Where to Shoot a Deer: The Ultimate Guide to Shot Placement

For a broadside deer, the ideal aiming point is just behind the front leg, slightly below the midpoint of the chest. Look for the "crease" created by the deer's shoulder as a reference. Rifle hunters can aim a bit closer to the shoulder, while bowhunters should target an inch or two behind the crease to allow for a slight margin of error.

The difference in aim points between rifle and bow hunters is minimal, but it's essential to understand the nuances. Rifle bullets can easily penetrate bones, while arrows generally need a clear path to the vitals. This is why bowhunters often aim slightly further back to avoid hitting the shoulder blade.

While the broadside shot is often considered ideal, deer don't always present themselves at perfect angles. Let's explore how to adjust your aim for different shot angles.

Quartering-Away Shots

Many hunters actually prefer quartering-away shots to broadside shots. This angle can provide a larger margin of error for hitting the lungs, and the deer is facing away, making it easier to draw your bow or shoulder your rifle without being detected.

For these shots, visualize an angle that takes your bullet or arrow through the deer's heart and lungs, continuing into its offside shoulder or just in front of it. One way to find this spot is to follow the front of the offside leg up to the body. Bowhunters should aim a few inches further back than rifle hunters on this angle.

Quartering Toward Shots

Quartering toward shots are generally not ideal for bowhunters due to the risk of hitting heavy shoulder bones. However, for rifle hunters using quality bullets, this angle can still present a good opportunity. You'll need to hold into the front-side shoulder, with your bullet exiting the middle or back of the rib cage. Be aware that this shot will damage more meat than a well-executed broadside shot.

Frontal Shots

Frontal shots can be extremely effective but offer a smaller margin of error than broadside shots. When a deer is facing directly towards you, aim between the two shoulders, just below the halfway point on its chest. This shot typically drops deer very quickly when executed properly. However, due to the narrower target area, it should only be attempted at close ranges.

Bowhunters who hunt from the ground and use rattling or decoys often encounter frontal shots. If you plan to take frontal shots with a bow, it's crucial to use heavy arrows with high FOC (Front of Center) and durable fixed-blade broadheads. Most importantly, your setup must be properly tuned, and you should be able to consistently shoot tight groups.

Bowhunting presents unique challenges compared to rifle hunting. The margin for error is smaller, and factors like elevated shooting positions and the possibility of deer "jumping the string" come into play.

There's an ongoing debate in the bowhunting community about aiming for behind the shoulder versus the v-shaped formed by the deer's shoulder bones. While both can be effective, most bowhunter education courses recommend aiming for the crease.

The shoulder shot offers a slightly larger margin for error and targets the area where the lungs are tallest and widest. It's also easier to visually identify this spot on a deer. However, some experienced bowhunters advocate for the shoulder shot, especially when using heavy arrows and fixed-blade broadheads that can penetrate shoulder bones.

Shooting from a Tree Stand

When shooting from an elevated position, you need to adjust your aim to account for the downward angle. The higher your stand and the closer the deer, the steeper this angle will be. For close shots at steep angles, aim slightly higher to ensure your arrow passes through both lungs. Practice shooting from elevated positions to master these angles.

Dealing with Deer Jumping the String

Deer often react to the sound of a bow releasing by ducking or spinning, especially at distances beyond 20 yards. While there's no foolproof formula to counter this, some general tips include:

1. Aim slightly lower on shots beyond 20 yards.
2. Be aware that larger animals and rutting bucks tend to duck less.
3. Consider ambient noise - deer are more likely to react on quiet days.
4. Try to let deer stop on their own rather than stopping them yourself.
5. When possible, set up for closer shots to minimize this issue.

Rifle hunters have more options for shot placement due to the higher energy and greater penetration of bullets compared to arrows. While the heart/lung area remains the primary target, some hunters prefer shots that drop deer more quickly. Let's explore these options and their pros and cons.

Heart/Lung Shot

This remains the most recommended shot for most hunting situations. It offers a large target area and typically results in a quick, ethical kill with minimal meat damage. However, deer may run a short distance before expiring, which can make tracking necessary.

High-Shoulder Shot

Pros:

• Can instantly drop a deer due to shock to the central nervous system
• Breaks down the shoulder, preventing the deer from running

Cons:

• Significant meat damage to the shoulder, neck, and upper backstrap
• Higher risk of missing the vital area entirely if the shot is placed too high

Head Shot

While a properly placed head shot can instantly kill a deer, it's generally not recommended for ethical and practical reasons:

• The target area is extremely small, increasing the risk of wounding
• Even a slight movement by the deer can result in a miss or worse, a jaw hit
• It destroys the trophy value for those interested in mounting

Neck Shot

Like the head shot, a neck shot can drop a deer instantly if placed correctly. However:

• The kill zone is small and mobile, making it a risky shot
• A poor hit can result in a slowly dying, hard-to-track deer
• Significant meat can be damaged or lost

For most hunters, sticking to the tried-and-true heart/lung shot is the best option. It provides the best balance of ethical killing power and meat preservation.

Q: What's the best shot placement on deer?

A: For both rifle and bow hunters, the heart/lung area (just behind the front shoulder, midway up the body) is generally considered the best shot placement. It offers a large target area and leads to a quick, ethical kill with minimal meat damage.

Q: Will a deer survive a shoulder shot?

A: While a well-placed shoulder shot with a rifle can be lethal, it's not ideal. The heavy bones in the shoulder can potentially deflect arrows or lighter bullets. If the shot isn't immediately fatal, the deer may escape and suffer. Always aim for the heart/lung area for the most ethical and effective results.

Q: Where should I shoot a deer to save the most meat?

A: The heart/lung shot not only provides the most ethical kill but also preserves the most meat. Avoid shooting too far forward (into the shoulder) or too far back (into the paunch). A well-placed shot just behind the shoulder will damage the least amount of meat while still ensuring a quick kill.

Regardless of your weapon choice, the key to ethical deer hunting is practice and patience. Understand deer anatomy, know your effective range, and wait for a clear shot at the vitals. Remember, no shot is better than a bad shot. By prioritizing shot placement, you'll not only become a more successful hunter but also a more ethical one, ensuring the conservation of the sport for future generations.