Killer Primate,

First let me apologize for missing the circumstances under which you killed that deer.I went back and re-read and realize that I missed several lines when I first read it. No excuses, whether something interrupted my reading at the time or if I just skimmed it too fast, I missed an important part of your story and came to a wrong conclusion. I would not call you a poacher. You truly did what you had to do and once again, I apologize for my statements.

As for the rest of this thread, I really think that most here were referring to headshots with a bow which I think we both agree is an irresponsible shot for even the best archer. A headshot with a rifle is much more likely to kill cleanly without maiming but, as you say, conditions, shooter skill and rifle tuning must be at their best.

I do disagree that a bow is less efficient. A bow used within the shooters capabilities is every bit as ethical and effective as any rifle. I've had deer that I hit through the lungs jump, stop , look around and resume feeding only to collapse right there in less than a minute. The deer obviously expired very quickly and felt no pain.

For the record, I too have shot deer in the head with a rifle under the right circumstances with instantaneous death as the result. This thread was about headshots with a bow.

I am also editing my previous post to correct my mistakes.