RE: Lost buck
When I bow hunt I always make sure I have a clear shot at the shoulder. More towards the back, lower part of the shoulder. That way I take out the heart and maybe some lungs too.
With a rifle or mussel loader I go for the neck area or the head if that's all I have a shot at. (75% time this is all I get) But if I get lucky I'll get a shot at one broad side. I aim mid shoulder if not lower shoulder towards the back to I destroy all the vitals I can. I have found this to work good with my ballistic tip bullets. The deer I shot this year all had mush for a heart and busted ribs.