Shooting elk in its bed

[unluckyjohn]

Just got done watching for the last time "brotherhood outdoors" on sportsman channel . The host shot an elk laying in his bed. He was bow hunting, is that an ok practice with bow hunters? I grew up that you dont shoot ducks on the water or big game in their beds. (if the duck cant fly, winged or finishing shot to big game is ethical)

[h20hunter]

As far as big game....not the ideal body position and i would rather wait if possible for a standing broadside but i dont have a problem with it. Might even be harder to sneak that close when they are bedded and alert than say while they are feeding.

[boneaddict]

I have killed two bucks in their beds, and have never thought it unethical though its a tough shot.    I stalked up to a whitetail buck laying in its bed to within less than 20 yards and put one in its throat.  He flipped and flopped but never got up.   He was "staring" or facing my direction.  It took hours of stalking in.  I was impressed with myself and have always been proud of that stalk.   I HAVE NEVER sleuced a duck or shot a Turkey out of the tree.  Those are my limits.   

[coachcw]

I've done it , you gotta watch the knee getting tucked back . with a lil angle and a low impact it's fine . often when an animal gets up they bolt strait away leaving no shot . I'd also say limit the distance to under twenty yards . What's wrong with poping a turkey outta a tree ? lol.











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[D-Rock425]

I have no problem with shooting big game in their beds. 

[grundy53]

I have no problem shooting a big game animal out of it's bed. As far as I am concerned there is nothing unethical about it... 

[combs338]

I have no problem shooting a big game animal out of it's bed. As far as I am concerned there is nothing unethical about it... 

 

[headshot5]

I consider it an accomplishment,  big game animals pick there beds so they can have wind and visibility both to their advantage.  If you can harvest a big game animal from his/her bed without them knowing you are there, you have reached the pinnacle of hunting prowess in my mind.  Especially, if you can get under 50 yards from them.  Being able to repeatedly accomplish it, means you understand the animal/species you are hunting. 

Disclaimer: I hunt the westside in the thick and nasty reprod jungle, so shooting something in their bed generally puts me under 30 yards.  Also note a solo bedded animal IMO is harder to approach than a group/herd.     

[HornHoarder]

    Thats how I feel too. Nothing unethical about it.

[Broken Arrow]

Two of the best and longest stocks ( as in time) that I am most proud of have resulted in "bedding shots". Think its a total accomplishment for big game animals....not so with birds.

[Fishstiq]

I would never shoot an animal that was taking a dump.  I would shoot them after they finish.

I would never shoot an animal while it's getting a little sweet luvvin'.  I will shoot them once it's over.

I would never shoot an animal that was birthing/clearly pregnant/nursing young, though I think that should go without saying.

Other than those rules, I think it's pretty much game on.  Did I miss anything?   

Edit*- in regards to big game only.

[NoImpactNoIdea]

   Thats how I feel too. Nothing unethical about it.

I tend to lean towards this...

[blackveltbowhunter]

Nothing unethical about it IMHO. However for me I have a hard time picking the right spot when they are down, So I often wait for a standing shot. I have shot several standing in their bed, one cow bedded and one muley buck bedded. The muley actually took 2 arrows, although the first was a lethal hit, it would have been a very difficult tracking job, I was lucky to get another arrow in him.

[dreamunelk]

So long as he was able to get a kill shot I have no issues.

[boneaddict]

I would never shoot an animal that was taking a dump.  I would shoot them after they finish.

I would never shoot an animal while it's getting a little sweet luvvin'.  I will shoot them once it's over.

I would never shoot an animal that was birthing/clearly pregnant/nursing young, though I think that should go without saying.

Other than those rules, I think it's pretty much game on.  Did I miss anything?   

Edit*- in regards to big game only.

I might include eating out of a feeder or bait, though that can spark some real debate on here as well.  Its just not something I would do. 

High fenced hunt, unless it was for freezer only such as possibly a bison if I was to go look for a freezer full of meat.   I would not consider it sport.