Here the law simply states " a reasonable effort must made to recover wounded game". It does not state anywhere that the hunter must cancel his/her tag upon being unsuccessful. As any law their is grey area. "what is a reasonable effort?" As we know this is vastily different and really where I believe the ethical part of the equation comes into play! I base each sitaution with the evidence put in front of me and will exhaust all pausible avenues to located a wounded animal, during this time I consider the tag void. For this is what I consider ethical or the right thing to do. If the attempt is failed I personally weigh it on the entire situation. I will not make such claims of never losing an animal, it happens. Thankfully it hasn't happened very often in my 24years of biggame hunting, but in those few cases of my miscalculations I have learned valuable lessons and they have never been repeated as I felt like crap for causing any suffering. Now I have limitations that I follow closely and if an animal does not give me a shot I am 100% confident I will make a clean, ethical harvest I simply don't shoot! Lack of judgement, not knowing you ability or equipments ability is no excuse but should it happen to an individual his/her use of this education to me determines their ethical base. Nothing learned nothing gained in my books. As far as I am concerned the day I stop learning about hunting is likely the last day I hunt, nothing to do really with ethics but a large portion of what fuels my passion for this sport.

Ethicsare often preached but they must beinstilled by oneself. Many talk a good game but a lot don't walk that same line, especially on the internet, gun shops or ranges. I have no problems with expression of opinion, debate or view points on ethics but really each individual must determine their own course. Equally learned long ago that ranting &raving does nothing but vamp up the preachervsconvert the sinner..say your peaceand hope the individuals own convictions make them change their ethical basis.

PS: Jeff good on you for instilling the boy with a solid background before taking to the field. This is the time where we can and do make a difference for ethical/moral basis. Cudos and best of luck to the boy in his exam and you both on great, rewardinglife pursuit we all call hunting!!!!!!