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Running Shots: 5 Things to Consider

by Brad Fitzpatrick • June 12, 2012 • 7 comments

The ethics of shooting game on the run is hotly debated. Some claim that they would only shoot at moving game if it was already injured while others consider the ability to take running shots an essential skill for any big game hunter.

Under certain circumstances taking a running shot makes sense, particularly when a game animal is injured and might escape if it isn’t anchored with a second shot. The ability to shoot running game is certainly a valuable skill for a hunter, but being able to shoot game on the move requires practice and planning before heading to the field. Here are some tips to take that toughest of all shots…

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Running Shots

In Powder Burns, Shooting Tips • Tagged
  • shane256

    Given at how far a rifle bullet can travel past your target, shooting at a moving animal is very dangerous. I've done it before when I was younger but I don't shoot at a running animal anymore. The first shot needs to count as it's likely the only shot I'll be able to make with the highest degree of certainty. To reinforce that, I now hunt with a single shot rifle.

    • Koz

      It's called knowing your distance and knowing your weapon. People that just run out in the field without practice do not have any business sending a round down range… Let alone at a running animal. My best confirmed shot was a whitetail buck at 760yards…. The buck was in a full run and I trenched him…. Nothing quite like a 257 Roy with 115CTs.

  • Dale

    More than fifty years ago I was taught the art shooting at running deer.My mentor had access to a closed shale pit and used truck tires. We put scrap plywood in the tires and stapled 6" party paper plates off center. The tires were rolled down the bank and provided a moving target that mimiced the heart of a running deer. Several tires could be rolled simulating a herd, a called color simulated a single target in the group.I did best with a pump shotgun w/slugs,a 141 Remington in .32 cal was my second.

  • Captom

    In most hunting situations (unless you are in a stand over a corn feeder) animals are at least moving. Hunters must follow your 1-5 rules to be successful even on walking animals. I don't hunt over corn so I get considerable practice swinging my rifle with the animal. I never lead the animal. I always swing from behind and fire as my sight picture catches the shoulder. Follow through is essential and if you don't have a sight picture in your mind's eye at the moment of firing, you probably flinched or closed your eyes–and you missed! I have shot running wild hogs and loping moose this way from 30 to 235 yards out. Quartering away shots are best with this method since I have more room for error. A deer truly running at 90 degrees to the shooter may require a substantial lead depending on the distance–but I don't think I would take the shot. I am dedicated to the axiom "Aim for Hair." I do this horizontially as well as vertically. Any thoughts? Captom

  • Richard Van Tassel

    My Uncle shot a running Bull Elk, quartering toward him at 100 to 90 yards. He hit the Elk 3 times all within a 3 inch circle. . . . My Uncle is a hunter, but not a teacher. if only he could teach hunters to shoot as well as he does. . . . He was 75 years of age when he did this. . For him, shooting is a natural thing and he has made many kills on running game.

  • emad

    very very nice i wanaa have got one

  • .35 Remington

    If you are not be willing to shoot at moving game then don't bother trying to hunt on northeastern Pennsylvania, the brush in Penn's Woods is legendary. Remington even named an 18" barrel model of their 7600 rifle in .30-06 as their Pennsylvania Carbine.