Successful hunting requires not only in-depth knowledge of the game and its behaviors, but also precise knowledge of the anatomy and optimal stopping points. This is essential to ensure a quick and humane kill and to avoid unnecessary suffering of the game. Below we will present detailed information on the best stopping points for safe hits depending on the game species.

Red Deer

Red deer, the largest native cloven-hoofed game in many regions, have a robust body structure that makes selection of the proper stopping point very important. The leaf shot is considered one of the safest and most effective shots in red deer. The target is the area just behind the foreleg where the heart and lungs are located. A correct leaf shot results in massive blood loss, causing the animal to die quickly and humanely.

Wild boar

Wild boar have a particularly strong bone structure and a thick layer of fat that can make a quick kill difficult. The preferred region for shooting is also the blade, where the heart and lungs are located. It should be noted that the stopping point in wild boar is lower than in other game species because their organs are located deeper in the body. A well-aimed leaf shot can result in a quick death even in a robust boar.

Roe deer

Roe deer are small and lightly built. Here, too, the leaf shot is the recommended stopping point. Unlike larger game, the heart shot can be aimed more precisely in deer because the heart is relatively large compared to the body size and is easily accessible. A well-placed heart shot will result in immediate kill.

Fox

In foxes, the leaf shot is not recommended because the lungs and heart are small in relation to the body size and the shooting area is therefore reduced. Therefore, the head shot is the best choice here. However, this requires high precision and should only be done if the shooting skill and safety are sufficient.

Hare

The head shot is also the recommended stopping point for hare, as the small heart and lungs are difficult to hit and the animal could otherwise suffer unnecessarily. When hunting hare, it is important to ensure a safe shot, as the animal can flee very quickly and far if injured.

Pheasant

For pheasant, the chest shot is recommended, as the animal usually flies when startled. Here the hunter should aim slightly in front of the animal to allow for the lead.

Duck

Ducks are usually hunted in flight. Again, the breast shot is recommended, and the hunter should also consider the lead to hit the moving target. In addition, care should be taken to fire the shot at a height that ensures a safe shooting trajectory and does not pose a danger to others.

Elk Game

When hunting elk, the blade shot is the best stopping point. Elk have a very large body mass, and the heart is relatively low to the ground. Therefore, the shot should be well planned and taken only when the elk is in a favorable position.

Capercaillie

The capercaillie has an imposing size and can be hunted both on the ground and flying. A breast shot is suitable here, although the lead must be taken into account if the animal is flying.

Fallow deer

Fallow deer, which have a similar body structure to red deer, can also be shot with the blade. The heart and lungs are quickly lethal if well hit, resulting in a humane death for the animal.

Conclusion

Knowing the best stopping points is essential for effective and ethical hunting. It allows for a quick and humane death of the deer and minimizes the risk of missed shots and unnecessary suffering. However, this requires a thorough knowledge of game anatomy and careful shot planning.

Ultimately, it must be remembered that a shot should only be fired when the hunter is confident of achieving a lethal hit. This includes knowledge of the best stopping points as well as sufficient shooting skill and confidence. This is the only way to ensure effective, ethical and responsible hunting.