Originally Posted by knowyourlimit

If you are not capable to hit them at the base of the neck, shoot for the base of the spine or root of the tail. Any centerfire round will anchor a bird this way and won't ruin the breast. Reload centerfire bullets backwards so the flatbase offers a good meplat. Seriously, this can be done. I've seen fellows do it this way in Texas. Or, load hardcast lead bullets and shoot at a lower velocity. Makes the effort a bit more challenging and interesting.