oldelkhunter

Every experienced hunter has had a similiar story TXhunter so don't feel bad....

People that aren't familiar with their firearms and capabilities as well as their own physical/mental capabilities shouldn't be booking expensive hunts where Murphy's law is sometimes the only law. Put people in this situation and your asking for failure because of their expectations after shelling out a small fortune for a hunt.

Wolf killer

I have taken a few animals in Africa. The outfitter I used told me before I booked the hunt if I wounded a animal they cosidered that tag filled. I did not wound any animals on that hunt but I always had that thought in the back of my mind.
I think it's a good policy.

Cyrus

I like the policy. Hard to enforce unless it's the outfitter that does it. Otherwise it's pretty much on an honor system.
I'm like most of you guys. If I wound an animal I put every effort into finding it. It's only happened once tha I didn't recovery one. I put an arrow too low and forward on a small buck and spent the next two days looking for it. I say him a week later, none the worse for wear. Made me feel a lot better.
The policy is quite common with many outfitters in my area. What I have seen on some outfitters sites that I don't like is when an outfitter specifies that a lost animal is a tag filler but for an extra X amount of dollars a guy can buy another tag. Then to me that is just a money grab. Not a real concern for the animals.

Idaho hunter 58

My dad shot at a bear and didn't recover it. He has continually beat him self up for 2 years now. He hasn't hunted since. Will go out with me, but never with a tag in his pocket or a gun in his hand. I think i will be able to convince him to get back into it this year.

ELKampMaster

I appreciate and respect your dad's remorse -- sign of ethics. On the other hand enough is enough. Crap does some times happen. Time to move on. I hope you are successful.

Good Luck and Good Hunting,
EKM