I took an almost straight-away shot at a buck in 2008. He walked right underneath me (I mean directly underneath me) and I stopped him @ about 5yds.

I leaned to the right to give myself AN angle into his vitals......and released my arrow.

Was I 100% confident in the shot? Yes.

I watched the blood spurting out the entrance wound as he bounded away. He was down in 60yds..

I've also passed shots where the deer was further from my stand (but in a similar position). The further from your stand - the less chance of creating an angle.

If you can get your arrow into the vitals of your quarry....and you feel confident in your shot.....I don't understand how anyone could judge your shot selection.

I would never intentionally aim for the spine of an animal.