Frontal Shot on Elk?

[Bowhuntr64]

I know a frontal shot on elk is a hotly debated topic. Check out this wicked video, showing it can work out sometimes:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1417141781870858

 

[OR Archer]

I think that kid got extremely lucky. The angle he had from where he shot was very poor for even attempting that shot.

 

[amp713]

Couldnt get the link to work due to some security stuff on my work laptop but im assuming its the same one ive been seeing with the younger kid who just waylays that elk! Super cool shot! I will say the same thing here that i said everywhere else its being showed. the only bad shot is one you are unsure of. If you know what you are capable of, the animal is in a rested state and you know where to place the arrow its a good shot. Too many people focus on what others tell them is a good or bad shot.... It all comes down to what you practice!!!

 

[littlebuf]

Not this again

 

[Craig Van Arsdale]

Kid made a good shot! Good for him.

Pope and Young would have taken that shot at 80 yards! Just sayin...

 

[orionthehunter1]

Camera angle and shooter angle can also be different

 

[Browtine]

Shot looks like it came in at a slight quartering away angle IMO. I think I would have waited.

With that being said, the young man made a nice shot.

 

[MattB]

It is a very effective shot when the arrow is placed correctly. The tough part is keeping your composure enough to make the shot. I have talked with a lot of elk outfitters who have had people miss elk (not just a cantalope-sized spot like we are discussing, but the entire elk) inside of 20 yards, so people need to be REALLY honest with themselves when considering a frontal shot. In recent years, I have taken a black bear and at 16 yards head on and a dall sheep at 14 yards with a hard quartering shot - but not sure I would trust myself on an elk. They affect me...

 

[Where's Bruce?]

I would have waited but he's young and will develop his skills and ethics as he gets older. Solid faceplant on that bull...don't recall ever seeing an elk die w/o taking a single step before. OMG is right! To me the only ethical shot is the YOU know you can make.

 

[Bowhuntr64]

That Lumenok glowing inside the elks chest makes the video all the more amazing.

 

[whitingja]

wow, that elk bled out in 15 seconds. Amazing video. Everybody has different abilities. To say it is a bad shot is a little odd. I've seen broadside shots go haywire. Know your abilities. Just because he is young doesn't mean he can't shoot. Maybe he's shot more bulls than some of us. Never know.

 

[bjaegers]

I give him credit the elk was unaware and he waited for the elk to stop, great shot in my book. Also everyone held it together and let the animal die.

 

[Jtelarkin08]

Ya i would take that shot in a heart beat.. Under 25 yards

 

[lintond]

Holy geyser of blood!! Heck of a shot although I would of waited for him to turn slightly. I would have been shaking like a son bi$@h!!

 

[AGPank]

Watched the video link on camofire. Amazing bleed out.

 

[beaston]

Watched the video link on camofire. Amazing bleed out.

I'm not saying frontal shots are okay, but I watched "uncommon ground" last night and most of the broadside shots resulted in quit a tracking job. Frontal shots resulted in tip overs within sight. Obviously broadside is definitely the way to go but it was interesting to see how effective frontal shots are on elk. I'm a WT hunter and it would require the perfect conditions for me to attempt it. As a note these shots were taken at close range and after being spotted by the elk. Now or never!

 

[AGPank]

I prefer broadside too, under the right circumstances I would consider a front shot. Good cover or at full draw, less than 30 yards. I passed on a front shot on a decent bull 3 years ago, but it was 50 yards. 2 years ago I shot a white tail at 28 yards front shot, head was down too. Hit between the shoulders, hit the top of the heart, and exited by his genitals. He didn't go more than 50 yards.

I have lost two bulls I hit broadside too. Both inside 40 yards, good blood trails that disappeared. Hours upon hours of tracking. Heartbreaking.

 

[armyjoe]

Great shot by that kid and I would have taken that shot all day every day too. Very effective if 20yrds and closer

 

[Evan Williams]

I would have taken that as well! It's a close shot, bull was stopped, again a now or never scenario.

Echoing what's been said:
It all comes down to ability. If you aren't comfortable or "able" to make that shot then don't. You only have to answer to yourself. What others would or wouldn't do in the same situation is theirs to answer to.

 

[Rick Leathley]

That was a pretty devastating shot. Hard to argue with that shot being lethal. My question is on a frontal shot what area of the chest do you aim for?