#27 2019 Elk Ch 5 ”Luck of the Draw”

2019 Elk Ch 5 "Luck of the Draw"

There is a saying I've always repeated in my head during encounters with big game: "Don't look at the antlers!" It's a reference to keeping your composure and staying focused on executing the shot- without the distraction of what the rack looks like. It totally makes sense, and in many situations I've been left yearning to know more about the rack following the encounter- or in some cases.. the shot. Like any hunter, I want to let my eyes admire the critter, including it's rack. I want to let my eyes scale each inch of antler. I want to imagine what it would feel like to grip the antlers in my hand. And so eager as I may to see it up close and on the ground in front of me, my rule is to avoid admiring antlers for the sake of focus, but also in hopes to find the critter like a Christmas morning surprise- with barely a peek at inside the wrapper.