The problem with a head shot is if they move, the head is the first area that contains a vital organ that moves; and your target is not a large area. When we butcher beef, it is a head shot. However, we are very close to the critter. I take head shots on varmints at long range, but the size of the bullet compared to the skull of a varmint would be similar to using a smallcannon for a head shot on deer. I don't have a problem if someone takes a head shot to finish off a downed deer (have never had to do this). If you want to save some meat, go to a caliber with a bigger, heavier and slower bullet.