Final answer:
The preferred shot angle for hunting with firearms and bows is the broadside angle, offering the largest target area for the hunter. Smaller angles of launch for projectiles are generally preferred in archery due to less wind interference and a more predictable flight path, although obstacles or height might necessitate a higher angle, as seen in football punting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most preferred shot angle for both firearm and bow hunting is the broadside angle. This angle presents the largest target area to the hunter, increasing the likelihood of hitting a vital organ and ensuring a quick, ethical kill. A broadside shot allows for greater margin for error compared to a straight on or head-on shot, which typically presents smaller target zones and increases the risk of merely wounding the animal. The quartering away angle can be effective too, but it requires more precision, as the hunter must aim to have the projectile pass through more of the animal to reach vital areas.
Factors such as wind and the range of the projectile affect an archer's shot. With a fixed initial speed, the range is determined by the angle of the shot, with two angles offering the same range. A smaller angle, closer to the horizontal, is usually preferred because it is less affected by wind and gravity, leading to a more predictable flight path. However, an archer might use a larger angle when obstacles obstruct the lower trajectory, or when shooting from a height. In similar circumstances, a punter in a football game might use a higher trajectory to maximize hang-time or to avoid blockers.