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I have been tasked with euthanizing a horse at a relatives homestead in a very remote area. To fly vet in would cost a small fortune. All I have is a 22 or a 30-06. I’m afraid the 30-06 would be way to aggressive to shoot it in the skull with and I’m concerned the 22 is inadequate. I have researched the X method to find where to aim. Any help would be appreciated

Your first post here is asking what gun. I smell a troll.

On the off chance this isn't trolling ... after a very bad back-country accident, my uncle started carrying a 0.38. What I know about about guns won't fill a thimble, so I have no clue if that's comparable to a 30-06.

ETA: He's a very experienced marksman and elk hunter, and I do know that he ruled out his smaller sidearms in favor of that gun to prevent another horse from suffering.

Google and there are plenty of articles on the topic: https://thehorse.com/196998/firearms-ca ... ng-horses/

What does "way too aggressive to shoot in the skull" mean? If the choice is to kill the horse in a nanosecond vs. an inadequate method, IMO, the choice is straightforward. Thank you for taking the time to do what is right by the horse.

PaulaO wrote:Your first post here is asking what gun. I smell a troll.

Judging from the name, I think it's an alter, not a troll.

Guys,I think this is a legitimate post. Please treat it as such.

I don't know where your home base is but maybe ask local animal services or your veterinarian. I've watched animal services dispatch an injured deer with a .22 My rancher friend uses a 45 when he has to shoot something in a bad way, but the ranch butcher uses a 22. Placement is key.

fish and wildlife officers in my state know how to humane kill. I am not sure they could be called, but if one is known to the owner they might try a private consult.

When I took a Horse Health class at a local community college the equine vet who taught it spent quite a bit of time discussing how to put a horse down humanely if you were stuck trail riding out in the middle of nowhere and it was necessary. He didn’t get into the caliber of weapon at all but what he stressed was how to find the right location on the skull. Most people choose the wrong spot and a horse skull is VERY thick. This can result in an in humane attempt. I don’t remember exactly how to find the spot but it is much lower on the skull than most people choose. Please research carefully.