I think we all try to take a deer down with one shot. I've been able to do that probably 95%. I will admit there have been a fewtimes that I didn't. I have missed...hitting tree branches. But I think your asking how many times you have had to actually hit the deer before killing it. Three for me, a spine shot that knocked it down, went for a head shot and hit the jaw, and then got a better rest and put one in it's ear to put it down. I applaud everyone here saying one shot, but in my opinion your time is coming. I practice year around and try to take the best shot but we're only human and some of us do make mistakes.