Is it bad idea to dry to break a bull elk down by shooting the shoulders?
If the elk is located more than 3 miles from the road, it would be a VERY BAD idea!
JMHO, and YMMV, I'd like the animal dead as quickly as possible without tracking into the next geographical region.
If I think the animal may make it into an area that is going to be especially challenging to get it out of, I'll take a shoulder out IF the bullet in the barrel is suited to do so.
"Challenging" can be from the terrain, the weather, distance, or other access to the animal when down. It's that split decision you make when the shot presents itself.
I'd rather not risk a loss of blood shot meat, and would prefer take the lungs/heart/CNS if possible. But, I'll take what is presented and make a decision.
Like any decision it has merits, and possible consequences for you and the animal.
Bad idea? Not to me, if you are equipped to deal with the results of your decision.
