Timing the shot

[Deermanagement]

After watching some videos where quite a few shots have been taken on moving animal, just walking pace but nevertheless still moving, prompted me to check how far deer can possibly move if the shot is not timed well. Of course distance contributes to additional movement so just run a couple of number on the following scenarios:-

1. 100 yds, deer takes a step at walking pace, e.g 3mph
2 200 yds, same movement
3. 300 yards, same again

Assuming average time of flight based on 0.1s every 100 yards and a triggering delay, say 0.05 secs (some will be slightly quicker but more will be slower, the movement that takes place at these ranges are:-

1. 7.92"
2. 13.2"
3. 18.48"

It's important those who have not watched many deer, to learn as much as possible, which can be in the field or by watching video, about when a deer may remain a stationery target for a finite amount of time. They need to be aware of the consequences if this can't be judged. A rough visual of impact should deer take a step with a perfect shot and no windage effect to boot shown on the pics

 

[Deermanagement]

Had a Sika pricket shot by a colleague this autumn at about 100 yds just as it moved and also put the shot a little low. SST it may have been from a 243 but it pencilled through and I was luck to locate it some 70 yds into cover where it could be finished. Sometimes experienced shots will take a deer when then know it's just about to move into cover especially, but should always have the presence of mind to place the shot forward of the usual POA

 

[HonestJohn]

I think, with experience, you will learn the movements of different deer species and know exactly when they are in a position where it’s highly unlikely they will ‘move’..it’s about having shot enough deer and just ‘knowing’ when the right point in time is for not only the right shot placement, but when the deer is at a natural point of rest between their regular movement patterns. This offers the lowest chance of ‘bad timing’

 

[Heym SR20]

It’s also a good reason to get as close as you can. In my experience deer are often moving.

However it is perfectly possible to learn to shot walking and running deer. Reds trot it a straight line so are much. Roe tend to bound so more difficult. Most running shots on driven type hunts are within 50m. And you err on the side of shooting in front.

 

[cjm1066]

Also is the deer square on to you, if at a slight angle it's easy to increase damage. I also don't like a leg back.

 

[VSS]

Also is the deer square on to you,

They rarely are.

 

[Sash]

After watching some videos where quite a few shots have been taken on moving animal, just walking pace but nevertheless still moving, prompted me to check how far deer can possibly move if the shot is not timed well. Of course distance contributes to additional movement so just run a couple of number on the following scenarios:-

1. 100 yds, deer takes a step at walking pace, e.g 3mph
2 200 yds, same movement
3. 300 yards, same again

Assuming average time of flight based on 0.1s every 100 yards and a triggering delay, say 0.05 secs (some will be slightly quicker but more will be slower, the movement that takes place at these ranges are:-

1. 7.92"
2. 13.2"
3. 18.48"

It's important those who have not watched many deer, to learn as much as possible, which can be in the field or by watching video, about when a deer may remain a stationery target for a finite amount of time. They need to be aware of the consequences if this can't be judged. A rough visual of impact should deer take a step with a perfect shot and no windage effect to boot shown on the pics

Thank you: this is a really good visualisation of an important subject.

I try to aim well in front of the front leg, i.e. with a gap, when a deer is walking. But I have shot too many too far back, so know my technique is poor. Or, at least, inconsistent.

I also try whistling, to cause the deer to stop for a second or so. But, unlike my mentor, who taught me this trick, and could do it every time, I am often too excited/nervous to be able to whistle while holding the rifle in the aim!

 

[25 Sharps]

Thank you: this is a really good visualisation of an important subject.

I try to aim well in front of the front leg, i.e. with a gap, when a deer is walking. But I have shot too many too far back, so know my technique is poor. Or, at least, inconsistent.

I also try whistling, to cause the deer to stop for a second or so. But, unlike my mentor, who taught me this trick, and could do it every time, I am often too excited/nervous to be able to whistle while holding the rifle in the aim!

So just shout, ‘Oi’

 

[VSS]

So just shout, ‘Oi’

Or "Ha!".
I find that more effective than a mere "Oi".

 

[Lancaster]

After watching some videos where quite a few shots have been taken on moving animal, just walking pace but nevertheless still moving, prompted me to check how far deer can possibly move if the shot is not timed well. Of course distance contributes to additional movement so just run a couple of number on the following scenarios:-

1. 100 yds, deer takes a step at walking pace, e.g 3mph
2 200 yds, same movement
3. 300 yards, same again

Assuming average time of flight based on 0.1s every 100 yards and a triggering delay, say 0.05 secs (some will be slightly quicker but more will be slower, the movement that takes place at these ranges are:-

1. 7.92"
2. 13.2"
3. 18.48"

It's important those who have not watched many deer, to learn as much as possible, which can be in the field or by watching video, about when a deer may remain a stationery target for a finite amount of time. They need to be aware of the consequences if this can't be judged. A rough visual of impact should deer take a step with a perfect shot and no windage effect to boot shown on the pics

There is also the option, if you aren't being pushed to achieve cull targets, to not take the shot at all, but on a group of Hinds with calves sometimes you don't have that option.
People should know their limitations of experience and ability and shoot within them.

 

[Deermanagement]

So just shout, ‘Oi’

Works 100%, well, it never spooks them into running but sometimes it requires more than one call with increasing volume. I think the tone of that call tends to hold their attention without worrying them too much, deer or fox

 

[Bo Diddley]

I am often too excited/nervous to be able to whistle while holding the rifle in the aim!

Try and spend more time watching and observing deer. What you are saying above is not ideal, deer are simple creatures, and the more you understand them the calmer you will feel when you decide to pull the trigger, this will be better for you and the deer.

 

[25 Sharps]

Or "Ha!".
I find that more effective than a mere "Oi".

Oi has always worked for me whether it’s fallow or a fox determined to run into me whilst squeaking!

 

[bullet chucker]

Just thought reading all the comments, you must have to keep moving forward with your aim as with a shotgun when you release the shot ?

BC.

 

[jall55]

Works 100%, well, it never spooks them into running but sometimes it requires more than one call with increasing volume. I think the tone of that call tends to hold their attention without worrying them too much, deer or fox

We were just on about this tonight
I shoot quite a number of foxes and always shout to get the fox to stand and usually look at me broadside - i shoot most at circa 80- 100 m but i do have a good number run - maybe only a pace or two - sometimes 20
Im using a varmint round and the shot can be devastating but still they run

I was musing with my friend tonight whether its because i shout they are on high alert with adrenaline already pumping

 

[Deermanagement]

We were just on about this tonight
I shoot quite a number of foxes and always shout to get the fox to stand and usually look at me broadside - i shoot most at circa 80- 100 m but i do have a good number run - maybe only a pace or two - sometimes 20
Im using a varmint round and the shot can be devastating but still they run

I was musing with my friend tonight whether its because i shout they are on high alert with adrenaline already pumping

Maybe, but been amazed how often at distance the shout of oi.....OI......OI increasing the volume and eventually it'll be a nonchalant look as if to say "what's all this shouting" I believe it's better than whistling or any other call I've seen done on video? Maybe it's my tone

 

[jall55]

Maybe, but been amazed how often at distance the shout of oi.....OI......OI increasing the volume and eventually it'll be a nonchalant look as if to say "what's all this shouting" I believe it's better than whistling or any other call I've seen done on video? Maybe it's my tone

Yes i do agree - never seem to run
I have tried in the decades past a whistle or even a squeek and sometimes they have run for the hills
Never - ever had that with an Oi !

 

[Foxyboy43]

Maybe, but been amazed how often at distance the shout of oi.....OI......OI increasing the volume and eventually it'll be a nonchalant look as if to say "what's all this shouting" I believe it's better than whistling or any other call I've seen done on video? Maybe it's my tone

Hmm.
Very interesting to see what distance does to movement - thanks for posting.
Personally I find the shouting volume increases exponentially immediately after the shot when I realise that yet again I forgot the record button! Needless to say on those occasions neither Oi or Ha are used…..

 

[25 Sharps]

Thank you: this is a really good visualisation of an important subject.

I try to aim well in front of the front leg, i.e. with a gap, when a deer is walking. But I have shot too many too far back, so know my technique is poor. Or, at least, inconsistent.

I also try whistling, to cause the deer to stop for a second or so. But, unlike my mentor, who taught me this trick, and could do it every time, I am often too excited/nervous to be able to whistle while holding the rifle in the aim!

Have to say, if you still get that exited / nervous then you probably shouldn’t be shooting at moving deer!

 

[John Gryphon]

Maybe, but been amazed how often at distance the shout of oi.....OI......OI

preceded by Aussie Aussie Aussie.