Shooting straight down from treestand

[Red Tailed Hawk]

This past season I had a shot on a doe in the early season that I passed on. The shot would have been relativley straight down and I have never practiced that shot before. Is this shot possible and if so what is the proper form? I know to bend at the waist but my waist doesnt bend that far.

[rastaman]

An old thread on the subject  

If it is truly a straight down shot, that is usually a recipe for disaster from my experience.  Now if you are talking 6-8 yards out from the base of your stand, that's different.  
i avoid straight down shots.

[Friend]

Hi percentage shot but a much lower percentage recovery. Even a good shot will yield only one lung hit. If there is no pass thru then be ready for some major testing of your tracking skills that can very well end up being futile. Even a pass thru may still yield a lost animal.

The animal deserves better. Please continue to consider passing on future straight down shot opportunies.

[EL Mejor]

PASS AND WAIT TILL NEXT TIME,,,U MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE,,,

[Knawbone]

My rule is to never shoot straight down.What El Mejor said. The last buck I past up on two years ago because he was right under my stand,I killed last year, the only difference - 11 points and a 16" spread.

[hvyhitter]

Something I never do anymore...I wait till about 10 yds out. That way I am more likely to get a peice of both lungs instead of just one or the other.

[Dave Thaxton]

MANY years ago in my compound days I took that shot and spined a buck. I had to step over him to get out of the stand for a finisher. NOT A GOOD FEELING and I will NEVER take that shot again.

Dave