VITAL SHOTS. 27 



A direct frontal shot is very difficult, and in the case of an animal standing 

 in this position it would be advisable to wait for a better opportunity. 



In a quarter facing shot a bullet up the orifice of the eye would be deadly, and 

 likewise a bullet at the back of the ear if the animal's head was turned away from 

 the sportsman. 



If the brain is missed the animal often falls from the shock, but in a case like 

 this it will generally stagger and fall on its side and not collapse, as is usual when 

 the brain is punctured. 



Death is so instantaneous with a good brain shot that the animal has no time to 

 stagger, but its legs give way underneath it, and it falls in a kneeling position. 



When there is any doubt as to whether the animal is dead or not, it is better to 

 put in another shot at once before the animal begins to move off. 



When an elephant is down on its side, but still living, run behind and shoot at the 

 back of the head where the spine meets it, of course in the direction of the brain. Be 

 careful, however, to approach from behind and keep out of reach of the trunk, as we 

 have known of a hunter being killed in this way. 



If the animal is endeavouring to rise with the forelegs bent under it, a shot at the 

 earhole would be the thing. Body shots at elephant are not nearly as deadly 

 as head ones, for even when struck through the heart the animal may run for 

 some distance. 



The heart lies more on the right side of the body than the left, and is fairly high 

 up behind the shoulder. 



If a body shot is to be tried it would be better to approach on the right, but of 

 course this depends on the direction of the wind. 



Perhaps the deadliest body shot is a raking one, with a bullet placed at the base 

 of the neck. 



We have known a single '303 solid bullet bring an elephant down when placed 

 here. The animal, after receiving the bullet, fell, and was quite unable to rise, though 

 it had to be finished off. 



The lung shot cannot be recommended with small bores, for unless both lungs 

 are pierced the beast is likely to be lost, but with a large bore rifle this is a deadly shot 

 if both lungs are penetrated. 



A bullet placed in the centre of the spinal ridge from behind would paralyse it, 

 and a bullet in the joint of the hind leg would also lead to its being brought to bag; 

 but we hardly consider these sporting shots. Elephant at times seem to be almost 

 blind, and to overlook one as long as there is no movement, but catch quick 

 movements. They are very keen in the smell, and the great thing is to keep the 



