Did anyone catch that episode on the Outdoor channel tonight on PA elk hunting. It discussed a bit about the reintroduction, managment practices, etc, as well as two hunts. It was nice seeing PA scenery on a national outdoor show. It really got me fired up seeing the cool weather, frosted ground, and amazing sunrises.

I know a short "debate" began in the last thread about how truly "wild" these elk are. I don't have any first hand experience, so I can't say anything either way. The one thing I did notice, however, was that the one hunter and his guide were moving A LOT before they made the shot. This was after the guide whispered "he knows we're here." They moved back and forth (mind you they were in chest up orange in fairly open hardwoods) trying to get an open shot. They were literally moving back and forth about 10yds, and the elk just stood there and watched, until it finally made a step forward, and the guy shot it.

Now, I'm not an elk hunter (would LOVE to go), so is this typical behavior? Obviously you wouldn NEVER get away doing that to a whitetail (at least a buck with the same maturity level as this bull), so it made me wonder. Is this behavior due to the somewhat "domestication" that's taken place in northwest PA? I've seen countless photos of elk in PA hanging around public places, people's yards, streets, etc, so I know in certain places they've become very comfortable with humans.

Thoughts?