Elk is considered one of the largest representatives of the deer family, its weight can reach 800 kg or more. For a long time, hunting this animal was prohibited, and therefore the beast to this day often does not experience strong fear of a person and can let him go at fairly close distances.
The choice of the method of hitting the target depends on the situation: how the moose stands in relation to the hunter, what is the distance, what is the weapon. The main task is to kill the beast for sure, so as not to torment the animal. Fatal wounds capable of laying the animal in place are, first of all, wounds to the brain and spinal cord, therefore, it is necessary to shoot at the spinal and cervical vertebrae and the cerebral box of the skull. But, it must be borne in mind that the brain of an elk is very small in comparison with the size of the head: in the huge cranium of an old male, it will not even take the size of two fists. In addition, the skull consists of strong bones, often facing the hunter with sloping surfaces, and the animal, while moving, does not keep its head motionless. That is why it is necessary to hit in the head at a very close distance. In an elk, the cervical vertebrae (due to the need to wear heavy horns) are large enough and equipped with large processes; also, they are susceptible to damage to the nerve trunks and large carotid arteries in the neck. To shoot a moose at long distances, aiming at an animal standing across, keep in mind that it is the neck that is the best place to shoot, the bullet puts the animal in place in it. A quick death will naturally come to a moose if you get it in the heart, which is located in the animal's lower chest. Without touching upon cases in which hunters are forced to fire a shot in the head or spine (since only very well-aimed shooters can afford it), the lower half of the chest, about twenty centimeters above the elbow joint, is recognized as the main slaughter zone for the elk. If there is a deflection of the bullet by 15-20 cm to either side, it still affects any part of the lungs, which guarantees reliable prey of the animal. Shooting "hijacking" is not recommended, but if the need arises, it is recommended to shoot not at the back of the croup, where the large muscles of the thigh are located, but above the back, aiming at the head. Shooting with a bayonet, when the elk goes to the hunter, is not recommended. Here, it is more correct to let the beast at a distance of a confident shot, and then raise the gun. An elk, noticing a movement, will head to the side to leave, and thus, will put its side. When hunting an elk, it is necessary to remember that there is no question of "life and death", when you always need to make a shot. If you doubt the quality of the shot, it is better not to fire it than maim the animal and spoil the hunt.
