Poll: Heart or Lungs for a shot.

[jmiller676]

I was reading an earlier post and don't know why but this idea came into my head. My friends when they deer hunt go for the heart, I on the other hand aim for the lungs. Which one do you aim for when deer hunting? Why?

I aim for lungs because...
1) It's a much bigger target than the heart.
2) the deer is just as dead if I have to track for 50-100 yds.

So, lets hear them.

[colt45er]

Originally Posted by jmiller676

I was reading an earlier post and don't know why but this idea came into my head. My friends when they deer hunt go for the heart, I on the other hand aim for the lungs. Which one do you aim for when deer hunting? Why?

I aim for lungs because...
1) It's a much bigger target than the heart.
2) the deer is just as dead if I have to track for 50-100 yds.

So, lets hear them.

Lungs for a few reasons. One it IS a larger targer, I see no reason to shoot a small target when I have a slightly larger target that has the same if not better result. I still pick out a single spot to aim though. aim small miss small.

Second, you will most likely get more blood when shooting the lungs. When the heart is shot, it will be a leathal shot, however the body will naturally slow the heart because of the damage. This then slows bleeding.

A lung shot will get the heart pumping more blood. Both are lethal shots, lungs are bigger and will probably bleed more.

Also, depending on how the deer is standing, heart may be blocked by shoulderblade. This is not my ideal shot with my bow.

[Bulgy74]

Darn I thought this was going to be about people...

[infantrylife]

I bowhunt and aim for the lungs. Havent had to track one past 40 yards. Also the spine and neck are good areas because those are instant drops, done that too.

[hotfarmboy1]

I guess I should start going more for the lungs now after seeing the reasons.

[infantrylife]

Yeah, usually a deer will duck when they hear the shot (if they do). So that will bring the spine into play and instant death!

[42769vette]

with a bow i go for lungs. the heart is just to close to that sholder for my comfort and with a bow you need to make sure to get a pass through to make tracking easier.

with a gun i go for the neck if i can see it. i like the neck beacuse there is never any tracking. the deer is either piled up or you missed. it really doesn't matter where in the neck. if you hit at the bottom of the neck you cut the juggler vein. if you hit high you break the spinal cord. if you hit the center of the neck the shock from the bullet will break (or atleast screw up) the spinal cord. anyway you go about it its a quick death for the deer and thats what im after.

[RachelMarie]

This is just me being girly....But this is just sad.

[cosermann]

Is the OP concerned about shots for firearms or bow? Also, are we talking head-on, broad side, quartering away, quartering toward? On the level? Down (as in from a tree stand)?
The OP mentioned a couple of vital organs. Once one knows where those organs are, the aim point is adjusted based on the animals position. Just saying heart or lungs assumes a lot.

Googling "best shot for deer heart or lungs" or "deer shot placement" will give you a lot to read - much of which is worthwhile.

Personally I go for the top of the heart which gives me a vital area about the size of a dinner plate (actually larger, although oblong in shape about 9"h and 12" long). The aim point to acheive this varies with the angle with which the animal presents itself.

[jmiller676]

cosermann dont read to much into it. With a bow and firearm I do lung shots. I only take the shot if its there and don't force things. With a firearm I have learned that a shoulder blade wont stop a .58 cal or a 12 ga. slug so I aim for kungs regardless. With bow I hold off until there is a shot that I feel comfortable that I can ethically take the animal.

And hotfarmboy1...I'm glad we could shed some light. Myfriends have lost deer aiming for the heart and missing.