As mentioned previously, my boss goes 'trophy hunting'. Right now he's looking to down a brown bear

[arse-nick (avid-analogue-addict)]

in Romania. :cry: :****er:

[David Pleat AHADF (Royal Welsher and monkey lover)]

[Herbette Chapman - aged 15]

they eat you, bears. They open you up and eat your offaly bits. ( they must be northerners ).

[Chief Arrowhead]

assuming it's all regulated like.

Going elk hunting next autumn for the first time. Will be in Montana. Should be fun.

[Herbette Chapman - aged 15]

stamp you to death with their big, sharp hooves and, remember, you only get one shot.

[71 Guns - channeling the spirit of Mr Hat]

wildlife into oblivion? And before you accuse me of hypocrisy I shoot vermin ;-)

[Witharby 2-3 weeks]

[Chief Arrowhead]

Maybe in Alaska.

Elk population is such that the herds need to be culled. This is due to the elimination of natural predators, namely the wolf.

Wolves have been reintroduced in some parts of the Rockies, but as you can imagine the ranchers aren't too keen to have wolves roaming around.

You get a tag for either a cow or a bull depending on their population. Without hunting they roam everywhere in search of food, including into town where they can do some real damage, especially if you run into one with your car!

[Witharby 2-3 weeks]

[Chief Arrowhead]

The scenery is incredible, I was there last autumn and met some great folks, hence my opportunity to go on a hunt this coming autumn.

The herds have to be culled annually to prevent all sorts of damage and disease. No natural predators since the wolf is not around any more.

Actually you do get your coyote killing an elk from time to time, but those are calves 95% of the time.

It's all regulated and quite necessary. Plus many hunters, including myself in this instance, donate the meat to food pantries and kitchens for the needy.

[David Pleat AHADF (Royal Welsher and monkey lover)]

[Witharby 2-3 weeks]

Have to dig their stuff out now

[Chief Arrowhead]

Most states do have a special time where only youth can hunt. Typically you have to be 12 to 16 or so and accompanied by an adult.

All have to have gone through certification which includes wilderness training and gun safety classes.

[Witharby 2-3 weeks]

[Witharby 2-3 weeks]

Unless at a school of course

[Nicosia Gooner]

[Ergy]

[Supermac1976]

http://i.imgur.com/qyp4h.jpg

[Chief Arrowhead]

which is easier said than done depending on where you take down the elk, the terrain, etc. Most times you have to field dress and then quarter the animal to be able to transport. The processor , much like a cow, turns the animal into delicious steaks, ground beef, roasts, etc. Then they are quick frozen and put into boxes. Takes about a month to get your animal processed and ready to go.

The good processors hang the carcass for two weeks for it to dry out, which intensifies the flavour.

Oh, you must always present the animal with his or her "sex parts" attached as proof that you took down the correct sex according to your elk tag. Hefty fines occur if you don't do everything correct. That's why you should always go with a guide.

[Chief Arrowhead]

Most folks learn to love hunting from the dad or grandpa. It's a family outing sort of thing. Youth must always be accompanied by a licensed hunter. It's not like they let loose a bunch of 12 year olds into the woods to let them have at it!

In England dads take their son to their first football match. In rural America he takes his son out for his first hunt.

[Herbette Chapman - aged 15]

boys some kinda lefty, long-hairs Chief?

[Supermac1976]

http://youtu.be/3u7UZPxu7H0

[arse-nick (avid-analogue-addict)]