diff --git a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
index 76ccb0d6bd..5b7c7d6dcf 100644
--- a/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/.github/PULL_REQUEST_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -4,10 +4,7 @@ v    Before smashing the submit button please review the checkboxes.
 v    If a checkbox is n/a - please still include it but + a little note why
 ☺ > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >  -->
 
-- Targeted PR against correct branch:
-  - `release/vxx.yy.zz` for a merge into a release candidate
-  - `master` for a merge of a release
-  - `develop` in the usual case
+- Targeted PR against correct branch (see [CONTRIBUTING.md](https://github.com/cosmos/cosmos-sdk/blob/develop/CONTRIBUTING.md#pr-targeting))
 
 - [ ] Linked to github-issue with discussion and accepted design OR link to spec that describes this work.
 - [ ] Updated all relevant documentation (`docs/`)
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 7b7ad81fd0..e1a5e7c1f3 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -133,6 +133,13 @@ Libraries need not follow the model strictly, but would be wise to.
 
 The SDK utilizes [semantic versioning](https://semver.org/).
 
+### PR Targeting
+
+Ensure that you base and target your PR on the correct branch:
+  - `release/vxx.yy.zz` for a merge into a release candidate
+  - `master` for a merge of a release
+  - `develop` in the usual case
+
 ### Development Procedure:
   - the latest state of development is on `develop`
   - `develop` must never fail `make test` or `make test_cli`