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.

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

It is a misconception that hunters have no compassion for the animals they hunt.

Very true. I don't know a hunter that will torture an animal.

[ajaccio]

Originally Posted by rkzenrage

...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....

I would imagine it is because they cannot move. At least elk that are hooked together can still drink water and nibble grass if they figure out how to cooperate. It looks as though these two have worked that out. An elk hooked to a tree or fence is less likely to get freed before it would starve to death. Sad thought.