Choosing When to Shoot

Limit shots to within your personal effective range.

Get as near to the animal as possible.

Sometimes hunters can try to be too close. Animals will detect your presence and run, or change position to face you, thus offering a poor target.

If an animal is alert to your presence, wait until you have a clear shot. They can move suddenly, resulting in a poor hit or complete miss. The best shots are taken at unsuspecting animals.

Before taking a shot, look along the intended flight path of the bullet to see whether there are any limbs, branches, or other obstructions in the way. These can deflect an arrow, and even a bullet.

The best shots on deer-sized game animals are “quartering-away” shots, which offer the quickest path to the vitals. On larger game, broadside shots are better. Head and neck shots should be avoided.