White Tail shot
 

I had the chance to shoot a deer right in the white tail, from behind.
He was just standing there, about 100 yards away, and I could clearly see his tail, and his butt hole.

I decided not to shoot, and he eventually bounced away.

What would you have done ????

I would do exactly what you did.

I would have aimed just below the skull and dropped him, if I wanted him.

Spine shots used to be commonly taken, moreso for plains african game, but you still can read articles from 30-40 years ago advocating them for US hunting.

If you hit low, it will make a mess of the insides. I have taken rear spine shots at close range (inside 50 yards) but you will have to make a finishing shot.

Anymore, I would a rear presentation, unless at spitting distance. 100 yards is a long way for such a vital small target.

I got the same shot last year at my buck. All I saw was a white tale and two horns. I aimed right between the two horns about six inches below. He didn't even flinch I I didn't ruin one scrape of meat. If you actually shoot it in the body from behind you can kiss most of the meat goodbye.

Just to be clear obviously I saw the deer before it offered this shot and wasn't shooting blindly at a white tail with horns... and he was blowing at me when I pulled the trigger.

Htbt
 

HTBT but...

100 yards... no shot unless I have the -06

If I have the .30-06, I'd aim 2" lower than the base of his skull and fire.

Depends on many other factors like movement, safety, etc.

At 50 yds maybe a head shot if I had a rest. But definitely never a body shot - what you would have is a big gut shot mess that you probably would not want to eat.

My son passed up a front facing shot this year (just as bad) and I was glad he did.

Would have let him walk. No way I'm taking that shot.

if you could have shot the neck, that would be the shot to take...

probably wouldn't take a butt shot, less I had something like a .416 or maybe a 7mm with 175gr bullets, ie, very high SD bullets...

probably neck shot or nothing...

I would pass,a little off and i put a wound in side of neck,lots of extra on some bucks.
No interest in his butt. My luck if i aimed above the tail i,d hit an antler!