Fact checked by Steven Lines, lifelong Hunter, and Outdoorsman
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Hunters have a range of weapons at their disposal. Some prefer to hunt with a bow and arrow. Others will prefer rifles. But what if you like to hunt using a shotgun. Can this weapon be effective against an elk?
You can use a shotgun for hunting elk. You’ll need to get close to them, with most shotguns having a maximum range of 100 feet. It’s also a good idea to use slugs to produce enough damage to kill the animal. When setting up your shotgun, you’ll need to consult with the rules in your state.
Hunting an elk with a shotgun will be a difficult task. But it is possible. Keep reading to learn some tips to learn how to kill an elk with a shotgun.
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In this post, we'll cover:
Pros and Cons of Hunting Elk With a Shotgun
Just because you can hunt elk with a shotgun doesn’t always mean that it’s a good idea. Like most hunting weapons, you will need to consider a range of pros and cons. Here’s a quick overview of them.
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful weapon | Loud, scaring away the elk |
| Cuts through brush | Close range weapon |
| Shorter barrel | Heavier recoil |
| Shotgun-only areas |
Elk are large animals. When you are hunting for them, you’ll need to use a lot of force. When appropriately used, a shotgun can deal a lot of damage. A hit to a vital area will be enough to kill an elk. The downside to this increase in power is the amount of recoil you’ll face. It is often significantly more than a rifle. You must practice with the shotgun to make sure that you are prepared for this.
Plus, this powerful weapon will be able to send its bullets through any grass or leaves that are in its way. This can allow you to make shots that you might not be able to make with a rifle or bow. The shorter barrel will improve maneuverability. It will be easier to track animals, making it a good tool for shooting fast-moving targets.
Another factor to consider is how close you need to get to your prey. A rifle will allow you to make a precise shot from a long distance. For a shotgun to be practical, you’ll need to move closer to your target. This has a greater potential of spooking the prey. But some hunters like this proactive approach. However, the noise of the shotgun can easily spook the elk. Because of this, you might only get a few shots at your target.
Finally, many states have introduced shotgun-only hunting areas. As the name suggests, if you want to hunt in these sections, you’ll need to get used to using a shotgun. There are currently ten states that mandate the shotgun-only rule. These are:
- Illinois
- Iowa
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Maine
- Maryland
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Massachusetts
- Ohio
The only issue is that there are no elk in any of these states (they are all eastern states). However, there are western states with wild elk populations that allow shotgun hunting, including Washington and Idaho.
As always, these rules are subject to change. For example, Minnesota could remove the shotgun-only mandate. Because of this, it’s best to double-check the rules in your area before you start hunting.
Picking the Right Shotgun
You must be picking the right weapon for your hunt. An elk is a big animal. So, you need something that will be powerful enough to stop it in its tracks. The good news is that most shotguns will fulfill this requirement.
They can produce a lot of power. Just look at the hole they can leave in a dinner plate. Because of this, a hit to the vital areas with a shotgun will be enough to make sure that you are eating venison for dinner.
Legal Requirements of a Hunting Shotgun When Hunting Elk
You can’t take any shotgun hunting with you. You’ll need to make sure that it is legal. If it’s not, you could end up facing a serious fine.
These rules can vary depending on where you live. Usually, you’ll need to have a minimum barrel size, usually 18 inches. There will also be restrictions around the type of gauge you can use, often 10 to 12 gauge. Sometimes, there will also be rules around the kind of ammunition you can use. It’s best to use slugs.
Minimum and Maximum Barrel Size
The first thing you will need to consider is the size of the barrel. Usually, it will need to be at least 18 inches long. However, some states might require you to have a minimum of 24 inches. Sometimes, there might be a maximum barrel length imposed.
Gauge
The next thing you’ll need to consider is the gauge of the shotgun. Often, you will need to use a 10 to 12 gauge shotgun when you are hunting for a big game, like elk.
Ammunition
Third, you’ll need to consider the type of ammunition you are using. It’s best to use slugs rather than buckshot. This will do more damage, which is always a positive when hunting for a big game.
Other Legal Requirements
It should be noted that there are some other legal requirements that you might need to meet. For example, you might need to get a hunting permit. There might also be some restrictions on the places and times that you can hunt.
Weight
When you are hunting, you will need to carry the shotgun around with you. As a result, you want to avoid anything too heavy. Remember, this weapon will require you to take a more active approach. You’ll need to stalk the elk yourself. If the gun is too heavy, you can easily tire yourself out.
Fit
Your shotgun must be a good fit for you. This will give you more control over the gun, allowing you to improve your accuracy. Ideally, it will need to sit comfortably on your shoulder. You should have your check on the stock. From this position, your dominant eye should be able to look down the barrel.
If you purchase a shotgun and find it doesn’t fit, you’ll need to take it to your local gun store. Often, it will just need a small adjustment to the stock.
Price
You’ll need to consider how much the shotgun is going to cost you. The good news is that most shotguns will have fairly affordable price tags. Here are some of the highlights for you to consider:
- Remington 870-This is a highly versatile shotgun with a popular heritage. It’s also very inexpensive. You should be able to find one for around $350.
- CZ USA Drake– An over-under shotgun is a very popular setup. Buying one doesn’t need to be an expensive endeavor. This one will cost just $650.
- Franchi Affinity 3.5– This is a semi-automatic shotgun, which is built to cope with extreme conditions. It can start at around $850, though most will cost closer to $1,000.
What is the Effective Range of a Shotgun When Hunting Elk?
While a shotgun might be a good weapon, it isn’t perfect. These are designed to be close-range weapons.
The setup of your shotgun can determine the type of range you can get. When hunting for elk, you’ll need to get within 25 to 100 feet. This will allow you to aim effectively, allowing you to hit the vital areas.
Extending Your Range
There are a few factors that will determine your range—first, the type of ammunition. As we mentioned, you’ll often be required to use slugs when you are hunting for elk. These will give you more range than the lighter buckshot. However, they still have a lower velocity. Because of this, you’ll need to stick to a range of 100 feet.
You can also increase your range by using a narrower choke. This will increase the amount of pressure in the barrel, forcing the slug out at a higher velocity. Even then, you will need to be within 100 feet. Again, many states will stipulate the size of the choke that you can use.
Customizing Your Shotgun for Elk Hunting
There are a few accessories that you should have with your shotgun. These are:
- Adding a sight. This can be a good way of improving your accuracy. But they come with a downside. They add more weight to the shotgun. Although, when you are so close to the elk, you often won’t need a sight.
- Recoil absorbing shock. Shooting a shotgun can come with a lot of recoil. This can throw off your accuracy. These shocks will reduce the impact of firing a shotgun.
- Shotgun sling. These are very useful for hunters. You’ll be able to secure the gun around your neck, keeping your hands free. Plus, these slings have space for ammunition. This will make reloading the gun a lot faster. Pick something that is made from a strong material, like leather.
- Gun case. When you aren’t hunting, you want to make sure that you are protecting the gun. Put them into a strong case. This ensures that it won’t be damaged as you are driving to the hunting grounds. Make sure that it has a lock to keep it secure.
Best Type of Slug For Hunting Elk With a Shotgun
Once you’ve finished setting up your shotgun, it’s time to pick the best type of ammunition. A few types of slugs that stand out. These are:
- Foster slugs-These are smooth and hollow. They are designed to put most of the weight at the front of the slug. This gives them better stability for a more accurate shot. They are made from solid lead, so they will do plenty of damage when they hit their target.
- Brenneke slugs-These are made of solid lead and aren’t hollowed out, like the Foster slugs. This can give them a lower velocity. However, the increased mass means that they can do more damage when they hit the target.
- Reduced recoil slugs. As the name suggests, these aim to lower the amount of recoil associated with using the gun. However, they come with a downside. They have lower velocity than regular bullets. As a result, you might have some issues with penetration, especially if you are shooting from a distance.
There are plenty of slugs for you to choose from. Each one will offer something unique. Some might be a little heavier for more damage. Others will come with anti-recoil technology. This is designed to give you a more accurate shot.
The best way to find the right type of ammunition for you is through experimentation. Most slugs will be enough to kill an elk, especially when shot from close range. Because of this, you should focus on picking the ones that will allow you to improve your accuracy.
Tips For Killing an Elk With a Shotgun
Hunting elk with a shotgun will be very different from hunting them with a rifle. At most, you’ll have a range of 100 yards. Because of this, you’ll need to get closer to the elk. Let’s look at some simple tips you can increase the odds of a successful hunt.
Practicing the Shot
The key to using a shotgun is getting plenty of practice before you start hunting. This will give you a clearer idea of the effective range of your gun. This is crucial when planning your hunt. If you are too far away, you will only wound the elk. This will only cause needless suffering.
It’ll also ensure that you are prepared for the amount of recoil that you will be experiencing. Plus, you’ll be able to increase your accuracy. Because of this, you will have the confidence of knowing that you can kill the elk when presented with the right shot.
Getting Close Enough to Make the Shot
A shotgun hunt will put a greater emphasis on stealth. This will let you get close enough to take the shot. There are plenty of tips you can use to do this effectively. First, you’ll need to find the elk. You can use maps to identify areas of interest. You can also use tracks to find them. Look at signs that the elk have been rubbing on the trees. This shows that there is an active population in the area.
Remember that elk have a keen sense of smell. It’s estimated that they can smell 1000 times better than a human. Because of this, you’ll need to try to mask your scent. It’s also vital that you stay downwind.
As you approach the elk, you’ll need to slow your movements. A fast motion will alert them to your presence. If possible, try to avoid stepping on any sticks. The sound could spook them.
Improve Your Fitness
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that you are physically fit. This will make tracking the elk a lot easier. There are a few areas that you should focus on. These are:
- Neck and shoulder. These areas will be most impacted by recoil from the shotgun. Getting the right stance is also key for dealing with this kick.
- Endurance. It can be a long hike before you find the elk. So, you want to make sure that you are physically prepared.
- Legs. You need to be able to track the elk. This will require a lot of walking, often over uneven terrain.
Final Thoughts
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Hunting elk is one of the most challenging and rewarding activities you can pursue. There is a range of weapons you can use. Rifles are the most popular. You can also use a bow and arrow. However, a shotgun can be a good choice. A well-placed shot with a slug will be more than enough to take down one of these animals. So, try using a shotgun for hunting for elk this season.
Steven Lines is a hunter and outdoorsman from Safford, Arizona, USA. Since he was a child, he has been hunting and fishing and has over 20 years of outdoor experience. Steven works as a hunting guide in Arizona during his spare time and runs a Youtube channel dedicated to sharing his outdoor adventures with others.