat is meat!!!!!

[pathfinder]

Take the Spike, Sometimes you may end up with nothing later.

[chromebright]

Originally Posted by chromebright

First elk, Shoot! You gotta get one under your belt.

Passed on a spike multiple times as well as a few cows opening weekend. Too early for me to punch my tag on something less than my goal. There is some great hunting yet to come. I'll let you know in a couple weeks how that decision works out.

Think I will keep passing up the spikes.

[57chevy]

Take the spike and enjoy the taste of it!!

[Salmon Chaser]

No longer hunt but in my day I would take the spike. The monster whitetails I have seen taken in the Midwest never tasted that well.
I can only assume that after a few years of hunting with not closing the deal a spike would work for me....

[dyhrdelkhntr]

Well here is my

I have always been the type of person that has shot the first legal animal that I see. That is the reason that I have never killed a big bull or a big buck. I have been exclusively archery hunting for about 6 years, I have not shot a hunting rifle in that amount of time either. I have killed a 15" antelope buck, two very very small forked horn bucks, and a big fat goose egg on elk with my bow. I have killed several elk with a rifle and a few small bucks with a rifle.

Until this year I have shot the first legal thing I see. I waited on the deer this year and the results speak for themselves, however I will hold out for the deer in the years to come, but will shoot the first legal elk that I see until I get a few under my belt then hold out for a bull and work my way up.


Just a little three point. Next year I will hold out for a 4X4, which I have never killed