THE ONE-LUNG SHOT

When it comes to hunting whitetails, nothing beats the double-lung shot. Death comes quickly to the animal, and recovery comes effortlessly. But what happens if your broadhead or bullet passes through only one lung?

Several years ago, while I was perched in a portable stand along a strip-mined area of southern Indiana, a respectable buck approached. I nervously prepared for the close-range shot and watched intently as the arrow struck the rear portion of the shoulder blade. I wouldn’t have been concerned had the arrow penetrated completely. It would have been the typical double-lung shot. But something had gone terribly wrong. Penetration appeared to be about 5 to 6 inches, and I feared the worst — only one lung had been hit.

It was nearly an hour before I began tracking the buck. The arrow was located a short distance ahead. It had snapped off as the buck passed by a tree, confirming minimal penetration.

I’ll spare you the nitty-gritty and