The Shot!

The Shot: Before, During, and After  By Mike Seymour

The whitetail woods hold no greater excitement for hunters than that of an approaching deer. As the deer works its way within shooting range, the moment of truth arrives. However, what the hunter has done before taking the shot and what he does after making the shot are just as critical as the shot itself in determining whether or not the hunter puts a drop on the animal.

Before the Shot
 A hunter increases the odds of success by performing a number of tasks prior to putting the crosshairs on a deer. All screws on the scope mount should be tightened. The gun should be sighted in for the distance at which the hunter expects to shoot. Like any activity, shooting requires practice in order to perform when the pressure mounts. In addition to shooting the actual hunting firearm, individuals can practice their shooting form by regularly firing a .22. Another good  idea is to routinely practice mounting an unloaded weapon and smoothly aiming at target objects at various distances.
 Hunters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with deer anatomy and to visualize shot placement. They can visualize shots while watching videos or when encountering deer in non-shooting situations. Another pre-shot task hunters can perform is to help others trail wounded deer. Every trailing experience will educate the hunter and help him when his turn to trail occurs. Of course, some physical conditioning and a good night's sleep are sound preparation for making an accurate shot.

The Shot
 When a shooting opportunity develops, the hunter must practice patience and avoid shooting too soon. He should also avoid long shots and, instead, allow the deer to move within range. If a buck is on the move, a loud grunt from the hunter will often stop the animal. Always wait for a shot that is within your shooting abilities. In essence, it's better to pass up an opportunity than it is to take a risky shot.
 A steady rest improves the chances of hitting the mark, and the angle of penetration should be considered on each shot. Slowed breathing and a smooth pull of the trigger will increase a shot's accuracy. Successful hunters know how to employ positive thinking and how to visualize squeezing the trigger and making the shot. Immediately after firing a shot, the hunter should prepare for taking a second shot, and if a good follow-up opportunity presents itself, that shot should be taken. Always remember to put the safety on immediately after the shot(s) takes place.
 A common mistake is shooting at an area on the deer when hunters should be aiming at a precise spot. Most experts advise selecting a spot just behind the front shoulder because a projectile here will hit the heart or lungs. Another school of thought calls for rifle hunters to aim for the front shoulder. Even though some damage to meat occurs, such shots allow for a larger margin of error. The number-one-rule for taking any shoot is to think safety first, by being well aware of the target and beyond.

After the Shot
 Immediately after the shot, a hunter should rely on his eyes and ears. How did the deer react upon impact? How did the deer run? For example, a deer that bolts away has likely been well hit. A deer that bounds a few steps and stops was likely missed. A deer that hunches up was probably hit in the paunch. After noting the deer's reaction to the shot, the hunter should use his eyes and ears to follow the deer as long as possible.
 Once things settle down, it's time to stay put and reconstruct the shot. Three locations should be specifically noted: where the shot was taken, where the deer stood upon impact, and where the deer was last seen. Hunters should always assume a hit and follow up every shot taken.
 There are no absolutes in trailing a wounded. Instead the hunter must use judgment. Much disagreement exists regarding the amount of time a hunter should wait before trailing a deer because so many factors such as rain, snow, amount of daylight, work schedule, other hunters in the area, coyote presence, familiarity with the woods, amount of accessible acreage, etc. come in to play. Generally though, gun hunters should wait two hours before trailing a poorly hit deer while they can begin trailing a well-hit deer almost immediately.
 When examining the site of impact, hunters should look for hair and blood. A lot of hair usually indicates a grazing shot while brown hair indicates a high hit and white hair indicates a low hit. Accurately reading a blood trail requires a lot of experience. A trail with steady spurts of blood in the first 75 yards suggests a good hit and an animal that won't go far. A trail that begins with splotches of blood and then shows diminishing amounts of blood suggests a muscle hit. Generally, these deer should be pursued immediately. If the wound is a superficial one, the blood will clot and the animal will survive. A trail that shows no blood initially, followed by several splotches, and then diminishing blood is likely a paunch-shot deer. Look for greenish matter in the blood. In such cases, the hunter should back off for several hours before resuming the trailing.
 General trailing guidelines call for a hunter to get a buddy or two to help, especially if those individuals are experienced in trailing. Also, remember to proceed slowly, talk quietly, look out ahead, and try to establish the deer's line of travel and a possible destination. Sometimes the best trailing strategy is to simply back off for a while. And, of course, always get permission when entering private property.
 No matter what blood-trail scenario exists, though, it behooves hunters to put forth a maximum effort in attempting to recover all deer at which they shoot. Remember to always exhaust all possibilities.

 Mike Seymour is a USCG and NYS licensed guide who offers fishing trips on the St. Lawrence River, Black Lake, and other St. Lawrence County waters. A member of the Outdoor Writers Association of America and the New York State Outdoor Writers Association, he writes a weekly newspaper column and contributes regularly to outdoor magazines. Mike enjoys all kinds of fishing. You might find him fly fishing for native brookies on a small Adirondack stream or trolling for trout and salmon on Lake Ontario. Mike can be reached at (315) 379-0235 or fishmike@slic.com.