I'm being 100% honest here when I say I hate that saying about bowhunting (not judging you whether you hold to that or not). It doesn't matter bow, shotgun, rifle or muzzleloader in my eyes. If a well practiced hunter takes appropriate shots the chance of wounding a deer or causes death days later is minimal. Now deer drives are just something in my opinion that increase the odds of rushed, running, not ideal shots more than anything else in the hunting world. I know guys who love them (even a couple in my muzzleloader hunting group) I just won't ever do them myself. I have extreme confidence in my capibilities, but still know even my abilities are limited and a running deer shot is simply something I won't take on doe, buck or booner buck.
Its not the drives that are the problem, they can be well executed and gently nudge deer from cover thereby providing manageable shots. Its when hunters take shots that are way beyond their abilities like unpracticed shots at running game that problems arise. The same is true of bowhunters who take shots at moving or distant deer beyond their known ability. An irresponsible hunter is an irresponsible hunter regardless of the weapon he chooses.
I do a lot of still hunting and have taken many running shots...esp when no snow and the deer starts moving after the first shot(can't let them go and wait to track here anymore with the wolves and coyotes that seem to find them within the 1/2 hr now). Aim at the front shoulder(you don't aim in front of the deer unlees he's way out there- the bullet is alot faster than the deer is- always keep brown in the sights) and follow through as you squeeze the trigger just as in passing shots on birds(ducks, grouse etc), thing is you will hit alot of trees and brush as you shouldn't know exactly when the gun will fire as you swing...its nice if its open country and I don't miss many shots unless there is a deflection or tree in the way. It is a practice thing and I don't recommend the tire rolling with a partner. I prefer to plink at balloons hung on a string with light winds and I also believe that trap shooting can hone the skill...The thing is to make sure to use shotguns and rifles with similiar stock alignments and comb positions for consistancy.
