Yea, it depends on the size of the deer. In our NW FL deer there is not much in a shoulder, but there is a bit of stew meat that should be salvaged. Shooting a deer in the shoulder will normally anchor it on the spot, but I shoot just behind the leg apex and make lung shots. The deer will run about 100 yards, but that isn't a problem and gives my bloodtrailing dog a little workout...bottom line no meat damage at all.