Elknut1,

Thanks for the first line, it’s the sign of a level head that can give the other side some credit. Reading between your lines it appears to me that we’re closer to being on the same side of this issue than we are apart – just that little “pathetic” word, just perhaps different opinions as to how expressive one is allowed to be……

Everyone was freely expressing their opinions … some politically correct (wouldn’t want anyone to feel bad about their gun) … some wishy-washy (well, you could use a 30-30, but, but, but) … some very direct with no room for misinterpretation (No, Bad, Don’t)…. [Some folks take this stuff at face value and “go out and do it” – Oh man, what a wreck, that wasn’t such a good idea – Well they didn’t say I couldn’t/shouldn’t do it – I thought I had some leeway if I was careful……but, then….]

And then things got a little personal (maybe tender ego on my part),

You took off the gauntlet, slap-slap, and dropped it at my feet……..
“ElkampMaster I usually don't make comments like this but in this case I for one have to say something. I think the comment you made about the 30/30 was pathetic at best.” (then, moved on to my camp mates…) (then.... ABSOLUTLEY RIDICULOUS)

I picked that gauntlet up, and the introspection continues,....so,

Quote: “…. Not at any time did I make mention that the 30/30 would be the caliber of my choice to hunt elk.” Okay then why, specifically, on point, no dodging here, was my put down of the 30/30 (if accurate) pathetic? Because I was blunt and put it in terms that left no doubt in anyone’s mind as to my recommendation?

Quote: “…. Is it a pathetic weapon NO.” You’re dodging (even though it may not have been intended), it may indeed be a good weapon for something, not the same – steered off course a bit. The issue at hand is “Is or is not a 30-30 a pathetic caliber FOR ELK?” So far I haven’t heard a single first hand "still using the 30-30 on elk" validation of using it to ethically hunt elk (except for the one tied to the tree).

“…..All elk were equally as dead with each caliber.” I’m not sure where that proves anything. I don’t expect to find a live elk hanging in your camp or mine. Like BJ said, “Killin' an' elk and finding a kilt elk are two differnt things.” It’s the ones that get away only to die a slow death that we’re concerned about here. Not only do we have the tragedy of the lost animal – then the same hunter goes on to look for his next victim.

Let’s see if I can “sugar coat” my position to make it a bit more palatable.

30-30 has to be a coyote’s favorite rifle, you’re not likely to shoot the coyote with it and it provides the coyote with plenty of intact elk carcasses that hunters never find. There, I sized up my opinion of a 30-30 without calling it a pathetic elk cartridge. Hopefully that will be a little more politically correct and won’t make folks feel bad about a 30-30 they have that may indeed be good for some things and definitely not good for others.

EKM


Good judgment comes from bad experience! Half of elk hunting is knowing what NOT to do!