Steer butchering question

[rogue]

I am about to do the last steer of the year and need a bit of info. I've been butchering for a few years so that isn't a problem the thing is I was talking to a friend that does taxidermy type stuff and a lot of other things and he wanted to buy the skull and cape. I have always shot from the front with a larger caliber (.357 .44)because I prefer really fast kills but that leaves a huge hole in the skull which would probably ruin it for what he is wanting it for. The question is where in the head can I shoot him for a fast (and sure) kill that would have minimal damage to the skull?

[bbird]

Rogue,

If it's possible, try to shoot from behind and off to the side so that you can aim for behind the ear or the back of the neck, so the bullet travels into the brain. It really depends on the rifle you are using because even that might go through the front of the skull. Do you have a smaller rifle? Typically taxidermists like lung shots but personally I wouldn't shoot a animal I cared for that way. Just not quick enough.

What I would do, and I don't know if this is something you would like but see if your friend wants to shoot the steer. That way the pressure is off you to not ruin the skull, lol.

[rogue]

TY bbird. My handguns consist of .38s, .357s, .40s, and .44s the smallest rifle I have is a 30/30 so that is almost a certain exit. I could never do a body shot on one of my own animals. I thought of asking him to come down and do it but the way he is about getting around to doing things it might be next year before it got done lol.

[bbird]

lol, the guy's not on the same time line as you huh? Seems to be a taxidermists way of life I think.

Another thought...taxidermist usually will putty over the hole if they are going for a complete look with the skull. If the guy isn't showing the skull in a judging contest, I would just shoot the steer like you usually do. In this case, being comfortable with how "you" butcher an animal you have cared for is the most important thing.