Day 4/6 of my first ever elk hunt in Colorado. Making my way back to camp in the evening right about sunset, looking for a good spot to return in the morning. Across the canyon I spot some color that instantly tells me bull elk, and it’s a shooter. Ranged at 382 yards, I throw my pack down, toss the gun up, get somewhat comfortable, then squeeze. Hit! Bull spins, I make a follow up shot, bull runs. One more shot as the bull walks over the ridge. Fuck this isn’t good. I thought I needed to act fast, looking back I had the rest of daylight to shoot that bull, open timber across the canyon would’ve been countless opportunities. I rushed it when I didn’t need to rush. I dashed across the canyon. The blood trail was heavy, for 40 yards then it disappeared. Two guys and two days later there was no bull to be found. Bottom line, when it comes to squeezing the trigger on an animal, take a second to observe the situation. Take a breath, think of the options, don’t rush the shot. I’m sure there are plenty of other stories just like this one.