Digital cameras have changed a lot. I agree about taking lots of pics from all kinds of angles, no reason not to.
I do this a lot while bird hunting and trying to get pics of my dog. Just snap away, you may get one keeper out of a hundred, but its worth it.
11/25/14
I've always admired Dr.Deer's photos of his kills and how he captures the hunt.
I'm planning to add a decent digital camera and small tripod to my pack this year.
This photo is one of my best, of course, after many seasons of practice. I prepare for the photos, as part of the hunt. I pack a tripod, spare batteries and a flash diffuser(to soften the harsh flash light). I pack a dedicated camera w/tripod, and, another camera for quick draw/handy use.
Three years ago I had a bear come in to my stand in Pennsylvania. It was out of bear season. I grabbed my camera and started video. As he moved below me, the neck strap fouled, and in freeing it, I accidentally hit the trigger again and stopped the video. I watched him through the monitor screen for his whole visit, but the camera had stopped, and all I had was a fraction of the time he spent looking up at me and sniffing around the area. I felt foolish, but was thankful for the footage I had.
As hunters we see things out there that many other people will never see. To capture the moment, for memories sake and to share, is almost as exciting as the hunt.
This buck was one I will never forget. The outcome of this hunt was uncertain, until this moment when I found him. Thank you Lord.
9/15/2013 a.m. hunt.
This doe came in during an evening hunt to eat leaves off a sapling I snapped in half blocking a shooting lane, after I shot the morning piebald deer.
I didn't shoot this 2 Year old either
Guide said there was a monster double drop in the area. I did shoot one similar to this one the last day 148" 9 pt 285#'s
That shot is a perfect meat shot. Punch through the rib cage, avoid destroying the shoulders. It is ideal. I may even push it back another couple of inches to make sure I avoid the shoulders.
No sense tearing up shoulder meat, and besides - you're giving the taxidermist more to work with...
Agree with SWK, though, that you really have to be good at noticing when the animal is not quite as perfectly broadside as you might want to believe at first blush. I've only once had an entrance wound too far back... but there were a few exits that were not at all what I was expecting.
In the top pic, with a bow, I'd split the gap between the forelegs
You can bring the meat home, its just so expensive to package it and bring it on the plane.
Shooting from a solid rest at a broadside deer, I just couldn't bring myself to intentionally destroy the shoulders and waste that much meat though.
A .54 RB is most impressive on deer, but I'm not sure I'd try to put a .50 through the shoulders and I'd definitely steer clear with a .45.
I just choose my shots like a bowhunter pretty much all the time and that keeps me out of trouble.
Don't take this the wrong way, but were they somewhat tame backyard variety or something?
Most of the time when I am hunting squirrels in the woods, no way would I have an opportunity with a bow. I am lucky to have one with the gun.
What bow, head, arrow, etc did you use?
Next time just act like a nut.
I've had the opportunities, but, usually I don't want to make a noise and alert any nearby deer. Also, I once shot a squirrel with a blunt, and he laid near the base of my tree crying. I shot him again and it silenced him, for two minutes. Finally I climbed down and stomped his head in, not pretty, not fun.
Steve, I'm sure we all have pictures like your first one. I know I do. I think the Dr. was not looking for something that resembles a crime scene. Just sayin'.
