Who is shooting?

[AC Rider]

Aren't you shooting right into the point of the shoulder with that X Zap?

[PASwamper]

I never really thought too much about this angle cause it more than likely wouldn't happen for me using a treestand pretty much all the time with a bow. I wouldn't take that shot. If I wanted to kill it with that angle I'd aim for the neck but wouldn't take the shot cause of the high chance of the deer jumping, ducking, etc...

[Zap]

AC,

I don't think so, like I said to each their own.
I think you are talking about the leg joint..
IMO, unless you hit a joint dead on I would imagine a fixed blade would deflect around it.
I would count on my K/E and let it rip.

There can be a downside to almost everything, and I can see what you are talking about. I posted the pics so everyone could see the pluses and minuses to this shot.

I would like to know the reason so many would not shoot, besides the leg joint.
Always willing to learn from others.

marty

[Spysar]

Aren't you shooting right into the point of the shoulder with that X Zap?

He's to the left of it.

[Zap]

I shot a doe at 45 in that spot last season, 16' up a tree.
She went 35 yards.

marty

[virginiashadow]

I am not taking that shot and I am not teaching my children to take a shot like that with a bow. If someone else chooses to take that shot, then so be it.

[dan]

I have taken that shot a few times and recovered each buck... However, I would likely pass in most situations. The deer should be at a close comfortable range, for me that would be 10 to 20 yards, and not alert and locked on you ready to jump the string.
If the deer was likely to pass by without catching your wind, I would wait for broadside or quartering.

[Schultzy]

Never would I take this shot regardless If he's 200 Inches. Like Brett said, my kids would be taught the same thing from me. That Is not a high percentage shot In my eye's. You've got the center of the brisket close on the left, you've got the leg close on the right. Can It be done? Yes It can but room for error Is much less.

[Uncle Lou]

I would take that shot under most circumstances at 20 yds or less.

If you move Zap's X just a tad left and a tad down I think you are aiming at top of heart and where both lungs connect. So potentially a top of heart and double lung. Hit slightly high, double lung. Hit slightly low, heart. Hit real low brisket or miss - this deer should live.

I read a while back about an elk guide who said that when calling elk, most hunters encounter a face on elk and pass this shot. He said practice and hit the top of the point of the brisket and you get what I explained above.

Good ?? ZAP.

[Zap]

I would take that shot under most circumstances at 20 yds or less.

If you move Zap's X just a tad left and a tad down I think you are aiming at top of heart and where both lungs connect. So potentially a top of heart and double lung. Hit slightly high, double lung. Hit slightly low, heart. Hit real low brisket or miss - this deer should live.

I read a while back about an elk guide who said that when calling elk, most hunters encounter a face on elk and pass this shot. He said practice and hit the top of the point of the brisket and you get what I explained above.

Good ?? ZAP.

I am with you, Lou.
I guess I just don't understand the adamantly opposed.
Its definately up to the hunter, but to be so opposed to an ethical shot?
A hard quartering away shot gives less opportunity for a clean kill, IMO.
But I would take that one also.

marty