Can a neck shot with a bow take down a deer?

Joe_Singer

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Ok so have been wondering if a neck shot with a bow would take down a deer. I have dropped a deer in its tracks with a neck shot with a 12 gauge slug and wondered if a shot with the rage 2 blade or any other broadhead would do the same or would a shot like this not be smart to take with a bow.
 
The risk of wounding it would be too high, the bone is very heavy in the neck and an arrow doesn't have the strength to penetrate heavy bone. Do the animal and yourself a favour and use the heart/lung shot.
 
Yes an arrow will kill a deer with a neck shot. Worked in an archery shop for a few years and have seen the results. IF the broad head hits just in the right spot it can sever the spinal cord, instant collapse. IF you hit the arteries or veins it will hemorrhage just like any other vital area. It is a low percentage shot that should be avoided unless there is no other choice on an animal that is already wounded. I have also seen several examples of broad heads stuck in vertebrae, from high shots above the lungs, that were recovered after the deer was taken later by another hunter.
I would not recommend a neck shot as an ethical choice for archery, we don't need the negative results or publicity.
 
I'd go, and I always do, for the lungs/heart. That way you don't waste as much meat plus there's less risk of wounding the deer and traking it down for hours if you shot too low...
 
There was a guy in the archery section bragging about his rage taking down a fawn with a neck shot.

*** I don't condone it by any means***
 
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About 10 years ago I shot a 2 point mule deer buck in the neck @ about 15 yards my draw weight is 80lbs and I use full length 2219 Easton aluminum shafts broke its neck it dropped instantly.
 
From a stand with the animal nearly under you, that is a fairly safe shot. Depends on your abilities as a shooter.

Secondly, waste meat?? Not sure how it is wasted. I have eaten ribs with arrow holes in them. Never had any waste with a bow....
 
i've seen a few deer with shafts sticking out of the neck- probably moved while the arrow was in flite
 
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