The main content of this article involves TRACKING and FINISHING those large and dangerous game that are already wounded.... with most that have gotten that "adrenalin rush" that minimizes the effects of "shock" from subsequent shots. This brings a WHOLE NEW SET OF RULES into the ball game.
I've used slug-guns almost exclusively for deer hunting for over 30 years now since I hunt on a military reservation where only slug-guns and muzzle loaders are permitted as firearms for hunting deer. Over these years I've had the opportunity to watch the effects of slugs, even the newer Nosler Partition Gold on deer size game. The main thing I've been able to verify myself is the difference between an animal being non-alert or feeding/browsing vs. being on FULL ALERT or WOUNDED. I use to concentrate on the "heart-lung behind the shoulder shot" until I've had deer travel up to 100+ yards literally DEAD ON THEIR FEET with their hunts and lungs completely "evaporated" by the slug that hit them. Now I try to concentrate on shot placement in the shoulder or neck junction that severes or interupts the spinal column nerve system. This change in aiming point has resulted in most game (9 of 10) dropping where they stand or only ONE reflexive jump. A good shoulder hit also usually takes out the lungs too, so the animal expires soon after dropping with little or no tracking involved.
A retired doctor that got me started bow-hunting explained it to me this way. Once an animal (or human) has gone to an "alert" or "flight-or-fight" status the amount of adrenalin in his blood supply is raised to a very high level. If this animal is then shot with a normal heart-lung shot, the brain sends the "flight response" signals to the muscles and they react on "instict" alone. They will continue to function until the oxygen content in the blood supply is exhausted. The muscles use the oxygen in the blood and convert it into the energy required to "fire" the muscle responses. This means that an animal that is "dead on its feet", but not "brain-dead" can continue to flee or attack until the oxygen supply IN THE BLOOD is exhausted. The only way to STOP THIS ANIMAL with a follow-up shot is to hit the animal in such a way that you damage or shock the NERVOUS SYSTEM from sending signals from the brain to the muscles or break bones in such a manner that the animal is no longer able to support its weight or run.
Shooting an animal that is relaxed and unaware it is being stalked or hunted is entirely different. Without the adrenalin in the blood supply, it may only travel a short distance or not at all once it is hit in a vital heart/lung area. A shoulder or neck shot will often transfer enough energy to the spinal cord to stop the transmission of the "flight" nerve signals from reaching the muscles or give time for any adrenalin to enter the blood stream to extend the muscle functions. Hence, the large amount of variation in the reactions of various game once they are shot. If the first shot is placed in such a manner that it also "shocks" the nervous system with serious damage or even temporarily so the loss of blood can have its affect and "kill the brain", then the animal will often drop where it was hit or only travel a very short distance before expiring.
Once the animal is wounded, you have an entirely different situation, especially with large or dangerous game like big cats, bear, moose and other large African game like Rhinos and Elephants. In this case the follow up shot has to normally either shatter major supporting bones or effect the nervous system in such a way that it STOPS ALL NERVE/MUSCLE RESPONSES. This normally requires a LARGE, HIGH-ENERGY bullet that gives both high penetration and energy transfer, not to mention PROPER AND ACCURATE PLACEMENT.
Wow, I can't believe I wrote all that.
:eek: :shock: :lol: :wink:
