hehhe. This is kinda funny.

We (the state agency)arerequired by law to use any means necessary to stop crop damage. After non-lethal means have lost their effectiveness,we execute kill permits. We don't enjoy or use these except as last resort.

So, due to the sensitive nature of these permits and the close proximity to populated areas, we don't like using the traditional "vitals" shot if we are at close enough range. On a personal level I would never take a head shot on an animal during a hunting situation. I don't even take a regular shot unless I'm very sure I can make a good shot. However, these aren't hunting situations, and unfortunately, I cannot afford to have a liver or lung shot elk run 200 yards onto someone else's property, across the state line (which came up recently), onto a major highway (also came up recently) or into an old lady's rose garden before dying.We can't have that kind of bad publicity, we have enough controversy as it is. I'm sure we all realize that even ifa personmakes a great shot on an animal they don't always drop in their tracks. Of course anything like this goes on out of sight and, if possible, out of earshot, butthere is still the potential for some very bad situations.

So that leaves me with two options: a head shot or breaking the front shoulders. Breaking the front shoulders is certainly the better option in my mind except for the fact that the animal will suffer before it's finished off with a closer shot.

So what I'm trying to do is get a feel for just how and at what range we can make headshots at. Since I have almost no experience with headshooting deer and elk I figured some practice is in order. Based on my groups I'm pretty confident at 50 yards or less. I shoot at least once a week and I wanted to practice head shots in as realistic a manner possible.

And of course we willusea much higher percentage shot placement when the situationallows.

I don't know why I have to explain myself to a couple of keyboard cowboys but there you go.

When I say I'm the authority, I mean that we don't have to explain to anyone whywe use the methods thatwe use. If you know anything about wildlife law, you know that the states own the wildlife and where management of non-endangered species are involved, hold the ultimate authority. This is particularly true in depredation situations.Or did Istay at a Holiday Inn Express last night?

So in closing, I'm sorry for getting the "head shot police" all riled up. And no I'm not single sorry Bubba.

**DISCLAIMER** IN NO WAY DO I CONDONE, ADVOCATE, SANCTION, SUPPORT or PROMOTE THE USE OF HEADSHOTS ON ANY UNGULATE IN ANY HUNTING SITUATION. **DISCLAIMER**