The placement of the shot on a deer is critical regardless of whether you are hunting with a rifle shotgun or muzzleloader. A clean kill is our ultimate goal and proper shot placement is key to achieving this.
There are four vital areas on a deer—the brain the heart the lungs and the liver. A deer can be killed with a well-placed shot to any one of these organs but some are obviously easier to hit than others. Of the four the brain is the smallest target and the most difficult to hit. The heart and lungs on the other hand are relatively large and easy to hit especially if the deer is broadside to you. The liver is also a large target but it is located just behind the lungs and can be obscured by them making it a bit more difficult to hit.
The brain is the most important shot on a deer as it will kill the deer instantly. The brain is located inside the skull just behind the deer’s eyes. To hit the brain you will need to place your shot just behind the deer’s ear—a small target that can be difficult to hit especially when the deer is moving.
The heart and lungs are located behind the deer’s shoulders and make up a large target. To hit this vital area you will need to place your shot just behind the deer’s shoulder in the center of the chest. This shot will not only puncture the lungs but will also cause the heart to stop beating resulting in a quick clean kill.
The liver is located just behind the deer’s lungs and is a large easy-to-hit target. However because it is located so close to the lungs it can be obscured by them making it a bit more difficult to hit. To hit the liver you will need to place your shot just behind the deer’s last rib in the center of the chest.
No matter which vital area you are aiming for it is important to remember that a deer can move at the last second so you will need to be quick and accurate with your shot.
What is the best place to shoot a deer?
Answer: The best place to shoot a deer is in the heart or lungs.
How far away should you be from the deer when you shoot it?
Answer: You should be about 100 yards away from the deer when you shoot it.
What is the best time of day to shoot a deer?
Answer: The best time of day to shoot a deer is in the morning or evening.
What type of ammunition should you use to shoot a deer?
Answer: You should use a rifle with high-powered ammunition to shoot a deer.
What should you do if you see a deer in your yard?
Answer: You should call your local wildlife authorities.
