Where to Shoot a Deer: Shot Placement for Every Angle
Where to shoot a deer from every angle, rifle and bow: the double-lung zone, the shots to pass on, and how long to wait before tracking.
Field-to-table reference desk
From tag to table — official season dates for all 50 states, plus safe doneness temps for your harvest.
Hunting seasons
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Deer | Sep–Oct | Nov |
| Elk | Sep | Oct–Nov |
| Turkey | — | Apr–May |
All 50 state wildlife agencies, plus how seasons, tags and licenses work.
Find your state → NetworkWild game doneness
| Doneness | Target |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125–130°F |
| Medium-rare | 130–135°F |
| Well-done | 160°F+ |
Safe pull temps for venison and steak, from Popular BBQ.
View full chart →Reader Favorites
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