dmurphy317

If I was confident in making the shot I probably would take it, but I have passed on that shot before because it didn't feel right. One thing I would be interested in knowing, what was it looking at? I have seen deer go alert like that because another deer, sometimes a nice buck, is coming in. Did you look to see what they were looking at? I've also had one do that and it be someone walking through the woods, missed a buck because they spooked it.

Omegalover

Dmurphy317, yes I did take a peek above the deer to see,but I didnt see anythingin the field in front of it. I sayabove because where the yearling was the ground drops for about 20 yards then slopes very gently up through the front of the next field. There could have been nothing in my line of fire that I would not have seen.

The first thought that crossed my mind when I saw him go on alert was maybe a hunter was approaching. This is on private land and we, those of us who hunt it, let each other know the day before if we plan on hunting, but you never know when plans may change. So that is one thing I checked before taking the shot.

Very good point though.

Chasam60

Yes-Know your equipment and your ability.If you are confident,and everything is perfect,as you described,shoot.If you have a bad rest or are a little shakey,pass.I have shot a number of deer in the head,and never missed.I have also passed on any where everything was not perfect.

Charlie

rjhans53

yep I probably would have, well maybe I wouldn't of, it would of really depend on me at the time. I've shot a large# of deer in the head and by his grace I've never failed to have them not know they were dead until last year, head shot a doe, broke her jaw, head shot again she got up and went 10 yards and piled trying to get back up, laid one in the neck and she laid still the cotton picken scope was off by about 2", it would of never made any differnce in the bread box I was sure of my gun, the scope, the load, guess it means we are all subject to have murphy come in to play every now and then

eldeguello

IF I wanted some venison, I sure would have taken the shot!!

mauser06

have and will again....but it was with my mauser in 3006 with a 3x9x40 on it....herd of does came out of the drive running right at me first drive...figured id take some meat early and make sure i have it.....there was one particularly large doe that stuck out of the group...i wanted HER and only HER....stopped them from a run....all froze.....the big ones vitals were behind a tree! i waited a few seconds and yelled at them....i guess my voice echoed off the hill in the background and she looked backwards...put the crosshairs between her ears and dropped her like a rock....like you, i knew i could do it no problem...50yds is where i zero my mauser because i do alot of close range deer hunting and am always putting the bullet between brush to make the shot....she was froze and not moving....i knew she was dead...when she flipped over i was only surprised to see the speed she went down with....i get one within 15yds with the flintlock ill take the shot...but thats open sights and lock time to hold steady on.....i say congrats to you.....aim small, miss small!! im a believer in that!

dmurphy317

"guess it means we are all subject to have murphy come in to play every now and then "

Don't go blaming me, I didn't do it.

Steve F.in MD

Yes, I would. Good job.

ENCOREMAN

Omegalover,
"Yes" and I echothe wordsabotloader used CONFIDENCE in yourself and in the equipmentequipment you use.
I am also a bowhunter and I shoot just about every day. I took this same shot years ago,on a doe that was bedded 25yds. from my stand. I had waited all eve. for a buck that never showed. Just before it was time to get down from my stand, I decided I would fill my doe tag. I had a clear shot at her head and the rest is history. I would not tryto make that same shot with the equipemnt I'm using now.....recurve instinctively. I know my limitations and stick to them. I would never recommend that shot to others, but it can be made under the right circumstances. I think it's highly wise to wait until a higher percentage shot is available.
After reading your post, I was surprised to read that most would take this shot. I would have bet otherwise and lost
Congratulations on your fine shot and your confidence in getting the job done

sproulman

been hunting with my .50cal hawkins for 35 years and i dont feel confident to shoot in neck or head.i always shoot behind shoulder. season is over here today in pafor muzzleloader late season.i saw a total of 9 doe and 1 nice buck for 3 weeks of HARD HUNTING here in pa. i used to see that everyday, now many days i dont see a deer.i only saw that 8 point 1 afternoon.he wasaround 150 yards and that was a little to far and never stopped walking. as for 9 doe, i had fun practicing on their shoulders and squezzing trigger.boy, i was weak on arms this year,got to exercise more, ha. well, hopefully the in-line hunters will not come in next oct. and kill off the doe i saw these 3 weeks in a 5 mile area i hunt. i actually saw more coyotes than i did deer this year,i also saw NO FAWNS at all.coyotes and hunters are taking their toll on little fawns now. i hope hunting is around in future here in pa. but it does not look to good, take care all.