Vital zones
There are only two acceptable points of aim when hunting animals with firearms:
- Chest-kill zone.
- Head-kill zone.
If you are bowhunting or hunting pigs with dogs, you must only target the chest-kill zone.
Chest-kill zone
The chest is the largest vital area found on all game animals. The chest is the recommended and most commonly targeted vital zone, as the likelihood of wounding or losing the animal is minimised.
The chest zone is made up of the heart, lungs and major blood vessels. Damage to any of these organs will result in rapid blood loss, leading to unconsciousness and death.
Head-kill zone
Bullet placement to the brain will result in instantaneous loss of consciousness and death. The projectile will disrupt the nervous system causing the animal’s body to abruptly shut down.
The brain offers a very small target, and a slight miss can severely maim the animal. Wounded animals may take several days to die from a missed head shot, causing unnecessary suffering if they cannot be quickly located and dispatched.
Because the brain is located towards the back of the skull and slightly above the eyes, this shot on a trophy animal may destroy the antlers or horns.
Head shots are not recommended for hunting and should be reserved for highly skilled marksman, using the appropriate rifle and ammunition combination, when carrying out pest control or meat harvesting programs.
Never attempt a head shot when using archery equipment.