Antelope An Experience of Hope?

[old digger]

Well shucks, cuff me and stuff me, then beat out a confession. Last winter we had an old horse, lost her teeth, special feed wasn't helping, and she was dying of old age. I didn't like it, but I done the deed. Should have done it before I did, and I'm guilty of that also. You have an animal for years, it's tough to step up and do the right thing, but someone's got to do it, why should it be forced off onto someone else? The horse didn't know or feel a thing, done right it's just that quick, Hell I felt more than the horse. What would the vet have done differently except to get paid for nothing. But I heard of a guy that I think was in Texas, that took a pig to the mall, killed and butchered it in public, and was holding a BBQ when he was arrested for animal cruelty. Go figure. Times are crazy.

The majority of people nowadays have no clue what the process entails, but they sure enjoy their McDonald's burgers and their KFC chicken nuggets. Also seems that an animals life is more sacred than a humans life.

 

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[dirtscratcher]

''dirtscratcher'', I was not being offensive towards you in any way, so please do not attack me. I can understand that in your opinion that you would observe the animal and walk on, but I in my entitlement sought to encounter the animal and show some compassion.

Please drop the disagreement, and have a good evening.

Old Digger these are my last words on this, once again you presume to know something about my compassion or what I would do. I would have put her down and no one would have heard any of this because that would have been the most compassionate thing in my opinion.

 

[old digger]

Old Digger these are my last words on this, once again you presume to know something about my compassion or what I would do. I would have put her down and no one would have heard any of this because that would have been the most compassionate thing in my opinion.

I fully agree with you, it was extremely difficult for me to leave that antelope in that situation. I did consider your option, but the legality of the situation outweighed my final decision.

I'm glad that we can come to a somewhat consensus. ''Hopefully''

 

[kuger]

Dirt.....I too agree with you....that very thing was discussed early on in this.In todays day and age......somebody is always watching....drones even

Living 7 months out of the year in some of the most remote places in the lower 48....too many times have I seen people "popped",that thought they were all alone........the meadow in front of one of my camps was used as a helo pad on more than one ocassion for the Fed LEO's coming in to arrest/investigate

 

[GarretDiggingAz]

In Payson. One of the rodeo people hit an elk (Cow) with his vehicle. The animal suffered until game and fish showed up (a couple hours later), and then they (game and fish) put her down. Stupid law let her suffer for nothing. The humane thing to do, would've been to put her down then and there, instead of waiting, waiting, waiting. When I heard of this, it pissed me off. Then they let the meat go to waste too. They used to have people come and process these animals and donate to food bank.

 

[GarretDiggingAz]

You know a knife makes no sound. Or even a big rock to the head. Seems brutal, but it's quiet and if gov is around. The lack of the gunshot won't be heard and then triangulated. If that's what they do.
In those cases where those people got arrested, did they actually go to jail or pay fines? It seems that if local news was brought in and your story was put out to the rest of society. The petitions could get the situation dropped. Nobody likes to see/hear about a suffering animal.

 

[kuger]

...not to be over graphic,but have you ever tried to kill a deer with a knife?I have and have a scar across my face from a front hoof.Even a sick animal could injure you gravely.
The chopper incidents.......well,two cases they shot wolves that had micro chips(one may have had just a collar...dont remember)so yea,they left in silver bracelets.The Feds canvassed the entire area and interogated,everybody,as well as took balistic samples from any firearms.The one was in archery season,but you are allowed to carry a side arm and they took samples from them too.
The others were various infractions,that I dont know the full story on.I am just here to tell you that regardless what is right,the Law is not always on your side.Also again.....we always operated by a saying when I worked for the Gov. as a Wildlife Specialist.....dont ever do anything you would do on camera,cause there is a good chance you are.....dont think so....watch America's Funniest Home Video's and think about what all folks get on film

 

[old digger]

I guess our state legislature enacted some legislation that took affect the first of October that permits the retrieval of some big game animals (deer, moose, elk and antelope) after they have been hit by vehicles. It appears that Fish & Game are working out a process of accruing permits. Hopefully there will be less waste, and there will not be any abuse by those who may purposely injure an animal to obtain the meat or a trophy.

 

[BosnMate]

Yeah, wolves are a different story. If you kill a wolf they will spend more money investigating that than they would for an assassination of the president. (NSA or what ever it's called is looking at me now, I said a bad word) I have my own strong opinions on wolves and I'll not hijack this thread by saying what I truly think. There aren't many people reading this thread that are man enough to kill a deer or antelope with a knife. It's not like the movies, stick'em and they drop dead just doesn't happen. Knives are a slow bleed out death, and the feet on those animals are fast and hard, they strike with front feet, cow kick with back feet, past their ears, and also kick straight back, and it's 10 times worse than any fist fight you ever been in. So when you are astraddle of the animal cutting it's throat, it's tearing the back of your shirt off and taking chunks of meat with it. Can't say for sure, because I wasn't there, but I'm probably not the brightest bulb in the bank, and I'd of probably shot the antelope, and worried about the consequences later. It's also illegal to kill a wounded deer in Oregon, as well as discharge a firearm on the road. A doe was hit by a car in front of my house. Her rear end was paralyzed and she was trying to drag herself with her front feet. I done the deed that time also, and later got rid of the body, also illegal. I have my value system, and personally feel it's better to say "I'm sorry," and pay the fine, and promise never to do it again. Regarding salvaging the meat on a road kill. I've illegally salvaged the hide off a couple of deer that were hit by a car, (the law says let them lay there and rot) and the meat is all blood shot, and just not fit to eat. At least I don't want anything to do with it. Anyhow, give me a break, I've been around a long time, I've done a lot of things over the years, none of it happened all at once. Fifty or sixty years ago a lot of stuff I did then legally, is now illegal, and getting worse every day.

 

[kuger]

we are beating this into the ground guys........I am not saying that every situation is the same,or even trying to claim I havent put animals out of their misery,cause I sure as heck have....have even "turned my self in". Sept 12 1995 South West Montana I came upon a large Bull Moose in heavy down timber(he actually rose up on his front legs at about 15')for those that have never been in heavy evergreen.......its near dark in many places,and where there are Grizzlies,you switch into a whole nother defense system....instinct....almost like combat,bit of fear,with all senses on alert...anyway,this huge black form arises from the deadfall,and near soiled my drawers.I could tell immediatly something was not right.......wolves had run him into that deadfall where they had eaten pretty much his entire hind quarters,and he was paralyzed.I didnt have a gun,but no way was I leaving him alive.One well placed arrow,and he was dead nearly on impact(I actually have never seen any animal succumb quite that rapidly with a bow)Usually a stressed animal has adrenalin coursing through its entire body but I salvaged a bit of the meat as it appeared as I had possibly scared to wolves off,yet I never seen anythng other than their tracks,but the wounds were fresh.Anyway,I ate Moose Back strap,and upon coming out of the back country went right to the G.W. and gave him the cords. and what I did...did I get a ticket?No,but it was up to the Warden...the definition of a good man is one who does the right thing even when no one is looking....that can be taken both ways here....

 

[Number9]

The main thing I saw about this thread is, Old Digger is a man with a heart and has compassion for other living things...
which in our day and time is becoming a rare thing!

Best at ya, Sir!

 

[BosnMate]

Yeah, it's beat to death, and partially my fault. Great photos of the antelope though.

 

[old digger]

The main thing I saw about this thread is, Old Digger is a man with a heart and has compassion for other living things...
which in our day and time is becoming a rare thing!

Best at ya, Sir!

Wow! Thank You so much for your gracious and kind words!!! I have been around animals all my life, from Africa to here in America.

 

[GarretDiggingAz]

Yeah. OldDigger. I have to agree. Nice pics. Felt bad for her as well. I'd never judge an individual for what he feels in his heart is right. We've all got different views of how to handle. Besides like the other guy said. You could've been under view anyway. They're sneaky that way.
I know if I'd ended it's suffering I'd gotten a ticket. Though I still wouldn't have apologized.
It's like assisting a loved one to pass away in their terms. Wrong in eyes of law, but morally?

Ps: I did kill a deer that was suffering from gunshot with my knife. To try and kill one minorly injured would be crazy. Rambo could do that. Lol
You have to be able to "understand" the animal. Mine was going to die and knew it. He had no fear. I really felt bad he suffered as long as he did. Most hunts is a quick kill, but "anything" can happen.

Thanks for your pics again OldDigger. It was nice to see that compassion for one of gods creatures. I truly feel that she was somewhat comforted in her time of need. We could all be that lucky when we are on the last step of life on earth. That's a special memory for you and a great fireside story.

 

[GarretDiggingAz]

BosnMate. Yeah it was your fault. LOL.
It's a great topic of discussion. Deciding if human morales or government morales?

 

[kuger]

BosnMate. Yeah it was your fault. LOL.
It's a great topic of discussion. Deciding if human morales or government morales?

AMEN!!

 

[old digger]

Well, here's the scoop, after waiting for the ground to dry up a bit so I could get back into the area, I am sad to say that that the antelope did not make it. But I am quite sure that it died right there where I photographed it. All that was left was a cleaned skeleton, and the skeleton was only fifteen feet from where I last seen it when it was alive. So, I firmly believe that it was already dead when it was consumed by the coyotes. I am not sure if posting a photo of the skeleton is kosher?

I heard that a neighbor down the highway has found at least six whitetail deer from yearling fawns to a big 5 point buck dead due to this Blue Tongue Virus. I will see if I can get a photo of the bucks rack.

 

[Silver Searcher]

I would rather have took a fine, than let something suffer for hours. But everybody is not me

SS