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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: ILUVBIGBUCKS]
#8513201
01/25/22 04:38 PM
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,902
JJH
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,902 |
For me it completely depends on the condition and situation.
If I am in more open country where tracking is a breeze and not in the hairy thick stuff like you find in a lot of south texas, I put it right through their wheel house about 1/3 of the way up and just behind the shoulder crease with them dead broadside.
If it is thick, I am putting it through their shoulder and doing whatever I can to break them down right where they stand. ^^^^^ This
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8513780
01/26/22 03:42 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 446
Brother Phil
Bird Dog
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Bird Dog
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 446 |
I aim for the lungs, behind the shoulder, about 1/3 of the way up the body. Many times the deer is not exactly broadside, or my shot is a little off, and I tag a shoulder. Most of my deer drop where standing, however, this year I heart shot a deer, that was standing partially behind a tree, and it ran about 80 yards. Shooting a deer through the shoulders works, I just don't see the point of blasting away some of the meat.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8513786
01/26/22 03:48 AM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640
LeonCarr
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,640 |
High Shoulder...slight meat destruction for instant recovery and minimal suffering, I am fine with that.
"Whitetail Deer are extinct because of rifles with telescopes mounted on them." - My 11th Grade English Teacher
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8513805
01/26/22 04:34 AM
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,954
huntwest
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,954 |
Depends on situation. If I have a trophy hunter and we find a shooter buck it is shoulder shots only. Big bucks in thick cover can go a long way with a lung shot. To easy to loose in thick cover. Does and culls for meat neck shot. I used to do head shots on meat deer until I had one move at the perfect moment and shot her bottom jaw off. The poor deer died a slow agonizing death. To easy for that to happen so I quit the head shots.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: huntwest]
#8513882
01/26/22 12:59 PM
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794
ILUVBIGBUCKS
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,794 |
Depends on situation. If I have a trophy hunter and we find a shooter buck it is shoulder shots only. Big bucks in thick cover can go a long way with a lung shot. To easy to loose in thick cover. Does and culls for meat neck shot. I used to do head shots on meat deer until I had one move at the perfect moment and shot her bottom jaw off. The poor deer died a slow agonizing death. To easy for that to happen so I quit the head shots. I had the same thing happen to me on a cull buck about 20 years ago but was lucky enough to see that deer a day later and put him out of his misery. Hell, when I was younger and had better eyes, steadier hand, and ran 400-600 rounds through my rifles each year I shot all does and culls at the base of head at the neck or in the head. Not anymore. I just don't spend the time shooting I used to and I don't want to risk this every happening to another deer again. My son however makes quick work of the head with the does and culls. lol
High fence, low fence, no fence, it really doesn't matter as long as you're hunting!
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: ILUVBIGBUCKS]
#8513899
01/26/22 01:19 PM
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Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,395
Hudbone
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,395 |
Depends on situation. If I have a trophy hunter and we find a shooter buck it is shoulder shots only. Big bucks in thick cover can go a long way with a lung shot. To easy to loose in thick cover. Does and culls for meat neck shot. I used to do head shots on meat deer until I had one move at the perfect moment and shot her bottom jaw off. The poor deer died a slow agonizing death. To easy for that to happen so I quit the head shots. I had the same thing happen to me on a cull buck about 20 years ago but was lucky enough to see that deer a day later and put him out of his misery. Hell, when I was younger and had better eyes, steadier hand, and ran 400-600 rounds through my rifles each year I shot all does and culls at the base of head at the neck or in the head. Not anymore. I just don't spend the time shooting I used to and I don't want to risk this every happening to another deer again. My son however makes quick work of the head with the does and culls. lol Yep on the above. Took a head shot twenty something years ago near the Medio Creek and the spike ran off with jaw dangling whereupon I shot again only to hit him in the guts. Followed the stomachs and other internal organs as deep into the brush and as far away as you could possibly get a vehicle to. Caught up with him to find him head still up under a huisache, but seemingly pleading for me to put him out of his misery. No lower jaw and pretty much already gutted, it wasn't good.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: Hudbone]
#8513905
01/26/22 01:22 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,663
DQ Kid
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 10,663 |
Depends on situation. If I have a trophy hunter and we find a shooter buck it is shoulder shots only. Big bucks in thick cover can go a long way with a lung shot. To easy to loose in thick cover. Does and culls for meat neck shot. I used to do head shots on meat deer until I had one move at the perfect moment and shot her bottom jaw off. The poor deer died a slow agonizing death. To easy for that to happen so I quit the head shots. I had the same thing happen to me on a cull buck about 20 years ago but was lucky enough to see that deer a day later and put him out of his misery. Hell, when I was younger and had better eyes, steadier hand, and ran 400-600 rounds through my rifles each year I shot all does and culls at the base of head at the neck or in the head. Not anymore. I just don't spend the time shooting I used to and I don't want to risk this every happening to another deer again. My son however makes quick work of the head with the does and culls. lol Yep on the above. Took a head shot twenty something years ago near the Medio Creek and the spike ran off with jaw dangling whereupon I shot again only to hit him in the guts. Followed the stomachs and other internal organs as deep into the brush and as far away as you could possibly get a vehicle to. Caught up with him to find him head still up under a huisache, but seemingly pleading for me to put him out of his misery. No lower jaw and pretty much already gutted, it wasn't good. Shoot enough animals and that scenario will and does happen; had a jaw shot myself at age 12. Not a pretty sight, bugged me for that season but you learn to accept it as bound to happen at some point, learn from it and move on.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: Hudbone]
#8513959
01/26/22 02:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
Depends on situation. If I have a trophy hunter and we find a shooter buck it is shoulder shots only. Big bucks in thick cover can go a long way with a lung shot. To easy to loose in thick cover. Does and culls for meat neck shot. I used to do head shots on meat deer until I had one move at the perfect moment and shot her bottom jaw off. The poor deer died a slow agonizing death. To easy for that to happen so I quit the head shots. I had the same thing happen to me on a cull buck about 20 years ago but was lucky enough to see that deer a day later and put him out of his misery. Hell, when I was younger and had better eyes, steadier hand, and ran 400-600 rounds through my rifles each year I shot all does and culls at the base of head at the neck or in the head. Not anymore. I just don't spend the time shooting I used to and I don't want to risk this every happening to another deer again. My son however makes quick work of the head with the does and culls. lol Yep on the above. Took a head shot twenty something years ago near the Medio Creek and the spike ran off with jaw dangling whereupon I shot again only to hit him in the guts. Followed the stomachs and other internal organs as deep into the brush and as far away as you could possibly get a vehicle to. Caught up with him to find him head still up under a huisache, but seemingly pleading for me to put him out of his misery. No lower jaw and pretty much already gutted, it wasn't good. On ranches I managed or hunt on, there have been a ton of deer shot. Only a couple had this happen but very few took this shot. Those 2 deer shot in the head ran off with jaw dangling and we tried to track and kill them that day. I was able to kill them in the next 2 weeks trying to eat at corn feeders. Years ago I took a few headshots and luckily not had this happen due to waiting for the deer to present the shot I wanted to take. It is just not a shot I take anymore.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: stxranchman]
#8514119
01/26/22 05:01 PM
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,185
hook_n_line
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 9,185 |
Depends on situation. If I have a trophy hunter and we find a shooter buck it is shoulder shots only. Big bucks in thick cover can go a long way with a lung shot. To easy to loose in thick cover. Does and culls for meat neck shot. I used to do head shots on meat deer until I had one move at the perfect moment and shot her bottom jaw off. The poor deer died a slow agonizing death. To easy for that to happen so I quit the head shots. I had the same thing happen to me on a cull buck about 20 years ago but was lucky enough to see that deer a day later and put him out of his misery. Hell, when I was younger and had better eyes, steadier hand, and ran 400-600 rounds through my rifles each year I shot all does and culls at the base of head at the neck or in the head. Not anymore. I just don't spend the time shooting I used to and I don't want to risk this every happening to another deer again. My son however makes quick work of the head with the does and culls. lol Yep on the above. Took a head shot twenty something years ago near the Medio Creek and the spike ran off with jaw dangling whereupon I shot again only to hit him in the guts. Followed the stomachs and other internal organs as deep into the brush and as far away as you could possibly get a vehicle to. Caught up with him to find him head still up under a huisache, but seemingly pleading for me to put him out of his misery. No lower jaw and pretty much already gutted, it wasn't good. On ranches I managed or hunt on, there have been a ton of deer shot. Only a couple had this happen but very few took this shot. Those 2 deer shot in the head ran off with jaw dangling and we tried to track and kill them that day. I was able to kill them in the next 2 weeks trying to eat at corn feeders. Years ago I took a few headshots and luckily not had this happen due to waiting for the deer to present the shot I wanted to take. It is just not a shot I take anymore. I only do headshots if I'm using my .243 or 22-250, the deer is close and head down towards me.
Sometimes it's hard being me! But somebody has to do it.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8514159
01/26/22 05:39 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,743
QuitShootinYoungBucks
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,743 |
I will take a head shot once every 2-3 years when the stars align. Inside 50 yards, very calm deer that is not moving much, and with a rifle that is extremely accurate from a very solid rest. But I don't go looking for those shots or thinking that I'm Chris Kyle.
https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: hook_n_line]
#8514185
01/26/22 06:07 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
I had the same thing happen to me on a cull buck about 20 years ago but was lucky enough to see that deer a day later and put him out of his misery. Hell, when I was younger and had better eyes, steadier hand, and ran 400-600 rounds through my rifles each year I shot all does and culls at the base of head at the neck or in the head. Not anymore. I just don't spend the time shooting I used to and I don't want to risk this every happening to another deer again. My son however makes quick work of the head with the does and culls. lol
Yep on the above. Took a head shot twenty something years ago near the Medio Creek and the spike ran off with jaw dangling whereupon I shot again only to hit him in the guts. Followed the stomachs and other internal organs as deep into the brush and as far away as you could possibly get a vehicle to. Caught up with him to find him head still up under a huisache, but seemingly pleading for me to put him out of his misery. No lower jaw and pretty much already gutted, it wasn't good. On ranches I managed or hunt on, there have been a ton of deer shot. Only a couple had this happen but very few took this shot. Those 2 deer shot in the head ran off with jaw dangling and we tried to track and kill them that day. I was able to kill them in the next 2 weeks trying to eat at corn feeders. Years ago I took a few headshots and luckily not had this happen due to waiting for the deer to present the shot I wanted to take. It is just not a shot I take anymore. I only do headshots if I'm using my .243 or 22-250, the deer is close and head down towards me. Same for me when I took headshots but it was with a .223 or .270.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8514525
01/26/22 11:25 PM
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,461
Biscuit
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 19,461 |
Thanks for sharing, good info
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8514705
01/27/22 01:49 AM
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,817
dogcatcher
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 110,817 |
Not all shooters are equal, last year I saw one brought into the processor that was shot 3 times, once in the butt, once in the middle and finally in the shoulder.
Combat Infantryman, the ultimate hunter where the prey shoots back. _____________"Illegitimus non carborundum est"_______________
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8514806
01/27/22 04:03 AM
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,071
sprigsss
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,071 |
We never intentionally shoot the shoulders or heart, we always try to double lung them.
If we don’t get a perfectly broadside shot, we don’t shoot.
Hate hitting the opposite shoulder especially.
Deer rarely run more than 30 yards.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8515729
01/28/22 02:36 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,348
J.G.
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 41,348 |
Making the brain stem shot, I dang sure check cold bore shot, on paper, a few times before going on a hunt. Fortunately for me, I have a rifle range in my front yard. I just don't want these terrible stories to happen to me. I make sure it will be a clean hit. As soon as they are 200 yards, or more, I go to vitals.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8516510
01/29/22 02:11 PM
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,488
hawk
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,488 |
It depends on the situation. Big buck, heavy brush, a long way from the vehicle, high shoulder.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: J.G.]
#8517860
01/31/22 04:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 133
4D RANCH
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 133 |
Heart/lung on any deer that has my heart rate up and I have to control my breathing on!!! High shoulder (negative)! I neck shoot does sometimes but I guess it would be really be determined by how confident you are are in your shooting skill and how confident you are in what your shooting!
Last edited by 4D RANCH; 01/31/22 05:02 AM.
James Davis 4-D Whitetail Ranch
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: BOBO the Clown]
#8518063
01/31/22 03:19 PM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,303
Texas Dan
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 22,303 |
High shoulder or same methodology. A deer that is recovered where you shot it is better then having to look for a deer, which has a higher unrecoverable potential . Same for me because it offers the largest margin for error. Two or three inches low and I'm still in the heart and lung area. Two or three inches high and I'm close enough to the spine.
"Some people will never like you because your spirit irritates their demons."
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8518139
01/31/22 04:18 PM
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
stxranchman
Obie Juan Kenobi
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Obie Juan Kenobi
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296 |
With young hunters or new hunters I always tell them to follow the leg up and put it square in the shoulder. If you tell them to shoot behind the shoulder they will always shoot behind the shoulder no matter if the leg is forward or back. Depending on how the deer is standing it can and does end up in a marginal shot with a long tracking job.
Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: stxranchman]
#8518215
01/31/22 05:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,787
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,787 |
With young hunters or new hunters I always tell them to follow the leg up and put it square in the shoulder. If you tell them to shoot behind the shoulder they will always shoot behind the shoulder no matter if the leg is forward or back. Depending on how the deer is standing it can and does end up in a marginal shot with a long tracking job. That how I describe it also.
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Re: Shoulder or Behind the Shoulder
[Re: D-B]
#8518301
01/31/22 06:40 PM
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872
GLC
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,872 |
2/3 way down from the top of the back, behind the shoulder/knee whether I am bow hunting or with rifle.
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