[LaRemnant]

Originally Posted by kevin

I'm not really trying to maximize my chances of success, otherwise I'd borrow someones shotgun rather than use my own gun.

If you don't have in mind the desire to maximize your chances of kill success, then there is a good chance you might wound the animal and have it run off to die slowly, in a hole somewhere you can't locate, and that is frowned upon by not only the powers that be, but most hunters too IMHO.

Not to sound politically correct, but it is just good form to at least do everything in your power to provide the animal a quick death, as painless as possible. I understand in a survival sitution that is not an option at times (if at all!). Like the movie Deer Hunter. One shot, one kill. Just showing wildlife the respect it deserves.

[stairman]

Larem, what are you gonna hunt with a 44 that will wind up in a hole? Maybe a cave I know hog hunters that have 44's as a sidearm. If I wasent really interested in the kill but wanted the experience, Id arm myself with a camera. Still an adrenlin rush and alot less work and mess.

[kevin]

Originally Posted by LaRemnant

If you don't have in mind the desire to maximize your chances of kill success, then there is a good chance you might wound the animal and have it run off to die slowly, in a hole somewhere you can't locate, and that is frowned upon by not only the powers that be, but most hunters too IMHO.

come on Larem you should know better I'm not trying to minimize my chances of a clean kill! I wouldn't be taking a shot outside my appropriate range, hence my chances of getting a deer are minimized cuz I won't take one that I might have been able to hit at longer range w/ a rifle. I'm not a schmuck going out haphazard w/ a pea shooter trying to kill a deer w/ a headshot at 200 yards!

[LaRemnant]

I was just saying. I've personally known guys (they were not my "friends" though) who have admitted haphazardly shooting at a deer, and then when the deer took off, they ran after it practically falling here and there and shooting the deer in the ass until they finally caught up with it to finish the job... a half hour later.

I am sure you're TOTALLY not like that, so again, I was just saying. I've never hunted (in the traditional sense) EVER in my whole life, so just take what I say with a grain of salt please. More than likely I misread that!!!

[ozarks dave]

i use a remington .270 winchester. excellent rifle for most hunting purposes. my dad hunted black bear with it for years, elk, deer, even took down a boar. ive used this rifle since i was 7 yrs old. i know there are more practical deer rifles out there, but this is my favorite and what im accustomed to using. my brother prefers his savage .300. we both run leupold scopes, and for my sidearm i carry his ruger blackhawk .44 mag and he carries a glock .40 cal.

also i would like to take the time to let everyone know i may not be on for a few days as im heading down to my property in teh ozarks sunday night to start my season monday morning. season actually started this morning but i have other priorities. ill try to keep you updated on any kills if i can get a signal from my aircard out in the boonies. im so giddy i cant wait! not to mention the weather is finally starting to turn colder!
im really wanting to bag me a buck or two and use the antlers for firesteel handles lol. being a property owner me, my wife and any immediate family can tag a buck on my property. sweeet. catch you all later

and good luck kevin. if its your first kill dont forget you have to drink the blood or eat the heart. its a rule.

[Camdor]

I, too, recommend the Rem.

Now, keep in mind, I don't currently hunt deer with a gun, strictly my Matthew's.

Whatever caliber you choose, brother, just remember to enjoy the real reason to be out there, in my opinion. Enjoy the time outside, putting yourself to the test against Nature.

For me, hunting is less about bagging the game, although there's nothing really like harvesting a monster buck or bull, but the stalk and testing my own personal limits, just going one on one.

I know it sounds like I'm waxing philosophic, but that is what hunting is about for me.

If it were me, I'd go with what several have recommended. I used a Remington 30-30 with a Leupold 3x9 scope.

In addition to the chains and pawn shops, I've had good success with Craig's List here in Macon.

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

I use .270 for deer as well. Mines a Savage. I use 150 mgrain corelok I do not like ballistic tips for deer.

[Bladed]

you can find a Mosin Nagant for around $100, it's a 7.62x54 round. you can get loads from 144 grain to 230 grain. It's basically the Russian version of the 30-06. Kicks like hell so be sure to get a recoil pad for it.

[NightShade]

Kevin, I often deer hunt in N.H.
I use a Browning A bolt 30-06 in rifle season
I use a 50 caliber T-C Omega in blackpowder season

More expensive options... but....Both have served me very well in Carroll County!!!

[kevin]

Originally Posted by NightShade

Kevin, I often deer hunt in N.H.
I use a Browning A bolt 30-06 in rifle season
I use a 50 caliber T-C Omega in blackpowder season

More expensive options... but....Both have served me very well in Carroll County!!!

thanks. looks like I've got some good info for when I eventually get a hunting rifle.