My apoligies for not being clear on my first post. I totally agree, its not the shot you aim for. I too like to shoot slightly back from the shoulder, with the only bone you'll hit being ribs. Giveway more margin for slight error. The shot I had was a slightly quartering toward me shot. I hit forward from where I wanted.

However, i'm totally confused about a 4" thick bone in the shoulder area of a deer. I never came across a bone that heavy in a deer. Care to elaborate?