Might be the odd man out here, but seems like one heck of a hunter to me. It is recorded video (which is pretty amazing in itself)so who knows with the editing, but seems to me he got close enough and proficient enough to ethically take that bear. He also was very close to the one he passed on because everything wasn't right.
Do I think everyone should run out and start hunting with blowguns? No, but I don't think everyone should just go out with a selfbow or a shotgun or a bushmaster that is advertised to have a 300 yard range without becoming proficient with them. People also need to learn to hunt as it isn't the same as target shooting. As for to many things to go wrong, that's just plain Hunting. There's always a bunch of things that can go wrong and a lot that have to go right for it to be a successful harvest. Notice I didn't say successful hunt. I think that you can have a successful hunt without a harvest. I think one can have a successful hunt and never take a shot.
I hope I don't upset my good friends here. I truly respect you and your opinions. I guess I think it's more about the hunter than the equipment. I know guys I'm sure if you gave them a blowgun they'd practice and practice and harvest a animal with it. I know others you could give a bushmaster and they'd shot it a couple times and wound a animal. I also know that the gremlins can strike and anyone can have a bad day. I think the more we know about our equipment, its capabilities and limitations. Our hunting target and its habits and vitals area and how to access it the better hunters we are.
Respectfully
Bjrogg