Do the advantages of holding your shot tight to a deer's shoulder outweigh the risks?

The risk of holding your shot tight to a deer's shoulder is hitting that hardened shoulder knuckle. If that happens it is not good.

Other than that, are there any other disadvantages of holding your shot close to a deer's shoulder?

 

In my opinion, the blue spot on that pic is the safest place to hold on that deer...once he stops.looking at you..

 

I would pick the purple/pink spot because many deer like to "jump the string".

If I could pick a spot to hit and be 100% sure it hit there, I have had the red spot spray more blood and provide a better blood trail. On a prefect broadside shot, im not sure it makes as much difference the exact spot, lungs are fairly large. quartering shots is where things get tricky, IMO

 

I agree with Kansasbuck. Here in pa deer are really jumpy because of the pressure. I always aim a little low to anticipate the drop.

 

The black is a dead deer everytime and gives you the most room for error.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

 

I would go with black spot maybe a smidge lower though in case of the deer ducking.

Sent from my SCH-R970 using Tapatalk 4

 

every dot but the red is too risky of hitting the shoulder bone you can be 2 to 3 inches to the right or left of the red dot and hit lung

 

This is a mistake a lot of people make. Thinking the vitals are farther back than they really are and the shoulder bone will get in the way on the tight shoulder shot. The red dot is at the very back of the lungs. You'll also get some liver and guts with that shot.

 

I aim between the pink & black dots.

 

You couldn't be more wrong....

 

I would aim behind the pink and below the black.

 

Anything 30 yards and closer I'd aim closest to the pink dot. Anything between 30-40 with the perfect broadside opportunity, I'd aim for the black dot. I would not shoot past 40 under any circumstance, thats a little far for my comfort zone.

 

middle of black and pink...

 

Hey guys, im just wondering. If you're within 20-40 yards, the sound of the bow release an arrow is only milliseconds before it hits. I dont think deer can react that fast, so for those of you who say deer are skittish, are you saying that they jump at the sound of the arrow?

This is all theoretical btw and not calling anyone a liar. Just looking for information.

 

Shooting from the ground, Id aim just below the black dot. Shooting from stand, aim a little above the black dot.

 

you are thinking wrong. I believe Justin showed this happening on the bowhunt or die series just last season. It can happen.

good point about being on the ground or tree stand. angle up and down makes a difference as to where to put the dot.

 

I go for two inches above the "elbow" joint.

 

there are many youtube clips showing just how much a deer can jump the string beginning at about 25 yards. I wouldn't have believed it could be so much but the video doesn't lie.

this clip really shows is well - starting about the 3:30 minute mark.

Webisode 8 - Always Aim Low - YouTube

 

They react to noise and start to run. Their first move is to squat to run and inside 25 yards, you would be amazed at how much they can and do drop. Usually at greater distances, they aren't as skiddish to noise and don't react the same but they can and do drop on longer shots as well if they are nervous or hear the arrow zipping their way.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using Tapatalk 2

 

tfox, I understand their reaction to noise, I just don't understand how they can act within milliseconds. Sound travels at 300m/s and bows travel roughly 300 fps.

Taking those numbers as constant and unchanging, the deer have .6 seconds. Which actually now that I do the math that is enough time to do something.