Tales of Outdoor Oopsies with Brayden McAllister

We’ve all had our moments in the field, and in this episode, Brayden McAlister shares the story of the shot that just didn’t land. From spotting the perfect bull elk to… well, totally missing it, Brayden walks us through the hunt, the heartbreak, and how it all went down.

Related: the shots you miss.

Ten Yards From a Herd, Drawn and Ready

A last-minute, gear-light evening sit turned into one of the closest elk encounters of Brayden’s life: a cow and two calves stood staring at him and his brother from just 10 yards while a bull pushed a larger group toward them. The wind staying in their favor is the only reason the herd never spooked despite being stared down at point-blank range.

A Clean Hit, a Lost Blood Trail, and Someone Else’s Wall

Brayden’s arrow connected on a broadside shot at 35-45 yards on a spike-sized bull within a larger herd. The blood trail ran for 8-10 miles before going cold in the dark, even with extra flashlights and help from friends. Weeks later, another hunter’s rifle harvest turned out to be the same bull: confirmed by a photo of the exact animal mounted on his wall. Sometimes a well-placed shot still doesn’t end in your recovery, and that’s a real, recognized part of bowhunting elk in heavy timber.

The Real Lesson: Let It Sit, Don’t Chase

Don’t sprint after a hit animal in excitement: give it time before tracking, exactly the same advice that shows up across every hunting guest on this podcast. It doesn’t guarantee recovery, but it gives the animal the best chance to expire close by instead of running it for miles on adrenaline.

FAQ: Bowhunting Elk in Heavy Timber

What should I do immediately after a hit on an elk?

Let the animal settle before tracking. Chasing immediately after the shot can push a recoverable animal much farther than it would otherwise travel.

Is it common to lose a blood trail on a well-hit elk?

Unfortunately yes, especially in heavy timber and at night. Even solid hits can result in long, ultimately unsuccessful tracking efforts, which is part of why ethical shot placement and patience matter so much.

Thanks for joining us, Brayden, and thanks for listening. We’ll catch you next time.