FRONTAL SHOTS with a BOW!!! - (Deer Hunting Do's and Don'ts)

We discuss the pros and cons of frontal shots on deer and elk.
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[@Dgb12651]

I've been hunting whitetail deer for literally 50+ years. I have watched the sport evolve from a first hand perspective. I hunted with a recurve before the compound was ever invented. I had one of the 1st compounds that was marketed, a Shakespeare "Shim-bow." By todays standards it was pretty pathetic. I said all that to say this: If you feel comfortable taking a frontal shot and it fits into your hunting ethics, go for it. You won't get any flack from me but I won't do it under any circumstances. In all my years of killing deer I have failed to recover only one doe. I pass on a LOT of shots that a majority of hunters would probably take simply because I respect the animal that I am hunting too much to take a chance on causing it unnecessary misery. I hunt with a crossbow now days because it's legal and for me it is the best tool for the job and my old shoulders don't function well with a compound anymore. Even with the crossbow I will not take a shot of more than 30 yards. I'm NOT bashing anyone's choices or hunting methods and by the way, THP is my favorite hunting show and I appreciate the fact that you guys are keeping it real and what you have done for hunting in general. Good luck for the upcoming season. I'll be watching.

[@JohnTomasella]

Reminds me of my first compound bow, a Bear Whitetail Hunter.

[@Dgb12651]

@@JohnTomasella I had a Bear Whitetail 2, I think. It's been interesting to see how hunting and archery equipment has evolved over the years.

[@hunt_trap_fish]

Shot my first couple deer with a 1981 Matthews MQ1. Got it set up for my wife when I bought my Triax. But MAN did I love that MQ1.

[@yourmomma2995]

@@hunt_trap_fish best bow ever made. but they were not made till 1998 , i have owned a bunch of left handed ones over the years, i kept buying newer bows but always sold them to buy another MQ1.

[@neiltaylor4147]

We share thoughts on this subject. I guess we are just old school. Lol

[@Eric-0153]

Got my bow sighted in for 1000 yards, looking forward to this season.

[@dansiemen]

Hahahaha I fricken love when Jake kills a buck, and everyone knows that he’s about the break their hand with a fist bump 😂.

[@richardcummings4374]

This is the conversation ALL bow hunters need to listen to. We all think we go hunting with a plan, but in the moment we tend to forget about our plan. Thanks again THP!!

[@rowland84outdoors11]

I would never take one over 30 yards but under that with a clear view let her fly!!! Keep up the great work boys!!

[@baileybenoit808]

Ryan kirby is a very cool guy. I'm glad you guys put me on to him. Got one of his pieces for my dad for Christmas, and it was definitely the most excited I've ever felt giving someone a gift. Good luck this fall!

[@GGGZEEE]

Another video that is just so enjoyable to watch: you take it seriously and are so down to earth. Thanks for the moments. I’m inspired to hunt more and especially out west. And I really appreciate the effort you make to keep it family oriented. MY family isn’t watching, but you’re setting a great example.

[@Intimidator82]

Great video, very informative. I'd do a frontal shot if needed, but most times I'm in the tree and would never attempt it from the tree. Those drawings are the best I've seen so far, great addition to any hunt camp as Jake said.

[@aidenoutdoors]

Gotta give ground hunting a shot! Having a deer at close range is too exciting

[@Chrisbreezy1979]

Ask of this makes a lot of sense! I have been boys only for whitetail and turkey for about ten years now and still try to get better everyday! U guys keep passing the knowledge, I learn something every time I watch a video..

[@ajkelley20]

I learned to hunt on my own, I have hunted 10 years now. I love it so much that I picked up 300 acres in Arkansas. Your videos are great and have changed the way I think when I'm in the woods. I'm look8ng to make some changes on my bow set up also.

[@roosterdope6778]

Gah damn what you do for work you could just “pick up” 300 acres?

[@TheOtherGuybo]

Such great conversation. Thanks for covering the subject.

[@stevecolombe4446]

Frontal or quartering to shots are great for rifle or muzzleloader. I would like to believe that I will always have the discipline and patience to wait for a better shot with a bow.

[@neiltaylor4147]

THP is probably my favorite hunting show……love you guys. This video touches on a very touchy subject for me. I think being who you guys are I’m glad you did this video to explain to viewers what a small area you have to hit on a frontal shot to be fatal because I worry that a lot of new archers would watch your shots and say “hey they do it, why can’t I” so I’m glad you did this video. As for where I stand on the subject (whether you care or not! Lol) I say frontal shots are no go for a couple reasons. 1. If they are facing you they are eventually going to turn and give you a shot or they are going to walk by and 2. Why risk it? Why potentially put that animal through that if it doesn’t hit perfectly? I’ve been bowhunting for 30 years and have never had to take a frontal shot! Nor have I had to shoot past 30. If I don’t have a good high percentage shot….I don’t have a shot, plain and simple. I mean it’s bowhunting and that’s part of the game. I think the reason we see so many more non fatal hits nowadays is because of people seeing tv individuals making sketchy shots and also people hearing that if you have a heavy set up you can shoot through anything and I think it’s all getting away from what archery is. Archery should be pretty cut and dry….if it’s not a high percentage shot you simply don’t take it! I think one of the biggest video mistakes I’ve seen on your shows was Warb taking a frontal shot on an elk and wounding it only to turn around a day or so later and taking another frontal shot! I couldn’t believe it! Why, after wounding an animal, just why do it again? Granted it worked out that time but still a mistake in my book. Anyway…..good job touching on this subject in this video and explaining how hard of a shot it is. Keep up the good work!

[@dylanmcbain4245]

Three minutes in and I already have three awesome tips to improve my hunting. You guys are awesome!

[@russclewley6945]

This is a great discussion. I think it would be a great discussion with quartering shots as well.

[@aidenoutdoors]

Very educational video on frontal shots. My very first frontal shot was last year on a doe and when it was just so close at range with my heavy setup, I had so much confidence of taking the shot and it payed off big time. The doe made it 30 yards and left a hell of a blood trail! Thanks THP🤟

[@tre400emills]

Love the Intel you guys provide.

[@randalschipper6942]

Great video awesome that you guys brought this up for the ones just joining our brotherhood we all share and I would have to say for myself I love frontle shots the first time I did it was on the ground I harvested a doe at 7 feet away one shot I'll never forget

[@wpmissourioutdoors7071]

Love IT! You guys are the best!

[@garettsikes4449]

Great episode boys 🤘🏼

[@hauseradventures]

great discussion boys!

[@paulwakefield1015]

great video. i'd also recommend that anyone considering a frontal shot, spend some time going over ashby 12 factors of penetration. thp crew spend a lot of time making sure they have perfect arrow flight (factor #2) and many other important factors. my concern is there will be a bunch of hunters from this video run out and start makinig frontal shots without many factors in their favor.

[@robertowen6504]

This will be my first season out. I really appreciate this video.

[@stevebostic9812]

Good luck Robert..start with broadside double lung shots if you get an opportunity. “Greg’s high percentage shot”.

[@dalehayslip5008]

Great video very interesting and important talk

[@TruffulaSteve]

A sleepy black pup!!! Great addition to the channel

[@daultonhuskey2804]

Great content! Got drawn for Mule Deer in Western Colorado and got an over the counter for private property elk in area 4... Headed out this weekend to shoot at prairie dogs for some aim small practice :)

[@bradbo3]

Ive taken frontal shots with rifles....but seriously never had confidence in doing it with my bow or crossbow. Very interesting opinions and discussion.

[@alecbrown6802]

Make sure you know where your 20 pin will hit 10 yards and in. It will change. I have to dial 31 yards to shoot 8 yards accurately

[@jackgrigg]

The higher quality bows actually are very accurate I’ve found at 20 yards and in with the same pin

[@alecbrown6802]

@@jackgrigg depends how you set it up. I shoot a phase 4 so it’s a “higher quality” bow

[@papajohnsy6659]

@@jackgrigg It's just up to trajectory. At any sight value you have two zeros because the arrow rises above and then falls below the line of sight of the pin. To shoot 3 or 4 yards you typically have to shoot with a 40 or 50 yd pin. That's because the arrow is "rising" out of the bow, crosses line of sight, then "falls" below.

[@davidholliday2703]

That's what's up.

[@michaelpoplawski3246]

Really good job guys.

[@7outdoors4life]

AMAZING VIDEO MY FRIENDS!!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lukebonagurio4503]

Good stuff you guys are great hunters.

[@robgreer9726]

Really good video boys and I just hafta get one of those Ryan Kirby deer anatomy prints.

[@chrismuhlbeier6948]

Great conversation. I'm a huge fan of the frontal shot on elk, it's absolutely devastating & probably one of the most ethical shots you can take if YOU are capable. I wouldn't have a problem with it on a whitetail or mule deer in the right circumstances - which Jake & Zach did an excellent job of explaining these. I personally think I'll never have the angle right to shoot one out of a tree but I hunt low enough that maybe it could happen.. unlikely though. I will push back again against the emphasis on heavy single bevel broadheads. For the average compound shooter (60#+, 28"+, 325+ IBO) with a properly setup bow, a properly tuned 430 grain+ arrow, quality 3 or 4 blade 1-1/8" sharp fixed head - A frontal is not an issue with this setup. If you're longer draw 70# like myself & you're shooting a 2b 1" cut broadhead... you're unnecessarily losing a lot of cut & damage. There are big downsides to a 2 blade that are glazed over in this 100% penetration is all that matters thought process. With a 2 blade on a frontal shot - it can be oriented rotated vertically (blades up) and that broadhead can plane & follow the inside of the ribs down. I believe Zach may have said this is part of what happened on his PA buck, I forget. A 3 blade or a 4 blade (or decent cut dia 2b with min 3/4" bleeders) can't do this without forcing itself out from the rib approx .5" & the other blades cutting more vitals. Similar things can happen on even broadside shots where a 2b is oriented so that on a marginal shot the blades don't clip vitals. Plan B isn't just if you hit bone, that's actually statistically (geometrically maybe?) the lesser chance. Plan accordingly. When you look at the anatomy of a deer or elk one of the most underrated things is the ribs - as they deflect in and are like shock absorbers. They are designed to flex and take a beating. However the ribs up front are shorter and more rigid. It's actually not a big deal to break these. A fixed head - even better a COC solves that - it doesn't have to be a 2 blade! My short, sharp solid 3 blade blew through so fast on a bull elk frontal it was insane. That's at 445 grains going 294 fps and buried in the dirt. Don't overthink the weight thing. Everyone listen to Kifarucast's recent episodes where Aron talks with Cody Greenwood (best part is an hour in) - then if you're still interested listen to the latest with Iron Will Bill - Then if you're still really interested listen to the one with Aron, Cody & Troy Fowler. Aron has shot an astronomical amount of animals with a compound & trad at heavy weight arrows & light weight at high poundage. He consistently says you should NOT plan on breaking the T of a scapula or a knuckle. He said he's shot animals with 90# bows and stupid heavy arrows and still not made it through. It's confirmation bias when you do. We can use Ranch Fairy's data from his velocity erosion video to do an example. At 30 yards it will take a 436 grain arrow (281 fps launch, 273 fps avg to 30 yds) around 330 milliseconds. A 718 grain out of the same setup will take around 410 milliseconds. This means that the arrow will arrive 25% later than the faster arrow. Now this is only the time for the arrow to get there, we need to deduct the amount of time it take for the first sound of the bow to get there (1125.33 FPS) - which is .08 seconds. And the reaction time of say .08 as well (2x faster than a male sprinter). Taking this into account the animal (if it choses to) has MINIMUM 50% more time to react to the 718 grain arrow at ONLY 30 yards. This is not irrelevant!! Especially because gravity accelerates and animal with time. If you think that an animal won't react more given 50% more time you're on more crack than these whitetail are. At some point you've got to ask yourself.... am I hitting knuckles because I am shooting so slow and I gave the animal so much more time to move? The math does work this way. The goal should be to shoot heavy enough arrows that you're absorbing some energy to reduce sound but not so much you lose that benefit of speed. Shoot below 295 fps so you can shoot a fixed head. The average compound shooter doesn't need to shoot below 430 grains because durability will be sacrificed. Add in larger the range error in heavy weights and it's a no brainer to shoot a little faster (but not too fast). Go middle ground and stop thinking about it.

[@ericwiitala5407]

Great podcast and topic. I've passed a lot of animals that were directly facing me or slightly quartering too. It took me a couple years to finally develop an arrow that I'm comfortable in taking either an elk or deer at those angles. 610 gr, 250 gr up front with an Iron Will left single bevel. Arrows are flying as efficiently as I can get an arrow to fly and I'm confident in the broad head. So the next one that gives me that opportunity, under 20 yards I'm letting it go on elk, little closer on a deer (if body language tells me to let it go).

[@michaelkelenic7467]

All I can say is keep doing what you guys do….great info and drawings! A little more than a month to go till arrows will be flying 🏹🦌

[@LukePitney1991]

Great Video! I grew up with a bow in my hand. Harvested my first doe at 11 yrs old. Shot instinctive and then got into compounds with thumb releases. After a season of serious, 3d and indoor 300 league competition, I was extremely confident. This was 14 years ago. Fast forward, my first chance at a good buck, (130’s) he was hung up with a doe. Ran right under me and up a ridge almost parallel with my stand but straight away. He lifted his tail, and I sunk that arrow right in his “you know what”. I would never do it again, but I was so confident at that time, shooting 60 arrows daily, I knew I’d hit right where I aimed. That arrow took out every organ and he didn’t make it far, but there was zero exit and zero blood. When I found him, the knock was peeking out of his bottom. That’s my take on off angled shots.

[@LukePitney1991]

I’d also say, out of 28 deer with a bow, I’ve only lost one and she lived, (Trail cams). And that was a dead broadside shot 20 yds but a steep angle. Hit the pocket above the lungs.

[@troycartrayvick]

Good stuff fellas

[@matteofina5602]

Legit was curious about this today

[@jasonthulen431]

GREAT INFORMATION ❤️the Chanel.👍👍

[@CatfishCody]

I've taken several deer with a frontal while using my crossbow. I'm a little iffy on doing it with my compound

[@hallofrecords4959]

Good video/info. Are you guys planning on more elk hunting videos? Love the elk hunting videos, Very entertaining also love seeing all that western country, my home territory.

[@08CC01]

Good video. I don’t tag frontal shots but will consider after watching videos like this and practicing. I also hunt mainly from tree stands. I would like to harvest a deer from the ground. Those ground encounters were the best! You guys keep rockin’!

[@aidenoutdoors]

Haven’t hunted out of a tree stand nearly ever and man is it crazy when they get close to you. Definitely give it a shot maybe I’ll try a treestand😂👍

[@ronlongwellphoto]

We’ll said. Thanks!

[@chriscolwell2691]

Set up and if the animal is calm is huge imo. I would bet money that in any given year more frontal shots fail than are successful.

[@yourmomma2995]

💯% correct, i cant even believe they would post a video about taking such a low percentage shot. there is going to be A LOT of wounded deer from newbies that see this video and think a frontal shot is ok.

[@richardbritt3611]

ABSOLUTELY the WORST video THP has EVER posted. But then JAKE took his first deer on public with a bow 10/18/18 so there isn't a whole lot of experience there! I was pretty upset when Aaron promoted a shoulder shot without commenting on how EXTREME his set up was in KE and how close the buck was. Humerus shots, like frontal, are LOW percentage for MOST bowhunters and it should NOT be promoted.

[@kyleharrison3804]

Perfect timing

[@markschmitt4465]

Informative as always fellas, appreciate y'all. Let's Go Brandon!!!

[@Kurtdog63]

Arrow system is critical for frontal shots. Single bevel, TOUGH broadhead, Tanto tip, ALL steel broadhead construction. The LIGHTER the bow, the HEAVIER the arrow system needs to be, preferably 650 plus grains with increased FOC for the best arrow flight for accuracy AND penetration. See Dr. Ed Ashby research on large African game animals and the 12 factors for arrow lethality. Ranch Fairy has tons of info on his channel as well.

[@papajohnsy6659]

Do you have an opinion on aron snyder's frontal shot on an elk this year with an arrow somewhere between 470 and 510gr, with a swhacker mechanical broadhead?

[@Kurtdog63]

@@papajohnsy6659 If you hit the right spot, the cheapest broadhead you can buy will work. Broadhead integrity and design, up the odds of the arrow system SURVIVING BONE STRIKES and entering the body cavity for an increased chance of arrow lethality. A wide cut mechanical can create a large wound channel and an insane blood trail putting down an animal quickly and make it easy to find. But, because of their design, they can FAIL MISERABLY, stop on impact, disintegrate, shear blades off at impact and go thru like a field point, etc.. Well made, single bevel broadheads have greater potential to survive impact, penetrate deeper, and an increased chance of a complete pass through. I HAVE noticed that the single bevel industry is increasing their broadhead widths from a standard 1 to 1 1/8th inch cut, to 1 1/4 inches and beyond. Wide entrance and exit wounds along with a wider wound channel certainly can up the odds of a lethal hit and increased chance of a good blood trail. A broadhead that can survive bone strike impact, AND penetrate in the vitals is the key.

[@idaho2ndgens240]

Excellent video. I took a frontal on a big bull in Wyoming at 13 yards. The problem was that he lowered his head as he went under a overhanging fir branch. I shot as he came back up. Hit about 16" of lower neck, never found that bull after three days of looking. Tracked him about 3 miles with spotty blood. Should have waited a second longer for him to fully raise his head.

[@WiiHunt95]

I took a frontal shot on a deer from my tree stand, but I had already hit him broadside, and even though he dropped in his tracks it was to help finish him off. No matter where you aim, look for the exit point and you will have more successful shots.

[@wyattgardner3552]

I had a doe at 20yrds, wheel from slight quartering at me (nearly broadside) to a frontal. I gave her only 1 hour beforei jumped her 75yrds from impact. Crossbow bolt was in that bed. Backed out for 3 hours, found her 150yrds from 1st bed. Only 1 lung and liver. It entered infront of left shoulder and exited ON THE SAME SIDE. Only in chest cavity for 6 ribs.

[@KeepinYouUp07]

There was a full frontal shot of Zach in this video. Keep up the good work 😂

[@aaronhall765]

Loved this information. Several things I'll comment on. Zack says girlfriend would be limited to 12 yards on frontal 🤔. I'd recommend using Greg's philosophy of high percentage shots.... Have her focus on broadside only. No rush on it, enjoy the hunt. Awesome reference to bone structure and vitals. I've noticed that arrows over 450 grain had quicker kills with the same broadhead. So heavier the better, all else being equal ❤. Thanks for great information 👍.

[@thehuntingpublicpodcast]

Hey Aaron, when talking about Whitney's distance limitations on frontal shots I was only referencing her bow setup and how that factor can change the decision you make on whether or not to take the shot. I do not want her to take a frontal shot yet. She is not ready for that.

[@aaronhall765]

@@thehuntingpublicpodcast awesome thanks for the clarification 👍. I'm excited to watch her journey. May God bless the THP crew and your families. Stay safe 🙏.

[@coffeeking5157]

Gonna be first season hunting! Been watching tons of your videos for advice and learning! Thankfully I live in Iowa so we have big bucks everywhere!

[@loganhockenberry5026]

Smoke the first doe that gives you a chance. Maybe the first few. You need to know how that game is played before you get a stud in range.

[@coffeeking5157]

@@loganhockenberry5026 That's my plan honestly. If it's not a baby I'm dropping them. I've been practicing constantly with my bow out to 40 yards but idk if I'd comfortably taking a shot that far. Biggest thing I've been doing is the aim small miss small. So on my shooting block I aim for a golf ball size target. I practice in wind rain etc. Trying to be prepared as possible for when that first deer walks by.

[@mj96jones]

The born and raised guys had another example of the distance issue this year.. an elk or anything can react faster than your arrow if they are on edge.

[@jaydenyoder9797]

You guys are awesome

[@cohenmashburn2613]

i made a frontal shot on a buck out of a 15 foot stand with a Rage Hypodermic at 24.7 yards with a 65 pound draw went through the jugular and rib on the exit with a complete pass through and the buck went AT MOST 75 yards and you could follow the blood trail at a jog

[@paulshumate2904]

If you want to see a great frontal shot from a tree stand watch the Whitetail Edge episode where Ben Rising shoots a deer called Scissors with a big expandable broadhead (G5 megameat) . The deer doesn't go 30 yds..

[@drewzick241]

I shot my buck last season frontal at 14 yards from a tree stand. He was walking slowly towards me from uphill so the downward angle wasn't as extreme as most shots from a stand. I hit him just right of center and he died 30 yards later. It's the only frontal shot I've ever taken, but it was taken with 100% confidence and I'd do it again under perfect circumstances. Also, I shoot arrows at 374 grains including the 100 grain expandables.

[@davidholliday2703]

That is fantastic! The difference here is that Aaron who was not on this video shot clean through a big bull Elk at 22 yards. The arrow came out the back end.

[@michaelvstheworld3680]

My favorite shot out of a treestand is quarter towards me. I have been shooting 715 grains w/ single bevel for about 5 years now and that shot just pin wheels them. Right through the shoulder, through the heart, and out the other front leg. Watching a deer try to run with no front legs and their face buried in the ground is something else.

[@feralgrandad4429]

Killed my Canadian Elk (admittedly a cow, but she was BIG) with a frontal shot using a 635g arrow, fixed broadhead at 19 meters from a 55lb recurve (probably nearer 50lb at my Hobbits draw length.) She swopped ends and went 30 metres then fell over. When done righ, with confidence t its a deadly shot. But as Zach said. My Elk was just chilling, ambling along towards me and had no idea i was there. Had she been on high alert it'd been different. Great upload guys.

[@topwaterjunkies]

Y’all should do a few videos in Florida. I definitely enjoy the timber hunts but it would be really cool to see some swamp deer and see how different it is than other places. Would love to see how you guys go about hunting down here!

[@Floutlaw87]

Come on down to Florida, get some sand in your shoes

[@tyler1671]

Not really different then ohio if yoy hunt swamps other then our bucks will score 170 to 200 if ya find em in a swamp you'll be lucky to hsve a pope and young in yours

[@topwaterjunkies]

@@tyler1671 I don’t care about score and sure Ohio has swamps but it’s not at all similar. The food source, bedding areas, travel habits, and rut times are all different. Florida is one of the first states to open in deer season I believe our archery starts in august. I like learning and I think if they hunted in Florida and made a few videos it would be not only entertaining but a change of scenery and a completely different challenge.

[@tyler1671]

@topwaterjunkies uhh I've hunted both states and I definitely hunt in August up here on a early permit on a few fsrms

[@topwaterjunkies]

@@tyler1671 uhh maybe it’s called an early permit because it’s early? And not regular season like it is in Florida…. Deer act different in different states our rut dates are late august in so-flo. Your Ohio deer rut? November? I don’t see the point your trying to make Florida deer act different and are different. I simply want to see how they would hunt Florida that’s what my original comment was for. It’s not that deep guy. I like how you had to flex the score of your deer tho. You match up with someone in The THP hunting stereotypes. 👍🏽

[@onholliday2739]

1:23 I shoot a 50# longbow and take frontal shots confidently because of this exact point. I'm loaded up front with a 160gr Zwickey Eskimo, a 100gr insert and 60gr of additional weights behind the insert for 320gr total up front. Followed by a GT Warrior 400 spine cut to 30 inches. Wrap on the back, 4 inch turkey feathers and a GT nock. Ballpark 580gr total arrow weight and while it's not the fastest, coming off the shelf at around 170fps, I can take a frontal shot and bust right through the ribs and get into the thoracic cavity. Took a doe today in exactly that manner. Slipped it in just between the shoulder and the brachial plexus, cut a rib in half on the way in and buried that arrow to the fletch. I didn't have full confidence in these shots until I saw a video some years back of Ted Nugent describing how he reshapes his old Bear Razorheads. He rounds the tip off giving it more of a chisel profile so as to not roll the tip over when encountering bone. Learned it from Fred Bear apparently, unsure whether it was in writing or in person but I decided to try it and it completely changes the way the old Zwickey Eskimo broadheads react to any obstacle. The only shot I absolutely won't take is a Texas heart shot 😂 All this being said, I hunt from ground level, this is key because my willingness to take certain shots changes greatly when elevated.

[@SFROutdoors]

I've lost deer taking frontal shot with rifle - something you don't talk about is tracking the blood. A lot of time there is no passthrough and that severely decreases blood trailing. I've made that mistake and will seriously reconsider frontal shots from now on

[@wolverineracing8896]

you guys should do a video on different shot angles and the potential for a good blood trail and a poor blood trail from those shots

[@h-minus2212]

I like how Jake suggested that he could essentially hit a baseball every time at 20 yards. If any hunter adheres to that standard, and keeps their cool in the moment, they should be successful. Great content and discussion.

[@absolutearcherycenterrange573]

The problem is, the vast majority of bowhunters can’t do that. Most of them don’t practice enough. Lots of them don’t have a good enough shot process to actually perform under pressure

[@h-minus2212]

@@absolutearcherycenterrange573 I agree. I can shoot any crappy release like a hinge, with back tension and I get a surprise release every time - and I have never used a hinge or tension-activated release. Most archers are commanding their release to fire, which eventually leads to disaster.

[@casanovafrankenstein8875]

​@@h-minus2212🤭

[@stevepalmateer]

Regarding your comparison with the human anatomy, I have a close friend that was millimeters from death when a piece of glass shaped like a cut on contact broadhead entered his neck. It was a gruesome scene but the EMT that responded said that he would've bled out in seconds had that shard nicked his jugular.

[@trxe420]

I think one issue with frontal shots, and I have only ever let an arrow fly once on it though I have had the situation several times, is being able to read the deer and your own state. I felt very nervous with a deer straight on me because I felt like I was busted. The one time where I was sure I was not spotted I ended up taking the shot and it worked out. I think distance is key too, I would never take that shot past 20 personally.

[@danschoemann2305]

Excellent points

[@littlewoody5539]

Good video

[@dudetube555]

hey guys, great video. great channel. we do a lot of 3D shoots. i heard josh talk about shooting from 3-5 yards away. some of the 3D shoots have this shot and we use our 50 yard pin. do you ?

[@bradleysloop5984]

i took a straight on frontal shot last year 5yards it deflected to right off the sternum but luckly found entry thru the ribs hit lung liver and somehow deflected down gutted the deer and stuck in the leg it was wild

[@jameslarson6040]

Can't even remember how many front shots I've taken. Every deer has died really quick. 45 yards tops. I call them breadbasket shots. It does help to try and visualize where heart is before you shoot. Even if you miss heart the arteries alone will leave a blood spray trail

[@km6731]

i nailed the humerous with a 650 and single bevel bone broadhead and got 10 inches at 46 yards broadside. FYI

[@jamesstockton3777]

40 years hunting and have taken many different shots. The frontal shot I've found is very affective and the blood trails are phenomenal. Most were 20 yards or less for deer, 30/35 on an elk. Its all about your confidence level.

[@aidenoutdoors]

Last year was my first frontal shot on a doe and I felt very confident with my heavy setup+the deer at such close range. Had a crazy blood trail and the deer made it 30 yards, was very impressed

[@brandonmiler801]

Good information here. I took a quartered towards shot a couple years back, never did find the deer. Ill never take a shot like that again.

[@tylershelton2697]

I trust my setup enough to take most shots. I got a month and 12 days to go

[@leemartin9579]

Honestly I lost one doe years ago, and it really bothered me. I try my best to only shoot close, and an angle I am comfortable with. I did not sleep well after loosing that doe, and I pray that does not happen again. Unless I am starving or something I can always come back another day.

[@classixdrummer]

As a stand hunter, I would see that if I am not up too high the frontal sweet spot opens up a down trajectory to the heart at the top of the heart and lung supply arteries. Lots of room to devastate fluid pressure at that point. The deer has to be looking up at you and straight on. Has to be within 15 yards I reckon.

[@jakeribee5827]

YAAASSSS!!!!!

[@FVPS904]

I can see THP becoming mainly a Western hunting channel in the next 5 years

[@joshuabaker4850]

Love the content wish y’all would try some different states that y’all haven’t been to maybe South Carolina, Alaska just a little change up.

[@bobamerican755]

Thoughts on salvaging meat after a frontal shot? Seems like it’s opening up guts, intestines, bladder if it goes through straight.

[@veteranironoutdoors8320]

Wash it off, it’ll be aiite.

[@lumbeewarrior1692]

I have … cross bow… in tree stand 35 yards.. big buck ran 25 yards fell over dead…

[@josephfeist1012]

So I am just getting into bow hunting and can’t get my bow to site in if that makes sense, do yall have any tips to make the bow you could say site in better?

[@deannakoa3]

Being somebody with full repeated experience with the topic and action ....Those that are against this shot dont practice it nor are educated about shot placement or vital lay . This shot when executed properly but practiced first is one of the most deadliest shot placements on the body . I feel ppl need to not only practice more and practice shot angles but they need to first boost there confidence for achery it starts there. .... Studying Vital area pictures helps a ton most dont know the bone placement on deer and how much they can get away with. Deer have less bones to worry about then the mind thinks . The deers heart lays in the middle between the lungs low in the brisket between the brisket calic hair and base of neck. your shot zone is the size of a great fruit not to mention the arota I call the ropes holds the heart in place hanging down. One major thing needs to be shared here for those to see and learn New to the game and old as for anatomy To help you better shoot deer and cervid or Bovine species . The lungs take up a 3rd of the animals body space before the diaprham intestines take up another 3rd in the rear with arteries along back line and in the hines. There is no such thing as no mans land ! period Ill be the one to tell ya . this theory of no mans land is all brainwash its an excuse used for poor shot and marginal shooter and poor decision making . But as for frontal shots this is probably one of my favorites to practice and execute in the field. The bucks cant tote the shot and the does seem to go futher bleed more and run till they crash but th ebig bucks are big babies with this shot . its A1

[@jasonluna2810]

I harvested my first deer, with an arrow, last November 7. He walked straight up to me at 13 yards. I was well hidden beneath a cedar tree. The arrow hit him in the left lower chest around 5pm. I found blood about 80 yards in, and left the areas till 2030 hours. I tracked him for over an hour and found him fully submerged in the creek, in the ravine. Hardest retrieval I’ve ever done. Massive blood clots amongst blood splatter was found along the track. I hope to never have to shoot another one head-on.

[@briargoatkilla]

My best friend and hunting partner only takes broadside or quartering away shot at 20 yds and under. I always end up giving him some meat though, so he's good.

[@Mark-zz9rt]

I took two frontal shots from a tree stand and the deer expired quickly. One shot was a pass through a the other was in 13 inches. I shoot 65 lbs bow 31 inch 400 arrow QAD exodus, Broadhead.

[@yourmomma2995]

i will never take a frontal/quartering to shot again, i learned over 40 years ago that is is a VERY low percentage shot, a deer can move quick and when it does (it will happen) you are going to be pretty upset that you wounded another deer, and you will spend days tracking without finding the deer. the animals we hunt deserve better. its a small shot to begin with and when the deer moves there is no telling where that arrow is going to hit, could be in the front leg or could be in the back ham. deer hunting is ALL about patience and if you cant hold out for a good shot, then deer hunting is not the right sport for you.

[@justinmohr4553]

Hey I've had a bull elk at 10 and still didn't get him and it was a full front shot but he saw me and still missed him and the bow was shooting over 390 but I'll sill try to take the shot and this was in the Prairie where you don't have to hide behind trees all I had was a Hill and I still missed but By about an inch and a 1/2 from his body as he turned away

[@buckespo]

Shot a 155 strait on at 25 yards. 3 bucks chasing a doe. Tried to stop them with a grunt. They all flew by. 5 minutes later the 2 big bucks come through again. Big guy trying to chase off the smaller Buck. Tried to stop him with a grunt 2 times. Finally screamed out a grunt as loud as I could. He stopped and spun facing my strait on wish front down. Ready to bolt. I had a second to try a shot I never thought I’d take. He was at my same level because he was uphill of me. I hit him an inch left of center. He jumped and calmly walked 50 feet out of site. I stayed in my stand for 20 minutes. Assuming a single lung shot. Got down at 20 minutes. No bolt from my crossbow. Tons of blood. I could see it pumping out as he walked away. Found him 50 feet away. Bolt completely buried in him. Hit 1 lung, heart with veins and took of part of the liver. Stopped short of the guts. Very effective shot but probably too much luck involved

[@DavidSmith-rf5je]

0:23 BEST. SHOT. EVER!

[@dans6476]

Just started listening and i love the pod cast, but in the truck it seems like your "guests" volume is substantially lower. Think you can bump their volume a bit? I find the volume almost maxed out on the truck and on the phone and some people still come in quiet

[@trumanmiller94]

I've killed dozens of deer, mostly with rifles. So about 5 years ago, I switched to a crossbow to hunt the bow season and every deer I've shot with it has been a frontal shot. I only hunt from the ground and have ended up calling the bucks right to me. With a crossbow that is 350 fps or faster, regardless of arrow weight, I'd take that frontal shot because the deer even at 30 yards doesn't have time to react and the crossbow is so accurate that in my case, it's a high percentage shot. To each their own. Good luck to everyone this year.

[@chuck8586]

I hunt from the ground with a crossbow, frontal shots are always on the menu out to about 25 yards. Also for a frontal shot the single lung is different as long as you go into the lung. On zacs buck it stayed real close to the ribs, but it you get through more of the center of the lung, you completely lacerate and destroy it. Unlike with a broadside or quartering too shot where youre cutting a whole through it, youre not damaging as much of the lung as you would with a frontal

[@TheHuntingPublic]

Good point and yes your correct about Zachs buck. It slid right down the edge of the rib cage

[@jhuntnfish6872]

And make sure to do final tune with the broadhead. Super close and far.

[@justinmohr4553]

Like on a beer or a I don't hope I've shot 1 at 50 yd full frontal you still hit the juggler and stuff and I've done it on a white tail but like I said in the last post an elk I tried it full frontal And I still missed at 10 yd it's all on the animal and how you look at them when they're at full front

[@Spearbeard]

True hunters know that with a properly tuned and developed arrow (Ashby) the frontal and quartering-to shots are the most lethal shots you can take.

[@FishingwithFro]

I was inexperienced and took a front shot, hit shoulder, no penetration, lost deer. I haven't tried it again but probably would in a very close situation

[@MycahMooutdoors]

My first deer was a frontal shot with a bow on a whitetail it didn’t go 20 and I’m 13

[@justinmohr4553]

Just like the say if not but if you ar good with it do it but just know the animal is faster than you think but it just like any other shot. All I can say is have fun and take it how you hunt just don't get down. I've got a few like 3 bulls with a rifle but I'm still trying to get my first with a bow I want that bow kill but just take your time and have fun