High shoulder shot with rifle

[JonNc]

We all grew up learning to shoot just behind the shoulder. I have taken a few deer with gun by shooting directly in the shoulder taking out both shoulders and lungs. They usually drop right there.

Just wondering what everyone’s preferred shot placement is with gun? High shoulder or behind the shoulder?

Look forward to seeing your input.

[headgear]

The high shoulder shot is actually a spine shot, very deadly but not as big of a kill zone. Of course if you shoot lower and accidentally hit high its not a bad thing, however if you shoot high and miss high you don't get the deer. You will notice below the spine dipping low behind those shoulder blades.

[<DK>]

Iv heard many guys say a shoulder shot w a rifle is their choice. My grandpa shoots em all in the neck! Seems to be very effective, personally neither are for me.

[<DK>]

I may try it one time thru the shoulder just to let out aggression from being a bowhunter

[Dewey]

Doesn't matter if it's gun or bow I always aim behind the shoulder with the goal being to take out both lungs. Never heard of a deer surviving with both lungs deflated. Too far forward and you risk missing the lungs and having a severely wounded deer that could turn into a nightmare tracking. Same goes for high shots above the lungs. No sense putting yourself in that situation on purpose.

[flinginairos]

Doesn't matter if it's gun or bow I always aim behind the shoulder with the goal being to take out both lungs. Never heard of a deer surviving with both lungs deflated. Too far forward and you risk missing the lungs and having a severely wounded deer that could turn into a nightmare tracking. Same goes for high shots above the lungs. No sense putting yourself in that situation on purpose.

Same here. It is engrained in my brain and it's automatic. I aim right in the pocket behind the shoulder no matter the weapon. The high shoulder shot with a rifle is DEADLY but it's a small target with little room for error. I'd rather aim center mass right behind the shoulder and be off an inch or two.

[Redman232]

If it's fairly open terrain or from more than 50 yards I shoot behind the shoulder. If it's thick and close, I don't mind high shoulder or neck shots, they drop in their tracks. You're shooting at a 6-8" target instead of a 12-14" target. A shot thru the rib cage ruins minimal meat, and is my preference. With a hit in the high shoulder you can very well loose most of one whole shoulder.

[Islandhunter]

I too aim for double lung kill, which may or may not include the heart depending on the angle.
It is my goal to have an ethical kill with as little meat loss as possible.

I’m not a good enough marksman for the neck/spine shots...

[Jonny]

Doesn't matter if it's gun or bow I always aim behind the shoulder with the goal being to take out both lungs. Never heard of a deer surviving with both lungs deflated. Too far forward and you risk missing the lungs and having a severely wounded deer that could turn into a nightmare tracking. Same goes for high shots above the lungs. No sense putting yourself in that situation on purpose.

Same here. It is engrained in my brain and it's automatic. I aim right in the pocket behind the shoulder no matter the weapon. The high shoulder shot with a rifle is DEADLY but it's a small target with little room for error. I'd rather aim center mass right behind the shoulder and be off an inch or two.

X3

Shoot every deer aiming for the heart considering exit. Bow and rifle. Rifle I have awful blood trails but my farthest track was 50-60 yards.

DK, my buck last year was shot through the shoulder due to the angle of it. It was a nice feeling knowing that shoulder had no chance still got the heart as well

[Emrah]

I don't shoot shoulder if I can help it. Destroys too much meat. I absolutely love shoulder roast.

Emrah

[Rich M]

I was raised to take out 1 shoulder - usually the opposing shoulder if possible. They go nowhere but down.

In reality, I take the first decent shot presented - aiming for the heart/lung area - bones aren't usually an issue with a rifle and you can surgically shoot it if you know exactly where it hits (deer isn't gonna jump the string, etc.)

[Edcyclopedia]

Wastes more meat...

[Tufrthnails]

I kinda depends on the situation. If I got space for the deer to possibly death run 50-100yards I just go in the pocket behind shoulder. If the deer is on a boundary I can't cross I prefer slightly quartering to me where I an point the front shoulder smashing it and typically exiting 6 to 7 inches behind offside shoulder. Never ever had one take a step when I can get that shot.

[elk yinzer]

I like the shoulder roasts too much to shoot there purposely on a broadside deer. I go for center mass of the lungs whether bow or rifle.

[jpsmith270]

Doesn't matter if it's gun or bow I always aim behind the shoulder with the goal being to take out both lungs. Never heard of a deer surviving with both lungs deflated. Too far forward and you risk missing the lungs and having a severely wounded deer that could turn into a nightmare tracking. Same goes for high shots above the lungs. No sense putting yourself in that situation on purpose.

Same here. It is engrained in my brain and it's automatic. I aim right in the pocket behind the shoulder no matter the weapon. The high shoulder shot with a rifle is DEADLY but it's a small target with little room for error. I'd rather aim center mass right behind the shoulder and be off an inch or two.

X3

Shoot every deer aiming for the heart considering exit. Bow and rifle. Rifle I have awful blood trails but my farthest track was 50-60 yards.

DK, my buck last year was shot through the shoulder due to the angle of it. It was a nice feeling knowing that shoulder had no chance still got the heart as well

X4

I have never lost a deer by shooting behind the shoulder with any weapon. It is a safe a dependable shot with very little meat destroyed. I have witnessed way too many people losing deer by placing the shot in the shoulder area. You wouldn't choose the area with a bow, so why with anything else?