Effective August 1, 2009, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources changed their guidelines for distance learning. Students are now required to spend a minimum amount of time on each course page before proceeding to the certification exam.

Click here to go to the latest version of the Today's Hunter in Indiana online course—the official hunter education course of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

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. The broadside shot angle is the preferred shot angle for both firearm and bow hunters for larger game animals, such as elk, deer, and bear. The quartering-away shot angle is when your target is facing away from you, but at an angle. The animal is usually looking away from you. 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. The animal will certainly detect your movements with a head-on shot angle. The rear-end shot should not be taken by hunters using firearms or bows.