Ethical shot placement using firearms and bows
Proper shot placement refers to the bullet or arrow hitting the vital zones and resulting in a quick, clean and humane kill. You should not take a shot unless you are certain you can hit the vital areas. If you are unsure, do not take the shot.
A responsible hunter must know when it is appropriate to take a shot and how to hit the vital zones for a quick, clean harvest. These are different shot angles a hunter might encounter in the field.
- Broadside: In the broadside shot, the bullet or arrow can easily pass through the rib cage to hit the heart and lung area, and the hunter has a wider target at which to aim. A properly placed shot will lead to a quick and clean harvest, without wasting much meat. This is often considered the best shot for firearm and bow hunters alike.
- Quartering-away: The quartering-away shot offers a clear path to the heart and lungs; and if it is on the right side, it will travel through the liver as well. This will result in a very quick harvest of the animal. Though the aiming point at this angle is less than a broadside shot, this is still an acceptable shot for a firearm or bow hunter.
- Quartering-toward: The quartering-toward shot offers an ethical dilemma. The vital organs are protected by the shoulder blade and there is an increased risk of your bullet or arrow missing the kill zone. Firearm hunters are advised to wait for a better shot. Bowhunters should not attempt this shot.
- Front shot: It is very difficult to hit the vital areas in a front shot, since the hunter has a very small area at which to aim, and the bullet or arrow has to travel through bones to reach the vital organs. Again, it is advisable for firearm hunters to wait for a better shot. Bowhunters should always pass on this shot.
- Rear shot: The rear shot offers little to no chance of hitting any vital area of the animal. This shot is extremely unethical for both firearm and bowhunters. Never fire at an animal that is heading away from you.
