Chest Cavity: The Main Vital Area

In big game animals, the bowhunter’s primary target area lies within the animal’s chest cavity. The chest cavity holds the heart, lungs, and major arteries and veins of the body, all of which are crucial to sustain life.

• A razor-sharp broadhead shot through the chest will immediately depressurize the cavity, sever lung tissue, and cause massive bleeding. It may cut lung vessels to add to the blood loss and cut heart tissue or heart vessels that will cause even more blood loss.
• The circulatory system of a big game animal is under pressure. All cuts in the major blood vessels, lung tissue, and muscle tissue will result in immediate and sustained blood loss.
• The most effective shot for bowhunters on black bear and deer-sized or smaller animals is a diagonal shot (45 degrees) that angles forward and hits the liver, diaphragm, lungs, and heart.
• The second most effective shot is the double-lung broadside shot because it collapses both lungs. The animal leaves a good-to-excellent blood trail and typically goes a shorter distance before lying down.