It will kill a cow or a hog if placed properly, or even if misplaced. If the animal is gut shot, it will die, but not leave a blood trail. It is a slow and agonizing death due to the infection that will set in from the punctured gut. I know because i had some cattle shot this way back in the 60s by some mfsobs looking for fun. We uses 22 shorts to kill hogs to butcher but it was close range (1-2 inches) betwen the eyes so yes it will kill a deer.
