12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
10-06-2007, 11:20 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 49
12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
Today was this first day of the any legal weapon bull elk hunt in Utah. Cold, shifty winds, snow. Managed to call in a Moose within 30 feet, but no Elk! Running a .300 Winchester Mag. 0 at 200 yds. Hunting in pretty tight spots, very narrow, steep canyons. It's great. But it got me thinking about next years' hunt already.Will probably not take a shot over 125 yards. Anyone use a slug on an elk with a 12 G?
My biggest concern is that I am going to torture the creature, and that's why I use my .300 WM. Not worried about aim up to about 100-125 yds. as I will likely have to shoot at this distance to achieve success anyway, right now.
Good luck on the hunt everyone and be safe!Saw several people pucker out just hiking today, altitude and inclines can be killers. Got a few pics, but will wait to postuntil there's an elk!
Utah
10-07-2007, 07:45 AM
#2
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: McCall Idaho USA
Posts: 753
RE: 12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
Here's a photo of nephew with a big cow elk in a cow hunt that allowed short range weapons only. The shot was 40 yds but he was accurate to 100yds during his practice sessions, I'm sure 125yds is not out of the question for a 12 gauge slug, it had a rifled barrel. I'll also add it dropped that cow in her tracks with a shot just behind the shoulder as you can see if you look for it!
ElkNut1
ElkNut1
10-07-2007, 10:17 AM
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Eastern Colorado
Posts: 517
RE: 12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
A 12 gauge slug is going to do alot more then that 300 wm will even think about out to about 100 yards. I have often thought about getting a slug barrel for one of my pumps. Then when it gets thick, I got the firepower to dump 'em quick. IMO They don't make a better brush gun.
10-08-2007, 11:42 AM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 125
RE: 12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
I had this exact same thought on Saturday sitting in the truck up parleys canyon. I just bought a 20 gauge 11-87 for a white tail hunt in Idaho later this month and was wondering about using it for elk in the thick brush/timber. It has a rifled barrel, and Leupold 2x7 scope. It’s a blast to shoot and I have shooting 1 1/2 groups at 75 yds. An other thought is a lever action in 44 mag,
10-08-2007, 04:50 PM
#5
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 49
RE: 12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
Thanks for the feedback everyone. Your nephew's a deadshot with the slug elknut1. I imagine the slug went in and out at that distance didn't it?
Elknuts. I know at 100 yards I am looking at nearly a clean, almost no expansion through and through. Didn't want the shotgun taking a chunk out and have the tracking go onto private property. This is good to know.
Starhunter, were you up east canyon? I am getting skunked on my bull and will likely need to go above Kamas. If you haven't achieved success on your deer, let me know. I have a few good spots I can give you. I flushed 3 bucks today, just can't seem to get a bull.
It stinks when you know where your quarry is and can't do anything about it because it's owned by 2 jackasses.
Tim
Elknuts. I know at 100 yards I am looking at nearly a clean, almost no expansion through and through. Didn't want the shotgun taking a chunk out and have the tracking go onto private property. This is good to know.
Starhunter, were you up east canyon? I am getting skunked on my bull and will likely need to go above Kamas. If you haven't achieved success on your deer, let me know. I have a few good spots I can give you. I flushed 3 bucks today, just can't seem to get a bull.
It stinks when you know where your quarry is and can't do anything about it because it's owned by 2 jackasses.
Tim
10-08-2007, 05:33 PM
#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location:
Posts: 446
RE: 12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
I shot and killed 3 blacktails with a 12 gauge rifled slug all within under 100 yards, the "shock and awe" of it allmowed e'm right over in they're tracks, andduring that time periodit was theonly gun i could afford at the time and i still carry it along as my backup gun.
10-08-2007, 08:08 PM
#7
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: McCall Idaho USA
Posts: 753
RE: 12 Gauge Slug on Elk?
tbrunson--The slug did not go through the elk. It was stuck on the offside in the hide, it mushroomed beautifully though. He was using a powerbelt at the time! It sure put the thwack on her for sure!
ElkNut1
