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While packing out quarters of a bull Elk, I was confronted at the gate by three people and it turned ugly. It was the last quarter to pack thankfully, and the animal had been taken approx. 2 miles in and was taken on Miami timber land. They were all males, around their mid 20's. All 3 were the long haired, wired glasses, scraggly bearded types that you would expect to be at a street protest, not out viewing "their" wildlife, as they put it. I was told that I must feel real big for killing this poor 4 point, and how would I like it if they did that to me?
At this point apprehension set in to a whole new level. I tried the approach that the animal would be fully used to feed my family, and that it was legally harvested using legal methods, and that they needed to stand down and back off. The really mouthy one picked up his ski pole/hiking pole and approached me from the back of his Subaru with the pole in both hands as if to use it on me.
I then did the only thing I felt I could, I pulled my rifle from my shoulder, loaded it and as calmly explained that this was going to stop now. I told them that I had far more respect for the animal that I had just shot, quartered and pack to my rig than I had for them at the moment, and that if they escalated this further, then I would be forced to defend myself and the results would be a big mess for all of us.
There was a few more words exchanged, and yes they were all taking pics of myself and rig, and stated they were calling the police, to which I strongly advised them too, and told them it was they who were violating the law. Fortunately, a neighbor from down the road (this was just behind my property) showed up a little late for the pack out, but in time to witness the end of the confrontation. He advised them also that they were way out of line, and that he, not being as old or restrained as I, would be glad to "explain" it further to them if they wished. Thankfully they decided to leave, all the while calling me a murderer, killer and others. I called the local stated game officer as a preemptive move and truthfully explained what had taken place. He asked if they had assaulted me physically in any way, I explained that I hadn't let it come to that, but that it had been very close.
He took their info, we had a few chuckles and all was well for all involved.
The reason I tell this, is to say that while doing something I knew to be completely legal, they found it to be unethical, distasteful, against their morals and values. If one doesn't agree with the laws or lack there of, do something to change them. To confront someone in a challenging manner because you disagree with their "legal" right to life, liberty and happiness is to invite and invoke a response you may not have expected or looked for. While I wouldn't hunt in the Salmon river estuary that is not to far from my home, as many Elk tend to congregate there in the fall, and I feel that it's an area that should be given wildlife sanctuary status, I would never confront the people that choose to do so. In my eyes, it should be an Elk viewing area, as many people pull over on hwy 101 to do so, it's surrounded by paved roads, and is a small section that is boarded with homes, but that is in my eyes. Until the local law is changed, those that choose to do so, are free to harvest them there. I'm sorry for the rant, but some folks take their personal beliefs, values and morals and try to force others to capitulate to their standards, whether or not others have the legal rights and freedoms to do otherwise. Just my own opinion mind you.
John.
You are a better man than I, John.