DRT Percentage Poll

[geo57]

I just go by the fact that there's a larger margin of error for a lung shot.

Personally I wouldn't take a head shot unless the range was extremely close.

Nor would the vast majority of responsible hunters, Paul .

The ball of brains in a 200 lb deer is about 4" - 5" in diameter.

The heart lung area on a deer of that same size will run 10" to 12" and the liver, which is directly behind the lungs is another 4" or so and if holed often results in a fairly quick stop in itself in case the shot was just a wee far back.

I'll continue to take my chances keying on a spot just behind a shoulder and half way up on broadside shots and making the correct adjustments for quartering shots.

Best regards and luck to all of you in your fall hunting pursuits.

 

[Frostbite]

I voted 0-20% because I have killed many deer and I walk when I hunt. I guess it might be different if I was always in a tree stand or could benefit from a rest of some sort when I take a shot. The ones which fell on the ground the fastest were not necessarily those which died the fastest. Some seem to run when they are already dead, even if it is not very far, judging by the damage the bullet inflicted.

 

[d2wing]

Deer brains are smaller than that. They are about the size of a medium or smaller fist, or smaller than a hamburger bun depending on the size bun and somewhat flatter and elongated. Unless it's that really smart deer that is also bullet proof and invisible and drinks your beer while you are in your stand. But I agree with you on shot selection. About 1/3 to 1/2 way up from the rear edge of the front leg. I have shot deer there, severed the heart, shot through both lungs with a big exit wound with a 30-06, and the deer still ran about 40 yards leaving a foot wide solid blood trail. Shot other deer the same place or within a couple inches and they were DRT. You never know.