Single Shot ethical with larger game?

[Oohrah]

Yes. With one exception of using a single shot, all the others were
repeaters. One shot one kill so additionals were not needed. All were
in reasonable range and adequate cartridges were used. Shots passed
up in heavy cover, or distances appeared beyond my comfort zone. With
luck, I knew my limitations and what my equipment could do.

 

[Picknlittle]

I guess every deer I ever shot, I did so with the expectation of Bang, Whop, go gut him out. That cost me a fairly nice buck,

I hear ya! My first and only elk lead me on a wild goose chase of sorts. I shot him at 75 yds. He bolted maybe 100 yds then went down. Now keep in mind, adrenalin is pumping full force and I'm freakin antsy. Everything I'd read about harvesting elk said wait at least 30 minutes before approaching. Of course 30 minutes in an adrenalin rush just ain't gonna happen. What felt like 2 hours was prolly 3 minutes, but I was sure of my shot so off I go. He's lying there not moving. I didn't chamber another round,..didn't seem to need to.

I walked up and let out a holler and while reachin for that 4x5 rack, that sucker stood up and lead me on a merry chase. I finally found the animal about five miles away as the crow flies. Have you ever seen an elk travel in a straight line?,.. I think not

When we got him gutted his heart had a nice little hole in it. This was my first lesson in using enough gun for the critter you're after. I shot him with a .243 with a 100 gr (I think) bullet. Hey! It's what I had!

 

[shenck]

Single shots are fine

Every deer I have shot was a one shot kill. Most ran about 50 yards, didn't have time to make a quick second shot. You have plenty of time to chamber a second round before you start to track the animal. My next firearm may be a Thompson Center.

I have a problem with the idea that a single shot forces you to be a better shot, If you need the knowledge that you have one shot to make the correct " shoot or no shoot" choice then you shouldn't be a hunter. That is just my opinion.

 

[ReadyontheRight]

If you're not 100% certain you can strike a killing blow, you pass up the shot.

Should apply to rifles that fire multiple shots as well.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

single shot isn't a problem...make them count and it won't make a difference.

 

[learningman]

When I was a younger man I was a terrible shot.Someone should have taken my gun from me because of the blood trail I left behind. As I got older I finally began to see the error of my ways. I made it my mission to become a better hunter. I sold my 270 bolt action and bought a Ruger No. 1 in 300WM and began shooting paper. Today some 10 years after I purchased my Ruger I am a MUCH better shot.I laser-tagged a nice cow elk in the Missouri Breaks this year on a depredation hunt. One shot, one kill. Regardless of the action we as hunters owe it our quarry to make the kill as quick and painless as possible. If I can learn to become a better shot anyone can. Just my two cents worth.