Who pokes their dead animal in the eye?

Do you poke your animals in the eye?

  • Yes

    Votes: 66 42.3%
  • No

    Votes: 90 57.7%

  • Total voters
    156

Marbles

WKR
Classified Approved
Joined
May 16, 2020
Messages
4,458
Location
AK
I guess the next question is, who has poked one in the eye and had it react.
Well, the real question is do people know the reaction they are looking for? But no, all the ones I have poked have been dead dead.

Hunting, if I can walk up on it, normally I know it is too close to dead for checking to make a difference. However, an animal that has just been hit by a car or may have been spined or knocked out is a different story.
 
Joined
Jun 7, 2023
Messages
668
Location
Wyoming
I used to, but then I realized it’s a foolish way to go. What if the animal is blind, can’t blink, or is really committed to playing opossum?

Now, I approach from the rear and use my barrel to give them a Texas Heart Check. Granted, this method is easiest with a sporter-profile barrel. Suppressors make it more difficult.
 
OP
Ucsdryder

Ucsdryder

WKR
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Messages
6,630
I used to, but then I realized it’s a foolish way to go. What if the animal is blind, can’t blink, or is really committed to playing opossum?

Now, I approach from the rear and use my barrel to give them a Texas Heart Check. Granted, this method is easiest with a sporter-profile barrel. Suppressors make it more difficult.
I might have to try that. My Dominus would sure wake one up if he was playing opossum.
 

Sevens

WKR
Joined
Apr 14, 2020
Messages
509
Location
Dallas, TX
Approach from the rear of the animal observing to confirm it appears expired. I usually give the animal a “shove” to be sure.

Mean animals (bear, Cape buffalo, etc.) will get some rocks or sticks thrown at them before getting closer.
 

jahaze

FNG
Joined
Oct 22, 2023
Messages
66
I don't. My uncle always told me to give them a good kick when you get close. If they shake like jello, they're dead. If stiff, give them some more time.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

ODB

WKR
Joined
Mar 24, 2016
Messages
4,008
Location
N.F.D.
Approach from the rear of the animal observing to confirm it appears expired. I usually give the animal a “shove” to be sure.

Mean animals (bear, Cape buffalo, etc.) will get some rocks or sticks thrown at them before getting closer.

Yes, but then about any PH worth his salt will still check the eye after getting close.
 

Erict

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Messages
672
Location
near Albany, NY
No on deer, but I at least look. One year, it revealed this interesting injury on a mule deer buck:

img_8823-jpeg.329577
 

3Esski

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Aug 26, 2023
Messages
184
I want to say that's what they told us to do in hunters saftey 30 years ago. I've never done it.
 

RocketRob16

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 9, 2023
Messages
149
I thought the suggested practice was to approach from the rear and poke/push the back end. I always do pay attention to the eyes on approach though.
 
OP
Ucsdryder

Ucsdryder

WKR
Joined
Jan 24, 2015
Messages
6,630
No on deer, but I at least look. One year, it revealed this interesting injury on a mule deer buck:

img_8823-jpeg.329577
I assume that’s from an old infection. Cattle will get a thistle or something like that and if you don’t get it out it’ll cause infection and they’ll go blind in that eye. They really don’t like you digging around in their eye socket with your finger. It’s for your own good damnit! 😂
 

waspocrew

WKR
Joined
Apr 2, 2022
Messages
791
Location
MT
Like others, approach from the rear - give it a good push/shove with my boot.
 
Joined
May 6, 2018
Messages
9,699
Location
Shenandoah Valley
I have a buddy who ended up hanging onto roots on top of a cliff from an elk he thought was dead.



I don't remember exactly how close he got before it came alive again and came after him, it was close. Like bow was set down and maybe a leg lifted.


He's a little more cautious now,but don't know which end he chooses to poke.
 
Top