Shoot or No Shot 2016, Episode #2

[BULLBLASTER]

That might be a good debate on the side. I am not a neck shot guy. I've taken one as a follow up, 2nd arrow into a deer bedded down at 16 yards but that is a different story. Say I take the shot. I'm shooting my .270, 150gr Barnes. Deflection and wound from the collar? D-Rock shot a baby bear a few years ago that was collared and man that thing was tough. I'd be very hesitant to put a bullet into reinforced leather.

I thought Barnes were supposed to have super penetration powers!!??   

All kidding aside I can't imagine the leather affecting a bullet from a high power rifle much. But haven't seen them close either. That bullet would have no problem breaking both that elks shoulders so some leather shouldn't to too much.
And leather is animal skin right?

[Shank]

This one seems to be the safest shot. Just cut the antlers off at the base then its legal

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[Karl Blanchard]

Odds of a better shot are high but if I had to run one right here right now or pass, i'm high necking the collared cow and going out heavy.

[matt509]

Definitely shooting the collared elk.  The collar is too tight!!  Look at it, she is about to choke. 

In all honesty; I am shooting the neck area, just above the collar.  The collar is pulling the hair tight, so that the neck shot should be 100% fatal immediately. 

In another train of thought; shooting the leather of the collar.....The leather should begin bullet expansion, allowing a dramatic entrance, and very minimal possibility of a pass through. 

At any rate, 100 yards away, I am packing out the collared elk, and like a gentleman earlier said, "Meet the biologist"

[Moose Master]

Head shot the collared cow at the base of the neck.  As stated watching area since dawn and have a rest in place.

[Firedogg]

Going to wait again, probably why I have perfected my version of tag soup lately. With the other elk visible to the right and in the background I can't identify what may be in the background beyond the collared lady. I'm also not one for trying a head shot and taking off the jaw bone on that front baldy.

  So once again they walk, but at least I go through the effort of carrying 20# of camera gear with me for these occasions. Sell just one and I write off my hunting trip staying within IRS rules. 

[buglebrush]

Right in the shoulder of the collared cow.  In under 100 yards the other cow couldn't raise her head that fast. 

However, you can see that the bull is walking fast, so in reality I would just wait a couple seconds and smash the rear cow when he clears

[pianoman9701]

Take the collared elk but wait until the other cow's head can't come up into the shot.

[Band]

I'm waiting for a little separation as they move on and then taking whichever is the easiest shot at the time.

[Jonathan_S]

This one seems to be the safest shot. Just cut the antlers off at the base then its legal

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Very good call, I always appreciate your insights

[Jonathan_S]

Doesn't anybody consider the back drop?  Trees are not a safe bullet stop.  A shot on any of those three in the front could well pass thru and hit something in the back, look at the left behind the tree.

Good call, I'll follow them around until they go in front of a sand berm or loamy hillside 

[WapitiTalk1]

Depending on your patience level (and reservations to shoot at either of the cows in front of the bull for fear of ricochet/wounding a second elk), a hunter could wait another few seconds and perhaps take the cow pulling up the rear?  Just another option to consider