RE: Shot placement on Elk
First, you gotta find them,
Second, is to get close enough,
Third, is to get them to pose for that perfect shot or decide what you'll do if they don't co-operate with the "posing thing".
Fourth, is to be steady enough on the aim, so your "placement ideas" have a chance,
Fifth, put it through where they live by whatever route you personally like and what your rifle's cartridge is up to.
The shoulder is a big piece of real estate, many different stories can come as a result of where on that shoulder the bullet ends up going (note, I didn't say "where you placed it"). I don't have problems with blood shot meat (of course I'm not a speed freak either --- heavy weight bullet, medium speed) nor do I have any problems with them running away --- at all. Figure out 1 thru 5 and then you can start cutting and packing.
Note: the circulatory system pic above appears to be for a deer which aren't cantalevered quite as far forward as with elk. Close enough for "shot placement" and government work though.
EKM