Deer Hunting Ethics question

[Gerald]

While a head shot is usually very effective...... [IMO] The head is a small target area [eye and ear area that will hit the brain].

Probably what the article means is that it is likely that the shot placement could be low or more in the jaw area which may not be fatal.

The same holds true for a neck shot. A shot placed in the center of the neck will break the spinal cord and/or the major arteries. But if the shot is off just a little, it may not be fatal.

A shoulder shot [or just behind the shoulder] is a bigger target. Therefore, for the average shooter, the shoulder is a better choice.

Anyone that gun hunts very much, knows that on the average you will hear several gun shot misses, for each deer killed. Why.....IMO, poor shooting ability or taking bad shots.

Go to a rifle range [like Sherburne WMA] and watch what the "hunters" do while there. A high percentage will have a fancy shooting rest that they use while shooting. They take several shots [using the rest] and check how they [the rifle] are shooting. They may make adjustments to the rifle scope to get the gun on target. Then they shoot a few more shots....if they are hit the bull's-eye, they stop shooting thinking they are ready to hunt.

Again....IMO....they probably should practice shooting without the fancy rest because they will not have it in the woods. If they can still hit the bull's-eye without the rest, they are ready hunt.

FYI....I am not perfect either, but I like to think my shooting ability is way above average.