I got lucky two years ago and killed a 145 class 14 point buck with a spine shot. The reason I got lucky is between aiming for its shoulder,buck fever, and my stand moving a little in a sudden gust of wind I should have missed completely. I couldn't imagine shooting for the spine or neck or a deer and a head shot is only an option at close range with a non-trophy deer. Everytime I aim at a deer its boiler room or high shoulder.