Overview
Cyber Deer is the most advanced deer anatomy and shot placement tool available. It was created to train new and experienced hunters about organ and skeleton locations and proper shot angles for deer. Cyber Deer is a computer-generated hunter education software package. It is not a video game, but it is a fantastic tool for any hunter to practice effective shot choices or re-create a real hunt from the past.
Cyber Deer users can simulate both ground and tree stand hunting scenarios by selecting different distances and heights from the target – a mature whitetail buck. Users can also select to use a rifle or bow, and the software will account for appropriate shot angles and placement by weapon type. Users can rotate the deer and receive instant feedback on shot angles before the shot. Users can then “shoot” the deer and receive advice on their shot attempt and shot placement. The user also receives feedback on what their shot hit, and the path of the shot remains on the screen to assess the shot and provide training opportunities. Cyber Deer can also be shared with groups by using a PowerPoint projector, making it a great tool for teaching new and experienced hunters about effective shot choices.
Taking a Shot
After users select their weapon of choice (rifle or bow), they can rotate the deer to simulate various shot angles. A color bar and comments appear on the top of the screen describing when the deer is at a “great”, “good”, or “too narrow” of an angle for a recommended shot. This is the first training opportunity. Next, the user positions the sight on the deer and shoots.
Evaluating the Shot
Users can view a description of the shot. Each shot receives an attempt rating (recommended or not recommended) based on placement of the sight with respect to the deer’s position relative to the hunter. This is the second training opportunity. Each shot also receives a shot rating (great, good or poor) based on what the shot hit. This is the third training opportunity. Users can view the parts of the deer hit by the shot (heart, lungs, liver, diaphragm, rumen, skeleton and skin), and they can remove the skin, skeleton and/or specific organs to view how the shot entered and exited the deer. Users can also zoom in or out and rotate the deer to view the shot from multiple angles.
Other Controls
After assessing the shot, users can reload and shoot the deer again, assess the shot, reload, etc. Users can select to shoot a walking or standing deer and see how proper shot placement changes based on position of the front leg. They can also adjust the hunter’s height (0 to 50 feet above ground) and distance from the deer (7 to 50 yards). Finally, users can select one of four preset deer views (full, x-ray, bone and organ).
Cyber Deer is a great training tool and it is currently being used by hunters and hunter education instructors across the whitetail’s range. It is also used in the Archery Trade Association’s Explore Bowhunting educational program. It is QDMA’s goal to have a copy of Cyber Deer in every deer camp, hunt club and hunter education program in North America. Cyber Deer can help new and experienced hunters make more knowledgeable and ethical shot placement decisions, and more knowledgeable hunters are better stewards of our natural resources and better ambassadors for hunting.
