... I avoid bone. However my current rifle location generally I want to take out the very top of the heart or the arteries at the top of the heart. Frontal shots tend to be lower for us than what most people may think they should be aiming. With all that jabber I just spewed. My dad also enforced ...

If I looking at the pic correctly; it looks like I would be shooting 2 more inches to the right. with a rifle or box. Ive made a similar frontal on a Montana bull, 32 yards and an Idaho bull, 52 yards plus deer cootes and antelope. Good top of the heart shots Even though I believe I could ...

Shooting, I feel very confident at 30yds practicing for a full frontal that I have no problem taking at 20yds or less on a living animal.

... plus I had no idea how effective an arrow was at that time) One year we had three bulls come charging in. I held off on bigger 6x6 20-yard frontal to watch my daughters shot IMG_0152.JPG This forum was brand new at the time an I posted the story elkatblindSmall.jpg What Im getting at. How ...

... yards away when I gave a soft cow call. He was on the other side of the willows and came crashing through them. I had told my wife not to take a frontal. We both dropped down and my wife drew as the bull stepped out and about 10 yards. He lowered his head and looked right at us but kept coming ...

... arrows still in them? I haven't bow hunted in a long time, but even when I did, the few I killed were complete pass throughs. Shoulder shots and frontal shots seem to be the only reason I could see an arrow remaining in the animal for long. Are there people out there that would abuse an arrow ...

... I shoot a shotgun and rifle,,,"lefty", but a bow right-handed. I learned to shoot instinctively,,, when I was 13..... With a perfect frontal on a 5x5 I couldn't open my right eye to see through the peep,, Once I had my eye working the shot would have been precise. You can know there ...

... Was it stopped right on top of her? The biggest bull pushed his way through the cover and stopped, staring my direction, The sweetest 20 yard frontal you can imagine for me. I see head, hat and bow limb slowly moving. 3, seconds, 5 seconds 8 seconds.. Im thinking shoot. I am completely passing ...

For sure some shots are more demanding than others. A frontal shot, or a spine shot from a tree stand takes more precision than a quartering away. Skill, distance and nerves all come into play on the shots we should take. Hunter, know yourself and what you are attempting to do.

A lot of things might happen but lets say he offers no frontal and stops, staring, in your direction. 1) tisk tisk, you have no arrow nocked. Right there you made this a no shot encounter up to the point that he turns away or around and heads off. He ...

... there. Swede as soon as he clears the trees he is coming straight to those cows ,, now less than 20 yards,, at 10 yards he will be nearly perfect frontal,, just uphill slightly. Just curious Swede: What are you praying for? :) A clean hit, or miss, that the bull doesn't drop 500 yards down the ...

... 1 He stops at the edge of the road cut before he crosses the road he lifts his head and stops 7 yards away. My top pin is for the perfect frontal. a bit of an upwards shot but still OK I release, I see the arrow disappear intothe red hole his chest. Slicing arteries from the top of the ...

... believe it just happened, so this is what it’s like”. I’m pretty focused in on the shot and how good or bad it is. I’m assuming he made a crazy frontal shot - he says “no I shot him behind the shoulder”. My stomach churns immediately - the frontal would’ve been no good because it was quartering ...

... peep an execute your shot. The bull comes to a stop about 5 yards from the clearing - he is 18 yards below us and quartering very hard to us. A frontal will be way risky, he’s not turned quite enough. I look down and Levi is absolutely locked in. I look back at the bull. He has absolutely no ...

I am not a fan of mechanicals. I don’t shoot at a live animal over 35 yards. I don’t like frontal shots. I don’t like threads that suggest a 60 or 70 yard shot is perfectly ethical. Yes…. i am old school. I just really really don’t like the thought of an unrecovered ...

... 30 seconds I realized it was a bull stomping his way towards me. Then turned straight towards me. At 50 yards I turned the scope down to 2x. Total frontal; Squeezed the trigger, The elk lunged to take off. I put a 2nd shot in him within the second and he was grounded. 5x6. I don't think I have ...

I think a quartering too shot *can* be a good shot. But I will tell you the one taken in that video didn't satisfy my definition of a good opportunity. It was steep quartering, but not steep enough for a frontal opportunity, and the bull was moving. Dude got lucky.

Rifle. Watched my first bull walk straight towards be for 1200 yards. 39 yards frontal, as the elk spun, maybe within the same moment I had another bullet in him. Seemed to go to the ground faster than gravity allows.

... in the trees...you are now fisherman and get to tell people just how big he was 8-) As for from the shooters angle I really like 20 and in for the frontal. Hard to say exactly what he is seeing but unfortunately because my luck runs this way I’m saying the bull smells us before he gets the shot. ...

... yet. You're at full draw though and he is still moving. Hope he doesn't wind you and turns ever so slightly either way. He's close enough for a frontal shot so of he turns toward you and you're comfortable with it, take it. In the mean time, hopefully your partner can capitalize.

... take it and it was just a bad shot. With more research into it it is a shot I will take now but it has to be the perfect storm. I have seen enough frontal shots on YouTube and other sources to see how effective it can be. I've also drawn on a 6 point bull at felt I was to shaky because of holding ...

... I would rather have Julie's 18 yard shot with her 45# draw and a light arrow, than an elk at 60 yards while shooting Aaron's equipment. I have had frontal opportunities and waited until they turned. If they move three inches you can go from a good bullseye to disaster. An elk can move a lot more ...

I know I’ll get a better opportunity than that.

My dad pounded that into our heads too,..the shot will generally appear with a rifle

The whole aim small miss small comes into play. Once an arrow gets into the cavity it can do a lot of damage Julies bow was in the mid #40's I think her arrows are 26 inches. and somewhere around 370 gn the shot was at 18 yards with out ribs it was poking the far moose hide 2016-10-08 09-14-33 (Smal...

Only with a rifle for me but to each his own. I know I’ll get a better opportunity than that.

I think Aaron was talking archery. My first bull was a frontal shot with a rifle. That is a whole different matter as there is enough kinetic energy to go deep even if you hit bone. A 50# or 60# bow is much more limited. Even Aaron's 80# bow is not carrying the energy of a decent elk rifle.

This shot is not for rookies staring down their first bull. ,,. My first bull elk was shot with a 39 yards frontal, he took a side step I fired and he hit the ground dead. I have killed a lot of game different ways and have butchered and skinned lots of furbearers and just know ...

I think Aaron should have added you need ice water in your veins. This shot is not for rookies staring down their first bull. There is just too much to consider. Well, maybe he covered that with item #1. Maybe I was just more direct.

Morning all. Each year, on WapitiTalk 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, ...

... slow through the tangle because of the size of his head gear. 60 yards out I saw horn,.. Maybe right there I should have taken the 17 yard frontal shot at a huge Yellowstone bull , However I wanted to see my daughter get her bull IMG_0152.JPG I spent two years with these three,.. passing ...

... if I'm not confident the big guy is bigger than the one on the wall I'm probably gonna arrow Jr. But not at that angle. It isn't right for a frontal shot, or a quartering to. As for Jr. busting out the big guy, spikes are D U M B. I'd think hard about throwing a cow in distress call, and ...

... eating vegetable soup the rest of the year. His neck is turned but his body is straight on. That shoulder is out of the way. I used to pass on all frontal shot but Elknut changed my way of thinking. I’m still very hesitant but at 25 yards at that angle I’d go for it.

Normally I don’t take frontal shots but 25 yards is close and since I’m already drawn I’m gonna let er rip! Maybe a hair below my red mark. I’m better with a bow than I am at photo editing.

Ive taken plenty of frontal rifle shots at big game just like that. My first bull (Montana) I watched cross an open meadow for1100 yards. Then trot straight at me. Turned the scope down , waited till he was close enough I was seeing ...

I'm in. Planning on another full frontal assault on Idaho deer and elk, as well as WA deer and bear. I'll buy my WA Elk and cat tags too, but will only hunt elk if I draw a special permit, and cats if the time allows.

... second. Way to practice what all archery hunters should. Where did your arrow enter? Thanks man. It was a very hard quartering too almost full on frontal. The direction he was walking, I fully expected to stop him perfectly broadside with a nervous grunt and drill him thru both lungs. But as usual, ...

... had no idea he would not bleed externally. Only internally. As he raised his head and started to bugle, I drilled him! Since it wasn't a full on frontal the arrow did not cause as much damage as I would have liked from my perspective, however I'm sure the bull died within 15 minutes. But anyway ...

I think a big mistake is guys just giving up. The frustration of not finding blood can be a huge factor in getting on with your hunt. I made a frontal shot on a monster this year and all I could do was follow tracks! This is all I found after a couple hundred yards. A tiny piece of meat. There ...

... I had I was again solo and called this bull into 35 yards. But he came directly at me and stopped facing me. No shot. I am only comfortable with a frontal shot at 20 yards or less. Hunting a lot solo its such a challenge for me to get them to come within that 60 yards. Had several encounters where ...

... the string. (So much for keeping it together!!) Luckily his view was still obstructed by the trees so I let off and re-nocked my arrow. He is now frontal at 50 yards. Just too risky of a shot. He ripped a couple bugles as his cows started calling behind him. But then finally turned broadside allowing ...

... for kicks in all sorts of conditions I’ll also say there are no exacts. Blood trailing is a simple skill but not all game bleeds I’ve killed two frontal rifle bulls shot top of heart Then a second shot each : one in the crease the other in the spine The first bull mane went 10 yards after the ...

X2 on proficiency on the Frontal Shot! Be ready for it just in case as well as quartering to you! Too, be ready for a bull to come in unexpectedly quick in high aggressive calling situations. He may come in so quick you couldn't draw ...

... resupply on food. Even better, drive into nearest town halfway through to get a big burger, see some people, and recharge. Get comfortable with a frontal shot, what you will and won't take. I'll be back in Wyoming by myself for the first two weeks of the season this year...

Never taken this shot myself and I don't think I have the b_lls to but I have seen it work. Too steep an angle for the frontal? You better be a dead eye with ice in the veins..

Trumkin the Dwarf wrote:I'm hitting full draw first, then giving my best dog bark to stop this guy in his tracks.

Hisssssss-thunk.

Wolfs.jpg

Great answer! But I prefer the frontal right between the eyes of the black one

Passed a 50 yard frontal shot on an elk and a 70 yard broadside shot - both with a bow. Enough can go wrong without me adding another variable of stretching the yardage. I practice out to 100 and am putting arrows in the kill zone ...

First elk I ever shot - 40 yard frontal with a .300 Win Mag

--Mitch

... a lot of times :oops: Last year I had a bull of most peoples dreams ( mine too) in the thick just twenty yards away. Maybe not a great full frontal. At the moment I looked away it was marginal in my mind, anyway,.. but I do believe it was good shot within the next moment. Why did I pass: ...

Ive done neck shots on two whitetail bucks and they both crashed instantly. The only other flat out drt not a step taken kill ive made was a frontal chest shot on a bear at 10 yards with a .308. Ive bon jovi'd a couple bucks that still made it 50 yards or so with their hearts nothing but pudding.

... The spine hit does nothing but stop them instantly so you can place another arrow in the vitals. I killed a bull with my 338 Win Mag. It was a frontal shot that cartwheeled him. He was dead when he hit the ground. That bull did not wiggle or move a bit after landing with his butt towards me.

If I'm hunting with a rifle, as I do most of the time, I love the "quartering too" frontal shots. You put a 160 gr bullet going 3000 fps through the brisket, heart, lung, and out the other side, the damage is catastrophic. I've never had an animal go more than ...

... shot no shot posts. But what are your experiences on the sh0t that drops them in their tracks or on the spot? I shot two bull elk with a rirle frontal shots taking out the top of the heart. Both elk OI put a 2nd as soon as they wee broadside, One bull it was his last step, the other turned ...

There's no shot there. 35 yards is way too far for a frontal shot, which is what the shooter would have in that situation. As shooter, I'm waiting quietly. He's got cows ahead... the wind is fine all around... A shot will develop. Well there is but ...

There's no shot there. 35 yards is way too far for a frontal shot, which is what the shooter would have in that situation. As shooter, I'm waiting quietly. He's got cows ahead... the wind is fine all around... A shot will develop.

... on, ever. Like I mention in other threads my dad pounded the broadside in the crease shot. I feel comfortable with a slight angle and straight frontal and with full knowledge that there could be a big mess at the gut. But now perfer the top of the heart with rifle and bow, Im will not take ...

... broadside shot at 13 yards. He is going to turn ! Isnt he? and face the call? If he stops a few steps closer as the shooter I may have a good frontal shot, September 8th We had this same thing happen to my daughter, but 3 bulls, The smallest bull gave her that shot at 8 yards. Another bull ...

Indian Summer wrote:Similar scenario.... I believe you can take a frontal shot on an elk, with bow or high powered a rifle and not kill it because the bullet went inside the shoulder but outside the rib cage neither breaking the shoulder or damaging any lungs or organs.

That has happened to me. I believe it

Similar scenario.... I believe you can take a frontal shot on an elk, with bow or high powered a rifle and not kill it because the bullet went inside the shoulder but outside the rib cage neither breaking the shoulder or damaging any lungs or organs.

... I spotted a bull 50 yards below us my 2 shooter went left and right and I walk up the hill made 3 cow call the bull came up the hill for a 11 yard frontal shot. Good blood trail found him 100 yards later. Now after that long story your probably wondering were the mistake was. Well as we were taking ...

... dead center in the middle of his chest. As soon as I closed my other eye I saw all pins right where they should be and squeezed the trigger on a frontal shot. The bulls skid marks were FIVE YARDS from where I was kneeling. He hit the breaks hard and took a 90 degree turn. My heart about fell ...

... and forth as the bulls pushed on.. Antlers flashed , 35 yards below me,.. . I repositioned myself with the guess the bull would give me a20 yards frontal shot in seconds. Then a flash of elk hide off towards my daughter another bull was in front of her. Either bull It was time to draw. The sound ...

You already messed up. :oops: Should have drawn earlier and you'd have had a good chance of a close frontal shot or of him turning broadside. As is - you're pinned. It's like being caught holding the hand of Cruella Deville by the woman of your dreams - it was over before ...

Called this monster in after 9 hard days. Twenty yard frontal shot, only went 100 yards.
I'm in

... have presented a better shot opertunity. (Maybe even a Texas heart shot) I don't know what kind of a Montana shot you would call it! :roll: :lol: Frontal shots are tricky enough, especially at a moving target as pictured on this bull!

I was pushed recently about max range for a frontal shot and I said with my longbow that it was 10-12 yards for an elk. Maybe 15. 23 yards is not gonna cut it, and I'm passing.

... it would be humane and lethal. I did write a lengthy reply in this thread earlier, which was my only experience with that type of shot. the frontal shot isn't near as risky, you are going directly into vitals, and of course it should be passed more than taken, because like you mentioned, ...

... it as quick as possible, of course things can and will happen on traditional good shots, but the odds go up exponentially on shots like a ths The frontal shot is different because your arrow will not get slowed or steered before it contacts major organs. If you hit off center, low, or high, it ...

... I walked up on him and put another one in him. Was it a lethal shot? Yes. But it definitely did not kill him as fast as a good broad side shot or frontal shot would. There was zero blood either, which means had it been in thick country or had he gone further (and I bet an elk would have) the chances ...

We have talked about frontal shots and if and under what circumstances a person would attempt it. Well what about taking a shot from the other end? Would you try it? Under what circumstances? I would take the shot if it was open to ...

... me an elk. When I do finally get up to turn around and look behind me, a 4pt bull is just appearing about 20-25 yards to the SE, presenting a good frontal shot opportunity. Of course, he sees me move, and whirls around to run off, but a quick cow call stops him just 15 yards into his run. Now he’s ...

... away! This toad scores a skosh over 345 with 51" mainbeams. We were very fortunate to roust this ole boy up & in! Paul took him with a frontal shot accompanied by a short recovery! ElkNut/Paul

... make sure I wasn't going to run into him. What I failed to do was bend around the other side of the tree I was looking from and see him standing frontal at 66 yards. A nervous grunt quickly followed and I tried to nervous grunt him back which kept him there for a few seconds but no luck. How ...

... I can't remember for sure, but BRO seems to be pretty good about not staging much. Walking up to a downed bull is one thing, but to have any frontal shots of a hunter when an animal is in archery range and you know it's staged. It's too bad that so many shows think they have to create so ...

20 yards for me. And it needs to be a true frontal shot, not a quartering towards angle - unless very slight. I have not had the opportunity to take this shot yet.

I've seen appx 10 bulls die to that frontal shot....5 myself as I recall...all with a compound. ...its deadly. I used to shoot as good or better than the OP...not anymore! My longest frontal was appx 27yds...which is about as far as I would ...

... of me ;) The darn things don't hold still as well as my Reinhart either :lol: Don't feel bad, very few pros shoot that well at 20 yards! I'd tke a frontal 30 and in. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

These types of frontal or hard quartering shots aren't meant for moving animals, I would think.
Standing still, close and unaware... shooter calm.

... Somewhere in the elk woods Hunt Pressure Status: Marginal Hunt: Partner Hunt Tag: Archery; 3 PT or better bull. On the heels of Old School's frontal shot thread and LarryBud's rookie mistake thread, I pose this scenario....... Are you kidding me.....REALLY! You're on your very first elk hunt ...

... killed elk with this shot and what your maximum range was - I thought I was clear in my intent/request... I had already done the search for "frontal shot" and had seen the hundreds of responses, but not all in one thread and so many related to different posts, etc... without really addressing ...

Roosiebull, X2 -- Big Grin!!

ElkNut/Paul

when I shot a compound, my groups were usually same size at 50 yds as 30,1-2" That is pretty amazing shooting. I don't shoot that good, but good enough, my problem is, my groups get quite a bit worse with an elk in front of me ;) The darn things don't hold still as well as my Reinhart either :...

when I shot a compound, my groups were usually same size at 50 yds as 30,1-2"

Old school wrote:I searched and didn't see this topic as a topic, but might have missed it.

Enter frontal in the "search this thread" box. Or click here for 472 replies and counting:
search.php?keywords=frontal&fid%5B0%5D=3

The first and only bull or elk for that matter taken with a bow is the one seen in my picture. He was taken at 11 yards and left the biggest blood trail I've ever seen. All factors considered, he was on even ground with a very clear and open shot. If I was asked if I would do it again, I would say y...

We've taken several elk with the Frontal shot! First thing I'd mention is it's not for everyone! It requires ice water in your veins to pull a shot like that off as you maintain a calm composure at an elk in your face at 25 yards or less. ...

... and quite a few further of course, I have only taken the shot once, it was 18 yds, and it was very effective. I have tracked 2(the only other 2 frontal shots I've see taken) and they were both bad shot, one was because the elk moved at the shot at 30 yds, neither recovered. it's a big enough ...

20 and in for me. to each there own. I have passed this shot up for years and on several bulls. I have watched enough videos and studied it enough that I will take it now but it needs to be the right angle and distance for me.

... and quite a few further of course, I have only taken the shot once, it was 18 yds, and it was very effective. I have tracked 2(the only other 2 frontal shots I've see taken) and they were both bad shot, one was because the elk moved at the shot at 30 yds, neither recovered. it's a big enough ...

Dunno yet. Just got the new bow completely set up and I cannot tell ya exactly how far I will feel comfortable. I suspect it will be 20, maybe 25 yards. the new bow seems to shoot really well. On the other hand, if I am not happy with the results, it may end up that my max is less than 5 yards!

Everyone is different. I see no problem with your maximum range if you do not have an issue with nerves and the elk is not looking right at you. I know people that can hit a bulls eye consistently at 30 yards, but can't hit the broadside of a good buck at 20 yards. Probably you know some of these pe...

I haven't tried it yet, but I think I'm with a pretty big majority at 20 and under.

I searched and didn't see this topic as a topic, but might have missed it. I know we've made comments in the past on posts regarding frontal shots but was wondering what is your maximum range for taking a frontal bow shot on an elk? I'm shooting decent groups out to 70 yards in an attempt ...

... mark or 1:48 when he passes through that small window. Or better yet as RJ has pointed out setup in front of the cover and have an easy 10 yard frontal shot. Thanks for posting these RJ! --Mitch

... works for me - from my laptop, and from my phone through Tapatalk. (Nice Bull!) Lol. Thanks. First and only elk I've let an arrow fly at. 11 yard frontal shot and still went 300 yards with a 6 foot wide blood trail. Started archery hunting elk in 2013 but have gone a few times rifle season in ...

These posts have really opened my eyes to frontal shots. I've never taken them but I'm repeatedly seeing people with a lot more experience than I saying its a good shot to take. Frontal shots and even slightly quartering to shots can be deadly ...

... (Larry) is one of my hunting buddies and I'm just busting his chops a bit; he's an excellent archer ;) . These posts have really opened my eyes to frontal shots. I've never taken them but I'm repeatedly seeing people with a lot more experience than I saying its a good shot to take. #22 is a shot ...

second angle...no shot for me...since wind and concealment are still in my favor waiting for a better angle, and hoping that passing up the frontal shot (was greater than self imposed 20 yard limit) wasn't a mistake

I am not shooting in the first photo because the head is down, and my self imposed yardage limit is 20 yards on a frontal shot. Tempting though. The second photo is easier for me - no shot. Quartering towards me too much. Waiting for a better angle. Too risky for a lenghty blood ...

As mentioned, 20 yards or in probably taking the shot....but, at pushing 30 yards not going to take the frontal shot and going to have to wait hoping that he offers a better shot in the next 30 seconds.

... heard from reliable sources, and experienced elk hunters. I have help track 2 different bulls that took a long time to die, not gut shot, one was frontal, with no penetration hardly, the other was quartering away, high and forward, both had to be finished later...both ended up being fairly easy ...

Almost missed this great thread. In the original photo RJ posted, I would not call this a "frontal" shot, it appears to be a "quartering to" shot. I would not shoot, and wait for a better shot opportunity. I am a proponent of lighted nocks as they aide ...

I'm taking the frontal shot, no way on the behind the shoulder. I'm not even sure where RJ's dot is you are going to clear the scapula.

I think this would be the kill zone on this bull with the frontal shot. What do you guys think? I think the higher the hit the farther the bull will go. What do you guys think to big or about right?

... I ha/ve Nothing wrong with that at all, and agree I would not take a behind the shoulder shot as the margin for error is even smaller than the frontal shot presented. Mathewsz7 - That is a great point and thanks for sharing. That reciprocal angle shot does show just how much damage that arrow ...

... shot. I hit him right behind the shoulder at 11 yards the arrow went out the front of his neck as you can see in the picture. I know its not a frontal shot but the path the arrow took is just the opposite. I was never a fan of the frontal shot until I took this shot. The blood this animal left ...

... the shoulder shot at this range. Mainly because I feel the ribs are going to be tough to penetrate at this angle. With the bulls angle I feel the frontal shot is actually better then when it's straight on. Your room for error hasn't reduced by much if any really. When an animal is straight on ...

... covers at least 6 inches. In addition, the angle the bull presents considerably narrows the window for a clean humane kill, if it exists at all. A frontal shot at best is one where you need to know precisely where to shoot. Many hunters will pass on a frontal for that reason. RJ's bull has magnified ...

Folks, images below for your review. This frontal shot is a very deadly shot with a bow but as mentioned, shot placement must be correct. I personally don't consider this shot at anything farther than 25ish yards max. It'll drop them like a bad ...

... my height right in front of me. He was just a little 2x3, and came out of the trees and just kept heading right at me (knowing today about the frontal shot this would have ended different). 50, 40, 30, 10...he walks right up to the bush that I am behind and bugles and proceeds to let the little ...

One thing I know would have helped me tag lots of elk if I had known years ago is the frontal shot that I have learned about on forums. I can't tell you how many elk I've passed under 10 yards that would have been chip shots because I was told only broadside or quartering ...

... heading my way. And I wasn't ready. Scrambled to get an arrow nocked, range a tree real quickly and came to full draw as he came in to 24 yards frontal. Would have been an easy shot for me if I was more ready and calm, but with the surprise and the adrenaline, I couldn't get my pin steady. He ...

... set my feet, draw, breathe, go through the shot routine, settle the pin as he walked up over a small rise. Perfect shot where I aimed on a 30 yard frontal shot. I'd practiced that shot, knew I could hit it, had time to get ready, my pin was steady, drilled him. This year, I got surprised by an ...

... yds away screaming a bugle to me, I'm already drawn as I can tell he was coming and as soon as he gets in an opening I shoot him at 20yds, it's a frontal shot. Arrow finds its mark and buries to the fletchings! Great! I knock another instantly giving some calls to hopefully stop him for another ...

My limits are the same as they have been since the late 80's
50 yds broadside or quartering away
20- 30 yds frontal

My limits for this Archery Season

50 yards broadside or quartering away

20 yards frontal

I will be disappointed however, if my real shots are not much less

2 things surprised me. The size of the kill zone on a broadside shot (12" x 12"). And how high the frontal shot placement needs to be. I definitely would have shot lower.

There's a good read in the Elk Hunter Magazine fall 2016 about the anatomy of an elk. If anyone is having questions about shot placement you should grab a copy of this and look at the pictures. It really clears up the skeletal structure compared to the vitals. Even the mythological frontal shot.

Ive have had frontal rifle shots mess up the gut on deer ,.. just a mess But they drop fast. Ive had 2 frontal shots on my bull elk. both times bullets were found beside the gut ( no mess) If game is going up a steep hill side a ...

... a few times and focusing on my shot routine, I'm hoping that won't become an issue. So, my max range on a broadside elk is 50 yards and 25 for a frontal (yes, I've done it). There's a shot placement thread currently running over on bowsite. I personally don't get involved in that drama, but Bill ...

I've taken all those shots you talked about. First off, I wish I would have taken the frontal shot the first year I ever elk hunted. When calling for yourself they sometimes come in so fast you don't have time to move so I'd get a lot of elk come straight in. I'd watched ...

Thanks for the reply guys! I shot one last year I could not find.... It was a frontal shot which may have been a mistake to start with but it was my first ever shot at an elk and I felt comfortable with making a shot like that. I'm not really sure what happened. ...

absolutely, the 1st elk we got in or group we seen before we called. We spotted him down the hill 80 - 90 yards spread out, I moved up the hill 30 yards 3 soft cow call and it was over. 11 yard frontal shot.

... are out there. That way, I can develop my own opinions on certain controversial elk hunting issues - like hunting bedding areas, and taking a Frontal shot with a bow. I agree with Brendan. I have found the Elknut materials, the Elk 101 online course, and Roe Hunting Resources to be the three ...

... pants around my ankles. 80 yard rifle shot, head on. Never bled a drop, heard her fall after a 100 yard dash. That is one reason why I dislike the frontal shot, if the entry wound doesn't bleed and you don't get an exit, you could lose the animal. Moral of story: Keep your weapon handy @ ALL times. ...

... pants around my ankles. 80 yard rifle shot, head on. Never bled a drop, heard her fall after a 100 yard dash. That is one reason why I dislike the frontal shot, if the entry wound doesn't bleed and you don't get an exit, you could lose the animal. Moral of story: Keep your weapon handy @ ALL times.

... real question. You aren't so concerned with getting both lungs or the heart so much as trauma from the great vessels taking him out. I'm not anti frontal, just have had broadside and quartering and that you have to get both lungs and or the heart pounded in my head for all my life. I can't see ...

... until its to late and its zipping right thru his chest. I'm with you Mike. I'm taking that shot. I don't want to debate the pros and cons of a frontal shot, but I've done it and would be comfortable taking this one. In my opinion, if you're going to be hunting solo and "running and gunning" ...

I'm waiting. So I've never done the frontal shot yet, I would imagine it more of a straight on thing. At what point do you guys hold off if something is quartering to you. I know you'll probably get some of the main arteries, but this angle ...

No shot!!! At 50 yards I shoot a tight 3 1/2 group. The problem is with a frontal shot is your sweet spot is small. Another thing is finding that mark on the dark hairy neck of a elk. If you miss your spot you will have hardly any penetration. He is in side 20 ...

... times,.. from behind the tracker. Keep as quiet as possible, always. The bull I shot when my nephew was tagging along, I thought I had made a good frontal shot , with no blood,.. I did find a speck of blood,..one speck. I was following track when my nephew started yelling “there it is, there it ...

Well done article.


That bull still has too much angle for me to take a frontal, slight angle shot with archery gear,
If he is fully squared up, Im taking the shot
If I already at full draw ,I would cow chip and hope he centers up a bit more.
Otherwise Im still waiting for a better shot

... no more blood to the brain..not to mention where the arrow is going to end up smack dab through the lungs and heart... I can see why he likes the frontal shot. 15 kills...Wow! Kris

... quartering to and burried arrow to fletchings and broadhead burried in the opposite leg bone deer ran maybe 40 yds piled up. I've never lost a frontal shot nor has anyone I know that shoots 2 blade fixed. I can't get pics up at the moment since I'm at work but I'd aim slightly left of where ...

That was awesome!

sweet clip!!

dang.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrWYuh_s1RQ

... and directly at me down the hillside. Joe had no shot from his position when the bull stopped 25 yards from me but I almost did but it was a frontal shot with too much debris between me and the shirt pocket of the bull. After a few seconds of staring at the PAG pretty cow face decoy, he wheeled ...

... go around it, that's when I drew my bow, he was fumbling around down on the steep slope & trying to get through the brush, he appeared with a frontal shot but I declined as I felt he would turn somewhat broadside as he maneuvered himself up the hill. He did just that, he turned at 25 yards ...

... in a pile of his own defeat. He told me the bull came in and paused right where I had pointed at, and that he did not feel strong enough to make a frontal and that the elk winded him and took off down the mountain. I consoled his hurt ego and suggested thats how elk hunting can be and most people ...

... sweating neck, I told myself "you got to be kidding" I hoped it would hold up for the two steps I needed to take him with a point blank frontal shot which I have no problem with. His antlers were bobbing left & right as he was pushing towards me & my heart was at a standstill ...

... at a perfect doorway at 55yards. I had not really anticipated him coming out there and in the morning light it was simply too far for me to try a frontal. He stood there staring a hole through me and I basically froze up. He turned and disappeared. This morning we caught bulls sparring up above ...

First of all, I have never taken a frontal shot, but with that said, I would and I will if the shot in the picture presents itself. 20 yards max I would say. I would aim exactly where you put the X. That might be on the low side of the chest ...

Frontal are deadly quick kills. Yes I would make that shot.

This shot is not for everyone,and should not be taken from anyone who has to "guess" where the kill zone is.You need to know the frontal anatomy,and know what you are targeting....basically the heart erea,and better yet, where the heart/lungs all come together at the top of the heart.You ...

Pop-r I guess I don't understand what your saying? The photo posted is a frontal shot? If you feel it is not please share a photo that you feel is a frontal shot, thanks bud!

ElkNut1

... anything or implied that smaller animals are "lesser" animals - just smaller targets. If your accuracy is the same for either shot , the frontal ( or slightly quartering-to) shot is deadlier than a broadside shot. If you get an arrow into that frontal cavity its a dead elk - period. It's ...

... there is a huge-er than normal animal in view, unless you have nerves of steel, than what you practice out to should be OK. But I will not take a frontal shot on a deer or (in the future) elk, unless I really understood where all of the bones are and had a powerful compound. My .02

I totally disagree. If you take a true frontal it's actually more risky than the shot I'm taking. Yes I would rather him be quartered a lil more to his right but if you try to hit the hole as alot are saying do you could hit solid bone & ...

... about the same margin of error for hitting the shoulder blade as the shot pictures. Blood trails - You don't need one of you properly execute the frontal shot. I've had double lung, 100 yd recoveries that didn't leave a blood trail... " But he can move" . Ya, he can move regardless of ...

This brings up an interesting point. I'm not shooting this bull & calling it a "frontal". If it was a frontal I'd aim totally different than what I personally would for this "quartering to" shot. I'm tryin to slide it right under his shoulder ...

In my opinion, it's a true frontal shot, can't worry about a few inches of angel one way or another, same could apply to a broadside shot, they are not all perfectly broadside but close enough the shot does not need to be altered. When ...

You bet,the last elk I killed was a frontal at 30 yds. with the compound,the max distance that I would take this shot.With the longbow.....10-15 yds. max,but good luck drawing on him with traditional when he is facing you! I would wait till ...

This brings up an interesting point. I'm not shooting this bull & calling it a "frontal". If it was a frontal I'd aim totally different than what I personally would for this "quartering to" shot. I'm tryin to slide it right under his shoulder ...

... than when they're bugling - they are most likely distracted by the elk/hunter calls they're responding too... I have yet to take a bull with the frontal shot but by most accounts, they often leave a crazy blood trail and don't go far at all. It would be interesting to compare the exposed vital ...

No, b/c that bull is moving, alert, has a clear view of me. But mainly b/c of potentials for non-lethal wounding and poor-to-no blood trail. Wondered when the frontal shot debate would resume

... but still plenty of damage & very lethal. With the 100 grain Viper Tricks we've had 5 pass throughs out of the 6, the one that wasn't was a frontal shot but it still buried the arrow deep into the chest where not even the nock could be seen. These arrows were aprox 420 grain total arrow ...

... my opportunity. He rounded a little pine tree and started heading right towards me. Now, he's at 11 yards...I let her fly and drilled him with a frontal shot. He spun around and took off from where he came from. He stopped at about 30 yards from me and looked around. I knew he hit because his ...

... no feed. They follow along. They do not require a lot of water. They are a herd animal and stick together. Awesome!!! I debated posting the frontal shot photo, because it is gruesome and bloody, but figured some on here would appreciate it. I do believe frontal shots are lethal, but should ...

Nice shooting, it's amazing how lethal those frontal shot are. There not much room for error, but that why we pratice

... of minutes go by and I hear a twig snap about 20-30 yards in front of me. I draw… I see antlers… followed by chest… he is in view with a <20 yard frontal shot. I pick my spot… pull through the shot… and watch the arrow sink into his chest. He spins… runs… I nervous grunt… he crashes! I turn to ...

... to take the shot as soon as it presents itself, I don't think I do anything different. The bull in the profile pic was taken at 20 yards with a frontal shot because of the unexpected direction he came from and I didn't think I would get the classic broadside or quartering away shot as his body ...

... most of yall. Draw while his head is down. Shoot as soon as he lifts his head. Most of these "your move" threads seem to be a debate on frontal shots.....which I am taking all day at 30 and under. Paul. What angle at 10 yards can you not get a shot opportunity? I can understand if there ...

... his cows from him. He'll probably come quickly. Or challenge his elk hood. As a lone hunter I expect either way the shot will most likely be a frontal or hard quartering to opportunity. Seeing that video gets my heart to pounding that's for sure. If that bull is further than 100 yards I'm moving ...

I would wait for him to get closer before I would take a frontal shot. He'd have to be under 20 yards for me to feel comfortable at that angle. If he gets to that range, I'm taking the shot.

30 yrds is a bet far for a frontal shot on a muley. Wait if I get a better shot take him. I don't have a muley on the wall, a good one to start with. If it don't work out go bull hunting.

... and offside lung. The shoulder blade actually moves back when an animal advances its leg forward. It comes forward as the leg goes back. As to frontal shots, IMO it is a good shot if you know the anatomy and are comfortable with the range. They don't go far when you hit them right from the ...

I see a lot of you would like a frontal shot. I need some help with this one because I have been told not to shoot in the chest for lack of penetration. Is this true? As far as the shot goes I would feel pretty confident at 20 yards and in ...

IMO you do not have a frontal shot on this bull. To be able to take the frontal you really would want his whole hind end to be way to the left of where it is at this moment. To take the frontal shot, I really want an angle that will ...

... arrows. :lol: Not! Paul I'm surprised to hear your answer I thought for sure you'd like that spot Swamp Buck picked. Why not? You know I'm not a frontal or quartering to shooter but Swamp Bucks spot is pretty tempting at that range even to me. Phantom.. why do you have to complicate things? Next ...

Maybe give him a pop with my mouth and hope it turns him my way. If it does then stop him with a nervous grunt for a frontal shot.

... the deal! Pretty much exactly what I was thinking. There's just something about a quartering to shot that I don't like, even at 20 yards. Full frontal - I'd take that shot 100/100 times, but I just don't like that quarter to position.

... my opportunity. He rounded a little pine tree and started heading right towards me. Now, he's at 11 yards...I let her fly and drilled him with a frontal shot. He spun around and took off from where he came from. He stopped at about 30 yards from me and looked around. I knew he hit because his ...

... the release clipped on the string. I see antler tips and draw as the bull comes over the hill and stops staring straight at me from 20 yards. The frontal shot is a debated shot, but a standing, well prepared shot at that range is something I'm ready for. I shoot the bull square in the middle of ...

... moved, and waited. A couple of minutes later, he appeared. I drew when he went behind a tree, he steeped out at 18 yds and stopped, giving me a frontal shot. As I shot he turned, and my arrow hit him quartering away, buried all the way to the fletching. He wheeled and ran downhill 30 yds., me ...

... the guts, almost a clean pass threw, hanging on by the vanes, easy blood trail, I think I nicked the liver, the 4th was the 6x5 bull at 6.5 yards, frontal shot, buried the arrow up too the fletching, fletching broke off on some twigs and there was blood everywhere, bull made it down hill 80 yards ...

... package, but I killed 2 deer with them. I hear that they improved the factory sharpness this year. I just switched over to the Montec Strikers. Frontal shot on my first ever bull, through the front of the rib cage. One of the blades slightly deformed (just barely) but I got good penetration ...

... I've done a lot of diy hunts in MT and had some success. I like doing it myself and if I would have just not listened to primos on NOT taken a frontal shot I would have killed an elk every year! Most of the time I call for myself and the elk come straight in and that's the best option on shots. ...

Craig, great story! Awesome bull & shot! Congrats!

ElkNut1

Way to go Craig!!! Great bull!! Talk about a blood trail!. What broad head did you use and what kind of penetration?

Did you try that Altitude Advantage?

Sounds like a dream hunt! Congratulations on a great bull.

... of the bull/cow ratio? I bet NM is just a magical place to be in september. What was the name of Pete's service? Look at all that Blood . . . the Frontal . . . whew! It's kinda funny, two years ago I think was the first time when the frontal shot really started taking a lot of heat on this and ...

Congrats!

Here's a few more pics.

congrats on that biggun!

Congrats man, I'm always scarred of the frontal but have practiced an practiced imagining that shot as a possibility for under 30 yards, congrats on a very nice bull

Thanks Joe, I tell you at one point I was kind of pissed at myself because I didn't give myself more time to kill the bigger one. But mother nature showed me why you don't get to picky in elk country. It rained hard for the rest of the time I was there! I knew this one was nice but I also knew he wa...

That is a great story Craig. You know I've been waiting for it too brother. Sounds like it was an incredible place to elk hunt and you sure did that tag justice. GOOD JOB!!!!

great story and great elk!!! good on ya for a killer hit, man, that is one heck of a blood trail as well

Well here's the story. I got to camp on Thursday and right away Pete (guide) said let's go. I got my stuff on and off we went. It was about 5:30 and we heard some bugling further up the mtn. We checked the wind and got in as close as we could. As far as we could see there were 5 bulls and countless ...

... with 2 bulls for 6 people both were satellite 4x5 and a 5x5. Both came in the same way trying to call a heard bull. The first bull on Sunday was a frontal shot at 11 yrds what a easy blood trail to follow for 300 yards. The 2nd was perfect broad side shot at 25 yds hit him 6" back of the heart ...

Great read, congrats!
Sounds like the shot was angling upwards?
How would aimpoint change if standing same level as elk?

I will have to respectfully disagree, you want dead center, the brisket bone is no more than a rib bone in thickness. Nearly any poundage bow will blow an arrow through it if need be. As a sidenote that bone is pretty low in the chest ones shot should be a bit higher. Hit where the two colors of ha...

Sweet! Nice job Elknut crew.

Awesome story Paul! Congrats Paul II.

I will have to respectfully disagree, you want dead center, the brisket bone is no more than a rib bone in thickness. Nearly any poundage bow will blow an arrow through it if need be. As a sidenote that bone is pretty low in the chest ones shot should be a bit higher. Hit where the two colors of hai...

Muskeez wrote:it generally ends well IF you put the arrow low and very near center?

You don't want dead center. The pocket is slightly off center, to avoid that large brisket bone.

Way to get it done boys!

Helluva shot! Congrats.

Great job Paul and Paul Jr! So there is a time and place for finesse

Good job Paul II !

Thanks! Good luck to you too sir!

ElkNut1

Paul I figured you probably had extra tags, just thought I would check . Now Paul II can focus on killing a really big bull, nothing wrong with that! Get after em and best of luck the rest of the season.

Hey Jeff I actually like the idea of a "Frontal Shot" thread! Hmm? This could be very educating, great idea!

ElkNut1

Congrats to your Son, Paul! Nice work by you guys. And thanks for the "autopsy pic"...it really shows how effective that frontal shot can be. Paul II obviously hit "the pocket" perfectly on that bull. This is about the third frontal kill I've seen already this Season...would ...

Marc, we have several elk tags this year, (purchased NR ones) so we knew we were looking for a couple of "delicious" ones! Anything in the spike to smaller raghorns were on the hit list! So yes we called him in with every intent of taking him. That was Paul II 22nd archery elk, all OTC elk...

Congrats guys, good job!

Way to do it right, shot went right where it should.
Kind like to peeled back skin pic,.. Im surprised the arrow stopped where it did, and you didn't have further penetration.

Congrats guys! September 13 can't get here soon enough!

congrats from down here also!

Awesome guys, and congrats What happened to at least a 5 or 6 point bull? You have told me before that Paul II loves spike meat, and you have to spook the spikes to keep him from shooting them, were you guys intending to kill him, or just call him in?

Daniel, thanks! Paul II shoots 72# Energy Elite 28" draw with Easton Axis (skinny) 340 spine arrows 27-1/2" long with 100 grain Viper Trick-- 425 grains. Muskeez, no sweat asking questions, heck we welcome them! We've taken many Elk & Deer with that shot, we like 25 yards & under, ...

Congrats, great story & very nice spike!

Congratulations on getting right to it this season! That spike should be fine eating. Good story, really illustrates how calling can make all the difference.

Congrats.... It's still got velvet too.....
Matt

Thanks for the story...

THAT BEING SAID, please tell me where you got that ASAT backpack from......

Congrats! Great story!

I certainly didn't intend for a controversial discussion, Mike, especially as a first time post. I have wanted to ask this exact question for over a year to someone who would give an intelligent answer without turning it into a soap opera. On another site I think I would get a lot of different answe...

Awesome! looks like the shot was dead center and where the neck meets the chest, textbook for frontal shot! What is the rest of Paul 2s setup?

Congrats guys. Great shot.

I am wondering how often you guys take that frontal shot and if it generally ends well? I can just imagine that is a pretty common scenario, where a bull comes in, faces you, then turns 180 and bolts. So should we take that frontal shot? I am ...

... comes. I just joined the site and just started elk hunting last year. We leave in 2 weeks for CO. I am wondering how often you guys take that frontal shot and if it generally ends well? I can just imagine that is a pretty common scenario, where a bull comes in, faces you, then turns 180 and ...

... at us to 18 yards exposing his entire chest to Paul II. Paul settles top pin & punches the trigger I hear the arrow hit & know it's a frontal shot with the spikes position, he bolts away & piles up a mere 50 yards away. The Viper Trick 4 blade did a serious number on him. The arrow ...

... him,as he sees the first inch or two of movement as you try to draw 70" of longbow! Also, unless he is really,really close,I don't take the frontal shot with my longbow anyway,and hope he keeps moving past me broadside.

... shot is a killer by itself but in the elk I have killed with this shot I got arteries and veins that bleed an elk dry. I trust it more than a frontal.

Phantom is dead nuts with the yellow X, the red is way to high and off to the right. I have killed elk with the frontal that missed the chest cavity,and smashed thru the shoulder bone, but I consider myself very fortunate,even though it messed him up real bad,but would never aim ...

The shot you are showing isn't quartering to you, it is frontal. On a quartering to you shot you still shoot behind the shoulder blade. On the image you show you can't see the shoulder blade. I have killed most of my elk quartering to me. On your image ...

The shot you are showing isn't quartering to you, it is frontal. On a quartering to you shot you still shoot behind the shoulder blade. On the image you show you can't see the shoulder blade. I have killed most of my elk quartering to me. On your image ...

... his calls. He shoots inside the shoulder joint close to the neck(red dot) This is not the best pic but you get the idea. I have seen post about frontal shots and quarter to shots but never one that shot inside the shoulder joint(under the shoulder blade close to the neck.) Anyone have experience ...

... before. The distance was a little longer than you knew you were 100% confident with. maybe the shot angle was too much. I have debated the frontal shot. So now the question comes to your mind "Maybe I should have waited for a better opportunity?" That means that we bear a little ...

In reading Mikeha33's Shot Placement thread, other threads on shot distances, and of course my favorite, the frontal shot threads the question comes to mind: Life is never perfect. So when do you consider your tag to be filled? When you stick an arrow in an elk? When you know ...

... shoulder just below the neck, both deer recovered ( and later shot ) Blood in snow always looks like alot of blood Ive shot two rifle bulls with frontal shots, , and like my daughters moose one fleck of blood found,all three hitting the heart all three bled out on the inside

... off the mark. if you realize youre on a trail camera, the proper thing to do is immediately put yourself in an embarrassing position. think full frontal, swinging parts. that being said, people need to learn to set their cams in such a way that others wont see them. it would prevent a lot of ...

passing, want under 20 for frontal shot.

... movement, very little so he will turn too go away and give him a quick cow call too stop, that's a more likely for myself too do instead of the frontal shot, but I am not intimidated by the frontal shot, have taken several antelope at 25=35 yards frontal shot's, which the kill zone is alot smaller ...

No Problem. I killed a spike (in Idaho) via frontal shot... no more than 30 yards. At 30 i know i can hit the spot. I rather take a full frontal than a steep quartering to. (close shot)

I would in close 30 yards or less if the animal was not moving!

I was faced with a shot head on last year at 45 yards and it didn't feel right, the bull came in to 35 yards and I still held off. He angled off and I let down. I feel like I would take that shot at 30 yards or less, preferably 20 yards and in if the elk was standing still. I've found the problem wi...

I would and have. First elk I killed was that frontal quarter too shot at 33yds. Ive shot a bunch of whitetail there too and it is a leathal shot if you know where to aim. Ive lost animals too, but not on that shot.

I just wanted to share this,as this is good info as to where everything is on an elk.(Even though they poo poo the frontal shot with the bow, LOL)

http://www.dundeesportsmansclub.com/dun ... cement.pdf

Ok, but do you believe that an arrow must enter the thoracic inlet on a frontal to be lethal? I do not. No, I've seen bulls killed on a quartering in, sliding just past the point of the "<" through the meat of the front shoulder. It really depends ...

Here is another pic of the frontal shot,he was not facing directly at me,but at a slight angle when I shot. He came at me broadside,but when I stopped him with the nervous grunt,he bounced towards the sound before stopping.I also don't ...

Ok, but do you believe that an arrow must enter the thoracic inlet on a frontal to be lethal? I do not.

When the frontal shot is discussed, it is often assumed that the arrow must go through the thoracic inlet to reach the chest. However, many of these shots are taken at a slight angle and it would see to me that the arrow would ...

When the frontal shot is discussed, it is often assumed that the arrow must go through the thoracic inlet to reach the chest. However, many of these shots are taken at a slight angle and it would see to me that the arrow would ...

This guy took it under 25yds!

ElkNut1

I would but only out to about 10-12 yds. and everything was perfect. Also he had me pegged and was not going to offer a side shot. I shot a 150 whitetail last season with just such a shot. Nine yds. from my stand and angling down. Put it between top of shoulder and spine. Got both lungs and came out...

... hunter is left scratching his head wondering what just happened. Trophy... yes, there is always uncertainty. Even with guns. I have NEVER seen a frontal shot bull recovered and even saw a bull shot head on with a 30-.06 live until because of snow we caught up to it 24 hours later when it jumped ...

It is no secret that if you hunt long enough you have most likely lost an animal, I lost my first elk on a 15 yd frontal shot 30 yards from where I shot their was blood everywhere I did not recover the elk due to rain and inexperience, this was one sad day in my hunting life. I ...

... listed. I am with Indian Summer's post with a slight modification. So many things can go wrong with any shot, but your odds are WAY lower with the frontal because of the size of the zone you have to hit. My twist is that a frontal inside 10 yards is much more like a broadside at 25 from a forgiveness ...

I have killed elk with the frontal shot, and I believe it to be a very deadly shot to make,under the right circumstances. The most important thing to know is where to shoot,and different angles will give you different points to aim at.Elk ...