Texas Heart shot

[Hugger-4641]

So, I had this conversation with a co-worker recently and I explained some reasons why I won't take one. This video is a few years old but he does a good job explaining hydrostatic vs hydraulic shock and touching on other reasons why you shouldn't take that shot on a deer.
Thought I'd share it for any newer hunters or anyone who doesn't know why it's a bad idea.

 

[fordy]

Gday hugger
I'm not sold on it's a bad idea
& it's a shot that we should all understand on how to do it or variations of it

So let me explain my thoughts & position
For a meat hunter it still can be good & trophy hunter most definitely on culls it's where you find it's useful a lot of times also

So how is it a good idea because you get to recover your critter if you do it correctly & use the appropriate pill for your choice of shot placement

Still not convinced I'd be thinking
Well let's take these type of shots

going for the high shoulder shot you've hit actually above the spine & give the critter spine shock & it collapses on impact & you think all good start going over to critter & it gets up & starts moving to heavy cover or swamps etc & your left with one option of now or never & all you see is the tailpipe

So do you shoot or not shoot & punch your tag hoping the critter survives or take that shot

Yes I'm taking that shot as I don't really know with a 100% I was high as it may have been a pill failure also or a low shot breaking the front leg or a shot that was to far back in the ribs yes sir I'm a bad shot & can't pick 100% of the time exactly where the pill went ( I'm not that bad of a shot but I have shot enough to know Murphy will get you eventually )

So now to actual placement
Jarrod in the video is correct on some parts with certain pills but placement on different types of pills is critical to understanding what they do & what you need that pill to do

Aiming for a perfect tailpipe involves basically shooting the pill through up the anus & through the pelvis hole & not busting bone & this is very limited on pill choices & calibers to get it done effortlessly & consistently which the critter basically won't move yes it collapses on the spot

Now also if you do that as jarrod said with a lot of the pills you guys use ( don't know yours ) you will get that basically gut shot critter that will take a long time to die
Yet if you aim to the side ( nearest leg if it's on a slight angle ) where the leg bone & pelvis meet you hit that & even with a frangible it will immobilise the critter quickly
& if you take the femoral artery out it's pretty quick killing considering all things
Now yes you'll loose meat but better that than the whole critter right

Here's one that bangflop from a single shot & this critter was a cull & had to go due to poor genetics for which only shot offered after a couple hours

& here's another that was immobilised extremely quickly

So I like to show people all angles & dosent matter on type of bullet as I'll take that shot with a frangible no worries just need to change my point of impact a touch but predominantly the monos do a better job if you choose wisely also but a true good solid that shots pretty incredible how quickly it puts a critter down
The deer was a 30 cal
Bovine was a 375
Move to 50 cal & that's my problem solver lol

Just something to think on but understand anatomy & pill capabilities is one that is advisable

Just how I go about things & understand not for everyone but a valuable tool one may need one day if not someone will is my motto

So I don't dismiss the Texas shot but it's also not my go to if I have a choice

No offence intended just showing options

Cheers

 

[Brathany]

I ultimately agree with that presenter, but that video was about 10 minutes too long to get to the point. I would also like to know what mammals aren't "water based". Sounds like someone who likes to make things up to make themselves look credible.

@fordy points out the best way to TX heart shot in that you don't run it up right through the anus and guts. I'm still not a fan, but at least that's a better option. I would just make sure to use enough gun for that job.

 

[Turpentine21]

Just never liked the Texas heart shot. If I can't wait for a better angle I prefer going over the back and hitting the base of the neck. Or even a head shot.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I've never had a deer that didn't turn and give me a better angle if I yelled at it.
I've gut shot enough deer to know it can ruin meat, can ruin the taste of meat, and definitely unpleasant to dress. Things happen sometimes, but it's a slower more painful death that I'm going to avoid if possible.

 

[Hugger-4641]

I ultimately agree with that presenter, but that video was about 10 minutes too long to get to the point. I would also like to know what mammals aren't "water based". Sounds like someone who likes to make things up to make themselves look credible.

@fordy points out the best way to TX heart shot in that you don't run it up right through the anus and guts. I'm still not a fan, but at least that's a better option. I would just make sure to use enough gun for that job.

You are taking for granted that most people know our bodies are composed mostly of water. He explained it in more detail than you or I needed because he's aware there are so many who actually do not understand basic anatomy or ballistics.

 

[VinceMule]

Texas heart shots have killed quick with the Barnes TSX and TTSX that I have used in 85g 6mm, and 140g 7mm. The 85g traveled the length of the body and was under the hide on front shoulder. The 140s were never found on 100-120 lb does.