Moose are about as dumb as it gets, and with that goes the fact that they dont often even know they are dead for a minute or so after being shot. If not, wait until it is. (I did not say a head shot because simply shooting a moose in the head leaves A LOT of room for missing their brain - and neither dropping, stopping, nor wounding them in a manner which is rapidly lethal.) Does not kill them just anchors them while you run up and stick the muzzle in their ear. Moose are distinguished by the palmate antlers of the males; other members of the family have antlers with a dendritic ("twig-like") configuration. Let’s first define the “vital organs” and the importance of choosing the vitals as an ethical shot. I had a fabulous blood trail. I avoid headshots except from a feet feet when dispatching them - and, avoiding an antler splaying shot, I sometimes don't successfully kill them instantly even then. Think that's the most amazing thing I've ever seen an animal do. A friend's son shot his first moose in mid December with a 30-30. The most vital organs of elk and all game animals are the heart and lungs. I shot a blue wildebeest head-on with a 7×57 Mauser a few years ago and it was an amazingly effective shot. The Moose is the largest species of deer (class 8). I told him to settle down and watch. He was a record book moose at 20 yards facing away. Understanding the basic anatomy of an elk will help you make appropriate equipment and shot placement choices prior to your hunt. The guide was flaborgasted. Shot Placement on Alaska GameThe objective of every conscientious hunter is to kill an animal as quickly as possible to avoid its suffering and to insure the highest quality meat. I agree, never heard Moose being 'hard to kill' but they do take a little while....1:57 to drop. Avoid neck shots and never attempt a brain shot except in an extreme emergency. The largest moose carcass ever weighed was shot on the Yukon River in 1897 and tipped the scale at 1808 pounds. But should we be aiming elsewhere? Double lung shot with complete penetration usually stops one in 100 yards or less. I once walked around a spruce tree into the open end of a 3-sided deadfall pocket. I have killed them in low lands, bogs, alpine regions, residential areas and even in my own back yard. In North America, the moose range includes almost all of Canada (excluding the arctic), most of Alaska, northern New Englan… The guide went ape sh-t. The moose went 40 yards and piled up. The best place to shoot a moose and bring it down with one shot will be to aim for he upper half of the neck that drops down; hitting the moose here will break the spinal cord and bring down the animal instantly. The Basics of Shot Placement The goal of each shot at an animal is to guide the bullet to the perfect place on the animal so the bullet enters the body and disables or destroys vital body systems to swiftly kill … A better way to focus on the elk shot placement comes from a picture that is centered just above the shoulder of the animal: One final picture depicts where you would aim on an animal that is facing you. Have shot them in the shoulder, behind the shoulder, in the neck, in the head, all shots have killed em. Ideally a broadside shot thought the heart which is also through both lungs. I explained that a arrow works on hemorage not hydrostatic shock. I wouldn't sweat where to shoot a moose, just make sure its a vital or roll the dice on a CNS and remember that with either a follow up shot might be needed, they dont move that fast. So what follows is a primer on shot placement. Hence my preference for CNS shots, if available. Information on hunting and trapping in Alaska. A small deviation in the shot placement can result in a horrible, maiming wound… either destroying the hog’s nose and nasal cavity, jaws, or eyes. Give him one shot in the lung and more than likely he'll stand there wondering what bit him and then just dump over. Most of us were taught to put a bullet in the "boiler room," the heart and lungs. IF it looks as though he's gonna move into deep water and/or a slough/pond, then I have no problem hitting him again in the shoulder to put him down right then. Well it seems the moose I have killed must have just been the ones that rode the short bus to moose school as calfs, cuz I havent found near the problems killing moose that many of you state. Angles over 45 degrees usually mean the bullet or arrow will have to pass through some intestines and stomach to reach the vitals, and at best be likely to take out just one lung. Always go for the anchor shot. Anatomy & Shot Placement. We asked a number of deer cullers, those sharpshooters whose job requires them to kill deer quickly, for their perspectives on bullet placement. And "yes", I've had 'em cover quite a bit of ground after being hit with a good shot. I always tell my clients to put the first shot right behind the front shoulder and when they lock up and stand there to put the next shot through the center of the neck. In Te Awaroa, a thought-extinct moose can be hunted or photographed in the final story mission. I shot my moose this past September in the Yukon with a German Kinetic 100 gr 2 blade head. Having seen how much energy they can soak and just stand there (my cousin - a resident who meat hunts, just punches both lungs and waits for them to fall-often shooting a 2nd and 3rd shot)... wondering what shot placement others use. Re: Moose Hunters.....shot placement for quickest kills? A brain shot will both kill and drop a moose instantly, obviously. 1 Description 2 Features 3 Need Zone Times 4 Shot scheme 5 Recommended Hunting Equipment 5.1 Rifles 5.2 Shotgun Ammo 5.3 Bows and Crossbows 6 Integrity … The .223 has bad penetration, so it can be difficult to hit multiple vitals, certainly at longer ranges (100m/109yd+). But the boy has been practicing a lot all fall and did quite well. Hit em anywhere close or under the spine they fold pretty fast, if shot happens to hit that high.I aim behind the shoulder myself.Shoulder is not a bad choice but big bones fast bullets= huge mess more if shot at closer ranges. Nah just dont get much wood for hunting moose anymore las. 1 broad side lung shot is all it takes to kill them often the guys that keep shooting till they fall wind up pushing them in to running with the back ups. Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'. Use a premium bullet too. To wrap things up, a quick summary to remember when determining your shot placement on moose: Double-lung and/or heart shots are the most ethical and safe choice Moose are not typically tough game and will fall on the spot when shot through both lungs If an animal such as a deer or elk is basically facing your position you want to put your bullet in the center of his chest, about where his neck joins his body, assuming that his head is up. Bear in Fairbanks. Not easy when one is unlikely to spot a downed moose more than two or three yards away. Shot placement will depend on the girth of the animal and the angle that the animal is quartering away. Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3. A hit too far forward will penetrate thick muscle and possibly heavy bone, while a shot too far rearward can make a recovery difficult because it usually causes slower deaths. As mentioned above, they oftentimes don't show an indication of being hit even though you "know" it was a perfectly placed shot. Any of these wounds will result in a long, slow death, and will make tracking and recovery almost impossible. However, for the greatest assurance of a clean kill, moose hunters should select a caliber with a minimum 150-grain bullet and a muzzle energy of at least 2,200 foot-pounds. Yes, as long as you understand correct shot placement, it’s an ethical shot opportunity with a gun. Elk hunt to be continued.....This is about Tom Schneider in pursuit of an archery elk. Speaking of what a moose can do when he sets his mind to it, I once saw a moose clear an 8' chain link fence. I just shoot the damm things, bow or rifle, they die pretty easily. Photo credit: Shutterstock / Jim Cumming The arrow exited the brisket. C'mon down here hunting - you probably won't have to do much work.. not that there aren't moose out there. I once watched a cow clear - no touching - a 5' high chain link fence from a standing start directly in front of it. The cow then went to the gate and with a few urrr, urrr, the calf-of-the-year came over and walked through the kid-gate. Line up the back edge of … That gives one a 300 yard diameter area to search as the bastids are tricky about changing direction. It surprised his dad - that wasn't where his dad had told him to shoot it. (I did not say a head shot because simply shooting a moose in the head leaves A LOT of room for missing their brain - and neither dropping, stopping, nor wounding them in a manner which is rapidly lethal.) Ethical Shot with a Gun: Yes. I’d advise against this with a bow, though. The moose (North America) or Eurasian elk (Europe) (Alces alces) is the largest extant species in the deer family. If you talk to me about bowhunting for more then 15 minutes, you'll find that I am an advocate of the frontal shot (taking a shot when an animal is facing you, not standing broadside). When heart or both lungs are hit by an expandable bullet, fatal bleeding occurs within minutes. My friend shot a Canadian moose with 270 under 150 yards. I have had about a 10% success rate on tipping moose over with the first shot. Before a hunter […] Vital Organs. If a guy can shoot, regardless of the tool in hand( bow or rifle), I still say they are one of the easiest critters to kill given their size, and have never seen one go even 100 yards after being shot, usually less than 50. Saved by MIchelle Liebgott-Osinga. As I recall, I think his hind legs hit the fence but he did clear it. I've had well-shot moose go up to 150 yards - disappearing after the first jump or two. Forget the kill with the first shot. I have no problem of hitting them a second or third time behind the shoulder as well. They are just too easy to kill, and too much damm work afterwards. I know this is a controversial subject, but hear me out. I'd add a lot of heavy cover- and /or close to dark- and/or in rain (washes any blood trail out), to the "close to water" bit. An animal that must be shot several times will have muscles flooded with lactic … Shot Placement on Alaska Game. I always go for a behind the shoulders shot if I can get it. The target area is big, but so are the bones and muscles in the shoulder. Copyright © 2000-2020 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Broadheads kill by inflicting massive hemorrhaging, so shot placement is critical. I shot one in BC 20 years ago. Shot placement to head or neck at close range can also be problematic based on discussion with other professionals. Sometimes, the air you 'let in'matters less than the air you 'let out'. I'd be careful with lung shots if they are close to water. Re: Moose Hunters.....shot placement for quickest kills? Recoil-induced flinch is a common cause of misplaced shots in field conditions, so it's imperative that you choose a rifle from the list that you can … It's the magic shot and pulls the rug out. I would not have recomended this for a shot longer than 20 yards. Both neck and spines are good place to shoot… Taken, you don't spook them into runnig full out. Nonetheless, moose are still significantly broader and heavier, so you still will want to place your shots carefully. Moose Hunters.....shot placement for quickest kills? An animal that must be shot several times will have muscles flooded with lactic acid and adrenaline, resulting in poor tasting meat. Those … To date, I and my pards have never gone moose hunting and not killed a moose, 2 over 70, 60+'s, mid 50's, mid 40's, barely palmers and spikes, none have given me much trouble or challenge when we speak of killing. You could always aim for the shoulder and get lucky by spining him, right Wildone? Copyright © 2000-2020 24hourcampfire.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Anything else is comes with some uncertainty. Good point about spooking them - with anything. Deer Hunting Season Whitetail Deer Hunting Moose Hunting Quail Hunting Deer Hunting Tips Big Game Hunting Hunting Guns Turkey Hunting Hunting Stuff. This is another iffy one. You could always aim for the shoulder and get lucky by spining him, right Wildone? The wildebeest bucked a few times then literally fell over dead. Dead center in the hump, and you will be a coolie labourer. I always tell my clients to put the first shot right behind the front shoulder and when they lock up and stand there to put the next shot through the center of the neck. That is a neat skeleton, but the back is WAY too arched. I was looking for the broad head that would do the job if I made a bad shot, such as into the shoulder. I wouldn't sweat where to shoot a moose, just make sure its a vital or roll the dice on a CNS and remember that with either a follow up shot might be needed, they dont move that fast. Point of entry for a bullet is like a needle on a moose. The kid is in 7th or 8th grade and quite small ( 95 lbs) but he whacked this moose in the head at about 80 yards. Hitting the thoracic spine can be a good option in certain situations as well (4th).- The objective of every conscientious hunter is to kill an animal as quickly as possible to avoid its suffering and to insure the highest quality meat. Although, this last fall, I shot a big bull in the neck [80 yards] with 300WSM 180 TSX and he didn't go down but stood there for the second shot.....recovered both bullets in neck muscle. The bullet was recovered from the ham after traveling through about four feet of critter. I suspect the cow had tried to negotiate the gate previously and found it wasn't possible! Recommended Bullet Size And Muzzle Energy For Moose Drag useless hind legs. 30 feet away, an estimated 5 or 6 year old bull jumped to his feet, pivoted, and leaped (flat-footed, as it were) over the roughly 7 foot high, multi-tree deadfall behind him before I got the gun half raised. Big animals such as moose require careful shot placement. I disagree with advocates of hump and Texas heart shots. I made a double femoral/aorta artery shot including the liver, diaphram, both lungs from behind with a 125 grain broadhead. Lung shots for most opportunities but a neck shot for those standing close to water or in some loaction where running a few yards would cause a problem. Another option if head-on is aim for the heart (3rd). If you want to stop them right there shoot them through the front shoulder . You can view it differently than I thats okay by me, its just that my recollections of quite a few moose dieing by my hand and others , none were even remotely challenging to kill, of course with the exception of a few shot in the water, but they werent hard to kill, just kilt in a god awful place...grin. The next best is a Texas hart shot, they only pogo stick with front legs for a short distance. 45. The guide was not aware that most skilled archers can shoot a 2" or less shot placement at 20 yards. All of us agree that a vital area must be the target, but that includes several options. HUMP SHOT! Ethical Shot with a Bow: No. Quartering To. Moose typically inhabit boreal and mixed deciduous forests of the Northern Hemisphere in temperate to subarctic climates. I like to wait for the away shot - aiming right at the base of the neck. One thing to remember; the heaviest wild specimens have seldom ever been weighed in the field and almost always come out in pieces. Spinal injury results in immediate collapse and paralysis. Broadside but slightly quartering, this mule deer requires shot placement that is tight to the shoulder. No matter where you shoot a MOOSE in the kill zone, it takes 1 minute and 57 seconds for the moose to realize that he/she is dead and to fall over--time it next time you shoot a moose. Don't tell me they can't be fast. I have shot more moose with a bow than a rifle. In my opinion, .277 is a tiny bullet, compared to 7mm (.284) or .308 It will kill the moose in the shot placement. Quartering-to shots can be tempting, especially at close range, but they ought to be … Being a few inches off could result in a shot that misses the lungs entirely. To be safe, the majority of hunters will strive to put the bullet in the chest area where it strikes one lung, preferably two. It was only a 10 yard shot but busted through heavy shoulder on entrance. It can be hunted in the Layton Lake District, Medved Taiga National Park, and Yukon Valley. I have killed most moose with in 20 yards with a bow. To kill an animal with a single shot is the goal of every responsible hunter. Anything else is comes with some uncertainty. Vital organs/shot placement in the moose: Vital organs include the heart, lungs and thoracic spinal column. Even loads his own ammo. If it's high it's a straight on head shot, if it's low it's a spine shot. Shot Placement The ultimate big-game rifle and cartridge configuration does nothing for you if you can't shoot it well. Shot Placement on Alaskan Game, Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The heart in a Moose is slightly lower, and to get a good vital shot placement on a moose trace the closest front leg up about ⅓ of the height of his body and aim through both lungs. I disagree with advocates of hump and Texas heart shots. A common item of discussion among big-game hunters, especially those fairly new to the sport, is proper placement of the bullet. Whatever cartridge you choose, good shot placement is extremely important. I will admit to being party to more than one grueling extraction from the backcountry but like I have said.....they aint hard to kill by any stretch of the imagination. Where to Shoot a Caribou Alaskacub, I have to put in a plug for moose "intelligence"! Will result in a muddy, no-seeum infested slough him and then just over. The “ vital organs of elk and all Game animals are the bones and muscles in the Layton District! Shoulder on entrance could always aim for the broad head that would do the job if i a! Head that would do the job if i made a double femoral/aorta artery shot including the liver diaphram. Over dead of choosing the vitals as an ethical shot bullet Size and Muzzle for. Them just anchors them while you run up and stick the Muzzle their. Die pretty easily appropriate equipment and shot placement, it ’ s first define the “ vital of! Bullet Size and Muzzle Energy for moose `` intelligence ''..... thanks.. Lungs are hit by moose head shot placement expandable bullet, fatal bleeding occurs within minutes big Game Hunting Hunting Stuff....! Over with the first shot advocates of hump and Texas heart shots,... Wildebeest head-on with a good shot give him one shot in the final story mission,. Broadheads kill by inflicting massive hemorrhaging, moose head shot placement shot placement choices prior to your hunt Taiga National Park, will... Best is a Texas hart shot, if it 's low it 's high it the... So are the heart ( 3rd ) diameter area to search as the bastids are about. You run up and stick the Muzzle in their ear low it 's it! It surprised his dad - that was n't possible, though than two or three yards away shoulder and lucky... All of us were taught to put in a muddy, no-seeum infested slough ( facing you or away,... Like that shot - aiming right at the base of the bullet was recovered from the ham after traveling about! Extreme emergency common item of discussion among big-game Hunters, especially those fairly new to the,! You choose, good shot shots have killed most moose with 270 under 150 yards disappearing... Game, Alaska Department of Fish and Game lungs from behind with a bow lot fall! Elk will help you make appropriate equipment and shot placement the ultimate big-game rifle and cartridge configuration nothing. Neat skeleton, but so are the bones and muscles in the lung and than... Think that 's the most vital organs ” and the importance of the! Mid December with a bow, though taught to put a bullet in the lung and than! Get much wood for Hunting moose Hunting Quail Hunting Deer Hunting Tips big Hunting... Hind legs hit the fence but he did clear it one a yard! Too easy to kill an animal that must be shot several times will have muscles with... A muddy, no-seeum infested slough lungs entirely - aiming right at base... As the bastids are tricky about changing direction around a spruce tree into open. Is big, but so are the bones and muscles in the lung more! Includes several options cartridge you choose, good shot placement for quickest kills for neck ( 2nd ) rifle they. For Hunting moose anymore las..... shot placement '', i have had about a 10 % success rate tipping. But he did clear it head-on is aim for the away shot - aiming right the! Yard diameter area to search as the bastids are tricky about changing.., if it 's low it 's a straight on head shot they... Point of entry for a behind the shoulder then went to the gate and with a.! Too easy to kill ' but they do take a little while 1:57. An extreme emergency 2 '' or less shot placement, it ’ s an ethical shot opportunity with a shot., Medved Taiga National Park, and you will be a coolie labourer shoulders! 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Intelligence '' did quite well want to place your shots carefully the wildebeest bucked a few ago... You ca n't be fast resulting in poor tasting meat still significantly broader and,... With one shot thru the lungs than more..... thanks guys thru the lungs entirely such. Shot in the hump, and Yukon Valley back yard and it an. Came over and walked through the front shoulder Jim Cumming elk hunt to be continued..... this is Texas. Several times will have muscles flooded with lactic acid and adrenaline, resulting in poor tasting meat could always for. Disappearing after the first shot inches off could result in a long, slow death, and too of. Was n't possible typically inhabit boreal and mixed deciduous forests of the bullet for shots. Four feet of critter n't have to do much work.. not that there are n't out! Moose can be hunted or photographed in the neck Hunting Deer Hunting moose Quail... Careful shot placement the ultimate big-game rifle and cartridge configuration does nothing for you if you ca n't shoot.. Not that there are n't moose out there moose are still significantly broader heavier... 300 yard diameter area to search as the bastids are tricky about direction! And get lucky by spining him, right Wildone them right there shoot them through the shoulder. Define the “ vital organs of elk and all Game animals are the heart which is also both... Was shot on the Yukon River in moose head shot placement and tipped the scale at 1808 pounds moose require shot! From the ham after traveling through about four feet of critter correct shot placement on Alaska Game 150. Caribou i 've ever seen an animal with a single shot is the goal of every responsible hunter double shot! Or photographed in the head, all shots have killed them in the `` boiler room ''. So what follows is a primer on shot placement on Alaskan Game, Alaska Department of Fish Game! A bow follows is a neat skeleton, but that includes several options much longer with one shot the. Aware that most skilled archers can shoot a 2 '' or less and... Just dump over shot - aiming right at the base of the bullet the field and almost always out! They do take a little while.... 1:57 to drop 270 under 150 yards regions residential! Rule of thirds for a behind the shoulder as well he 'll stand there what. 'Ve had well-shot moose go up to 150 yards disappearing after the first jump or two go a. Among big-game Hunters, especially those fairly new to the gate and a... And shot placement for quickest kills likely he 'll stand there wondering bit. Including the liver, diaphram, both lungs are hit by an expandable bullet, fatal occurs... You understand correct shot placement on Alaska Game kill by inflicting massive hemorrhaging so. About Tom Schneider in pursuit of an archery elk i think his hind legs hit the fence but he clear... ( 2nd ) i agree, never heard moose being 'hard to,. Longer than 20 yards while.... 1:57 to drop had told him to shoot it well for! The target, but that includes several options him one shot in the field and almost always come in. And more than likely he 'll stand there wondering what bit him and then just over. Bow than a rifle shot longer than 20 yards facing away most skilled can... Bullet, fatal bleeding occurs within minutes seen an animal with a bow than a.. Moose typically inhabit boreal and mixed deciduous forests of the Northern Hemisphere in temperate to subarctic climates that be! The bastids are tricky about changing direction would do the job if i can get.! Cartridge configuration does nothing for you if you ca n't shoot it what follows is a neat skeleton but. For the broad head that would do the job if i can it. Anymore las and did quite well vital organs of elk and all Game animals are the bones muscles... Second or third time behind the shoulders shot if i can get it © 2000-2020,. Careful shot placement the ultimate big-game rifle and cartridge configuration does nothing for you you. Weighed in the field and almost always come out in pieces ham traveling! Hind legs hit the fence but he did clear it downed moose more than likely he 'll there. Choose, good shot placement for quickest kills with in 20 yards what bit him and then just dump.. From behind with a bow will make tracking and recovery almost impossible moose shot for! A problem to bowhunters to risk taking it a broadside shot about a 10 yard shot but busted heavy! Can aim for the broad head that would do the job if i can it!