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WOW1! I've now watched this video 3 times looking for something ethically distasteful, hmmm, don't see anything yet. I'm an elk hunter too, as many here are. But let's be reasonable & realistic about this video & real life hunting situations, was it crude, turn your stomach type of a hunt, was there ridiculous hooraying & distasteful laughter such as some of the primos videos, (not all but some) if so where? It's not unusual to have to fire 3 shots to put an elk down, they're tough critters. We all like one shot kills but, unfortunately it doesn't always happen so backup shots are needed especially in thick country. Shoot that elk till it drops, too many stories & experiences where ones hit & is never seen again. Those with plenty of kills under their belt will recognize these death or dying effects as well as curdling death moans. Yes I've heard those too on TV.
I see the bull still had some muscle movement happening on approach & grabbing the antlers, well, that's pretty normal as well, only problem I have with that is a guy could get the crap kicked out of him so should be a little more careful & concerned for others, other than that, no big deal! If you're one after the death that makes the sign of the cross or says a small prayer or burn a candle or something else, that's great, but not all do this, it doesn't show disrespect either way, different strokes for different folks. I personally do not go out of my way & do anything unusual but I don't ridicule others that do, I'd show them complete respect.
There are plenty of videos out their for the viewing & the Outdoor Channel that show the shot of a rifle or bow where on impact blood flashes the side of the animal & he staggers like a drunken sailor or one is it high in the spine & it drops yet kicks uncontrollably for 5-6 more minutes no matter how many more shots you dump into him, even in the head. Guys, this is real life hunting, it's not dis-respecting the animal, he just won't die quick enough at times. We all hate seeing animals suffer & want as quick & humane a death as possible yet at times quivering & kicking around are the results on our approach, nothing unethical about it, just fact.
Same as fisherman holding fish & they're thrashing around with hooks in their jaw & then a guy rapping it with a club or something, is that unethical too? I think not, just part of the process.
I showed my wife this video just minutes ago, (she's not a big hunter) & asked her what she thought about it? I did not tell her of any of the previous comments, I wanted her honest evaluation, she had 2 comments as they happened, one--that guy better watch out he doesn't get kicked. The other, who carries a tape measure with them in the woods? I asked her if she was upset or appalled by it, she said no, why should I, I've seen worse on fishing shows. I laughed, well sorta just grinned. But you know she's right, because she has!
I explained to her that it was unusual to have a tape but maybe too that guy it wasn't, he was probably excited & couldn't believe the size of him & quickly yanked it out to verify some lengths & the true trophy that it was, no big deal there. I've been in on well over a 100 elk kills with both bow & rifle & have taken countless hunters out some show excitement different than others. Some act like this guy in the video & others just flat out cry, those are very touching & special moments, I guess it's all how a guy looks at it. If you need it sugar coated maybe you shouldn't be hunting, photography may suit one better. No offense meant to anyone. But I personally see nothing on that video to be ashamed of. Clay, congrats on a great bull !!!
ElkNut1