Planning Your Shot Strategy

One of the most common reasons hunters miss opportunities to take an animal is because of the excitement of being close to their quarry. “Target panic” or “buck fever” may cause them to forget completely the fundamentals of shooting and miss the shot. Planning a shot strategy before the animal arrives increases the chance of taking game. Shot strategy, which involves determining possible pick-off points and shot angles in a given hunting area, can be accomplished best through visualization and simulated practice.

Visualize and Practice Your Strategy

Mentally run through all the likely routes the game animal may take and identify exactly where and when you’ll take your shot if the animal comes from the left, from the right, from behind, or in front of you. Take a few practice shots, and log the distance to each spot. Your shot strategy will help you concentrate on making a good hit when the moment actually arrives.

Choose the Proper Shot Angle

The shot angle is the angle at which the animal is standing in relation to the hunter. Knowing which angles offer the most effective—and least effective—shots is an essential part of being a responsible hunter.