Frontal shot on elk with a bow

[deltaops]

I would take that shot any day of the week, 70 mph winds, rain blowing sideways, turning to a blizzard while I am in my swim trunks and no shirt. 

Ok maybe not with all that going on, but I would take the shot for sure. I am not saying anything bad about anyone so please, INTERNET POLICE AKA FORUM POLICE,  do not take this the wrong way. I am comfortable and confident enough with my equipment that i would take it in a heartbeat.

[elk247]

Im not going to suggest what shot anyone should take. I won't take this shot past 30 yards. I'm a westside elk hunter and this shot is very likely to be presented sooner or later.

[NOCK NOCK]

Interesting replies. Surprising how many approve of a frontal shot.
In an old thread about "Texas heart shots"(through the rear end ) most all disapproved.
Basically same chances with either. It's a small bullseye but if done correctly is very effective.

I have never taken a frontal shot, but can not say I never will...who knows?

You think the distance to the heart through the arse is the same as from the chest? I think that has a lot to do with the different numbers. Also you're not shooting through the guts. I shot my first bull at 7 yards head on.  He made it 50 yards..

Never said that. 

[RadSav]

can't believe he let his wife shoot a bigger elk than him.

I was just reminded that due to pending internet police action I would not have been able to take that shot as 55 yards is 10 yards beyond the ethical threshold.  Of course she is a native squaw and anything she does is going to be viewed with hostility on the intra net.  So what did she have to lose 

[pianoman9701]

Looks like a good shot to me.

[D-Rock425]

can't believe he let his wife shoot a bigger elk than him.

I was just reminded that due to pending internet police action I would not have been able to take that shot as 55 yards is 10 yards beyond the ethical threshold.  Of course she is a native squaw and anything she does is going to be viewed with hostility on the intra net.  So what did she have to lose 

very good point

[elk247]

He's very fortunate.

What do you suppose the percentage of frontal shot archery shots on elk end up with a recovered animal?

I'm no expert, but I'm thinking not very high.

Good question. Poll question? I'm guessing a higher number than you might think.  an arrow in the front will destroy vitals and make short work of tracking/trailing.

[elk247]

Internet police 

[10thmountainarcher]

Interesting replies. Surprising how many approve of a frontal shot.
In an old thread about "Texas heart shots"(through the rear end ) most all disapproved.
Basically same chances with either. It's a small bullseye but if done correctly is very effective.

I have never taken a frontal shot, but can not say I never will...who knows?

You think the distance to the heart through the arse is the same as from the chest? I think that has a lot to do with the different numbers. Also you're not shooting through the guts. I shot my first bull at 7 yards head on.  He made it 50 yards..

Never said that.

You said same chances, which they are not. Your chances of reaching the boiler room from the front are far far greater.

[Jonathan_S]

  you might have just mis-worded that but that's how it reads.

If I was comfortable, I'd take a frontal shot on an elk all day.  They are HUGE animals, it's not like a spindly whitetail that will drop a foot at the shot   

[elk247]

It could.  I think that's why most guys would only take this shot within 25-30 yards. Reflexes play a difference between 300fps and 2,200 fps.

[kentrek]

[quouthor=Jonathan_S link=topic=149334.msg1985116#msg1985116 date=1394832175]
 They are HUGE animals, it's not like a spindly whitetail that will drop a foot at the shot   
[/quote]

Lol youd be surprised how far an elk can move at 20 yards before your arrow can get there

[RadSav]

Lol youd be surprised how far an elk can move at 20 yards before your arrow can get there

I'm sure there are uptight smart ones out there somewhere.  I've just never met one yet

I did have one that thought he could back up fast enough...that was funny!

[NOCK NOCK]

Interesting replies. Surprising how many approve of a frontal shot.
In an old thread about "Texas heart shots"(through the rear end ) most all disapproved.
Basically same chances with either. It's a small bullseye but if done correctly is very effective.

I have never taken a frontal shot, but can not say I never will...who knows?

You think the distance to the heart through the arse is the same as from the chest? I think that has a lot to do with the different numbers. Also you're not shooting through the guts. I shot my first bull at 7 yards head on.  He made it 50 yards..

Never said that.

You said same chances, which they are not. Your chances of reaching the boiler room from the front are far far greater.

I said basically same chances. Read my original post again, nowhere did I mention anything about shooting distances to the heart. Not sure where you got that from.
 If you think that the only quick and humane kill shot is through the heart, you are sadly mistaken. A bullseye in the brown eye will take out multiple organs=faster death. Liver, lungs, Major arteries, there is more than one way to quickly kill an animal. IMO

[Jonathan_S]

[quouthor=Jonathan_S link=topic=149334.msg1985116#msg1985116 date=1394832175]
 They are HUGE animals, it's not like a spindly whitetail that will drop a foot at the shot   

Lol youd be surprised how far an elk can move at 20 yards before your arrow can get there
[/quote]

I know elk are capable of pop-lock & dropping it like a deer and I'm not an experienced expert but I've watched hundreds of archery videos and it very much seems that the vast majority of elk have a slight twitch at the shot if anything.  Noise doesn't bother elk as much as it does deer right?

Whitetail on the other hand are hypersensitive to noise and I'm pretty sure the buck I shot at 42 yards last fall dropped down 2' and came back up into the arrow