Chapter 10: Safe Hunting Skills
Safe Shot Selection

Shot Angles

Quartering-Away Shots

• Target is facing away from you at an angle.
• Very effective for deer and similar-sized animals.
• Aim at the chest area above the opposite front leg for a lung shot.

Broadside Shots

• Best shot for elk, bear, and other large game animals.
• Large target aiming area.
• Aiming point is behind front shoulder.
• If possible, wait until the nearest leg is extended forward; this moves the scapula out of the target area.

Head-On Shots

• Not recommended—rarely results in a clean kill.
• Ruins a lot of meat.
• Very narrow target area.
• Should not be taken if hunter is using a bow.

Rear-End Shots

• Should not be taken by hunters using firearms or bows.

Quartering-Toward Shots

• Animal is facing toward you but at an angle; presents a clear shot at the vital organs.
• Animal is likely to see your movements because it is facing your direction.
• Use the chest area above the nearest front leg as an aiming point for a lung shot.