Choosing 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.

Broadside

The broadside shot angle is the preferred shot angle for both firearm and bow hunters for larger game animals, such as elk and bear.

• Offers several excellent shots for a firearm hunter. The best target is the shoulder and chest area.
• A bullet of the correct weight, fired from a firearm adequate for the game, breaks the shoulder bone and enters the lungs or heart.

Quartering-Away

This means your target is facing away from you, but at an angle. The animal is usually looking away from you.

• Offers several aiming spots on all big game. The area just behind the shoulder is the best aiming spot for direct penetration of the vital organs.
• Focus on hitting the chest area above the opposite front leg.

Quartering-Toward

The quartering-toward shot angle is when the animal is facing toward you, but at an angle. Since the animal is typically looking your way, it most likely will spot your movements.

• Presents a clean shot to the vital organs. A shot can be taken at this angle if the gun is already trained on the animal. For an effective hit, aim at the front of the shoulder of the near front leg.
• Caution: A light bullet may deflect off the shoulder bones of large game such as elk, deer, or large bears. Be certain to use a firearm and ammunition adequate for the game you hunt and the angle of shot you might select.

Head-On

The animal will certainly detect your movements with a head-on shot angle.

• This shot can be effective if you have an adequate firearm that is already positioned for the shot.
• However, head-on shots rarely result in a clean kill and ruin a lot of meat. Aim at the center of the chest to hit the vital organs.

Rear-End

The rear-end shot should not be taken by hunters using firearms or bows.