I haven’t socialized with many of the Boise Police since before they imported that eastern dude to run the outfit. Several years back the knowledgeable members who could qualify with the weapon carried .45 A.C.P.s of one sort or another. Back then they did not carry them to “kill people.” They were armed, at least at that time, for self defense and to STOP violent FELONS from escaping or continuing to perpetrate heinous actions on the populace. The “mighty” .40 S&W is only a half step in power over the generally inadequate for even people 9×19 “Paraballum/Luger” round. Not one of this class of rounds, even the superior .45 Auto can be considered adequate for killing an animal the size of a healthy bull elk. These jesters are lucky they were in Boise harassing an herbivore with their ineptness instead of “up north’ chasing large bears.

If elk are truly the imminent threat and present such a deadly danger to the inattentive, cell phone yakking, text messaging, NASCAR wannabe commuters in Capitol City, how was it that the four elk that escaped torture and death did NOT wreak havoc, multiple crashes and produce the feared dead school children? After all, the experts only eliminated 20% of the “deadly” threat that day. Eighty percent of the reported elk failed in their purported suicide missions.

I still feel that the actions of the BPD representatives AND IF&G were ignorant, ill informed, inept, inadequate, inane, and inhumane. Bottom line, they harassed one of the west’s premier and magnificent BIG game animals with a pop gun. But then perhaps the city boys think that with all the new subdivisions, high speed roads, increased traffic and the recent epidemic of “let SOME of ‘em burn themselves out” fires that worrying one elk to death. From what I understand the new head cop’s view, could be summed up as “Vee sot eet vuz zee most humane vay.”

“Think of the thousands of people judged by a cop to make mistakes each month. Since cops come from the same society LOGIC tells me they screw up at the same rate. Live with it dude. A cop is no better than a teacher, coach, doctor, scientist, cook, or preacher….and those folks don’t shoot elk with handguns in the city.”

That is the most illogical thing I have ever heard you say……Jobs are different, responsibilities are different, and life experiances are different. In fact I would say the life views of many in public safety are so far removed from your own that it would be different worlds…… I suggest you read On Sheep, Wolves, and Sheepdogs – by Dave Grossman for a better understanding(http://hobbes.ncsa.uiuc.edu/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.html)

BTW, a car crash caused by an elk (or moose, or even large deer) tends to be devastating. ALso, the difference between a horse and an elk is that you can coax, and often convince a horse to go back from whence it came…Elk are more likely to run from you (straight into traffic??) than a horse. Never saw a horse attack me, and I have been around them all my life. Ever try to catch an elk with a bucket of sweet feed? Ever try to put a halter on an elk? Comparing elk to horses in this situation isnt…logical. 🙂

Not saying I totally agree with the actions taken, but I am smart enough to realize that it could have been worse and also a LOT worse…and most people in that situation wouldnt have been much better and likely they would be simply ineffectve trying to dis-entagle their good intentions from the need to take action.

I am also comfortable that the descision was made in good faith and with some thought…we dont have to agree with it or the thought process…We just have to demand that there was one.

By all acounts there was a thought process, a reasonable one, and one that involved the “experts”- “Fish and Game”. If you want to blame BPD, then you have to blame F&G too if you are going to be honest (not that I think they were wrong, just pointing out the double standard). Otherwise, step back jack, or go down to NOLA or NYC, and see if the cops there are any more tolorant of your opinions.

THese are for the most part good guys and gals on the PD and SO, they do a job you wont do, and probably cant do, or would be too ineffctive to do….so if you are going to slam them (as is your right) then at least do so with an attempt at objectivity.

Firstly, don’t forget that our country was founded by a bunch of dissenters.

Secondly, picking apart our actions after a crisis is a good way to plan for the next. It’s metacognition and it’s good for you.

Thirdly, holding public officials accountable to the public IS standing up and making a difference. Are you advocating that we all join the BPD? No? What exactly would you like us to do in order to Make a Difference?

Stay on topic please. It was ill advised to shoot an elk with a handgun because it MAY or COULD have caused a car crash. A spooked horse is just as apt to cause a car crash, yet cops (I hope you never become one) would never shoot a horse.

Think of the thousands of people judged by a cop to make mistakes each month. Since cops come from the same society LOGIC tells me they screw up at the same rate. Live with it dude. A cop is no better than a teacher, coach, doctor, scientist, cook, or preacher….and those folks don’t shoot elk with handguns in the city.

Gordon – you could be the poster boy for this group. Make sure the next time someone breaks into your house and is threatening to kill you or your family you tell the dispatcher to ensure the deputies only uses two bullets – no matter what. Oh yes, and also make sure the deputies don’t leave their engines running outside like those lousy BPD officers.