“Every hunter should attempt to dispatch an animal, when it is required, in the most humane way possible. If the life of an animal is going to be ended it should be done in such a way to cause the least amount of suffering”
This serves as a reminder of why most self-respecting hunters invest significant time and money into two key areas: achieving precise shot placement and testing ammunition loads for optimal bullet performance. Chris takes on the task of loading and testing his own ammunition for all his rifle calibres prior to the start of hunting season. His goal is to identify the best loads for each calibre, ensuring reliability during hunts for clients opting for rifle hire, as well as from a back-up perspective for his own rifles. The fundamentals of shot placement remain consistent across different species. The marksman’s objective is to swiftly incapacitate an animal by penetrating its body to reach vital organs. From the perspective of a Professional Hunter, the aim is to prevent a wounded animal from escaping using anchoring shots or delivering brain shots to avert potential harm from a charging animal to any members of the hunting party. Recently, Chris, who is left-handed, acquired a custom-built left-hand bolt 458 LOTT, which he plans to use as his primary backup rifle on dangerous game during this hunting season. Therefore, he has dedicated considerable time in recent weeks to loading and testing ammunition to achieve the best bullet performance, a crucial aspect when guiding clients on dangerous game hunts.
When aiming at an animal, the goal is to deliver a shot that either disrupts the central nervous system or causes significant bleeding along with respiratory or cardiac failure. Professional hunters must acquire and maintain the skills to execute quick and precise anchoring and brain shots, often in high-pressure situations. Anchoring shots require sufficiently well-constructed bullets capable of penetrating bone, targeting the spine from the neck down to the end of the spinal column. Striking the spine will immobilize the animal, allowing the hunter to approach and deliver the fatal shot. Such shots are typically necessary for larger animals that have been wounded and are fleeing. In contrast, brain shots lead to instant death and can be achieved with the appropriate calibre firearm for the specific species being hunted. This is especially important when dealing with potentially dangerous animals that must be stopped immediately for safety reasons, such as a charging buffalo or hippo. However, brain shots are considered risky due to the small target area and the head’s high mobility, which is why professional hunters seldom permit clients to attempt this type of shot.
The accuracy of shot placement and the effectiveness of bullet performance are fundamental when targeting moving animals. Professional hunters should excel in hitting small, fast-moving targets using heavy calibre rifles, as a charging animal can close the distance between it and the shooter swiftly, leaving minimal time for precise aiming. The ideal aiming point varies based on the animal’s head position relative to the shooter, and it is important to recognize that the optimal shooting spot changes continuously as the animal approaches.
The heart-lung region, located within the thoracic cavity, is the most frequently targeted area by trophy hunters. The specific aim point varies based on the animal’s position, the weapon’s capabilities, the hunter’s physical and mental state, and their understanding of the animal’s anatomy. Ideally, shots should be taken at calm animals, as those that are nervous or frightened tend to react more quickly and unpredictably. Ultimately, the impact of the bullet on the animal is primarily influenced by the accuracy of the shot, the trajectory of the projectile, the size of the wound channel, and the extent of damage inflicted on vital organs, as well as the volume of blood loss.
References: The Complete Professional Hunter’s Handbook
