WHAT IS THE PREFERRED RIFLE SHOT FOR LARGE GAME, SUCH AS ELK AND BEAR?

A wise hunter knows that the best rifle shot for the large game must incapacitate the target, but what is the preferred rifle shot for large game such as elk and bear? The best shot is broadside. 

Elk and bear are difficult games; therefore, anything less than a fatal shot can result in a lost animal. The best shots for large game animals require an understanding of shot placement and the distance from which a hunter decides to take his shot.

What is the Preferred Rifle Shot for Elk or Bear Actually?

Numerous hunters have encountered the disadvantages of hunting. Every once in a while, wounded and lost animals are included in the sad tales told by untrained hunters. This is entirely due to poor marksmanship and an inability to hit a target. For large game animals such as elk and bear, learning to take them down with a good shot takes time.

Choosing the Best Rifle Shot for Large Game: Which are the Best Large Game Shots?

The ultimate goal of hunting is to make a kill. However, any hunter seeking a successful harvest must be knowledgeable about the best rifle shots to make. Not all shots at animal results in a kill. Certain shots taken without aiming at the animals’ vital organs are rendered ineffective. Large game animals such as elk and bear require a hunter to aim precisely. 

Additionally, a hunter must be 100 percent confident in the shot they are about to take. Confidence in hunting is developed through regular practice with the hunter’s equipment. Before a hunter can take a good rifle shot, he must ascertain that there are no obstructions between him and the animal.

Head and Neck Shots

A one-shot clean kill should be the primary objective when dealing with large game animals. If the shot does not incapacitate the animal sufficiently, they will likely scatter if somewhat wounded. Shots to the head and neck ensure that vital organs such as the brain and spinal column are struck. Shots to these organs are unquestionably lethal and will instantly kill the animal with less ruined meat. 

Close-range rifle shots should be used for these rifle shots. Because the brain is relatively small, it is difficult to target accurately. Neck shots are also uncertain, as they require the spinal cord to be severed to ensure instant death. Failure to hit these organs results in damage to other parts of the animal, such as the jaw, which condemns the animal to a slow and agonizing death.

Heart Shots

Every hunter desires a heart shot, as these are the shots that almost always result in an instant kill. That being said, the hearts of the majority of large game animals are located much lower in their chests. Therefore, the heart is a small target, particularly for inexperienced hunters who may not be aware of the necessary elevations for a shot. 

Because the upper leg typically covers the heart, the chances of striking the animal’s leg and injuring it are also high. As a result, shots aimed at the heart should be precise.

Shots at the Lungs 

For large games, lung shots are arguably the most preferred rifle shot. A bullet shot through the lung is a certain one-shot kill. Most experienced hunters argue that an animal shot in the heart typically travels farther before collapsing than one shot in the lungs. Lung shots are preferred because they provide a relatively large target area and thus allow for a reasonable margin of error.

What are the Angles of Shot Placement on A Large Game?

To get the best rifle shot on big game, a hunter must adopt the animal’s viewing positions. Here are a few examples:

• Broadside

Broadside shot placement is one of the most advantageous rifle shot placements. The vital organs of large game animals such as elk are more amenable to being struck. The projectile from the shot pierces both the lungs and possibly the heart. A hunter should be patient in waiting for the opportunity to strike.

• Quartering Away

It is a reasonably difficult shot that is impactful when the objective is to kill the animal. The quartering away shot’s objective is typically to strike the lung’s tail end. The lung’s tail end faces the hunter, while the middle or front of the lung faces away from him. Aiming from the ribs will almost certainly result in a perfect shot.

The Takeaway

Each hunter will have a different preferred rifle shot for large game animals. However, everyone’s objective is to hit the target and make an instant kill. Therefore, before deciding on any shots, it is always prudent to ascertain which range provides the optimal shot. Precision and accuracy in your shot execution come before deciding on the best rifle shot for large game. [sc name=”faq2questions” q1=”Choosing the Best Rifle Shot for Large Game: Which are the Best Large Game Shots?” a1=”Certain shots taken without aiming at the animals’ vital organs are rendered ineffective. Large game animals…” q2=”What are the Angles of Shot Placement on A Large Game?” a2=”Broadside shot placement is one of the most advantageous rifle shot placements. The vital …” ][/sc]