So far (knock on wood) it hasn't happened to me, at least on a hunt such as you are considering. This is a pretty much standard policy among a bunch of outfitters worldwide. Should it scare you? Perhaps. At least it makes you a bit more careful. You are right that if you hunt long enough it probably will happen.

My short and skinny take on the subject is that if you want to hunt the big ones, say like in Saskatchewan or Alberta, you accept that as part of the game. Go and enjoy the hunt. Think positive thoughts, and make your shots good ones.

Now, you want to talk pucker factor? In 2003, I hunted Cape buffalo in Africa. The trophy fee for a buff was $10,000 back then, and my first shot was not a great one (there is more to the story). We managed to get the buff, but had we not, I was out ten grand. Now that sort of money will tend to shrink the old sphincter. Please note that as evidenced by the following photo, the buffalo is the one on the wall. Had we not recovered him, I might be in that location due to one very upset W 1 FE unit.

 

hey mutley need to post that story!

 

I have seen that more for Africa than in the states. I have fortunately never had it happen to me but none of the outfitters I have hunted with in the states has had that policy. Yes you and they will do everything possible to recover the wounded game but once the outfitter calls it off as unfindable or possibly not even a kill they have always let the person continue to hunt if that person so desired. If it happenned twice though it would be the end of the hunt.

 

It was draw blood and that's yer buck in Texas and seems to be standard practice there.

 

Every outfitter makes their rules and that is their prerogative. Place I hunt in Texas is not like that - not high fenced and is fair chase.

 

Huntin-nut, where in Texas? That would be a nice state to hunt! I'm not one for cold.