On Sept 16, 2006 my wife and I woke to the sound of pouring rain. All week it had rained and snowed. Hunting had been very tough to say the least. We had a hot spot that our friend, Cleave, had found and with any luck from the weather we would have a good chance that morning. We were in position before daylight and at 7:30 I heard some cows chirping in the valley behind me. At about 150 yards, a bull let out a loud bugle. He was heading straight in my direction closing the distance and as he passed by at 21 yards, I drew my bow, let out a chirp and stopped him broadside. I watched the arrow disappear behind his shoulder. My first Alberta elk!

-- Rod Shepley, Harrow, ON

We'd like you to share a photo and short (100-word) story explaining what was most important to your success or what interesting thing you learned on the hunt. Be sure to include the date, weather conditions, time of day and distance of shot. To be considered, send submissions with your name, address and phone number to BOWHUNTING, "Sure Shots," 6420 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048-5515.