How to Shoot & Kill a Deer

Many hunters put in a lot of time locating deer and spots where they believe they have a high likelihood for success. But the real work begins as they sit in their tree stand or blind and see a deer. Ethical hunters want their arrow or bullet to kill the animal as quickly as possible, which requires proper shot placement. In some cases, hunters see deer but the animals are not positioned for a good shot. Hunters should wait to shoot until they are confident their shot will kill the deer.

Things You'll Need

  • Firearm or bow and arrow
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Instructions

    • 1

      Practice shooting before the hunting season so you know the distance of shots you can take while maintaining accuracy. Hunters who use high-powered rifles may be accurate to 150 yards or more, shotgun hunters may be accurate to about 75 yards, and archery hunters may be accurate to 50 yards.

    • 2

      Wait for a deer to walk within shooting range. Decide if you are going to shoot the animal or let it walk away. If you plan to shoot it, aim your weapon at the deer.

    • 3

      Count backward from 100 to help control your breathing. Many hunters breathe rapidly when a deer is within range. Heavy breathing can spook the deer and affect shot placement.

    • 4

      Aim at the side of the deer, in the palm-sized area about halfway between the animal's back and where the back of its front leg connects to the body. This area is just above the heart and near the lungs and major blood vessels. If the deer is at an angle to you, shoot so your arrow or bullet travels through this part of the deer's body.