It says they were trying to net the elk from the helicopter first to sedate it...that's what I don't get. How far can you shoot a net? And after they net it, then they sedate it? So do they land the helicopter and go sedate the elk? Something doesn't sound right in that story. As you said Dan, it definitely doesn't pass the sniff test.
i grew up watching "wild kingdom" they would shoot this cannon that fired four "arrows" which spread out, pulling a net. they had to get the helicopter close. the ground undulates, hills, etc. it is feasible that the chopper was flying in a low spot on the ground and the elk came up over a hill..it wouldnt be that far away in elevation.
kinda like how the coast guard pilots have to watch out for waves.
i'm glad the people are okay. too bad for the elk. that had to be ugly.