Hunting - Successfully a Shot Animal

Drew Farney is a Hyde Academy athlete who participates in football and basketball on the academy’s official teams. Aside from sport, Drew Farney maintains an interest in animal hunting both for food and the great outdoors experience.

When hunting for food, it is essential to remember that the hunt does not always end once you take your shot, even if you hit your target. Whether you are using a bow and arrow or a rifle, there is always a strong chance that your prey will survive the initial shot. Even if the animal’s death is inevitable, it can still flee and make your recovery of the meat difficult. Aiming for the heart or lungs of a deer or bull, for example, is best if you want to be maximally quick and ethical, but even the best shots will sometimes go awry and hit a less-than-lethal area.

When the shot is made, make a note of your location and the approximate location of the animal at the time of the kill. Do not move in immediately to collect the animal because a sudden noise could cause the struggling animal to flee. Once you are sure you made the kill, find the blood trail and recover the dead animal.