When polled, 75% of drivers believe they have above average driving skills...

I think this applies to hunters too (especially on the internet ). When I visit my local rifle range, I see less than 1/2 who can keep their groups within 6 inches at 100 yards. Off a bench. Most of the ones who can do this think they're doing great and are good to go. Maybe the guys I see are below average, but I doubt it.

Now consider the targets: How big is the area you're shooting at to get a clean kill? For a head shot it's what, 1 inch? 2? I don't know about you guys, but the deer I see move their heads quite a bit. Unpredictably. They turn their heads to look at every little noise. The put their heads up in the air, down to the ground, etc. etc. The other target (the vitals) is by most accounts about 6 inches on a whitetail. Doesn't move very fast or unpredictably.

I believe that it'ssafe to say that it is far more likely that an average or even a good shot can make an ethical shot on a six inch, more or less stationarytarget rather than a1-2 inch, unpredictable target.

For me, within 100 yards, with little wind and a good rest, I know that I can hit a 1-2 inch target. I can't know if there will be a little gust of wind, or if that deer will move its head just as I squeeze the trigger. I'm honest with myself, understand probability, and am not worried about wasting1/4lb of meat. If a good shot doesn't present itself, I don't take the shot. If I were hunting as a primary means of feeding my family maybe it'd be different, but I'm not, and I'll wager you aren't either.

I shoot for the vitals. Works every time (so far).

-nosualc