Quick Answer
Shooting through the shoulder bone of elk can lead to poor bullet expansion and penetration, resulting in a non-lethal shot, and potentially causing the elk to run longer distances before succumbing to its injuries.
Shot Placement Considerations
When hunting elk, it’s crucial to aim for a specific spot to ensure a quick and humane kill. Aiming through the shoulder bone can lead to a non-lethal shot due to the dense bone structure. The shoulder bone, also known as the scapula, is a large and complex bone that can cause the bullet to fragment or lose velocity, resulting in a poor shot.
Optimal Shot Placement
To achieve a clean and quick shot, aim for the vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. The ideal shot placement is about 6-8 inches behind the shoulder, centered on the rib cage. This spot is where the major arteries and veins are located, and a shot here will typically result in a quick kill. To accurately aim for this spot, use a rangefinder to determine the distance and adjust your aim accordingly.
Bullet Selection and Expansion
When hunting elk, it’s essential to use a high-quality bullet that expands properly on impact. Choose a bullet with a high ballistic coefficient (BC) and a suitable expansion ratio. A BC of .5 or higher is recommended, and an expansion ratio of 1.5 or higher will ensure proper expansion and penetration. Additionally, use a bullet that is specifically designed for hunting large game, such as the Barnes TSX or the Nosler Partition.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.