ORIGINAL: Hunter_59
What is your opinion on this subject? I've seen numerous television shows with bowhunters going after grizzly bear, african lions, leopards, water buffalo, etc. with thenon-existent "knock down" ability of a bow. Naturally, the guide or PH is always standing backup with a massive amount of firepower, ready to finish off the attacking animal with a death blow. Somehow, this just seems to me to be unethical.
If the same hunter was using a rifle, in say the varmint caliber of 222 or 22-250, their would be an outrage against such an act. Why do we seem to accept and even envy the hunter going after such game with a bow? Is the bow and arrow not "unsuitable" for any size game? What's your feedback on this subject?
I dont want to argue with you about this but you did say that quote:"this just seems to me to be unethical". So you in fact called these hunters unethical! I have never hunted dangerous game around the world but I do know that any good guide or PH will know what is adequate to make a "ethical" kill on the game being hunted. And I would also guess that in most places thereare laws to set minimum equipment requirments. So I'm not sure why you think bow hunters aren't concerned about these things. Just remember, anti -hunters would love to quote you saying "this just seems to me to be unethical". I am sure you love hunting and yes we are brothers! We all have to guard our hunting rights and must be careful what we say or print.
peace.