<\/span>Pros and Cons of Hunting Elk With a Shotgun<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just because you can hunt elk with a shotgun doesn\u2019t always mean that it\u2019s a good idea. Like most hunting weapons, you will need to consider a range of pros and cons<\/a>. Here\u2019s a quick overview of them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/td>	Cons<\/td><\/tr>
Powerful weapon<\/td>	Loud, scaring away the elk<\/td><\/tr>
Cuts through brush<\/td>	Close range weapon<\/td><\/tr>
Shorter barrel<\/td>	Heavier recoil<\/td><\/tr>
Shotgun-only areas<\/td>	<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Elk are large animals. When you are hunting for them, you\u2019ll need to use a lot of force. When appropriately used, a shotgun can deal a lot of damage<\/a>. 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\u2019ll face. It is often significantly more than a rifle. You must practice with the shotgun to make sure that you are prepared for this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll 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<\/a>. Because of this, you might only get a few shots at your target. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, many states have introduced shotgun-only hunting areas. As the name suggests, if you want to hunt in these sections, you\u2019ll need to get used to using a shotgun. There are currently ten states<\/a> that mandate the shotgun-only rule. These are: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Illinois<\/li> Iowa<\/li> New Jersey<\/li> Delaware<\/li> Maine<\/li> Maryland<\/li> Indiana<\/li> Rhode Island<\/li> Massachusetts<\/li> Ohio<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a><\/strong> and Idaho<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As always, these rules are subject to change. For example, Minnesota<\/a> could remove the shotgun-only mandate. Because of this, it\u2019s best to double-check the rules in your area before you start hunting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/span>Picking the Right Shotgun<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n \n