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bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2579 Location: Colorado

A while back in the elk thread I posted some thoughts on how I recongized whether or not I had made a good (rifle) shot on a mule deer or elk. Basically I listen for a distinctive "whomping/thudding" sound when the bullet hits the heart/lung area of the animal. I also look for a "humping" of the animal, basically lowering of the head and curling upward of the front shoulders.

After I posted that, I realized that I have not really read or heard much discussion on how a person can tell when they have made a vital shot or not. What are some of the things you all look for right after pulling the trigger?

I wasn't quite sure where to put this question/discussion, since I didn't want to limit to any particular game type.

ChesterGolf · Joined: 17 Aug 2002 Posts: 1585 Location: Nova Scotia

Personally, I know I've made a good shot when they face plant without moving an inch. But, like you, the sound of the impact and body language is a big factor on the ones that leave the area. I will look at the "kill-zone" and examine the blood, fur, and tracks leaving the area. In my experience, some good shots don't guarantee a quick recovery. I have shot deer that for no apparent reason except for will-power have travelled long distances before expiring. One such deer didn't have any heart(to speak of) and went 200 yds. before dropping. They are amazing animals. I have also had "bad" shots that dropped like stones. Go figure.

saskie · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2003 12:29 am Post subject:

I never could tell - unless like Chester said they dropped like a rock. Funny because I could always tell when someone else had hit by the sound and the way they'd hunch.

As for me, if they ran after the shot it was always a big mystery until I found them.

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2579 Location: Colorado

Quote:
I know I've made a good shot when they face plant without moving an inch.

I had a feeling somebody would say that. :wink: Hands down those are the best shots.

ChesterGolf · Joined: 17 Aug 2002 Posts: 1585 Location: Nova Scotia

Shots and reactions are so unique to the situation, the angle, calibre, size of deer, and as mentioned earlier, sheer williness to survive. The only one you can count on is the face plant. It sure is nice to see that happen. I get a lump in my throat every time I shoot and the deer takes off no matter how good I think it is hit.

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2579 Location: Colorado

I hear you Chester. The worst for me is when the impact sound is "off" and they flinch and then take off. So you know you have hit them, but uncertain of how badly.

Part of my reason for asking the question here, was simply to see if other had picked up any additional clues to when they had made a good shot.

sawman · Joined: 12 Apr 2003 Posts: 90 Location: central ontario

When there running they don't allways hump up. Look for there tail tucked up to there belly sure sign of a good hit I know bucks run with there tails down but you will know what i mean. White tails.

[ This Message was edited by: sawman on 2003-04-19 20:16 ]

Littman · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 25 Location: Fairfield, CT

In my expierience, a perfect shot=(lung shot) usually shows no signs. The animal just walks off. You might just notice that something is "off" (no spring in step). The shots you do see are the bad shot. The animal humps up...stomach shot, limps...leg, falls in place or drags back legs...spine/neck shot....PC

_________________
The work starts when you pull the trigger.

[ This Message was edited by: Littman on 2003-06-11 21:35 ]

bitmasher · Joined: 27 Feb 2002 Posts: 2579 Location: Colorado

I have seen that with game that has been hit by an arrow, but never with a bullet. Although it sounds like you do quite a bit of moose hunting, Littman, and I never have. Perhaps they behave differently with a perfect lung shot than deer or elk.

butler1850 · Joined: 08 Jul 2003 Posts: 13

Granted, my deer was all of 10-15 yards away, and shot double lung with a 12ga slug, but he took off like his *** was on fire. He only went about 40 yards before he fell in a turn and slid down a hill dead.

I knew it was a good shot when I saw all sorts of lung material on the ground in front of where he was standing... he wheezed as he began to run, and blew a good bit of lung out of the mouth.

4pt, 135#, first deer. Taken with a Smith 916, formerly a Police "Riot" gun.

Was a great hunt. Tasty meat, and a fun trophy, now that the european mount is complete.

2506deerslayer · Joined: 24 Dec 2002 Posts: 101 Location: Nebraska

I think, in my opinion that it is what caliber and bullet you shoot. but for the most part the bullet makes a distictive noise when it hits the vitals, I think it makes more of a slap noise when it hits lungs and more of a sick kind of flump noise when it hits guts. but for most part I like you guys who say a face plant is good!! That's always good,
I shoot a 2506 and for most part the furthest one has ever ran was about 100 yards. and some do the face plant! and don't understand cause the one that ran 100 yards didn't have any lungs or the top of his heart left! and the face plant was a further back shot even clipping the liver. so who knows?