[kevin]

I'm trying to get out for the first time deer hunting w/ a buddy. I've got a 16 guage that needs some work so will not likely take it. My only other option is my ruger vaquero .44 magnum. I know its legal, and plenty powerful. I'm also a good shot with it. any advice or recommendation for handgun hunting?

[Omegaman]

Heck kevin that 44 mag would be a good start. The only draw back with the vaquero are its sights, if I am right they are fixed front blade and rear frame notch. So at least for me I would not be making any real long shots. I use to hunt with a ruger super black hawk hunter with 7.5 barrel and a 2.5 scope. With hornedy hollow points it would put deer down for me.

[WoodsCustom]

Sounds like a PRIME reason to go buy you a good Remington 700 with a Leupold scope.

WC

[Celticwarrior]

Yup, a good Remington, or a Mossberg. Or if you can get a rifle like a 30-06 or 30-30. Often you can check the big chains this time of year for good savings or check your local pawn shop for bargains. As for handgun hunting, yes the 44 will do the job, but only at relatively close range, similar to bow hunting. The lack of a long, rifled barrel means the round won't go far without beginning to tumble. Good in a heavy brush situation where cover allows camoflauge, but not so good if you are hunting open fields. Also, check your local hunting laws. While carrying a handgun in the field may be permitted, often making the kill shot (unless it is coup de gras) with that handgun is prohibited. Some states won't even let you carry a handgun into the field for that reason. Another choice that is relatively inexpensive would be a modern blackpowder rifle. Low cost compared to standard rifles and shottys, but it can be very rewarding. The ball is usually high caliber, and the rifled barrel is superior to using a handgun for distance.

Just some choices, but the most important thing is to get out there and have fun. Being on a hunt is something most people have forgotten in this day of prepackaged foods and squeemishness at the sight of blood. We forget where our food comes from and the skills it used to take to provide it for ourselves and our families. Being out there in the elements, scent of fall leaves and approaching winter on the breeze, the rustling of game in the forest around you, and the feeling of being ALIVE in that moment....you can't explain it adequately, and you can never truly experience it in any other way but to actually be there doing it.

[garret]

the sun rising throught the leaves of the surrounding bush, an eddy of mist swirling around in the lower lying areas, the call of the dawn chorus.

the best bits of hunting in my opinion.

as to caliber, would a .308 not do what you need to do, cheap enough to buy and ammo is plentyfull

[Omegaman]

Hey kevin if you have to buy a new gun I would look in to a slug gun either 12 or 20 gauge just because you are not that far from me and a lot of the towns in our areas are shot gun only. With a good rifled slug gun like mossberg 500 or remington 870 you can reach out and touch a deer at 100 yards. They come in combo packs with a slug barrel and a field barrel, so you with 1 gun you can hunt deer , birds or small game. Dick's had a mossberg deer and field combo for $259. I picked up a single shot rifled shot gun made by NF with a bushnell scope for $75.00 . For long guns up here I know what we sell the most of are 30-06, 308, 270, 7mm mag, 300 win mag, 30-30 and by far the 30-06 is the best seller. You can hunt in NH. & ME with a pistol of approved caliber.

[kevin]

Originally Posted by WoodsCustom

Sounds like a PRIME reason to go buy you a good Remington 700 with a Leupold scope.

WC

its a money issue, if it was no obstacle i'd have all the guns on the market!!

[kevin]

Originally Posted by Celticwarrior

Being out there in the elements, scent of fall leaves and approaching winter on the breeze, the rustling of game in the forest around you, and the feeling of being ALIVE in that moment....you can't explain it adequately, and you can never truly experience it in any other way but to actually be there doing it.

thats what I'm so excited for. I figured I'd have to be in "bow" range. I'm not really trying to maximize my chances of success, otherwise I'd borrow someones shotgun rather than use my own gun. it is legal in NH, and my Town.

[kevin]

Originally Posted by Omegaman

They come in combo packs with a slug barrel and a field barrel, so you with 1 gun you can hunt deer , birds or small game.

thats exactly what a want long term when I have $. right now I do have a single shot 20 guage and an old 16 guage semi-auto that my godfather gave me (over 50 years old). my buddy was an armorer in Marines and will be cleaning it up for me, so its not an option right now. would the single shot 20 guage be a better option for me than the .44 mag?

[stairman]

I had a 44 saddle rifle but it got stolen. Hell of a bush gun. As for the pistol, personally I wouldnt hunt with it. Range is too short. If you see Bulwinkle out at 50 yards your screwed. And if you havent aimed at many critters to kill your gonna be all over the place with the sites and a bad shot is likely. Ive seen single shot 12 guages at pawn shops for 75 bucks. If you did use the handgun, set up 20 yards off the trail where several meet [basically a bow set up]. a treestand or blind will help keep suttle movements from being noticed. If you hunt off the ground, have camo gloves and a facenet that at least covers your nose and below. Trail intersections[the more the better] are your best bet.