Would you send an arrow at this one?

Founder · Mar 12, 2024

This would be your one and only chance at this buck. No waiting for him to move, nothing. This is the shot, because in 15 seconds he's going to blow out of there, never to be seen again.
Would you take the shot on this one? He's 51 yards out.
Quartering towards you with that branch in the way...???

montezumarchery · Mar 12, 2024

I would have blown the opportunity as I could not predict the future and would have waited out a more clear path to the vitals.

Tristate · Mar 12, 2024

No chance

El Gringo · Mar 12, 2024

That’s plenty of an opening. I’m sending it

buckhorn · Mar 12, 2024

I probably wouldn’t shoot at him right there because he doesn’t look like he’s going to blow out. Looks like he’s lazily, stepping along and will clear that branch and offer a much better shot.

Katoom · Mar 12, 2024

Whatever happened to avoiding the strong quartering-to shot? People don’t mind hitting shoulder? Or 1 lung? Or guts?

Mallardsx2 · Mar 12, 2024

Rie bread · Mar 12, 2024

Look at those flowers!

WapitiBob · Mar 12, 2024

"I hit him perfect behind the shoulder but lost blood and never found him."

elkassassin · Mar 12, 2024

DRATS Would Be STICKFLIPPIN Even Before He Popped Out Of The Wood Work That Far!

nfh · Mar 12, 2024

It's easy to say no. I like to keep my max to 45 yards. But once your in this situation things change pretty quick and you convince yourself you can make it.

BrianID · Mar 12, 2024

I would be in the same situation as montezmarchery, I would have been hoping he steps forward and gives me a better shot. Then he would blow out of there without me getting a shot.

AZGuy · Mar 12, 2024

Katoom said:
Whatever happened to avoiding the strong quartering-to shot? People don’t mind hitting shoulder? Or 1 lung? Or guts?

Smashing shoulders on a mule deer with a good arrow/broadhead setup at 50 isn’t a concern of mine.
For the record I would not take the shot.

cgmoonsky · Mar 12, 2024

I’d wait for a better angle, but I’d be peeing my pants waiting

matt23 · Mar 12, 2024

No I wouldn't. I myself don't think I'm ready for this kind of shot. Wide open arrows sent.

SDBugler · Mar 13, 2024

I would take that shot and would nail that pine bough dead center!!!

Seriously though, yes, I would take that shot. We practice shots through brush all the time to be comfortable for when these situations arise. Even if you hit a little far back your still getting one lung and liver. And with that angle an exit hole would be out the bottom leaving a great blood trail.

Katoom · Mar 13, 2024

The only two reasons I don’t take these chip-shot heart shots are because my local deer are too fidgety and plus I am apparently a crappy shot and a coward (so maybe 3 reasons). Otherwise, highly recommended, but only on really big bucks that might get away if you don’t try. Otherwise, dumb old-school people with slow bows think its unethical. Also, there’s no brush in the way, and that tends to throw me off, since I practice shooting my deer through obstacles, or major joints, as they provide a good frame of reference, plus my arrows are guaranteed by the mfg. not to deflect or be stopped. Then again, think of that blood trail if I were to sever its testicles…

Anyhow, let’s all go smash some bone!!

Bowhunting is confusing.

muleybeast · Mar 13, 2024

Throw in a little buck fever and there is no way most people can hit that shot. It’s a no for me “dawg.”

hook1969 · Mar 13, 2024

Nope!

DBLung · Mar 13, 2024

No. The tree stem is in the way. The opening would lead to a gut shot, with maybe a small portion clipping lungs or liver.

ridgetops · Mar 13, 2024

Not a chance

DaveD · Mar 13, 2024

No shot for me.

Inside of 30 yards, yes, I'm confidently shooting and know I will make a clean kill. I have over 90lbs of KE with my setup so a mule deer shoulder is zero concern. i have taken 15-20 deer with this shot angle with no problems at close range. At 40+, I wouldn't even consider it simply because deer can and do react to the shot so I don't like the angle, even if it was wide open. 30-40 yards and I would have a tough decision to make but I would like to think I pass the shot.

elkhunterUT · Mar 13, 2024

Not a great angle for a arrow. Nice buck though - would hate to see him going away!!

Katoom · Mar 13, 2024

Ok 2 serious questions:

1) Yes I know a broadhead can penetrate a shoulder blade regularly, and pretty easily (for a fixed blade at least) at 90 degrees. But doesn’t a raking angle on flat bone give more ppl pause?

2) What do people say about hitting the humerus/ball joint?

huntindad4 · Mar 13, 2024

Uhh....no.

Joe2Kool · Mar 14, 2024

Absolutely not! I’m waiting for a better shot and hoping I haven’t stunk up the place from wetting my pants!

Horsecorn · Mar 14, 2024

No I wouldn’t shoot. He’s way to little, needs another couple years.

JPickett · Mar 14, 2024

nope. id be waiting for him to step out and then never get the shot. would like to know where you get your crystal ball though if you "know" that's the only shot?

i can't account for the tardiest of utards that i'm sure are sending it once they see his nose in the bushes, but the actual archers i know are planning on waiting him out.