I’ll chime in, First off, I know I’ve told you before but I love when you post! The best reads always.Back to the story. I would and do take that shot with a rifle all day long, in fact, the buck I killed Thursday night was just that and I dropped him. The one thing I don’t like, is where you said “slightly forward”. I’d be willing to bet you ended up hitting opposite shoulder with nothing vital hit and that deer just lost some blood and got a haircut, and got a bit smarter ( probably not) he wasn’t in his right mind. When I take those I aim top of shoulder and they drop! Way to much shock and you cut the artery done in seconds and if you mess up you are hitting something vital. If anything I’d want to hit further back not forward, even if you go back your gonna get Liver/gut and that’s a dead deer. Go forward and it also may die but in a few weeks. What Caliber, grain, and bullet?
Quarterings twords you is definitely tough shot on deer especially when they are on the move because tendency is to squeeze trigger when it comes into sights. This typically results in brisket or opposite shoulder nothing vital blood couple hundred yards and peters out unfortunately know from experience. Definitely need to shoot for exit pull back a little like AA said otherwise that white patch on throat drops em in there tracks. Not as big of Target but a 180 core lock will have enough concussion even if you didn't hit wind pipe or spine will flop around enough to put another one into em
You probably don’t remember but you once told me years ago “ just keep things in perspective to survive, eventually you find a way to thrive.” I’ve lived by that as well since. May good fortunes come to you this tail end of the season.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestpracticeguides.org.uk%2Fculling%2Fshot-placement%2F&psig=AOvVaw2Gu_kDAaA_3vsVjqAuePEw&ust=1606088071638000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCJCH_MbmlO0CFQAAAAAdAAAAABADI kinda like this link has a great chart on shot placement showing how those vital areas can be small targets at certain angles. Make no mistake that deer cheated death for the time being. I use the 180's for moose and drop to 165 for deer. Tough animals sometimes they win the game just like fishing. My first shot this year hit a little back in the ribs and never exited, saw the deer fold in half and drop in my scope, start walking up there he gets up and walks over the ridge F#&K! Not one drop of blood but I was fortunate enough to finally get a second shot.Don't think it too hard get out there and give em hell.