Very interesting post.

RIPP:

I was actually going to PM you and ask you to wade in!

Your experience ID's the lethality, at least on the game the size you mention. I am not a bowhunter but I know from friends that are that the bow is not the pingpong ball many rifle shooters think it is.

I guess after reading this thread again, I now have 2 problems with bowhunting elephant, one being as I've stated earlier, merely a personal preference issue.

The second is different, however. From what I read here {and I'm sorry to say, it jibes with what I've read elsewhere}, ELEPHANT hunting with a bow in actuality, as it plays out for most {virtually all?} that do it, is more akin to hunting trophy deer with a .22 Magnum, shooting it as best you can and then letting your buddy dump it with a .30-06 if all doesn't pan out nice.

As some have stated, more of a stunt with a good chance of the stunt being played out at the animal's expense?

I do certainly acknowledge that it COULD be done properly, just as a fellow COULD {and some do...} successfully and without backup kill trophy deer or elk with a .22 Magnum.

Is this a legitimate view? Please recognise that I am "bow-challenged" and thus have to put things in "gun lingo".

{And before we get too technical, go with a .22 Hornet if you like, my point being a round that is fully capable of killing but is not the same as a normal deer caliber.}