I have a couple thoughts that come to mind. In 2005, I shot a wet cow elk that had a calf nearby (it was in a herd of about 40 so no worries, I have had people hit me on this before). My dad and I walked right up to that elk, while the calf was still standing right next to her. We had to scare the calf away. It had some confused and dazed look on its face. I think this would have been the first gunshot the calf ever heard (early ml season), so it did not know what to expect. The calf finally ran off with the rest of the herd, and I'll bet that thing never though twice about running at the sound of a gunshot. I am certain there was a definate bond there, and a lesson was learned.

Second. I can go about my daily business around the house without the dogs even raising an eyebrow. (lion hounds). I can start the Jeep, move it around, do whatever with no problems. But if I bring out the tracking collars and walk towards their area, they go apestick. I cannot get them under control because they are so excited that they are going hunting.

I think animals are a lot smarter than humans ever give them credit. It may just be on different level, that we, as humans, cannot understand.

Intersting subject, and lots of interesting responses.

Later,

Marcial