VIDEO: Bowhunting New Mexico Elk

by Bowhunter TV • September 7, 2011 • 11 comments

Bowhunting New Mexico Elk can present all sorts of challenges as Curt Wells discovers on a hunt at the Rio Costilla Ranch with Ute Creek Outfitters. Some might consider his shot angle controversial – but it works – and he tags a 6×6 bull elk.



In Big Game, Bowhunter TV
  • BowhuntMN

    Some might think a frontal shot is unethical. The guy knows what he's doing and would only take that shot if the conditions wre perfect.

    Nice shot Curt

  • Kim Sauer

    Beautiful shot, Curt! Good job. What a perfect set up for that perfect shot.

  • http://Phantom100 Brian McGuire

    Curt,

    Nice shot, one caviate I would make is that as Curt mentions on an Elk in very close quarters this is acceptable; however with the many Whitetail & Mule dere Junkies out there, & more importantly new folk to our great sport, it bears metioning that this shot placement on those Criters even at very close distances is not ethical. We have all witnessed the reflex abillity of a 180# WT, or a 240# Mulie Buck at even 15yds. Not to mention that Volley ball size Kill Zone Curt mention on an Elk, is down to a Tennis ball on a Mulie & a Golf Ball on a WhiteTail, 0 margin for error! Anyway my 2cents worth, great job guys love the Mag!

  • Phil Eitzen

    Curt, nice shot…but you are a professional. Most of your subscribers are not. 16 yards, yeah. But how many may try such a shot at a greater distance. Could you have waited for a quartering shot? Was the harvesting of this elk greater than the possibility of someone taking the same shot and blowing it?

  • Joe Hulburt

    Your a great bowhunter to make that shot Curt and I congratulate you on making it work.

    With that said I cringed seeing it on Bowhunter TV and was really disappointed to see the article supporting it in a magazine that is more geared to entry level archers. My feeling is most less experienced hunters have no business taking that shot due to the inevitable nerves involved with having a bull elk head on at that close of range.

    I guess times have changed at Bowhunter as in the 25 years of reading I've never seen that shot condoned. I understand it is the fashionable thing today to push limits but a lot can be said for being certain of a quick clean kill. I won't be renewing my subscription.

  • Eric

    I don't see why people have such a problem with this shot. Joe isn't even going to renew his subscription which is laughable. If you are a bow hunter you had better be comfortable taking a shot at a target the size of a volleyball at 16 yards. If you aren't comortable at that range with that size target you should spend more time shooting and less time judging someone for taking the shot.

  • Joe Hulburt

    So now that I didn't renew my subscription I am getting trash mail from some scum bag company claiming to "collect debt" owed to Bowhunter Magazine. I guess my first gut feeling was accurate and desperation is part of the plan at Bowhunter now? I DID NOT renew and DO NOT owe any money to this organization! What a shame to see this magazine sink to this level….

  • Freddie Barie

    Beautiful shot. as most of these guys have said, only a professional should take this shot. if your'e hunting elk for tyhe first time, it's brodside, quartering away, or nothing.

  • Jonny Hoeiland

    It is important to know that an ethical and unethical shot is the same for all hunters. This is a general rule and should always be taken in to consideration.

  • hoyt guy

    awsome bull.

  • Timbow

    Everything needs to be perfect for desired results. Sixteen yards, open ground, direct frontal shot, on same level with a clear well lite view, holding at full draw in cover with the sun at back, perfect shot opportunity. Change any one of the above parameters and you have less than perfect opportunity.