Page 31 - Safari Trails Dec 2020

What is the correct caliber and ammunition for the above animals? The one you can
shoot accurately - hit the kill spot. Large bodied animals present a problem for some
hunters. They tend to place their shot in the middle of the body instead of where the heart
is located in the lower third of the body. The high shot may damage the lungs but a goat
could lead you over some rough terrain before you find him – if you find him. A wounded
Elk can virtually disappear in the woods and travel for miles. It is a shame to lose such
great trophies. You could be in real danger with a wounded bear. Moose can take a lot of
punishment and move very fast and far. My friend shot a moose 12 times with his 300
Weatherby Mag 180gr bullet. He forgot where the heart is located. If the moose faces you
and raises his head you have a clear heart kill shot if the moose lowers his head to eat
there is an open spine shot for an instant kill.
I have killed all of the above with a 7mm Rem Mag/175gr Nosler or Swift A-frame
and two Elk, a Goat and an Ibex with a .270/150gr Nosler. My son killed a large Yukon
moose with the same .270/150gr Nosler with one shot. Again you must be able to place
the bullet in the kill spot. The heart, lungs, liver and spine are located in the same position
in all mammals. Would a larger caliber be better to ensure a clean kill? Maybe, however,

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