experiancess in the field

Tomme boy

Well-Known Member
Last deer I shot 10 years ago was a double lung shot at 10 feet. 12ga remington sabot. It ran down the bluff and out across a bean field onto another's property. It was about 3 in the afternoon. We searched for 2 hours as the blood stopped about halfway down the bluff. The the bean field was 150 yds across. We later found the deer 3 days later when we were pheasant hunting. It was in the middle of some trees that the farmer was clearing out next to the river. We walked past this 3-4 times but never seen any blood. The slug went right through and never stopped. Nice clean hole on each side.

This deer was already being chased from some of the others in the area doing drives. I remember as the deer had its mouth wide open breathing very heavy. That is the only deer I have ever lost. They don't always die within 30 yds like some like to say. I have no clue how it made it as far as it did other than it was already pumped up with adrenalin.
 

Winelover

North Central Arkansas
IME, I find that deer shot with broadheads usually go down faster than those shot with centerfires, when we're talking double lung shots. Easier to find too. Blood trails are found earlier and usually heavier. I've had shorter tracking with muzzleloaders than centerfires with cast.

The last three bucks, shot with NOE 265 RNFP out of my Marlin 1894 went over 200 yards. Blood trails were sparse and didn't start for at least 50 yards. All were recovered in nearly the exact same spot. It pays to know your hunting area. Obviously, I don't take shoulder, head or neck shots...............it's the bowhunter in me.
 

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
100% Ian. I ment to add that to my post.

i have friends with property 60/75 acres... But its a BAND!!! Up and iver a hill... like 150yards wide and a mile Long!! Hahaha. One "neighbor" will allow ya to treaspass to retreive IF YA ASK! But the other is ladies and NO NO NO! They will not and they have a "path" ringing there property lines!! But they also push many deer making those loops!!

So some NEED TO drop deer fast!

CW
 

Rick H

Well-Known Member
I am a heart lung shooter if I get the chance. More room for error. As often as not a whitetail buck will go 50-150 yds. after a double lung shot with a rifle (Typically a 308 w/150gr. Jkt. or a 7x30Waters with 130 gr. Jkt. bullet). Blood tails have not been a problem. Although you might have to wait till the animal traveled 25-50yds for it to begin. Bow hit deer with the same shot, (Usually with a more downward angle, as I usually hunt from a tree) seem to go 50-400 yds.) Hair and blood is found a little earlier due to the exit hole being lower.

The High shoulder shot with a rifle will drop them sooner. I avoid the head/neck shot. Deer move their heads and necks at inopportune times. I helped track a deer that was "neck shot" that moved at the shot, and took off the lower jaw. We finally found it the next day, after the coyotes got done with it. Convinced me that is is not a shot that I will take unless trying to stop a wounded deer and that is the only one offered.
 
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Rockydoc

Well-Known Member
I repeat, shoot them in the neck and the only direction they go is down. I don't know how many deer I have shot with a rifle, many dozens, all in the neck, and never had one move in the time it took for the bullet to get there. As far as shooting in the jaw is concerned.....practice, practice, practice. Shoot them where you intend for the bullet to go.
 

Winelover

North Central Arkansas
Way back, when deer hunting Michigan's shotgun only Thumb area, shot a 6 point in the neck with a foster type 12 gauge slug. Was on a raised platform, just above waist high impenetrable brush. Deer came up from behind me, on my right side. I'm left handed. It was less than 10 yards away. Only shot I had was the neck. Was using a LH Remington 1100 with slug barrel. Deer dropped at the shot but got right backup, stumbling. I got off two more rounds, which were complete misses. I don't use buckshot as follow ups. That deer was dead but didn't know it. Traveled less than 20 feet.
 

L Ross

Well-Known Member
I repeat, shoot them in the neck and the only direction they go is down. I don't know how many deer I have shot with a rifle, many dozens, all in the neck, and never had one move in the time it took for the bullet to get there. As far as shooting in the jaw is concerned.....practice, practice, practice. Shoot them where you intend for the bullet to go.
Yes Doc! Practice, hunt squirrels with a rifle, remain calm, if the deer doesn't present a decent shot chances are you will see another one.
I don't care what vital spot you choose to aim for. If you hit it you don't lose deer. I have rushed shots and and missed, once I rushed a shot plus I flinched and clipped a brisket. That is the only deer I have ever not recovered and I don't think it died.
I did see two deer where the Sierra Game Kings completely failed to expand and that lead to long 200 yard plus recoveries and a coup de grace with a Chief's Special. Pencilled right through.