April 10, 2007: Hooked elk

I have done it with white-tail, far easier, which is NOT saying much... still VERY dangerous.
Actually, they are not stupid, and elk (we had some on the ranch as "pets") are very smart, once they figure out that you are helping they just go limp.
There is a moment, at the end, where they get-up and go, well you just gotta' hope you are out of the way or lucky.
You religious types should pray first, there is no time during.
Finding one trapped in a fence or hooked in a tree is far worse, they do not settle nearly as quickly or easily. Don't know why.
It is a misconception that hunters have no compassion for the animals they hunt.