I have hunted all over the world, 6 continents. I have hunted high fence, low fence, and no fence. High fence as small as 200 acres and as large as 600,000 acres. Low/no fence as small as 160 acres and as large as 30,000 acres. The hunt is what you make of it. I have enjoyed all of my hunts. When young climbing mountains in Alaska seems doable. When you are older, maybe hunting only in Co. for Elk is not as easy as when you are 30. Each person needs to decide what he wants to do and how he wants to hunt. The hunt is what is important. Did you have a fun time? Did you enjoy yourself? Did you make the shot? You still have to make the shot if 200 or 600,000 acres. Was it fun getting ready for the hunt and was it fun after the hunt and do you look at your trophy each and every day? Why do we discuss this? I will continue to hunt no fence and high fence ranches until I Die and hopefully will enjoy each and every hunt.

Amen brother!

Very well said my friend. I hunted for over 20 years in Colorado with 2 men who were 20+ years older than I was (at that time) and when they finally gave up mountain climbing/hunting they chose to take a trip each fall to a H/F elk ranch because they didn't want to give up Elk hunting even though they could no longer hunt the way they used to. I'm sure if they had posted a few photos of the bulls they have taken while hunting the h/f ranch that they would be criticized by some of the internet hunting legends that post here. Both of these men are outstanding hunters and I'm lucky to have been able to call them friends. Hunting is what you make of it and before you jump to critize someone for the way they choose to hunt just know that you very likely know nothing of their character or place in life. Good post Venator ne.......... Baker

Great post and replies.. I hunt because I enjoy it. I am blessed and own property and get to hunt everyday if I choose. I now mostly hunt Axis. Not large ones only spikes and 2 year old. I have taken all the large axis I care to and now just hunt for those. Mainly because those are about all I can load by myself. Hunting an Axis like those is just as much challenge to me as taking a large one. Most would give their eye teeth for large ones I have passed up looking for a younger one. When I guided for a living I have had clients take all types of trophies. When they got one it was the same as if I did. I could have made the shot as good or better than them. It was the hunt that excited me not so much the kill. Most of the time the kill is the easiest part of the hunt. It is getting to that point that is hunt.

Well said don k

Well said everyone.

Good stuff.
I sense a philosophical discussion in this question

We hunt to satisfy the most basic of human instincts. For hundreds of years we have been hunter gatherers. We hunt because something very basic inside us compels us to do so. The challenge of stalking game either in a high fence or in thousands of acres or wilderness, is one of the most satisfying things we do when done right "man versus animal". I to have hunted high fence and in the wide open spaces of Colorado and New Mexico and it is what you make it. Always respect the game, and the pursuit. Just my $0.02.....

A very good two cents.

There is a difference between hunting and "buying" an Animal. Just my opinion.
I have done both. When I look at my trophys, I enjoy the memory of my free range 140" WT a lot more than the 220" WT I shot in a HF over a feeder.
Life is Good !!!

I miss the Rockies and the smell of elk in the timber. But if I go again it will be with an outfitter and some sort of transportation. Late 20s and a pack is a great way to do it but early 50s and a beat up body make that less appealing. I like hunting. Flat land, mountains, on the lake for duck, fence rows for quail and pheasant, natural crossings and field edges or over a feeder. Not worried about the fence, just being there.

Sausage

Why does this question keep coming up and bringing all the philosophers out of the wood work? That's what I want to know.

Yep. If these guys talk like this in everyday life, we could never be friends.

This one appears to be a platform to say HF is just like any other type of hunting. Evocative word pictures of the mountains, strenuousness, etc. Then the hopefully unnoticed pivot to HF being just the same.

I'll not take the bait - but I do see both the bait (and the hook) floating on the surface. Those who wish to do so can knock themselves out focusing on having a "fun time" and "making the shot" being what hunting is all about.

Hunting is more than that to me......much more. When I can't hunt sheep or elk in the mountains under fair chase conditions, I just won't hunt sheep or elk anymore. With no regrets.

NP, you must be very insecure to think this original post was a bait for you. Why in the world would you or anyone else make this anything else than people explaining why they enjoy hunting. I would feel sorry for you but I have read too many of your anti posts.

I didn't say or think it was a bait for me. All I'm saying is I'm not allowing myself to take it as such. That's all.

I do note the question could be asked without the reference to HF - which is why my "platform" opinion is stated.

Just curious what your opinion would be on a free range west Texas elk hunt NP?

I'm not against it but it's not something I would want to do.

I think the point of the post was fairly obvious or "HF" wouldn't have been used as much as it was. You guys sure do enjoy jabbing at NP

I assume the 7th continent the OP is lacking in his world conquest of hunting is Antartica. What's he waiting for? They don't have high fences down there, or what?