Patience at Twenty-Five Yards

“Both bulls were only twenty-five yards away, and I needed to act quickly before they realized that I was there.”

There is a particular intensity that exists in bow hunting that many people never fully appreciate until they experience it themselves. Unlike rifle hunting, where distance often provides a margin of comfort, bow hunting demands closeness. Real closeness. The kind where every sound matters, every movement must be measured, and even breathing can feel too loud.

Twenty-five yards may not sound like much distance on paper, but in the woods it represents a razor-thin margin between success and failure. At that range, the hunter and the animal share the same space in a way that leaves little room for error. The hunter must read the wind, understand the animal’s movement, and remain completely composed while preparing for a shot.

Still hunting, the method often required for bow hunters pursuing elk, tests skills that go far beyond marksmanship. It demands patience, discipline, and an understanding of how animals behave in their natural environment. Elk possess keen senses. Their hearing is sharp, their eyesight alert to movement, and their sense of smell extraordinarily sensitive. In most encounters, the advantage rests entirely with the animal.

Because of this, bow hunters often spend hours moving carefully through forests and meadows, studying tracks, watching for subtle movement, and listening for the faint sounds of animals moving through brush. Each step must be deliberate. A snapped twig or sudden shift in the wind can end an opportunity instantly.

Moments when two massive bulls stand only yards away capture the essence of why hunters pursue these experiences. It is not simply about the harvest; it is about the encounter itself. Being that close to powerful wildlife creates a connection that few other outdoor experiences can match.

Encounters like these also highlight the importance of composure. When adrenaline rises and opportunity appears, the ability to remain calm becomes just as important as the equipment in a hunter’s hands. Drawing a bow, choosing the correct target, and releasing an arrow all require control in a moment that can feel overwhelming.

Bow hunting, at its core, celebrates skill developed over time. It rewards those who learn to move quietly, observe carefully, and respect the instincts of the animals they pursue. Success rarely comes easily, and that difficulty is exactly what makes the experience meaningful.

Stories like this capture the essence of the hunting tradition, moments where preparation meets opportunity in the wild. In Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs, William J. Harris reflects on decades spent in forests, rivers, and mountains, sharing encounters that reveal both the challenges and the rewards of life in the outdoors. His stories remind readers that sometimes the most powerful moments in hunting occur not in the final shot, but in the quiet seconds leading up to it.

Available on

My Walk on the Wild Side by William J Harris

Amazon: https://a.co/d/9gtAmZf

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-walk-on-the-wild-side-william-j-harris/1148400013?ean=9798349583247

Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs by William J Harris

Amazon: https://a.co/d/5dBdjPS

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trails-tribulations-and-triumphs-william-j-harris/1148447428?ean=9798349583025