Back in the day a head shot was the norm. I own a book called Bullets, Blood and Backstraps by M.L. Simmons, they all took head shots as the norm, a norm that is followed still by many many people. A head shot is the fastest possible way to down any game animal, and affords the fastest cleanest kill, with mitigated meat spoilage, and no possible blood tracking. That is reality like it or not. Additionally, while the margin of error is slim, the chances of a complete miss are much better than a boiler room shot, offering a kill or complete miss the vast majority of the time.

Now, as an outfitter I do not recommend head shots, because most people are not good enough shots to effectively and consistantly execute said shot, myself included. However, I know folks who do and they never have to track an animal, I hold no judgement against them. All the post on this thread are highly critical and many flat out derrogatory, I can't help but wonder how many of these posters have never taken a marginal shot? Glass houses and all that.

Gen, I make this post not in defense of your actions, rather, to shed light on a subject from a different point of view. First, at 17 I doubt you have aquired the skills necessary to effectively and routinely make a 400 yard head shot. That doubt is completely removed with the 4" high at 400 yards w/ a .270 claim. Do not get on these boards and boast about outright and obvious fabrications. Also, while I am at it, if you claim to be a guide you should exihibit a little more descretion at the type and nature of post you make. If you were one of my guides, I would fire you for the damage you would have caused my outfit. Delete it.