by23856

With all the discussion about bad shots and lost deer and the various flaming and defending that goes into each post, I thought I would post this question:

Are all bad shots the fault of the hunter or does the deer (or other animal) occasionally cause them? What I’m asking is, is there anything to this whole “the deer jumped my string” business? I have seen it happen on videos and the hunter said that he missed because of it, and the slow motion replay seems to support it as you see the deer drop below the path of the arrow. Is it possible that some shots may have been good shots but became bad hits when an already spooked deer with great reflexes jumps the string?

Another thing we should all keep in mind is that our sport, like it or not, is one of killing. We all hope that every shot is humane and the animal expires- No, DIES- quickly, but that just simply isn’t always the case. We fling sharp sticks at a large animal that has great reflexes and survival instincts and a very good constitution. Sometimes things are going to go wrong somewhat. If the hunter practiced and used common sense and some self-restraint in not taking a bad shot, he did all that could be expected. If he let’s fly at fur, or at a distance too great for his abilities or equipment, or tried shooting through too much stuff that could easily deflect his arrow, etc. then he is at fault. Otherwise, let’s cut them some slack.

Another note: If you hit an animal poorly and have a thin skin, don’t post here. You’re likely to get roasted, whether right or wrong. Sometimes it’s justified, sometimes it isn’t. Sometimes it' s best to just keep your mouth shut (or fingers still, in the case of typing up a post )

GVDocHoliday

I personally think all bad hits are the archers/hunters fault. It' s the hunters responsibility to read a deer, a high strung deer will jump the string, but a calm relaxed deer will not but only sometimes. Do like the primos boys...aim for the heart, that way when they do drop it' s still in the kill zone. There' s no excuse for a non recovered deer...It wasn' t the deers fault that the hunter shot it in the stomache, it wasn' t the broadheads fault that the deer wasn' t located, it wasn' t the bow, the arrow, or anything...but the hunters inability to reach composure in which to make a good shot. I' ve been bowhunting for 5 years now and am nowhere near an expert, but I do know that on a few occasions I have had to let down my draw because I was so nervous and couldn' t hold the pin steady...Just happened to me this morning. Then there were some occasions where I actually felt cold blooded...solid composure and no emotion til after the shot. I dig that rush. Sad thing is some guys will just fling an arrow even if they can' t hold it steady...and that' s what results in wounded/non recovered deer. I' m sick and tired of people coming on here, saying they wounded a deer, then complain because they get roasted by everyone...yada yada yada, I searched for 2 hours what else do you want me to do bull crap. Make an ethical shot, that' s what.

Rack-attack

Bad hits happen.

Sometimes its not 100% the hunters fault - sometimes it is.
Sometimes we just miss are mark - misjudge dist - get exited - etc.

There is a huge difference between MAKING a bad shot and TAKING a bad shot!!

Not many here get flamed for making a bad shot - if they followed up on it with the right amount of effort. And do the best they can.

Most of the problems occure with Taking a bad shot.

benhuntin

Well said.[:-]

mez

GV, welcome back from utopia, nice you could spend a little time on our side. I think Rack hit the nail on the head. If you take a bad shot, as my mom liked to tell me, " You deserve a swift kick in the a$$." There really is no excuse for taking a bad shot. There are many excuses for making a bad shot, some good some bad. It is how you handle the situation after the shot is made that defines the situation.

Tazman

HMMMM well there are times that I am sure a deer can cause what should have been a good shot into a bad one if they moved just as you released, and jumping the string is for real, I spined my first deer because she jumped the string, now I shoot the lower 1/3 of the kill zone that way if they jump the string it is still in the kill zone.

Once a hunter learns to shoot that lower 1/3 the odds of a good shot going bad due to the deer becomes very very low, not non existant, but low.

allbow

It' s a simple matter realy. If you don' t have a clear clean shot with good distance. DON' T TAKE IT. I' m not an expert hunter by any means but I make it a general rule not to take a shot over 30 yards. I had a pair of doe come by last night but they were 50 yards off and seemed skitish so I let them pass. I feel comfortable shooting up to 50 yards for practice but not at a live animal. If your not completely sure you will kill the deer then the shot should not be taken. I agree with Doc: There realy is no excuse for a bad shot. If your patient you will be able to adjust your position the next hunt to have a better shot.

Also, If somone comes in talking proud about wounding a deer they deserve a roast. It' s now their fault that the deer has to live in constant pain due to your poor decision.

wimp

All bad shots aren' t the archer' s fault, but most are. And like Rack said its more of TAKING that bad shot in the first place. I' m one of the guys a little harder on the lost deer, but sometimes not matter how relaxed, or how clearly you have your lanes opened, that deer can step, you can hit a twig and bad things happen. Its what you do when faced with a bad situation that seperates the good guys from the slobs.

JeramyK

Amen !

Ken/WV

Gotta agree with Rack