A Bad Shot - Advice

[sailpunk]

I know no one ever likes to discuss when things go wrong because it is a matter of pride and not causing suffering.

Here is the scenario:

I had a nice blacktail lined up at 100m and and when I squeezed the trigger something spooked it and it bounded. I caught it in the spine right where the rib cage meets the spine and it went down hard and began to spaz with its aft section paralyzed. I couldn't get a clean shot with it moving like that.

I made my rifle safe and ran forward to the deer. I jumped across its chest pinning it to the ground and reached for my knife with the intent of slitting its throat but I looked back and saw my knife with my gear 100m away. I thought of shooting it but it was rocky ground and dangerous. I thought of bludgeoning it but that seemed like it might not work and smothering it was impossible. I twisted its neck to the limit of its natural turn and then crushed it with the weight of my upper body. It was dead instantly.

Why I am telling this story is two fold:

1. Always have your knife
2. How would you suggest handling an unclean kill like this.

I want to learn and be the best hunter I can be and my only other kill was super clean shot so what are the best ways to deal with this type of scenario?

[hunter1947]

I would had backed up 20 feet and put a bullet into its head..

[Sambor]

I would had backed up 20 feet and put a bullet into its head..

x2
I would be affraid to get poke by an antler or kicked with those sharp hoofs. My friend got kicked by a deer and it was painful.

[Ltbullken]

I would had backed up 20 feet and put a bullet into its head..

Had a similar scenario a few years back. This was the solution. If the animal is thrashing around too much, you could even opt for a chest shot.

[Haddy]

I wouldn't have left my rifle behind when approaching the deer. Walk up to it and put one in the back of the head or neck. We've all had a shot go not as planned but owe the animal as quick and clean a death as possible.

[Glenny]

I wouldn't have left my rifle behind when approaching the deer. Walk up to it and put one in the back of the head or neck. We've all had a shot go not as planned but owe the animal as quick and clean a death as possible.

Yes best for me has always been put one jut under the ear asap.

[Brew]

I would have just shot it again form 10 or 20 feet

[Weatherby Fan]

I would have just shot it again form 10 or 20 feet

I agree with Brew, take your time and put a well placed shot in the back of the head where it meets the spine.

Have heard a few stories where guys run up to slit a deers throat and get hoofed, play it safe and always pack your gun and approach from behind.

[Linksman313]

Every kill shot scenario is different, sounds like you did alright although a little WWE style but you got the job done. I agree with the above posters if possible to back up to safe distance and finish with the rifle. Oh and yes never be without a blade when hunting, see if you can find a sheath that works for you or have one made so that it can always be on your body, even if its not your game processing knife in particular. Good eating!

[squamishhunter]

Perfect time for a handgun, but nooooooo says justine