shooting up hill

[romex2121]

last deer season while using the muzzle loader ( 50 cal TC ) i shot at a nice buck at around 85ta90yrds up hill and missed i just couldnt belive it,,, :shock: i bet i searcherd the area for an hour and a half looking for blood cause there was no way i missed that deer,,,,, i did this twice during the season both shots up hill and within a 100yrds,, the rifle is on ( 2" high at a 100yrds ) and theres no problems with scope or anything else,, how do you guys compensate for up hill shots ???? this has been on my mind since last season and i dont want to miss again :lol: we did tag out on our elk tho :wink:

 

[Guest]

Generally speaking, shooting uphill or downhill will result in a hit above the expected point of impact. Of course, it has to be a pretty good slope either way to make any significant difference. Even with archery shots, you have to be higher above your target than most folks climb trees. I did the math once while considering one of the angle-compensating rangefinders, and the reality is that at 22' off the ground, there's not a yard difference in line of sight versus distance over ground, out to 40yds. Even with my dinosaur bow less than a yard is within the kill zone every time, unless I just pooch the shot. For rifles, it takes a lot of slope to throw off a shot - especially at 100yds or under. I encourage you to test the gun to see where it hits on uphill shots so you know for sure, but my suspicion is that you shot over the deer's back or under. No shame in it, as we've all done it. I missed a doe at 140yds because I was excited from the stalk. I'll have to post that story here if I haven't yet.

 

[romex2121]

i do think i over shot cause i never saw any dirt or debri being kicked up,, and like you said i to was out of breath and excited from running up hill to get a shot :lol: i will get out and try a few shots up hill and see how there printing compared to shooting flat and straight,, im kinda thinking because it was a muzzle loader that up and down hill shots may be affected more due to less velocity compared to a high power rifle,,,,

 

[Elkman]

romex
Over the years I have found that when I rush or hurry the shot regardless of up hill, down hill or level, that my opportunity for a miss or poor hit is generally much higher. I have missed a couple of animals with down hill shots but they were virtually straight down. Good form, concentration and a good trigger squeeze, makes a big difference. Its well worth that extra 1/2 to 1 second to get it right.

 

[romex2121]

romex
Over the years I have found that when I rush or hurry the shot regardless of up hill, down hill or level, that my opportunity for a miss or poor hit is generally much higher. I have missed a couple of animals with down hill shots but they were virtually straight down. Good form, concentration and a good trigger squeeze, makes a big difference. Its well worth that extra 1/2 to 1 second to get it right.

point well taken :wink:

 

[Desert Fox]

You probably bangled the shot. 90 yards is not that significant but then again you're shooting a muzzleloader. What do I know, I haven't hunted with muzzleloader. Aim low when shooting uphill or downhill.