In the past, I preferred a heart/lung shot about 1/3 up just behind the leg. The animals usually ran about 80 yards, but minimal meat was wasted.

A couple of years ago my health deteriorated preventing my walking much distance, let alone through dense woods. I switched to high shoulder shots through both shoulder blades if possible, using premium bonded core bullets. The spinal cord usually gets hit by either the bullet or bone fragments. Some meat is wasted, but it is a minimal amount. Bang. Flop. No running.

I won't comment on head/neck shots except to say no shot should be taken unless it is 100%. That's why I have always favored shooting at the largest part of the deer that would produce a fatal shot. We owe our prey a quick death regardless of whether or not we are shooting game animals or vermin.