where to aim
11-01-2009, 06:13 PM
#11
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Ohio
Posts: 247
Heres a quote from a neat article about shot placement:
(Based on the data collected in this study we feel that the best shot placement for deer is the broadside shot directed at the shoulder. Traveling an average of only 3 yards, deer shot in the shoulder traveled significantly less distance than deer shot in the heart, lungs, or abdomen. Also, with such a short distance of travel, deer shot squarely in the shoulder did not generally leave the hunter's sight. In this study, the broadside shoulder shot essentially gave results similar to what most hunters expect from a neck shot. Presumably the broadside shoulder shot works well because it strikes part of the heart and or lungs which itself is a mortal blow. However, a shot through the scapula damages the brachial plexus which is part of the central nervous system thereby rendering the animal immobile. It knocks the animal out and it never regains consciousness. Also, the shoulder is a very large target offering room for error; a high shot hits the spine, a low shot the heart and a shot to the rear hits the lungs. )
Heres the link to the article, it was a interesting piece to read-
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/deer/articlegad.html
(Based on the data collected in this study we feel that the best shot placement for deer is the broadside shot directed at the shoulder. Traveling an average of only 3 yards, deer shot in the shoulder traveled significantly less distance than deer shot in the heart, lungs, or abdomen. Also, with such a short distance of travel, deer shot squarely in the shoulder did not generally leave the hunter's sight. In this study, the broadside shoulder shot essentially gave results similar to what most hunters expect from a neck shot. Presumably the broadside shoulder shot works well because it strikes part of the heart and or lungs which itself is a mortal blow. However, a shot through the scapula damages the brachial plexus which is part of the central nervous system thereby rendering the animal immobile. It knocks the animal out and it never regains consciousness. Also, the shoulder is a very large target offering room for error; a high shot hits the spine, a low shot the heart and a shot to the rear hits the lungs. )
Heres the link to the article, it was a interesting piece to read-
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/deer/articlegad.html
11-01-2009, 06:19 PM
#12
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Northern Chautauqua Co. N.Y.
Posts: 2,976
Bowhunter here too - seach for "void" at AcheryTalk or the Bowsite.
Plenty of pic's and evidence from vets and other medical pro's
proving there is no hollow spot. Like I said, high lung can survive.
Most "void" hits are actually above the spine thru the backstraps.
Not argueing here either - just pointing out the fact that the lungs fill the entire cavity in a living animal with the spine being at the top of the cavity making it
physically impossible for a void to exist.
Plenty of pic's and evidence from vets and other medical pro's
proving there is no hollow spot. Like I said, high lung can survive.
Most "void" hits are actually above the spine thru the backstraps.
Not argueing here either - just pointing out the fact that the lungs fill the entire cavity in a living animal with the spine being at the top of the cavity making it
physically impossible for a void to exist.
(BP)
11-02-2009, 04:52 AM
#15
Fork Horn
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Dark Side of the Moon
Posts: 406
I always try and shoot the top off the heart. If you miss slightly in any direction, it is still a lethal killing shot. Little high = lungs, forward = shoulder, low = heart, back = liver and lungs. Many swear by the breakdown shot on the shoulder, but bowhunting makes me look for the top of the heart shot.
11-02-2009, 05:35 AM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Amelia Island, Florida
Posts: 1,030
Lemoyne & sabotloader
Thanks for posting those pictures.
Just a few minutes of study with these and it becomes clear as to where you want your bullet or arrow to go.
As I forgot to mention but it was stated in a later post that it really depends on the position of the animal.
I try to imagine the exit wound more than the entrance and it kind of takes care of itself.
I guess this is from years of bowhunting.
Thanks again for those pictures,they help.
Thanks for posting those pictures.
Just a few minutes of study with these and it becomes clear as to where you want your bullet or arrow to go.
As I forgot to mention but it was stated in a later post that it really depends on the position of the animal.
I try to imagine the exit wound more than the entrance and it kind of takes care of itself.
I guess this is from years of bowhunting.
Thanks again for those pictures,they help.
11-02-2009, 06:03 AM
#17
Giant Nontypical
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,867
I guess it comes down to are you a gun guy or a bow guy. As bow hunters where taught to shoot the heart as most arrows do not like hard thick bones. I guess theres no right or wrong answer here. Thanks for the pic.
11-02-2009, 09:47 AM
#19
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: River Ridge, LA (Suburb of New Orleans)
Posts: 10,917
Too many guys shoot deer with a gun the same way as if they are shooting a bow. Lots of deer are lost becuase of it.
11-02-2009, 09:50 AM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Kerrville, Tx. USA
Posts: 2,722
+1 Lee
You can see it better on the second picture of sabotloader's. Draw a veritcal line up from the elbow, then draw a horizontal line back from the shoulder joint. Where the intersect (the top of the heart) is my sweet spot and is the black spot on Lee's picture. With this you miss the major bones of the shoulder, but take out the heat/lungs anywhere within a 5 inch circle.
You can see it better on the second picture of sabotloader's. Draw a veritcal line up from the elbow, then draw a horizontal line back from the shoulder joint. Where the intersect (the top of the heart) is my sweet spot and is the black spot on Lee's picture. With this you miss the major bones of the shoulder, but take out the heat/lungs anywhere within a 5 inch circle.
