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.