If he is big and the terrain diticates it I will take out the pins everytime(because this also gives you a double lung). If I am concerned about meat loss I aim for H/L just behind the front shoulder and rib in and rib out..best shot in the biz! Neck shots are low % and a minor movement can cause injury and prolonged death, I would never advocate this shot unless you are confident and proficient to pull it off every single time. However to take a neck over either mentioned on straight broadside is foolish and little to cocky for my liking. Yes I have taken deer in the neck/head and had a great result, but I have also tracked botched neck shots and no one will convince me this shot is better than aim for mass and vitals given the opportunity. The neck shot is an absolute last resort in my books and unless the range or your ability allows you to be 100% sure, should not be an option for most. Of course trophy hunter is the exception, hitting a quarter at 200 but still professing he ain' t a good shot!