Rifle up hill & Down Hil Shots

[MUSKYMAN1011]

When taking Down hill shots and Up hill shots?

Do you aim a bit Low?

(I thought I read this once but I could be mistaken)

Thanks

[riverrat56]

The shots are "shorter" because gravity will react less on the bullet. Look at a 3,4,5 Right Triangle, your standing at the smallest angle, looking at the 3 side. Deer is standing on the top of the larger angle, looking at the 4 side (flat ground) which is shorter than the 5 side (acctual bullet path to the deer). I think I just confused everyone including myself, but yes you would aim low.

[BigGrassBass]

I've always just aimed true and let her fly. In the heat of the moment the last thing you want to do is second guess yourself. You're already nervous, why add to it?

Luckily for us the vital area of a deer is large enough that if we shoot a little low, little high, etc. we are still going to hit a vital spot and kill that deer.

My advice, just shoot true.

[TrophyEyes]

At normal distances it won't be too dramatic of an effect that you will miss the deer. This is different for each gun, but using your standard 30-06 you most likely won't have to compensate until you are over 200+ yards.

[CodyDawg]

the key is the overall distance and how flat your rifle shoots. If you are shooting less than 200 yards, in most rifles of deer hunting or elk hunting caliber, it matters not. If you are talking 300+ yards at a steep angle, it may start to make some difference. As stated, gravity only acts on the horizontal distance to the target. That number will differ from the straight line distance to the target. As those two numbers get farther apart, the difference in bullet drop increases. For most situations, dont worry about it.

[charliepete2]

Think of it this way. It doesn't matter if you are shooting uphill or downhill, estimate the distance as if the object you are shooting at is on a level plane with you. For example, lets say you're rifle is sighted in at 100 yards. If you were sitting on top of 10,000 ft sheer drop cliff and a deer was 100 yards out from it's base, you'd be able to hold dead on. The same would be true if you and the deer switched positions.