How to Make the Frontal Shot on Elk

Taking a frontal shot on an elk has been a controversial topic for many years. In this educational video from Elk101.com, Corey Jacobsen walks you through the anatomy of an elk, and explains why the frontal shot is so devastating. He also debunks the myths surrounding frontal shots, and shows where you need to aim - and hit - in order to ensure a successful shot.
In this video, you will see detailed diagrams of an elk's anatomy, as well as actual images of a dissected elk that highlights the thoracic opening. You'll learn how shot angles affect the outcome of frontal shots, and see the obstacles and challenges associated with taking a frontal shot. Corey will explain why frontal shots fail, and what you need to do to ensure that you are taking the best shots on elk.
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If you are looking for more detailed instruction and information on elk hunting - including shot angles, bloodtrailing, elk anatomy, and much, much more - check out the most comprehensive and complete resource ever created to help you become a more successful elk hunter. Click Here to learn more about the University of Elk Hunting Online Course at Elk101.com: www.elk101.com/onlinecourse/
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[@DamonBungard]

I took that shot this year. We were pinned down on elk trail on side of a mountain with dense oak brush on either side. We knew if he came in he'd be staring at us and my only shooting lane was the narrow trail itself, so I mentally prepared to take it. It happened pretty quickly, buried fairly straight in, and after the shot we could see about 6" of arrow showing kind of high on the neck as it spun downhill crashing down the face. It was a slightly downhill shot and his neck was a little extended forward, and he did move a bit once I released the shot. It was stressful. After about 10 minutes we actually glassed the bull walking up an opposite face a few hundred yards away, looking weak but moving. He entered more oak brush and we lost visibility. All of the self doubt crept in. There was no time to range the bull, and after the shot we ranged it farther than I thought so I really started to question it. We waited a couple hours to track and there was a ton of blood when it ran down the mountain, but then it went away once he leveled out in the valley before climbing the opposite face. In the end we were able to get back on blood with my dog @jaegertracks and found the bull lying about where he entered the oak brush. Looked like he walked until he face planted into the side of the mountain. We didn't find my arrow when we gutted him but the processor did after I warned them it may still be in there, and sure enough I had cut the carotid and my broadhead (Slick Trick) was buried high, kind of beneath and in between the spine and shoulder blade. I think I would take that shot again, but certainly some risk involved. Very thankful it worked out in the end.

[@micahsmith4951]

I have always passed up a frontal shot, but you have logically explained how it can be done. You converted me. I would take it. Thanks for the video.

[@tylerwilliamson2677]

Loved the video! Helps a ton to prepare mentally if the shot is presented. Personally witnessed the devastation of a frontal shot in 2021. I was calling for my brother in a two person set up. The bull came in quite on a trail, but my brother was ready. The arrow was launched when the bull hit 25 yrds. He spun around and took maybe 4-5 steps before he went down. It was a perfectly placed shot. The arrow went through every vital and stopped short of exiting the rear. Thank you for the wonderful courses. We owe a great deal of our success to you because of the information you have shared in the online courses! - Tyler

[@willsivers4140]

Great video, More people need to spend time on learning the anatomy of the animals they are hunting.

[@Bene_Factum]

If I ever get the chance I am 100% confident in my shooting to make that shot. Thank you Corey, keep up the great work!!

[@jackdundon2261]

Tip. Be sure your broudhead hits the same place as our field tips. (They all claim field point accuracy) but I have found most are 3-7" off target. Good luck bud

[@olmos1010]

Been using the frontal shot for 10+ year's, always had great success. Great video.

[@kelseymoss1984]

Great video man, going on my first otc elk hunt this year and your whole program has helped me tremendously.

[@ilenehailey1079]

I HAD an utterly unyielding conviction that a frontal shot should never be taken... Until a water buffalo hunt in Australia, my guide tried to explain the devastating effects it has on these hearty animals. Still, I was not confident enough with the shot to try it. Your video helped convince me and change my opinion, the frontal shot is indeed a legitimate lethal shot! Thank you for your knowledge.

[@timabney8974]

Thanks, Corey. I watched that hunt last year and was surprised by the shot and then how quickly it put that bull down. After watching this video, under the right circumstances I won't be afraid to take that shot.

[@bobalvarez2577]

Great explanation Cory! Much appreciated

[@bjm8315]

That’s a great explanation. Headed on my first Elk Hunt in Utah this season and I hope to put this knowledge to use.

[@Cbow406]

hope for the perfect broadside shot

[@keithcarnley1802]

Me too

[@aaronfranck123]

Thanks Corey! your insight is invaluable and much appreciated

[@BigJohn651]

I was poking at my throat just below my Adams apple while watching the video and thinking it's the same for us humans. At the top of our sternum, below the Adam's apple, there's a hole. If we where on our hands and knees facing an assailant that tossed an arrow below our jaw we'd be done. Just a thought to help with visualization. Your videos are awesome.

[@ourvaluesarewhoweareinadem4093]

I was doing the same thing. A hit there would be totally devastating. It is hard to think of an organ it wouldn't hit.

[@kellychurchill808]

AWESOME Video! Extremely helpful for a novice bowhunter (like me). I loved the way you broke down the shot and fully explained it

[@MykThornton29]

Great study into the anatomy and planning of that shot. I harvested a 50" Kudu bull on a quartering frontal shot at 26 yards (which was an extremely tight shot) and it opened my mind to the possibility of lethal frontal shots. I had the opportunity at a bull elk two weeks ago at 32 yards head on, but chose to wait for the opportunity of a broadside shot. He did turn broadside and allowed me success. After watching this I would probably take the opportunity in the future as he was dead straight on.

[@davidkirkman1135]

Great explanation Corey. This definitely gives me more confidence on the frontal shot.

[@aminmeh]

Thank you so much for going through all that. This is pure education for a beginner elk hunter. Thanks so much

[@chadgibson7705]

Your an Awesome teacher Corey! I’ve made the frontal shot with success on elk myself. Not my first pic shot but very doable! Thanks for a great video..

[@devildog090106]

That's the best explanation I've seen for sure. Thanks Cory

[@warmooseoutdoors3254]

Awesome video Cory best explanation I’ve heard of for a frontal

[@josephmecham509]

Awesome video and helps me be more confident in my discussion with my buddies

[@davidrobins4025]

VERY useful information. Thank you for the detailed description of where and how to shoot.

[@ericwiitala5407]

Great video Corey. Very very educational and I really appreciate these types of videos. Haven't had an opportunity for a shot on an elk, so that in itself has kept me from taking that shot. LOL!! 😉

[@edbranson4175]

Another great informative video. Thanks again.

[@burkejones8277]

I saw that hunt, and I figured there would be some discussion about the frontal shot. I am glad it was discussed here.

[@patrickseverin3153]

Good explanation. Thanks for all of your videos.

[@joshmorin1694]

Great explanation, thanks!

[@erxkeel]

Awesome info as always.

[@thehungryhunter3454]

Excellent video Cory thank you !

[@clarkansas6590]

Great information!

[@southernhood5145]

thanks for the video Corey

[@run2september23]

I've made that shot, and that elk didn't go very far, thanks for the cool and informative video Cory.

[@andyL0648]

Great info, thanks!

[@mtladd4705]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@african7498]

Excellent video - experience speaks for itself

[@randylarson9592]

Great video and explanation I’ve not taken that shot but my son and his buddy both took their bulls last season with frontal shots and had short tracking 👍👍

[@timothyparros1987]

Thanks for showing us this

[@jakecake1212]

Great video taking another look at the course! Don’t know what I don’t know but I’ve never even really considered placement here until now. Thanks!

[@trdshortbus8009]

This just helped better my odds for this up coming season

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Excellent as usual 👍🏻

[@billygibbs8009]

The frontal has helped me take several whitetails since i hunt primarily by still hunting. I hope to put is knowledge to work this year on my first elk IF i get drawn for AZ archery in September. Great explanation for an overlooked shot opportunity.

[@hildalemke4483]

Great information thank you

[@TheWVgoodguy22]

Thanks for sharing on this topic Corey. Such a thorough explanation of how and why and when one might take such a shot. I have never been able to shoot an animal with my bow yet and I have had it since 2006. I did shoot a deer with a firearm through the front, and it was devastating. I need to practice more with my bow and get more comfortable before taking such a shot, but if I was confident I would take it.

[@jeffmartinsen3767]

Taken frontal twice. Deer went 25 yards, elk went 10 and was on the ground in 5 seconds. The arrow on the deer hit jugular, top of hart, and exited buck just in front of nut sack. The arrow on the elk took out jugular, lungs, and broadhead stopped in the hind quarter. I had to reach a foot inside the thoracic opening to reach the nock and veins of arrow to pull it out. I bought a video of yours years ago and studied the anatomy so I was confident in where to put the arrow.

[@timstreight6322]

Great Video!

[@philiptweet5970]

Great info !

[@reggierico]

Thanks for a great tutorial on this important subject. I have made a good frontal shot on my largest bull to date, albeit with a rifle, at about 5 yards, coming right next to me on a game trail. A good friend of mine shot his bow kill elk while it was coming in, but quartering to him. He reckoned he still had a good behind the shoulder shot, but hit aft and the bull bolted. There was a huge blood trail though, and the bull only went about 50 yards. When they got to him, and dressed him out, they realized his arrow had gone through the stomach and into the opposite hind quarter, severing the femoral artery! Have a great hunting season!

[@marcruyak2082]

Thanks, great info. Had a frontal shot bounce off a rib & go behind the shoulder blade but it was my fault ~ shot placement. I will take them again and do have confidence in the frontal shot.

[@supermo26]

I was super excited to cow call a bull in from 90 to 40 yards. (68 pound draw weight, 28 inch draw.) I took the frontal shot and felt good about it. I watched my lighted knock disappear into his chest. It looked good. He stood for a few seconds and turned and walked 20 yards and hid behind a tree broadside. I waited for him to step forward which he finally did but I clipped a branch and found that arrow. A complete miss. I waited a while and then looked for my arrow. Only found one arrow. Finally found blood and long dark hair. I've tracked less blood a long way but this time there were so many tracks going everywhere it was impossible. Found first blood 50 yards from where he stood when shot. Followed another 100 yards which took forever. Blood was size of quarter, every 3 feet. At 10pm I heard something so I backed out and returned in the am. I continued following blood among several tracks going several directions. 300-400 yards later i was down to gridding the area.i spent multiple days and brought help. Never found him. Went from super excited to super bummed. I'd like to post picture of the hair for opinion.

[@willdurant216]

The nervous system and larynx (not isolated to the circulatory or main organs) are also terminally effective targets to consider when envisioning a shot.

[@bassnbucks3238]

Nice video!!

[@k-dawg3893]

Great video!

[@chrisyoung221]

Thank you sir that was a very informative video👍

[@courtneylang7477]

Great video and thanks for emphasizing arrow angle. I do wish you had cautioned more strongly about the risk of the elk whirling on an already-loosed arrow that ultimately hits quartering to. Not a good situation.

[@michaelramage2670]

Well the thing that’s kept me from making the frontal shot is I haven’t gotten a chance to go elk hunting yet lol

[@keithpayne9776]

I think the only thing if worry about is the arrow going so far back and somehow cut the guts

[@MegaPerson012345]

My friend attempted a frontal shot on an elk I called in. He was about 21yrds away. The elk saw the shot and arrow coming and whirled. Really ended up working out that the arrow went in broad side perfect. It died running and piled up 40yrds away. Was his first elk with a bow. Could have been a total disaster but got lucky and learned a lesson.

[@geneganey7704]

Hey guys great video my first elk hunting trip was in AZ and I shot a 5 x5 I was I was a solo hunter it was a experience I will never forget may God bless you

[@christopherinman3813]

Great videos

[@DavidGonzalez-ek3zh]

Great vid. You do a great job. Going 1st elk hunt CO next fall, archery.

[@johngargasz7715]

Very helpful

[@johnchandler5689]

Elk hunting seems like my kinds of fun...on of there seasons ill be out west in September. Great video

[@paulgalvin2206]

Montana Hunter Safety definitely discourages it! But I really like your explanation of the anatomy. I am not that good...YET!

[@casey197930]

Awesome. Thanks

[@davebrown9527]

Great advice it worked well for me also

[@ALKYMZ]

Best Channel

[@josephkuhns3100]

Great video! Wish I would've seen this 2 years ago. Shot at one at 40 yds and the elk definitely moved before arrow got there we believe the arrow went between the shoulder and ribcage as you explained, we immediately backed out that day and came back the next morning, jumped the bull about 75 yds from where I hit him, ran off with no problem. Had a pretty good blood trail down till he bedded nothing after we jumped him.

[@albertledesma5173]

Here I am, killing time waiting for the new Destination Elk video to drop.

[@mattd4659]

Awesome video. Your videos are great. Wondering if you would make a arrow selecting video. How to choose the diameter for elk (micro, standard), how you set up your FOC? Broad head weight, insert weight? Possibly you opinion on different sizes of fletching? Thank you for your time

[@montuckyman4982]

Moderate weight..450 to 550 grain. Make sure it flies perfect and a 125 quality broadhead, , qad Exodus is tough to beat. FOC just moderate 10-15 percent. Again, arrow flight is the key. Absolutely critical that it's flying perfect. Heavier is fine but not needed at all with modern compounds, and you start giving up trajectory and make placement tougher on other shots at unknown yardages and placement is everything ,once you have perfect flight. Arrow diameter is minor. Micros are a pain building, hard to find bulletproof insert system. Iron will has great components. The 5mm,.204 size shafts are a great compromise with steel HIT insert and iron will collar, your bombproof up front.

[@scottduke7102]

That was an excellent shot description. I have been hunting with a compound since 1980. I have killed 2 elk one 6 x 6 mule deer and a charging black bear. I hit all of them just behind the jaw bone in the neck. All died within 40 yards due to massive blood loss. The rest of my numerous Roosevelt and black tail kills were high heart shots. I would take a 35 yard frontal over any other, just because it dispatches quicker with more blood. I have enjoyed watching your videos. They helped keep my sanity during C-19 shut down. Keep up the awesome work fellow Bowman, Bowkill 1............out

[@burkeylynnadventures]

Very well done. I am fwd’g it on to others for sure. I’ve never taken a frontal shot but had the opp twice. First one at 10 yards and ended shooting him at 5 yds broadside. The second 7x6 bull came straight at me from 30 yds out ... ended shooting him at 3 feet broadside. Yes, 3 feet. Even so, I don’t think he offered a good frontal shot opp. You can watch the actual vid up close at BurkeyLynn Adventures on KZbin, its called “You Got A Horse” and has over my shoulder vid of the elk coming straight in ...

[@mitchellshirk2533]

I have no problem with that shot given the right archery set up is used and you're proficient with you're equipment. However, there will always be someone who is not proficient and will take this shot and will ultimately give archery a bad name when they inevitably wound their target. It happens. Excellent video!!

[@theshittybowman]

I’m sending it... I’ve practiced this shot all season.

[@johnthompson6116]

Absolutely devastating. I shot my first bull with a bow in the juggy and he bled like a stuck pig, and this year I shot my bull at 19 yards frontal and it went through coming out the left lung, and went about as far as the other bull. Frontal shots taken properly are absolutely killer. Thanks for the video, it just helped reaffirm how I already felt about a frontal shot.

[@anthonylewis2080]

Not to mention the issue of an effective kill: a mortally wounded animal is a lot more dangerous (has nothing to lose) one bolt certainly levels the difference between success or defeat.

[@wildernessoutdoors6875]

Guided two archery hunters this past fall that both took their bulls with frontal shots at 5 and 20yds. First was not a perfect hit, and the bull went about 150 yds. We had to finish him off, but he wasn’t going anywhere. Second bull was a perfect hit and dropped after 15 yds! Practice is key, and both of my hunters had practiced for the frontal.

[@kevinmartin9530]

Thank you Corrie very valuable information. I look forward to having a chance to use that information in October in Colorado!

[@denydjock2257]

Hi, great video on frontal shot. I believe in it. A buddy of mine killed a nice elk with it. Where do I get an elk foam target like u used in the video? Thanks, Deny D.

[@charleskellough3839]

I personally have passed on this shot because the situation was not perfect because we all know that elk hunting isn't perfect but with being said under 20yrds it's very deadly. Cory my question to you is where did get your target at and how much was it .thanks

[@billjones9708]

I couldn't agree with you more Corey on the frontal shot being devastating if you place your shot well. I have successfully downed one bull elk and three blacktail deer in as many attempts with with frontal shots. None of these animals made it more than 60 yards. I'm a firm believer in frontal shots with archery equipment and will never hesitate the shot with the right conditions.

[@singingovenmitts1449]

well what has been keeping me from taking the frontal shot on a elk is that I haven't had an elk tag till this year.

[@spookywindfoo]

Get one!! So u can do the Mr. Mittens elk having dance🙋‍♂️

[@braydonsmedley5652]

How did it go?

[@frogmoss]

Thanks Corey, I think if the yardage is right i could try that shot with some confidence!

[@TRKYHTR1]

Top pin only and very devastating shot. Killed one with that shot placement at 19 yards and he went 80 yards and piled up.

[@dillonmclaughlin402]

A buddy of mine found an absolute giant bedded down during rifle season. It was completely emmaciated. He found an arrow between the ribs and scapula.. it took over a month for the infection to put the bull in that death bed. All the meat that was left was gangrene. I like fronts but you better be hitting center mass

[@mitchellmcguire3741]

I've only shot one elk frontal during my one cow hunt I hit it perfect and had it go 120 yard max far less than my side hit double lung bull the year before but I had also practiced 3 or more hours a day since June when I drew the tag till August or September practice is key

[@brar090950]

I can only hope that all bow hunter`s take the time to consider everything you`ve in detail explained on angel`s,position of the vitals, and I´m hopeful they take in consideration their shot distance. Everyone is responsible for their own actions as far as ethical Hunter`s, but it`s to late afterwards, saying to one`s self, " I shouln`t have taken that shot ". 2 days searching, nothing found, and a Dead Head for next years hunter to find in the woods.`Like I said, every Hunter who doesn`t get excited with a Bull standing frontal to the shooter and has thought through all the different, angel`s , uphill shots, downhill shots, then take the shot.

[@anthonylucia2398]

I've done it on a deer and seen it firsthand on an elk. They can't handle that devistation on the pump house. As you saw on Corey's bull, there won't be much of a tracking job if you hit that spot dead on!

[@g-man2228]

20 yards or less and I got drawn without being detected...Arrow on the way!

[@waynemorris6217]

Thank you for your video. I have appreciated many of the videos you have produced. While I agree that the frontal shot is lethal, the promotion of this shot is what I do not agree with. Too many of your viewers who will not be qualified to take that shot will now be encouraged to try a shot that has too many variables that can go wrong. We seem to have moved into an era of "take the shot at all costs." Since the margin of error seems to increase with the decrease of target size and the fact that the elk is usually looking at you - it just seems to be a higher risk shot for the average elk hunter. While I have several nice elk hanging on my walls, I will continue to wait for a good broad side shot!

[@Elk101]

Wayne, at no point in the video were viewers encouraged in any way to take this shot. This video is not about promoting the shot, it's about educating hunters on the anatomy of elk and how to make the frontal shot if a hunter chooses to. In fact, it was mentioned several times that the decision to take any shot is up to each individual hunter, and that would include a broadside shot at 20 yards. I'm not sure who you are referring to when you state that we have moved into an era of "take the shot at all costs", but that is not represented, promoted, encourage, or tolerated here. The frontal shot is absolutely a higher risk shot, no doubt. With proper education, it certainly becomes lower in risk than if it was taken without proper education. Additionally, a broadside shot at 20 yards on an elk is a high risk shot for many hunters. We will continue to educate others, and continue to "promote" practicing to become the best we can be.

[@waynemorris6217]

@@Elk101 Thank you Corey for your reply. I am in total agreement that the more we are educated in anatomy hopefully the more effective we are in our shooting. In my perusal of the comments on this video, there seems to be an overwhelming readiness to take the frontal shot. It is only my opinion that your video taken as a whole encourages hunters to take the shot. At the beginning of the video you mentioned that this is a somewhat controversial topic, which I agree. I am 65 years old and have been hunting for the last 50 years. I have yet had the need to take a frontal shot, even though I believe it is a fatal shot. I by no means want to come across as a "hater" - because I am in favor of what you and Elk101 stand for and accomplish. I would think if a broadside shot at 20 yards is a high risk shot for any hunter, they probably shouldn't be in the woods hunting. As you stated in your reply, it is each hunter's choice and decision to either take or not take that shot. Even though I would consider myself an above average bowhunter & shot (bowhunting for the last 39 years), my choice has been not to take that shot. We simply disagree on the matter of the frontal shot. Thanks for all you do and keep up the good work.

[@fjosephstockbridge5592]

Gotta be close! Was on a hunt and another hunter shot an elk at 15 yards front on and it dropped within 20 yards. Arrow when all the way thru with only the nock showing at the point of entry.

[@williamelder7760]

Awesome video, I want to plan an elk trip, I’ll be shooting a 300 win mag , which bullet would be best for elk . I’ve never hunted elk before, done a lot of deer , turkey, so I’m trying to research which bullet is best . Thanks

[@walterbaker5114]

This is the only suggestion i can give you - we started using the Hornady 200 grain ELDx bullet and have dropped 3 elk. You would need to practice a lot as the ballistics are different in every gun. I would never shoot past 300 yards as the bullet drop is significant. I am a firm believer in a broadside shot and have passed on elk and deer when I did not have a great heart, lung shot. Remember, hunting is about getting closer and you can have a great hunting trip with your friends even if you do not harvest.

[@dustindavis42]

I made a frontal shot this last year. 53 yards, archery. Wish I had it on video. I was solo

[@mothman7922]

I took my LE bull last year with a frontal shot. He expired within 50 yards and left a blood trail anyone could have followed.

[@nickb8618]

When I was in my prime and could hit a apple at 75 yrds I smoked a big 10 pt whitetail that stood there facing me at 52 yrds for a half hr. He turned his head and looked at a little buck and I drew back and let er fly. He went 30 yrds and piled up.

[@k-dawg3893]

I've never taken a frontal shot, but wouldn't hesitate at short (

[@reggiewhite8381]

Very informative information.. Always thought it was a bad idea but after your explanation inside 25 yds I would take that shot. Thanks Cory and love Elk 101

[@rickerickson1095]

deady spot if placed right

[@andrewstevens1138]

Sounds like a well placed frontal shot would have a higher risk of puncturing the stomach and intestines as it goes through those vitals? Have you found that to be the case?

[@michaelramage2670]

But no really Corey I sure wish I could get out to hunting with you guys man it seem so much fun and challenge really I’m trying to find my way out west to live man I want to move up there so bad man I’m getting older sure not younger man I just want to live the dream man good luck to you guys this year and paying that there are no accidents this year man that was really scary last season when your hunting partner stuck that broadhead in his leg but I seen at how y’all prepare your selves for certain things like that

[@KyleSmith-xe4kq]

The dead end looks like its smiling.

[@85ZERO17]

THROAT PUNCH

[@royhonkanen7415]

😅