i shot many deer in the neck, and many in in the vitals. i never shoot the shoulders. i shoot just behind the front shoulder if the deer is broadside, shooting through the shoulders just wastes meat to me. i shoot in the neck if the deer isn't presenting a good broadside shot. i've shot both and both shots have dropped deer, as long as you hit right the deer will drop. i haven't had a deer run more than 30 yds in at least 7 or 8 years.since i gut shot one with the muzzleloader, but i did find and eventually kill the doe.