Common Mistakes When Shooting at Moving Deer?

Rushing the Shot

When encountering a running deer, many hunters rush into the shot, failing to take the necessary time to align their sights and compensate for the deer’s speed and angle. This often results in a high MISS rate, as the bullet drops below the deer due to its speed. To avoid this, take a deep breath and focus on the deer’s vitals, allowing 3-5 seconds to align your sights before pulling the trigger.

Bullet Drop and Compensation

Most hunting cartridges have a bullet drop of around 2-4 inches per 100 yards, with heavier bullets experiencing greater drop. To compensate for this, hunters should aim 2-3 inches high at 100 yards, increasing the aim by 1 inch for every additional 100 yards. For example, at 200 yards, aim 4-5 inches high to ensure a clean shot.

Angle and Speed Considerations

When the deer is running at an angle, hunters must compensate for the bullet’s trajectory, taking into account the deer’s speed and the angle of the shot. A general rule of thumb is to aim 1-2 inches high for every 10 mph of deer speed. For example, a deer running at 20 mph would require an aim 2-4 inches high, assuming a 100-yard shot. By accounting for these variables, hunters can increase their chances of a clean shot on a running deer.