Head Shot on deer, Good or Bad?????

[Jeffrthehunter]

Went on an out of state deer hunt with a buddy of mine and we shot our buck deer in the first two days ( got pretty lucky). With lots of time left to hunt we each got a antler less tag and went back out. To make it more interesting we decided any shot less than 500 yards would be a head shot, of course conditions had to be ideal. We had great weather and no wind for the afternoon hunt. I shot mine at 350 yards, DRT. My buddy shot his at 400, DRT. With no meat loss and having such a great time I am thinking this was a great idea. So I thought I would see what you guys all think, just looking for honest opinions? Is there any reason this is just a bad idea?

 

[memtb]

Very bad!! A perfect shot in hundredths of a second can go bad. A human scent on the wind, a snapping twig, or any number of a multitude of things can cause an animal to move it's head......quickly.

We found a live deer that had suffered for several days, with it's lower jaw destroyed just at the back of it's teeth. If this was an intentional "head shot", either the hunter missed by inches or the deer moved it's head. Had this been a shot behind the shoulder......dead deer!

My wife used to take pride in head shooting game.....until we found this deer, alive and suffering! She's never taken another head shot! memtb

 

[davewilson]

memtb, you're making assumptions that you don't know. could have been a running shot, a deflection or other things. maybe even aiming for the ribs. with a good rest, head shots, or upper neck is where i shoot when harvesting does, are the way too go.

 

[del2les]

Terrible idea! Anything can happen in a couple of tenths of a second that can lead to a severely injured animal that may die days later. I have seen deer with their lower jaw shot off, nose missing, etc. It was one thing when I was a very poor pre and young teen head shooting one with a 22LR at 25-40 yards due to food needs, but not as a sport and adult.

 

[Barrelnut]

All "interesting" and fun and games until, like stated above, you see a deer walking around with it's lower jaw blown off. Can't even drink water. So yes, it is a very bad idea.

 

[KyCarl]

Not on our property! Period! Head shoot. Get uninvited and we keep our deer.
Being a landowner gives you the right to make any rule you see fit.

 

[del2les]

Take a look

 

[bigngreen]

I've seen a LOT more deer dragging legs and holes in their gutts than bad head shots, I've only in fact seen one elk ever with a broken jaw from something.
I don't know if I'd make it a competition but growing up it was the most coveted shot that all the old guys would slap you on the back for because you got all the meat and didn't blow up anything edible. I've never seen a head shot end any other way than pink mist and DRT.

 

[memtb]

memtb, you're making assumptions that you don't know. could have been a running shot, a deflection or other things. maybe even aiming for the ribs. with a good rest, head shots, or upper neck is where i shoot when harvesting does, are the way too go.

You are correct, I did make assumptions. And, you may assume..... correctly, I'll not make a head shot, on a game animal. In self defense.....a different topic and scenario! memtb

 

[J E Custom]

The main reason most don't take a head shot is the chance that they may move and the perfect shot becomes a poor choice.

The safest way to make a good shot is the traditional chest shot because it is the most stationary and full of vitals that can/will end the hunt very favorably.

It is great that you made the difficult shot count, But eventually these shots will jump up and bite you.

just my opinion

J E CUSTOM

 

[davewilson]

i think the topic falls into the "ethics" category and probably shouldn't be discussed per the rules of the forum.

 

[hogheadv2]

Safe, ethical, confident in your tools. I am no ones judge. A very high percentage of hunters would say taking game at yardages of 4-600 yards and beyond would be reckless. Several years ago a neighbor of mine regularly took trips with 2 friends of his. [I knew, small town] 1800 to 2000 yards confirmed kills on Prairie dogs. Real regular hits.... Me, 1/3 that , Maybe on my Best day...ever. If you hit it, track it, finish the job.

 

[3warbird]

We try to head shoot does ever chance possible to save meat and to show off all of our practice and quality gear. Aim small, miss small!
Is it the "best" place possible, no it is not but it is a challenge and fun, and 0 tracking involved. Can something go terribly wrong very quickly, yes, but make a quick clean follow up shot and all will be well.
I'm not gonna say good or bad because everyone's entitled to an opinion. BUT I will say it is very effective when all goes as planned.

 

[Jeffrthehunter]

J E Custom,
I have always felt your post are well thought out and this post was also a great response. I had already came to the conclusion that our decision to take these shots was not the best idea, just wanted see see what others thought. I have yet to lose a rifle shot big game animal (came real close in South Africa) and hopefully never will.
Thanks Jeff

The main reason most don't take a head shot is the chance that they may move and the perfect shot becomes a poor choice.

The safest way to make a good shot is the traditional chest shot because it is the most stationary and full of vitals that can/will end the hunt very favorably.

It is great that you made the difficult shot count, But eventually these shots will jump up and bite you.

just my opinion

J E CUSTOM