country_boy
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smolt
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Reged: 07/19/03
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Loc: Nanaimo, BC Canada
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On any animal...Where do you shoot your aniamls head, neck or behind the shoulder ? Most shots are under a 100 yards, out to a maximum of three hundred yards typically. I will 98% of the time take them in the head. It would have to be over 300 yards and one big monster for me to consider a boiler room shot. I just don't like the mess created by boiler room shots and the loss of meat do to shock,trauma and bloodshot. I've also seen to many animals get lost, due to poor shoulder/ boiler room/ body shots. I prefer the animal to drop where he stands. It's your choice, as to what shot you take. Make sure it's a clean shot and kill, which ever one you choose. YOU have to be CONFIDENT in your shooting ability and the ability of the gun to attempt a head shot. If you aren't 100% positive that you can make the shot don't take it period. Regardless of where your aiming make sure it hits the mark and is quick and painless for the animal. In NO WAY DO I SUGGEST that a youngster or somebody that isn't well practiced ever attempt a head shot. It's always easier to hit a basketball size target rather than a grapefruit size one. Boiler room is also more forgiving when it comes to point of impact.
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It's only money....I can make more
Edited by country_boy (11/05/03 03:03 PM)
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nivtup
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Rod Artisan
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Loc: Shelton
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It depends on th situation, inside a 100 yards, standing or walking it is a neck shot. No mess, and not much of a chance that the animal is anywhere but where you shot him at.
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buxndux
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If it is 100 or lower, on something I do not plan on hanging on the wall, it gets shot in the head. Any farther than that I will normally go for a lung shot.
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Team JACE
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fish4steel
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Team Red White and Blue
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Loc: Yelm, Wa
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I'm a bowhunter-so a double lung shot is the only way to go.
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Team Jackson Baldwin
Duty, Honor, Country! 
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SeanD
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chum
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Loc: Tigard, OR
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A shot in the lungs kills them just as dead as a head shot. No animal is getting away if you shoot through the lungs. I take the lung shot every time if possible. And there is a much larger margin of safety. If you screw up are off very much on a head shot, and say, blow the jaw off, the animal is still gonna die, but you arent going to find it. A shot off the same amount aimed for the lungs will still hit the lungs/heart/shoulder, and put the animal down.
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Born2Bonk
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Chromer
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Loc: Seattle
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I'm with SeanD on this. Have always shot at the vitals and always will.
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Killins my business and business is goood.
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Half buzzed is just a waste of money.
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"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19, New Internation Version
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Drifterat
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Jig Junkie
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Vitals for me also...
Seems to me that the game we hunt deserve enough respect that we should be shooting for the highest percentage kill shot, not the shot that boosts our ego's...
This was not meant as a jab at the previous posts, since I don't know you I can't judge your ethics, but I know a couple of "headhunters" and for them it's all about their ego's.
I'd rather loose a little bloodshot meat that have an animal run off missing it's lower jaw or half it's snout...
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Dogfish
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Ultimate Egg Whore
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Loc: McCleary, WA
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I go for a chest shot, heart and lungs, unless the animal is within 20 yards, then I go for the neck. I do a lot of hunting with a muzzle loader, so my chances at a follow-up shot are next to nothing. I seldom shoot at animals over 75 yards.
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"Give me the anger, fish! Give me the anger!"
Be like Big Stick!
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Desertdog
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Road Warrior
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Bowhunter here and its the vitals for me. Even with the rifle I take the chest shot. Its surprising how fast an animal hit correctly with an arrow goes down and the lost meat is minimal
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Gettin' old ain't fer wimps!!
Lonnie Gane
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buxndux
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Okay, I agree that the easier spot to shoot them is the boiler room. I disagree on the loss of meat. Maybe with a bow, but not with a rifle.
I am curious how Drifterrat figures that a head shot is "ego boosting" or disrespectful to the animal we are hunting? Every deer I have shot in the head has died instantly.
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Team JACE
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Gooose
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Ancient Mod
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Last head shot I tried removed the bucks face back to just in front of the eyes  .....animal did not die fromn that shot...never again....one in the shoulder and it's all over quickly. It might have been because it was a hot load .243 at very close range but just the same I won't ever risk that again.
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Independent Advocate For The Fish
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Simple Solutions to Complex Problems
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cupo
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cookin' reels and killin' wading boots
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Shoulder/chest/lungs depending on angle. A deer's head is too small and moves too much.
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This can't be healthy. All this fishing is really messing with my head.
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Drifterat
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Jig Junkie
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Quote:
Drifterat said:
This was not meant as a jab at the previous posts, since I don't know you I can't judge your ethics, but I know a couple of "headhunters" and for them it's all about their ego's...
What I meant from my original post is pretty clear to me... But I will elaborate for you Bux. I personally know two different hunters who are always boasting about their shooting ability. Eventhough they probably only shoot 5 times a year... To emphasize to others the fact that they are "sharp shooters" they will boast about how the only place that they shoot game is in the head. Because they are that good. Hence the "ego" connection...
As far as being disrespectful to game to shoot it in the head I feel that there is a much higher chance of just wounding the animal as compared to a chest shot. The vital part of a deers head is like may be a 6" diameter when seen broadside. For me shooting at a 6" diameter at 100 yards while in the middle of an adrenaline rush instead of choosing to shoot at a target more than twice that size is irresponsible and disrespectful...
This is my opinion, what you choose to do is your own business...
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abcdefg
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chum
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Reged: 09/28/03
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Loc: tacoma,
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I personally aim for the "boiler room". I mostly hunt for Blacktail and many times have to take an "out of position" shot. Unlike sitting at the firing range on a chair perhaps with the aid of a sand bag or two, most of the shots you take at an animal aren't going to be from a chair with a desk in front of it to help steady the aim. In life in general I like to increase my odds whenever possible no matter what the situation. It may be a fight with someone, or fishing a hole from a different angle or position or doing whatever it takes to get some 'nookie' from the wife. Unfortunately when it comes to "men" there is the Ultra ego to deal with. It is these men's ego that will eventually cause them to stumble. Oh sure, if conditions are right most would not have too much trouble being successful at making a head shot but should that be the issue? I would suggest that put the odds at your favor and take the shot you feel 'most' comfortable with! If you are the "ego" type or a "braggart" please spare us with your godliness and stay at the range to practice your expertise. Please don't risk your eventual failure at the expense of maiming an animal just so you can beat your chest and seek praise from those who pretend to care.
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Moochin'
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Jack
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Reged: 12/05/02
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Loc: Wa.
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Why even risk a head shot?  If you guys are half the shots you think you think you are,shooting them just behind the shoulder should be as easy shot,and won't result in a lot of ruined meat. How much meat can you actually get from between the ribs anyways?
The head shot advocates always stick with the "its either a clean miss or a clean kill" line. Thats a bunch of BS. If all you take is head shots,one day you WILL make a bad shot,and it will result in the animal getting away to die a lingering death,or you'll eventually find it,but the animal will suffer until you do.
Besides,if all we were in it for was the meat,the money we spend on tags,licenses,gear,gas,etc. would be better spent at the grocery store. Let the flaming begin. 
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JimW
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Duck freek
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Reged: 09/15/03
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Loc: port orchard WA
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moochin
I applaud you I think the same as you no heat from me.
I saw hear the other day how some one shot an elk 5 times  that’s pretty pathetic get out practice and put the animal down with one. Iv shot several and always one shot drops and every one in the ribs.
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In memory of Floyd M. Wright; Nov 3 1925 - Oct 8 2007. you were the greatest, I love you Dad.
Edited by aixsponsa (11/08/03 09:16 PM)
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buxndux
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Okay, it seems that all the people against head shots, think that there is always a possibility for a lung shot. Not true, if a deer is standing face to face with you, in the brush, 50 yards away what are you gonna do. Not shoot Okay, now lets say it is the last day of the season. You just ended up not harvesting because you cant aim at the lungs :shrugs: Thats your choice, not the one I will make but your choice.
As for the loss of meat. I have seen very few deer standing perfectly broad side. This would mean that if I shoot just behind the shoulder, the bullet would exit out the other shoulder, not right behind it. Or if he was angled the other way, it would exit out the gut cavity and end up in a very poor shot and a not so fun cleaning. Maybe I am just not patient enough to wait for the deer to stand just perfectly still. Experience has it that you don't have all day to shoot a blacktail though.
I have seen quite a few deer shot in the lungs that run for over a hundered yards before death. I have never seen a head shot deer take another step. Now maybe I am an exception, I have heard of a couple people that have made bad head shots and not found the animal. I have heard of far more that have made bad lung shots and not found them though. This is a personal choice and I don' think any of us can or should make it for the other.
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Team JACE
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Desertdog
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Road Warrior
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Bux you make some good points. Head shot or lung shot sooner or later if you hunt enough years you will have one that goes bad. We all try to make sure that we are proficient with out weapons of choice so that it does not happen but ... it does. I have had heart shot mule deer go 300 yards. That would be a long trail in Western Washinton. I have watched heart shot whitetail take 5 in to fall over never running but just stand and keep feeding. Years ago the Wife took a whitetail buck that I rattled in for her on a head on shot to the chest. The shot was good but the deer took a good 10 min to go down..
So I have to agree with Bux on that one. A head shot deer will go down now. 3 years ago I tried my first head shot at less than 50 yards. Dead solid rest. Perfect situation for shooting. The bullet took of the lower jaw and a followup shot salvaged the situation but only because I was hunting in Norhtern Nevada not Western Washington where a followup would have been impossible. Each situation is different as are the skills of the individual so for me I choose the body shot and Bux will take his head shots because he is confident that he can do it right. Nuttin wrong with either choice.
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Gettin' old ain't fer wimps!!
Lonnie Gane
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BobK
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Thick Tail
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Reged: 07/17/03
Posts: 2139
Loc: Upstate NY, Lake Ontario Tribs
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Yeah... I have taken a few with head shots when I couldn't get a clean chest shot. But what a mess it makes of the animal's head.... The eyes usually "bug out", and the animal's crumpled skull looks like hell. Then I have to take it home to cut up, and the neighborhood kids will be horrified and crying if they see it. We NEED more hunters - don't bring home a mess to spoil the image of the sport. I take head shots ONLY when absolutely necessary, and if you are patient, it is seldom necessary.
BobK
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Drifterat
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Jig Junkie
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I tried a head shot today. My first one in many years. It was getting late, last day of the season and I hadn't shot at anything the entire elk season. We'd beat the brush all day and were driving to another location that had promise. Turn the corner and there it was, dinner. I could tell just by looking at it that a head shot was the only viable option. I slink out of the truck, load the /06, take aim on it's beady little head and let one go. BOOM!!! The woods echo with the sound of my rifle report, leaves fall and feathers fly... That grouse exploded just like it stepped on a land mine! My buddy says "I think I saw it's head fly off" I know better. The shot was low, by about an inch...
I walk up and survey the damage. That wasn't it's head flying off but it's wing. My shot, instead of cutting it's head clean off missed my attended mark and hit it square in the breast. Oh well I salvaged some good feathers for jigs.
Boy that chicken would have tasted good tonight...
Bux I hear where your coming from. Every situation is different and the conditions dictate what we must do to harvest our animals. As I stated earlier my post was not meant to offend...
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Gooose
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Loc: Area 12
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12 guage duckloads #4 shot is much more effective for headshots on road chickens.....anywhere out to bout 50 yards. But if you prefer a body shot for road chickens you'll find it equally effective. Aim point is the same for either choice. My dad had the knack for poppen the heads off them things with his .243.....me I prefer to nuke'm with a heavy duck load. 
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Independent Advocate For The Fish
Not Represented By Any Organization
Simple Solutions to Simple Problems
Simple Solutions to Complex Problems
There's lies, damned lies and then there are statistics......Mark Twain
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buxndux
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Drifter, no offense taken. Just stating the other side
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Team JACE
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cupo
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cookin' reels and killin' wading boots
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For me, if I don't have what I consider a good shot at a buck, then I don't take it. If the head is all that's offered I'll pass just as I would if the ass was the only target. I don't need a deer so badly that I'll shoot at its smallest part. The shoulder area is a big target, contains vital organs, moves less than the head, makes less of a mess from what I can imagine, and puts them down quick enough. I will take the shoulder/chest area from any reasonable angle. I've never shot a broadside deer but I've shot them quartering away, quartering toward, and straight on.
It seems a lot like the people who talk up the .22 centerfires for deer. It can be done but it amplifies your errors.
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This can't be healthy. All this fishing is really messing with my head.
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abcdefg
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chum
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Reged: 09/28/03
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Loc: tacoma,
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One other thing to consider is ballistics. A person had better be certain of their ballistics before before attempting a shot at a small target. I bet you most hunters are unaware or just plain ignorant as to what the ballistics are for the type of round they're shooting. I think alot of hunters are zeroed at around a hundred yds. Why? I don't know. I do,however, think that a hunter should be aware of his/her ballistics. Taking a head shot at 25-50 yds. will differ than taking one at a farther distance(depending on what your zeroed at). Many have the mentality of just aiming directly at the point they are tring to hit.Just because they they hit in the 'red' at the 100yd. target at the range. So what happens to the bullet after that range? Of course it drops but how much? It depends on the weapon and the round. How far out can you comfortably take a shot without knowing your ballistics?! Just something else one should consider.
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Snoopyprostaff
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chum
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Reged: 09/16/03
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Loc: Buckley, Wa.
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Vitals is the only way to go. The area right behind the front shoulder provides you a "Pie plate" area of kill zone. I took a white tail buck last week that was facing me slightly and I shot right behind the shoulder, the bullet went through the heart took out the liver and 1 lung. He was dead beore he knew what hit him (he still ran 40 yrds if you can beleive it) I have taken elk with a bow and muzzleloader and have once shot a cow elk in the neck, the bullet severed the spine and it was over instantly. I shot a cow with my bow and double lunged her and she only ran 40 yrds downhill. So in my experience you should take the best shot that will kill the animal as quicky as possible if the head shot is the only shot you have and you can take it with coinfidence then take it,but I would recomend a vital shot 99% of the time.
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SJ
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fingerling
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Reged: 11/15/03
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Loc: Mississippi
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Got to go with the lung shot. Double lunger works for me.
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sj@sportsmansjunctionoutdooradventures.com
www.sportsmansjunctionoutdooradventures.com
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