Frontal Shots

[slim9300]

I will only contemplate the shot when the animal is inside 20 yards, despite being very confident with my bow out to some VERY long ranges. I shoot the same size groups you do and shoot my bow daily. Elk are very tough animals and I want 100% confidence I can make the shot. With all of that said, if excuted properly, the frontal shot is the most deadly there is.


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[268bull]

First off, I'm not a bow hunter, so I can't attest to all the variables that come into play with you fellas. But I enjoy reading about your hunts and the different situations, such as this one as presented. You all seem to be very well versed in your bowhunting and your abilities. I'm a fanatical Roosevelt rifle hunter here in west central Oregon Cascades. 75 yds. is the longest shot I've had to take. But I have those variables to deal with also. BRUSH!! At times I'm studying through that brush at a window that appears to be 8x8 inches at best. Just how far in front of that window presnted is that shoulder. Allowing for rise or drop depending whether he's upslope of me or down. I firmly believe it comes down to your faith ( my case, my rifle ), you fellas your bows, in your weapon and your abilities to use it. I don't think I could shoot a more flat shooting rifle than what my .270 Remington has been over the years, and I'm very comfortable with it. I know a lot of bow hunters around here and observing their abilities with shot placement, amazes me. All have told me that they know their bows well, the bows abilities, and limitations. I realize I'm talking apples and oranges here. If however, I bow hunted, I would take the shot. Thanks for allowing me to speak. I hope that I've not offended anyone by inserting my rifle into a bow hunting situation, and I've really enjoyed reading the subject matter. :tup:Dale

[smartazz171]

I would not take it.  It's a higher risk shot and more likely to lead to a lost elk.  I always want broadside or quartered away.  Killing an elk is awesome, but losing one is heartbreaking and not worth a risk.  I want to shoot the highest percentage shots at close distances- i limit my range to 30 yards.

I agree! I know this is more of an individual ethics question then a right or wrong answer. My first elk I shot 2 years ago was a frontal shot at 5  yards; 65 lb bow Magnus 4 blade; hit the gugular (sp) and exited out the right lung. Didnt  go 50 yards. But I can tell you I was deathly afraid of the "what ifs" until I heard the crash! You talk to a archery expert that's more worried about ethical effective kill shots on elk and not their ego, and even broadside 40 yards should be max. I know guys will say I'm wrong but ya you also can lob a half court shot and it can go in if aimed right, that doesn't mean it's a responsible shot to take. 

[colockumelk]

20yds and under you bet.