I'd ask if I could instead just walk around with the rifle until you get a shot vs staying perched in a stand with bow in hand. Farm animals are killed and eaten every day, none are as tasty as an elk though!
I agree with the others. I would do it. I like to think I'm a man of conviction, but like everyone said, it's free meat. However, I'm also a jaded soul. What's in it for them? There's virtually no advertising, you're not really going to be able to spread the word about them because after all, your hunt is free. That leads me to my next question. Have you had them thoroughly explain every detail to you? Here's why, as I started researching the elk hunt in September, I ran across many places that offer these types of hunts. They charge you by the size of the bulls antlers. This place may also try and charge you for the weight of the cow. I can see it going something like this. "Yes, sir the "hunt" is free. However, the way we do it at XXX ranch is, once harvested, the elk MUST be processed by our processor at XXX per lb. Then there's the XX fee, the YY fee, and the you shot it on Saturday fee." By the time everything is said and done, they're in your pocket. All I'm saying is read and re-read the fine print. If everything is kosher, go fill that freezer. Like my wife said. "The ring is free, the box costs 10k"
Why waste the time letting them drive it to you? Just walk up to it and shoot it. It doesn't sound like its going to be a hunt it sounds like its going to be a shoot so just get straight to the point. After all its free meat right. Its free meat. Free meat. Its your conscious brother, do what you can live with.
What a dilemma! As I see it you could choose one of the options below: 1) You could go and write of your experiences (pros and cons) like mentioned above. It might reinforce or even adjust prior thoughts you had about high-fenced hunting. 2) Give it away (to a friend) and ask him to split the meat with you. 3) Sell it on Craigslist. 4) Tell the Hunting Preserve you're not interested and to give the hunt to someone else. Personally... I'd go, take home some outstanding meat, and share it with family, friends, and the church pantry.
I have decided to have my 15 year old son do this thing and he has no problem with it at all. Plus I get to go along and film it with him. In the end its a win win for everybody, he gets to shoot an elk and I get to eat it. And makes me feel good that he wants to do this with his bow!!And thanks michihunter for the insight believe me, I will read all the fine print I can. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.
That's the best idea yet. It may not be your cup of tea, but it's a trip of a lifetime for him, which turns into a trip of a lifetime for both of you. If I can offer one more piece of advice, don't ruin it for him by expressing your views on the high fence. Just look at it as the chance to film your son taking a fantastic animal. He'll talk about this trip for a long time to come.
Ah I'd go, and enjoy the free vacation and not lose any sleep over it. After reading through whole thread ha: Enjoy yourself sounds like you got a good plan, enjoy the father son bonding time.
If you can't decide, maybe you can donate the hunt to " Make a Wish" or some other hunting organization? Best of luck with your decision.
I would do it, but don't think of it as a hunt, more like grocery shopping like others said. If you could hunt/stalk them yourself, that would be fun I bet.
