I had to go back to pull up this thread . I’ll definitely take a frontal shot IF everything looks good excellent. And I mean as perfect as perfect can get . I took this little buck last season. It offered a quartering to shot at
about 15 yards , he was eating acorns and completely relaxed . Shot came from a 56 lb Howatt takedown , 30” carbon arrow with a 100 gr insert , 2” 2117 shaft footer , and scalpel sharp 125 gr Montec. No blood trailing needed.

Nah don’t take that frontal shot. It doesn’t kill !!


Big difference in seeing or doing it versus opinions. I have shot several deer straight on with bow and gun. Twenty yards most any moved 99 percent dead before they knew it

With archery equipment, too much can go wrong.
Ever stick a deer quartering toward you on the opposite side from which you were holding? They spin fast when they hear that string. Do that on a deer head on and it spins, you'll risk a single lung or even a gut shot and may never find it.

Bullspit!!

Bucks I agree. Been there done that. Head on NO DIFFERENT than broadside if deer spins. In fact it’s better! Deer spins shot gets better. You do realize to turn it is exposing more if the kill zone in doing so. Hardly ever does a deer spin 180. If it turns more than likely it gives a broadside shot.

Really. U ever watch a deer "spin" in slow motion on camera? They drop about a foot every time. Sorry I ain't buying "spins" makes it better..... ain't buying that statement for pennies on the dollar.

I might take a frontal shot at very close range 10 -15 yards with my 308 nothing else and it would have to be standing still, otherwise to many variables. Luckily that opportunity has never presented its self

Great thread. I like how people are sharing their experiences. I will add my observations from a gun user. I went through a period where I would only stalk while deer hunting. Deer frequently see / hear you way before you get close so it isn't uncommon that they are watching your every move. Consequently, the only shot you sometimes have is straight on. This is especially true when they are bedded. A well placed frontal shot from a .270 with 130 grain bullet is devastating. Most never even get up.

Not asking you to buy it. My question is have you ever DONE IT. Our are you like some just adding what if’s and maybe so. Yes seen tons of deer spin on film. But for every deer that drops and arrow hits high there is 10 that makes the hit deadly. Most archers would shoot under the deer at extended ranges. Just the nature of arrow flight. Watch hunting shows this weekend. They show replays and 80% of shots past 30 the deer contributed to the lethality of the shot
As for gun No deer alive ever “dropped below a bullet. They dropped because of the bullet

But it’s America Take the front shot don’t. I don’t care !! But if anyone that has never shot a deer head on thinks it’s a bad shot you’re wrong. Couple tales of doing it and deer gets away. Millions of BAD broadside shots that got away.
Just think about it this way. A deer looking straight at you any shot that hits 3 inches above the bottom of the brisket it’s a dead deer. Most won’t flop out of sight. A broadside shot? You have WAY MORE area that if it’s hit you won’t find your deer. Bow or gun !!

Jbird
For the record my comment was only for your thought process that if a deer spins while taking a frontal shot it makes the shot better. In the context of using a bow as per the OP. Its Nonsense.

Nothing to do with a rifle or if I've ever taken a frontal shot or even if I'm for or against this shot

Strictly about the thought process (or lack of one) that if the deer spins during the shot it will make for a better hit

My daughter “white patched” this doe at about 10yds a few years ago. I asked her why she didn’t wait for broadside she said “ I was waiting but she looked up and saw me then snorted, I already had the sight on the white patch, so I squeezed! She was so close I couldn’t miss!” I told her good job. I had repeatedly told the kids broad side only but was proud she read the situation correctly.

That said, I’d way rather pass on that shot with a bow.

When I was much younger I tried a frontal shot. I was on the same level as the deer. I was shooting over 70 lbs and heavier arrows. Luckily I did catch an artery going in but the ribs deflected the arrow enough for it to travel under the shoulder and along the outside edge of the ribs. The deer didn't travel far but learned that that isn't that ethical of a shot so I refrain from doing so.

Shot him at about 10 yards. I was only about 8' up a tree.
He only made it about 20 yards.
Extremely Lethal and won't hesitate to take that shot.

Buddies and I have done archery deer drives for 40+ years. We've shot truckload of deer frontal.
Most at ground level, some just barely off the ground.

Well now, apparently I have been looking at this frontal shot deal all wrong. From now on I will wait for the next Boone and Crockett bucks to stop presenting themselves with their broadside poses "since 1,000s of deer are crippled from this kind of shot", and wait for the perfect frontal shot since "a spinning deer results in a better lethal hit."
I don't know what I was thinking all this time...

PS: Wolfdog, you are a dirty dog bringing up this topic. I hope you are choking on your popcorn.

52Carl. Are you questioning the "Byrd"

No one said to wait for a frontal shot. Question was is it a lethal one. Yes Not hard to realize if a deer is facing straight on and turns as the arrow is released it is turning exposing its “broad side “ The shot some on here will only take. As someone suggested watch videos of deer turning to run. Most turn at a 90 degrees.
Hey shoot,wave , stomp your feet at them. Up to you

Well maybe, and you too probably, but not as much as I was going after Wolfie for serving this pot so we could keep it stirred just so he could enjoy his popcorn.

I'm honestly a bit confused lol