Where Do I Need to Shoot a Deer?

 Dear fellow hunters,

I recently came across a controversial shot-placement chart by a professional deer tracker, Joseph Tenney. The chart suggested that aiming at a whitetail deer's shoulder is not the most effective approach for bowhunters. As someone deeply invested in bowhunting, with 26 seasons under my belt and extensive experience with broadheads and outfitting, I felt compelled to share my perspective on this matter.

The controversy revolves around the chart's focus on tracking dog discoveries of liver and gut-shot deer, lacking a broader context. Mr. Tenney clarified that the chart was intended as a quick reference for fellow trackers, showcasing hits where tracking dogs were deployed. It wasn't meant to define the perfect shot location, and the absence of pins in the Vital V quadrant was because hunters aim to hit there. Many shoulders impacts result from improperly placed arrows, either too high or too far forward.

I'd like to emphasize the importance of shot angles and anatomy comprehension. Most shots at whitetails aren't perfectly broadside, highlighting the necessity of understanding optimal shot placement. Additionally, considering the adrenaline-fueled moments after a shot, accurately recalling hit locations can be challenging. However, Mr. Tenney assured that most green pins were validated through video evidence or trail-camera images.

The discussion of whether missing back is preferable to missing forward is a critical aspect. Some arguments suggest that hitting the liver, although retrievable with a tracking dog, is not the best ethical practice. I firmly believe in focusing on the location that ensures the quickest and most humane kill, which, in my experience and according to experts like Dr. Ed Ashby, is the Vital V region.

The Vital V, encompassing the anterior region of the lungs and the top of the heart, presents a deadly target for deer. Aiming for this vital spot ensures a fast and humane kill. I endorse Dr. Ashby's recommendation of aiming for the Vital V region instead of the shoulder and using appropriate arrow configurations to achieve effective penetration.

In my hunting experience, using arrows with specific characteristics has proven effective. Arrows with appropriate weight and arrowheads, matched to the bow's capabilities, can significantly impact the outcome of the shot. My own setup includes small-diameter carbon shafts with 350-spine carbon shafts, 50-grain outserts, and 125-grain fixed-blade broadheads. This configuration, though not boasting extreme speed, is adequate for accurate shots within 40 yards.

Lastly, I'd like to share a personal success story to illustrate the effectiveness of aiming for the Vital V. At 25 yards, I took a quartering-away shot on a deer in Texas, hitting precisely within the Vital V region. The outcome was a clean kill without the need for extensive tracking.

In conclusion, let us prioritize ethical and effective hunting practices by aiming for the Vital V, a target that ensures a swift and humane end for the deer we pursue. Here at Texas Landsource, we take pride in our hunts during open season. Hopefully you have learned from our personal blog. If you’re looking for more hunting tips or looking for hunting land for sale in Texas, check out Texas Landsource today!

Happy hunting!