Would you take the shot?

[rickystyx]

Here's the scenario. You're in a ground blind with a .30-06 staring head-on into the eyes of a doe about 40 yards away. Your shot options are front center chest or a head shot. Assuming you can't pull off a shot as she's turning, what do you do? Deal with the consequences of a cheat shot, attempt a head shot, or let her move on?

 

[MUP]

For a doe I would wait for a better angle and not worry about not being able to take her if she ran. I've never had a big buck get that close to a blind so I wouldn't know about that scenario!

 

[cbhunter]

Front chest if you must shoot

 

[deerhunter10]

Front chest is not a bad shot to take if you are comfortable. Never ever a head shot.

 

[Hduke86]

I'll go against the grain here with the options. Shooting sticks and you're steady at 40 yards. I'd take a mid neck shot any day of the week at 40. Heck I'll ruffle some feathers cause I really don't care, I'm confident enough in my shooting ability IF IF IF I have my rifle on a rest to take a head shot at 40. Id probably aim at the throat patch area more than likely.

 

[tntrkkllr]

40 yards dead on in the chest, I see a bullet doing into the guts and making a nasty mess definitely pass

 

[backyardtndeer]

Honestly don't need the meat and I am not after does, but if I were in need of meat I would take the chest shot or a neck shot if that was presented. I would not take a head shot on a deer.

 

[Remi]

I'm putting it right there.

 

[MUP]

View attachment 204932


I'm putting it right there.

If he had a rack like that I would too!

 

[Ski]

Pass for me. If I'm shooting a doe it's for the meat and I want every morsel, so no shots that destroy neck or shoulder meat. Broadside chip shot through ribs or no shot at all.

 

[MUP]

After thinking on this, I was reminded of a scenario similar to this I faced in ML season of 2010. I had a good 8pt in my cross hairs and had to wait on him to turn for the better shot. I was totally focused and ready. He was on alert and I knew he was about to turn to leave, and when he took that first side step and turned I was ready and fired. Got heem. this was at 80 yards or so tho.

 

[shrimphead]

chest shot all day

 

[backyardtndeer]

After thinking on this, I was reminded of a scenario similar to this I faced in ML season of 2010. I had a good 8pt in my cross hairs and had to wait on him to turn for the better shot. I was totally focused and ready. He was on alert and I knew he was about to turn to leave, and when he took that first side step and turned I was ready and fired. Got heem. this was at 80 yards or so tho.

Yep. Have had to do the same, or pick out a spot that's clear out ahead of the deer and wait for him to step into the opening.

 

[Remi]

If he had a rack like that I would too!

2019, the only shot he gave me in an ivy thicket.

 

[Snake]

View attachment 204932


I'm putting it right there.

That was where I shot my last buck. Don't like that shot because a couple inches to either side you've got a maimed deer and likely never find it . But a true shot will drop them like a sack of taters . Only shot I'll take if the deer is alerted to me otherwise I'll wait for the trusty broadside shot .

 

[Snake]

I'll go against the grain here with the options. Shooting sticks and you're steady at 40 yards. I'd take a mid neck shot any day of the week at 40. Heck I'll ruffle some feathers cause I really don't care, I'm confident enough in my shooting ability IF IF IF I have my rifle on a rest to take a head shot at 40. Id probably aim at the throat patch area more than likely.

@rem270 will throat punch you for taking a head shot

 

[Jcalder]

25-06. Probably wouldn't do it again, but with a 30-06 I'd have no hesitation.

 

[megalomaniac]

View attachment 204932


I'm putting it right there.

Killed a pile of deer with this shot angle and rifle, never lost one. At 40y, I'm taking it all day long. At 200y or more, nope.

Sure, guts are exploded, but I skin and quarter via gutless method, so I lose less meat than shooting one through the shoulders.

 

[Hduke86]

@rem270 will throat punch you for taking a head shot

He better get to punching

 

[Popcorn]

If she picks her head up, throat patch without hesitation. I have taken a few doe walking in or out with that shot.