most likely as long as it didn't hit an artery or vein. on my lease, one of the guys shot the SAME deer twice (at different times) with an arrow just below the spine about mid body and that deer is still alive. we have TC pics and both hunts were videoed. BUCK FEVER!! i have also seen a three legged deer that i videoed. his whole right leg was torn off at the shoulder and he survived. most have got hung in a fence. they are very tough animals