Shoot a deer in the lungs, and it’ll die. They simply can’t survive with deflated lungs. That’s why the lungs make for the quickest and most humane target on a deer’s body. But most hunters don’t have a clear understanding of how a deer’s lungs lay in the body. Nor do they realize just how big the inflated lungs of a live deer truly are. This, of course, is understandable since all we ever see are deflated lungs in a gut pile.
However, the video below gives a great perspective on the truth about a deer’s lungs. You’ll see how big they are in relation to the ribcage when inflated, as well as what it takes to deflate them. Check it out in this very informative video from the crew at Timberland Outfitters.
Keep in Mind
- A deer’s lungs are much larger when inflated, completely filling the ribcage.
- A deer can live with one lung. A double-lung shot is the goal.
- A deer’s spine sits much lower than what most hunters think. What some hunters may call the spine, or “no-man’s land,” is actually just backstraps.
What about you? What were your thoughts on a deer’s lungs prior to watching this video?
Comment below, and let us know what you think.
