When it comes to deer hunting, head shots or heart / lung shots have been to priority, more recently though, one of the most popular methods is known as the high shoulder shot. This involves aiming higher up on the animal’s shoulders in order to take it down, just around the area of it’s spine, and the top of it’s shoulder blades. Many modern long-range and specialist hunters feel that this is the best way to ensure a clean kill, and it’s also a good way to avoid hitting any vital organs that could lead to a long, drawn-out death for the deer, but also cause minimal meat damage, make it drop on the spot, and if you have a decent expanding bullet, it will still cut off the major arteries of the animal if you slightly miss the spine, so it will still be a kill-shot.
There are a few things to keep in mind when taking a high shoulder shot on deer. First, you’ll need to have a steady hand and a good aim, as with any shot. Second, you’ll need to be aware of where the deer’s shoulders are in relation to its body, especially the top of the shoulder blades that are thinnest and in front of the spine. And third, you should ensure that the bullet you are shooting with has enough consistent expansion to ensure the signals from the nervous system are cut-off instantly as it passes through the deer.
If you can keep all of these things in mind, then you should be able to make a successful high shoulder shot on deer or any other animal you are hunting. Just remember to take your time, aim carefully, and have plenty of power behind your shot. With a little practice, you’ll be able to take down deer with this method like a pro.
Why choose the high shoulder shot on deer?
Plainly put, when placed correctly, high shoulder shots, drop deer instantly.
When it comes to taking down a deer with a rifle, especially at longer range, the high shoulder shot is in my opinion the best option. This is because it offers a high degree of accuracy, a larger margin for error and also minimizes the risk of wounding the animal or damaging the precious meat.
However, before taking this kind of shot, it’s important to understand exactly where the high shoulder is located on a deer. This will ensure that you take your shot in the most effective spot.
The high shoulder is located at the top of the front leg, just behind the neck. When aiming for this spot, it’s important to keep in mind that deer are constantly moving, so you’ll need to account for their movement in your shot.
If you’re able to take a high shoulder shot on a deer, it’s important to make sure that you have a clear line of sight. This means that there should be no obstructions between you and the deer. bushes, trees, and branches can all impact the accuracy of your shot.
When taking a high shoulder shot on a deer, it’s also important to keep in mind the range at which you’re shooting. The further away you are from the deer, the more difficult it will be to make an accurate shot. For this reason, it’s often best to take this kind of shot from as close a range as possible.
If you’re able to take a high shoulder shot on a deer, it’s important to make sure that you have a clear line of sight. This means that there should be no obstructions between you and the deer. bushes, trees, and branches can all impact the accuracy of your shot.
When taking a high shoulder shot on a deer, it’s also important to keep in mind the range at which you’re shooting. The further away you are from the deer, the more difficult it will be to make an accurate shot. For this reason, it’s often best to take this kind of shot from as close a range as possible.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to take a high shoulder shot on a deer with confidence. Just remember to account for the animal’s movement and be aware of your surroundings, and you’ll be sure to make a successful shot.
Consideration when deciding to try the high shoulder shot
1. What is a high shoulder shot on deer?
A high shoulder shot on deer is a hunting method that involves aiming for the animal’s shoulders, but high on the shoulders, where the thinnest part of the shoulder blades run in front of the spine and major arteries, in order to take it down.
2. Why is this method popular?
Many hunters don’t consider or even know of the high shoulder shot, but I feel that a high shoulder shot is the best way to ensure a clean kill, and it’s also a good way to avoid hitting any vital organs that could lead to a long, drawn-out death for the deer. This high shoulder shot instead, when shot with a reliably expanding bullet, immediately cuts off the blood flow to the brain, the brain signals to the body, and cuts open the major arteries in the neck / shoulder region. This ensures a quick drop followed by a painless death for the animal and no searching for your kill.
3. What do you need to keep in mind when taking this type of shot?
When taking a high shoulder shot on deer, you’ll need to have a steady hand and a good aim. You’ll also need to be aware of where the deer’s shoulders are in relation to its body. And finally, you’ll need to have a consistently expanding bullet, with a low terminal velocity if you are taking long-range shots, to ensure the bullet energy effective cuts off the central nervous system signals on the spot.
4. How can you practice this method?
You can practice taking high shoulder shots on deer by heading to a shooting range and working on your aim. You can also try using a target that has a deer silhouette on it, and marking the high shoulder area on it guided by the deer shot placement diagram shot further up in this post. And, of course, the more you hunt, the more experience you’ll gain in making this type of shot.
5. What are some tips for successfully making a high shoulder shot on deer?
Some tips for successfully making a high shoulder shot on deer include taking your time, aiming carefully, and the correct bullet choice. With a little practice, you should be able to take down deer with this method like a pro, and easier than normal head shots or heart / lung shots.
6. Are there any drawbacks to taking a high shoulder shot on deer?
One potential drawback to taking a high shoulder shot on deer is that if you don’t have a steady hand or a good aim, you could end up hitting the deer’s vital organs, which could lead to a long, drawn-out death for the animal, but tha will be the case with any other shot too, the high shoulder shot actually decreases the likelihood of that happening because it allows more margin for error and offers a larger critical kill zone area.
