Can terrain type affect shot choices with .308 on elk?

Understanding Terrain and Shot Placement

When hunting elk in open terrain, such as meadows or grasslands, a clean shot at a broadside or quartering-away elk is more likely, and a 3- to 4-power scope is sufficient for a reliable shot. However, in dense forest or timber, shots are more likely to be at longer ranges, and a higher-powered scope, such as 6- to 8-power, may be necessary to account for bullet drop and ensure a clean shot. In mountainous terrain, shots may be steeper, requiring adjustments in aim for bullet trajectory.

Accounting for Wind and Bullet Drop

In the .308 Winchester cartridge, a 168-grain bullet will drop approximately 10 inches at 400 yards and 30 inches at 500 yards. Wind deflection also becomes a concern at longer ranges, with a 10mph crosswind affecting the bullet’s trajectory by 1.5 inches at 400 yards. To compensate, hunters should use ballistic software or a range-finding scope to adjust for wind and bullet drop, ensuring a clean shot at longer ranges.

Shot Placement and Elk Anatomy

When taking a shot at an elk, aim for the lungs and heart, located between the 12th and 13th ribs. A shot to this area will result in a quick kill, while a shot to the neck or spine may result in a longer, more stressful death for the animal. When hunting in dense terrain, it’s essential to aim for the vitals and shoot to the point of aim, rather than trying to lead the target or compensate for bullet drop.