head on bow-shot

[dmcianfa]

Well that may be true what Chris Rock says in that particular context, but I live by another motto at times. You never know till you try, and I've tried with success.  I would like to put some of those that "swear" that they would never attempt such a shot in front of a world record buck at 12 yards, ready to bolt at any split second, because he busted you at full draw and see if they still react the same way.  I'm no casino grinder, but I know for a fact my dime would be on an arrow flying.  You can't tell me if this situation presented itself and there was no "other" way to wait out a better shot that 99.9% of the naysayers would let that buck slide, especially with so much at stake.  That, in my mind, would be a true test to all of those on here that claim to be purely ethical.

Which, leads me to think.  Maybe, with myself having taken this type of shot in the past on does and bucks, it would prepare me more for just such an instance and I would in effect be more experienced than those around me.  Maybe, I'm anticipating someday a situation similar to this and I would, quite frankly, have a better chance of nailing the shot because I've had "practice" with it.  Now, wouldn't that be more ethical or make more sense than someone that has never tried this shot placement before and is hoping on a wing and a prayer he hits paydirt.  I'm assuming of course that those that swear they wouldn't take the shot ever, would do a 180 and take a chance, so to speak. Chew on that for a bit and get back to me.  This is a good discussion.

[JPH]

ORIGINAL: dmcianfa

Well that may be true what Chris Rock says, but I live by another motto. You never know till you try, and I've tried with success.  I would like to put some of those that "swear" they would never attempt such a shot in front of a world record buck at 12 yards ready to bolt at any split second because he busted you and see if they still react the same way.  I'm no casino grinder, but I know for a fact my money would be on an arrow flying.  You can't tell me if this situation presented itself and there was no "other" way to wait out a better shot that 99% of the naysayers would let that buck slide, especially with so much at stake.  That, in my mind, would be a true test to all of those on here that claim to be purely ethical.

I cannot say that I have faced this test on a "world record" but I have faced it on P&Y deer several times and I have not taken the shot. The lesson I learned on a 2.5 year old 8 point, in 1998 was enough to stay with me. Call BS if you wish but I am no more likely to take an inhumane shot on a wall hanger than I am on a young doe. In fact, I'd say I am more likely to open up my shot choices on does because I am more relaxed and likely to shoot better.

[dmcianfa]

ORIGINAL: JPH

I cannot say that I have faced this test on a "world record" but I have faced it on P&Y deer several times and I have not taken the shot. The lesson I learned on a 2.5 year old 8 point, in 1998 was enough to stay with me. Call BS if you wish but I am no more likely to take an inhumane shot on a wall hanger than I am on a young doe. In fact, I'd say I am more likely to open up my shot choices on does because I am more relaxed and likely to shoot better.

Yes, but remember the question is not simply a wallhanger or a everyday P&Y JPH.  We are talking about the world record my man, the coup de gras, Mr. Bigtime himself.  Fame, Glory, money, women beyond your wildest dreams, LOL, just kidding about the last one, but my point is that those rewards alone would teeter most folks over the edge.  Contrary to your point, I don't believe this to be an inhumane shot at all in the right circumstances of course.

Secondly, your last two setences contradict themselves.  I don't understand.

[JPH]

ORIGINAL: dmcianfa

Secondly, your last two setences contradict themselves.  I don't understand.

Yeah, I guess you are right. Thanks for the chance to clarify.

I will not take a more risky shot just because a deer is large. If anything, I will take more conservative shots on big deer. Big deer make me nervous so I know my skill will fall off. I may look at a fat doe standing relaxed at 35 yards and ark my arrow right into her heart because I am relaxed where on a big buck I may not take that shot.
 

[dmcianfa]

I don't like a 35 yard plus shot either regardless of the angle.  I would never take a head on shot at that kind of distance or more than 20 yards for that matter, but everyone is different.  It's good that people respect their abilities and know their limitations as well, I respect that. 

[wolfcliff]

Just last season in western Illinios I encountered a buck making a scrape on my way out near dark. I was able to duck back and load an arrow without being detected, but when I drew the buck swung towards me as he saw the movement. NOT GOOD ever in my opinion at ANY deer. My arrow drove in below the white patch directly where i had aimed and well centered. I followed the trail an hour after dark to jump the wide 9 pt (that I knew to well from trail pics), and my tracer was still blinking right under his chin. Followed the trail again in the morning. He had went to water, and bedded again. Eventually lost blood and searched all day with NO buck. To my amazed eyes He showed up on camera this year.This deer is still walking with pics to prove it. I really don't know for sure if the arrow could have been between the lungs? or too high above the lungs and below the spine, but none the less I will NEVER take that shot angle again.
Cliff Wolf

[Duder]

I don't think anyone will argue that a straight on shot won't kill deer, but it is a difficult shot to execute, especially on a living target that can move and has a tendancy to jump the string. There is such a small margine for error plus that fact that most likely there will only be an entrance wound with a minimal blood trail. I personally don't like that small of a target and won't take the risk.

[SwampLife]

ORIGINAL: JPH

ORIGINAL: dmcianfa

Secondly, your last two setences contradict themselves.  I don't understand.

Yeah, I guess you are right. Thanks for the chance to clarify.

I will not take a more risky shot just because a deer is large. If anything, I will take more conservative shots on big deer. Big deer make me nervous so I know my skill will fall off. I may look at a fat doe standing relaxed at 35 yards and ark my arrow right into her heart because I am relaxed where on a big buck I may not take that shot.

I like this post, it makes sense. It is something easier preached than practiced but I like it.

Lol, looking at my last post it came out more mad than I meant it to. I appreciate everyone's opinion on important topics like this, but this is not something you can paint with a broad brush. I highly respect anyone who refuses to take a shot they personally are not comfortable with. I always go with my gut(and some basic pre-determined guidelines) on whether or not to shoot. Just don't act like it is a black/white, right/wrong type subject. I had a hunter tell me last year that shooting over 30 yards at a deer wasn't ethical. It's good to be ethical(smethical lol), responsible and respectful hunters, but let's not be close-minded.

[dmcianfa]

The target is really no bigger than what you aim for during a broadside.  You just have more room for error with a broadside or quarter away shot.  But, the target is always the same, no?
 
Secondly, I would state that it is a much more effective shot for a "string jumper".  During a broadside or quarter away string jump shot you will shoot over the back of the animal.  During a head on shot, you will most likely get upper chest cavity or neck, which can still be lethal IMHO.  I do agree with you in terms of blood trailing though.  No exit hole can spell disaster if you don't hit any lung,heart, liver or any other vital artery. 

[buckhunter21]

I would never take this shot with archery equipment.  As stated, you will not have an exit wound and the chance at a blood trail is very minimal.  Plus, more things could go wrong than right.  You could be the best shot in the world and still mess this one up.  Heck, there are times when a broadside or a quartering away shot seems like a slam dunk and it's messed up.  Take the highest percentage shot that you are comfortable with...You owe it to the animal.