What type of shot is preferred for larger game animals like deer and elk?

The preferred shot for larger game animals like deer and elk is broadside. When an animal is positioned broadside, it presents the largest target area, making it easier to hit vital organs, such as the heart and lungs. This shot provides an angle that minimizes the chances of hitting bone, which could deflect a bullet or arrow and potentially lead to a missed shot.

A broadside shot allows the hunter to ensure a higher likelihood of a quick, humane kill, which is paramount in ethical hunting practices. This shot placement also increases the chance of a successful recovery of the animal, as it typically leads to quicker incapacitation. In contrast, other positions like quartering or head-on come with greater risks of hitting non-vital areas or bone and may result in a less effective or humane outcome.