Head shot/lung shot

[hogdog 61]

I've done some searching but it hasn't really answered my questions fully so here goes...

 

As a beginner what should I be aiming for with different types of prey? I've been watching some videos on you tube and it raised some questions about what area I should be aiming at. With Rabbits it seems to be the head but with pigeons people tend to go for the chest...is this right for a beginner? I've also heard that a body shot to a pheasant won't necessarily kill it.

 

What would you advise I aim for when shooting rabbits, wood pigeon and pheasant in particular?

Edited March 28, 2011 by hogdog

[Phantom 631]

I would advise that a head shot on all quarry if at all possible

 

Many people go for heart/lung shots on birds such as pidgeon because its a larger target, however this may be true but there are a few things to lean before attempting it.

A woody for example, has hudge pectoral muscles on the front of its chest and behind this is a huge breastbone. 9 times out of 10 the pellet wont make it through the muscle let alone the bone "Shield". So if you want a successful shot on a woody's boddy you have to aim from the side at the point at which the wing joins the body.

 

Many people refuse headshots on woodys because in the time the pellet takes to leave thr breech and hit its mark, the woody may have moved its head (they are fast) but I would rather have a miss than a wounded bird that may fly off.

 

Pheasant, deffinatetly head/upper neck shots only andb ONLY WHEN IN SEASON!!!

 

Take care

 

Phantom

[secretagentmole 1,701]

I have always gone for the head on rabbits! If you miss the head you can get the neck which does lead to lethal injuries as well, just make sure you despatch it quickly after. A chest shot on pigeons is not recommended with a .22, pigeons seem to have armour plated chests so go for a head shot on those as well!

Edited March 28, 2011 by secretagentmole

[SEAN3513 7]

head shots

 

pigeons (and pheasants) can have crops full of grain ( upper chest) which makes them almost armour plated...and also shooting at wing area is similar.

 

the aim point for rabbits is between the eye and the ear.......hit here and it will almost certainly be a quick and unknown end.

 

cheers

 

 

sean

[hogdog 61]

Head shots it is then, thanks.

 

BTW, when does the pheasant season start again?

Edited March 28, 2011 by hogdog

[secretagentmole 1,701]

Seasons guide

 

Look here, all explained!

[hogdog 61]

Excellent, I'm off to work out what all those species look like

[8shot 191]

if i cant get a head shot on a woody then i aim for the top of the wing....from side on

[secretagentmole 1,701]

Thanks for that tip chaps, some sit on the power wires, can get a good shot avoiding the ceramics!

[Ken Moran 0]

If you intend to eat it, headshots keep the most meat usable. Things with big heads, hit them in the head, pigeons have small heads and are harder to it but most satisfying!

[ftm 3,357]

head shots on rabbits -head shots on woodies -i dont touch pheasants-head shot on squirrels-and if you miss your target it lives for another day mate !thats my way of thinking anyway atb billy

[ftm 3,357]

head shots on rabbits -head shots on woodies -i dont touch pheasants-head shot on squirrels-and if you miss your target it lives for another day mate !thats my way of thinking anyway atb billy

[19powell90 89]

I agree with 'FTM'

[pipa 299]

i agree with some of these lads! RABBIT head shot allways,,,squirrel (very tough cookies) definatly head shot! pigeon head shot, unless moving about alot, top of wing option, or if you cant get either shot cos youre right underneath then, i shoot them up the backside sending the pellet through the guts and and organs and hopefully spine or neck! they drop for me all the time with this shot, 22 that is!

oh! and i leave pheasants alone!chris

Edited March 28, 2011 by pipa

[Marksman 934]

As previously said by all, headshots all the way. If you train yourself to get a ten shot group inside a 1" circle on paper at your chosen zero range then headshots wont be a problem for ANY quarry. If you can't get them in keep practicing till you do and I'd advise against shooting at ANYTHING living until you can. You'll be more satisfied with yourself when you can claim a clean kill than wounding and not being able to find it or it flies/runs off to suffer.

 

Darryl

 

Happy hunting