Ostrich shot placement

Mertz 1 · #1 07-11-2006, 07:59 PM

I have the chance to archery hunt South Africa soon and may be able to take an ostrich. However, I can not find any information on the proper shot placement or a diagram of the ostrich vitals. HELP!!!!!!!

pomoxis · #2 07-14-2006, 09:10 AM

My suggestion is to look for a good shot placement diagram for a turkey. The position of the lungs and heart should be fairly propotional. The size of the bird and the angle of the shot will be the most dificult to judge the proper placement.

You may want to search Bird anatomy and then use the search with in to narrow to ostrich. Let us know what you find

Mertz 1 · #3 07-16-2006, 09:23 AM

I have searched extensively using several browsers and numerous sites but am unable to find a diagram. Since ostrich are raised for their meat some of the veteranarian sites have been the most helpful. I hate to guess what other archers have used?

BradC · #4 07-16-2006, 10:17 AM

The PH I hunt with in South Africa and I talked about shot placment on these birds during my hunt last year. He says some guys will shoot for the base of the tail feathers in order to hit the spine. However, I believe he was refering to rifle hunters. Not being a bowhunter myself, I am not for sure if this will help you at all. i would imagine this would be quite risky with stick and string.

Brad

Mil Dot · #5 07-16-2006, 10:26 AM

We shot some Emus a few years back and when we cleaned them they wer configured a little weird ... no breasts, all legs.
Lots of deceptive feathers on the breast but no meat. I'd put it below and just behind where wing joins the body. Never shot an ostrich so this is just a guess.

Mil Dot

Aim to maim · #6 07-16-2006, 12:53 PM

Mertz 1

Please understand that this reply is in no way intended to be a flame or a putdown. Your question is a valid one, but I have to say I believe it the most unusual legitimate post I have ever seen on an internet hunting forum.

Welcome to HuntChat and I sincerely hope you receive an informative answer to your question.

Skyline · #7 07-16-2006, 01:32 PM

On a broadside shot aim just infront of the hind leg and mid way on the body.

MacD37 · #8 07-20-2006, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skyline
On a broadside shot aim just infront of the HIND leg and mid way on the body.

I mean no disrespect, but I'm almost sure an Ostrich only has two legs!

I'd place the shot from broadside just ahead of the FRONT leg, level with the top of that leg, about half way between the front of the bird's chest, and the front side of the leg! As some one said most of the meat is in the legs, and that shot should get you the lungs/heart.

Skyline · #9 07-20-2006, 09:55 PM

MacD37..........man you got me on that one.

Anyhow....ya just infront of the leg and mid way between back and breast line. I have shot a couple and that shot put them down on the spot. You do not want to shoot them through the leg, as in addition to ruining the meat, that is the big dollar leather area if you tan the hide and get boots or what have you made.

MacD37 · #10 07-21-2006, 09:21 AM

Right you are! The leather is about the only reason I find to shoot one, with anything. Takeing one with a bow should be a real feat, and I wish Mertz luck in that endever!

bsterns · #11 07-23-2006, 05:40 PM

FWIW, I had a landowner in Namibia offer me an Ostrich to shoot and he said to aim in the middle of the body. The body is fairly round with the black feathers and the white wings. He said that would put them down without a problem. I did not take him up on his offer but I wish I had.

SuicidJky · #12 07-23-2006, 06:15 PM

This might help alittle with a side shot, Alot of spine there to hit, not much of a chest cavity

Talon · #13 07-24-2006, 02:06 AM

You could probably use a Turkey Guillotine and go for the neck shot?

Peace
Talon

pomoxis · #14 07-24-2006, 09:12 PM

It looks like if you place the shot too far foward you will hit the breast bone. If you have a have a side shot you will have to go through the wing feathers as well as the body feathers.

grayghost · #15 07-26-2006, 04:48 PM

Study the diagram SuicidJky posted. This is a very good representation of large bird anatomy. Entering the rib cage is a good shot. However, keep in mind the wings and feathers will slow all but the most keen broadheads. Personally, I would shy away from expandables and go with a good Muzzy or any 4 blade head. More cutting area means a better chance at slicing into the vitals. Birds are very venerable in the back. However, keep in mind how tall an Ostrich stands. It will be difficult to get the best angle unless your slightly elevated above him; otherwise hope for an angling away shot. Most any bow at 55# or better should be able to penetrate the vitals with an angled back shot. Try to pick a spot just behind the wing that will enter into the chest cavity. If your pulling 60# or more; and at 30 yards or less, you should be able to penetrate either side of the keel bone. But this is a risky shot, so if in doubt I would pass. Keep something else in mind; Ostrich's have excellent eyesight and I'm 99% sure they see in color. Your dealing with an overgrown Turkey. Any sudden movement or noticeable color will catch their eye, and they rarely stand around to ask questions. I hope you get one. It would be a real accomplishment to take one with a bow. Good hunting, grayghost