Frontal Shot on Elk - When to take it........

[WapitiTalk1]

Morning all.  Each year, on Hunt WA and other hunting forums, I always see discussions/questions surface about the lethality of frontal shots on elk (and other big game animals).  Yes, it is a valid shot/addition to your tool kit and has its place if one understands elk anatomy, and, IMO, is used as a short range shot (under 25 yards) particularly when using archery gear.  Here is an excellent article by Aron Snyder from a handful of years ago.  It's well worth reading and reviewing the angle shots presented in the images. 

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/live-hunt/2011/07/bowhunting-tips-when-take-frontal-shot/

[Bowhunter3]

 

[wannabhntr]

Cory Jacobson has a pretty good Youtube video on this subject.

[DOUBLELUNG]

Definitely a deadly shot, and if you are a bit left or right good chance you cut the carotid or jugular and get great blood.  The last elk I took this shot on was facing dead on, looking away.  I watched my entire arrow disappear through his windpipe.  He ran, I heard him fall, cough, and silence.  Long story short, no blood - I found one patch of bloody saliva about the size of a quarter.  I did 2 hours of grid searches, two friends joined me and we did another 6 hours.  No recovery, I'm sure I killed him.