Over-the-Hip - Shot Placement

As provided by George Chase of Chase Outfitters

This shot is only for treestand hunters.

I have never killed a bear with a bow or a rifle but I have been involved with the death of well over 500 in one way or another.  I have watched many being taken and also watched in disbelief when this shot was offered and passed on, only to have the bear walk away.

I believe you should be able to kill any animal within your comfort range from any angle.  Please don't misunderstand what I'm saying here.  Few of us understand our comfort levels or admit to them.  The code I preach and live by sums up all shots "the ability to shoot a perfect shot under pressure on demand".

We all know that shot placement is key to success and shot placement here is the most destructive path an arrow can take.

This is what will happen when you shoot a bear over-the-hip.  In your minds eye you're attempting to have the arrow exit between the front legs.  The "perfect" shot enters through the kidney, there is no bone protection from the last rib to the top of the hip saddle.  The arrow out of an average bow, with a good cut on contact broadhead will travel from 8 to 12 inches inside the body cavity striking about midway down or dead centre of the diaphragm.  Now lets say you did indeed have the ability to hit the kidney (this puts a bear in a lot of trouble) the arrow travels through a bit of gut then punches its way through the liver (this will kill the bear).  At this time unlike the whitetail that drops and runs, the bear twists to react to the invisible attacker, biting at his own back.  In doing this, he torques his body in such a way, causing the broadhead to slice sideways as it travels forward.  The hole in the liver is usually about 4 inches wide and the diaphragm is split wide open. Both lungs collapse.  The arrow continues on its destructive way cutting most major blood carriers, and then exits the body leaving a blood trail easily followed.  The trail is usually about 40 yards long.

Is this the only way to kill a bear?  No.  Is it the most destructive avenue?  Yes.  Can anything go wrong?  Yes.  As always, shot placement is key.  The difference between this shot and most others, if the shot goes wrong, the bear will live.

This is just another arrow in the quiver of death and one that no archer should ever pass.

Visualize this shot from your stand.  The point of entry is the white circle and the point of exit is between the front legs.  The most common error in using this shot is aiming too far forward.  Once again,  visualize where you want the arrow to exit (between the front legs),  and where you have to hold on the bear to accomplish that objective.  Take aim and shoot like you know you can.