Elknut, your explanationof this shot is very similar to the article I read in Petersons. It also happens to be basedon a Idaho elk hunt, and guide. The only difference is the article claims the frontal area is a good square ftin size on a Elk. Of course that would depend on the size of the Elk too, and how he's standing at the time. So it seems to come down to angle, distance, and ones shooting ability.