[quote]Drunkard wrote:
Thanks for the info. The vast majority of hunting I’d do would be in IL or WI. [/quote]
You can’t hunt deer with a rifle in Illinois. Shotguns, muzzle loaders, and centerfire revolvers only.
I have no idea about Wisconsin.[/quote]
I found out about this law a while back and it’s totally ridiculous. All it does is force guys to spend thousands of dollars to rig up a fully rifled slug gun with a fancy scope which ends up being just as accurate and lethal out to 300 yards, about as far as anybody is shooting anyway. They solve nothing and just jack the cost of hunting through the roof.
Deer rifles are very legal in Wisconsin, and I would suggest a 308.[/quote]
Do you have any idea about the reasoning behind it?[/quote]
The claim is because of population density, but you can easily outfit a modern blackpowder for 200 yards and they are legal. Some of you guys must be talking in feet not yards, a 12 gauge shooting 3-1/2 mags with a rifled sabot is not accurate much over 100 yds.
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Most of the dedicated deer hunting slug guns are in 20 ga, and while 300 yards is probably an exaggeration 200-250 is easily doable. Check out the Savage Model 220F.[/quote]
While I don’t disagree that with a bit of luck anyone can lob one in, this article places the 220f reliable range at 165 yds. Pretty respectable but not 250.
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
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See that’s why we have to hunt down those destructive fuckers. Next year I’m planning on getting a permit to reduce crop damage, they are eating the hell out of my Sumac and Quaking Aspen.[/quote]
Exactly.
Not to mention the numbers of highway human deaths these hoofed assholes cause by not observing safe crossing practices. [/quote]
It is a very real problem where I live. I have forty five minute commute at 5:30 am, through woods and farmland that is a veritable gauntlet. Just replaced my truck because I have had four deer collisions in the last four years.
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I read stats that say an average of 100 highway deaths occur yearly because of deer. One article I read said you can lessen your chances of death by leaning against your driver side door (so the upright holding the windshield becomes a barrier) as you drive through known deer country.
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Population control for deer is very necessary.
Does it ever get old being an insufferable liberal?
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WTF are you talking about?
WHERE DID I SAY I WAS AGAINST KILLING DEER?
Read before writing you insufferable ignorant right-winger.
What about using bows or crossbows? Is it harder to get a good deer. I ran into a few people here that say it is. But it seemed like someone talking themself up more then true facts.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
What about using bows or crossbows? Is it harder to get a good deer. I ran into a few people here that say it is. But it seemed like someone talking themself up more then true facts. [/quote]
You do have to get much closer and be more accurate. Bowhunting would not be nearly as popular or successful without baitpiles.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
What about using bows or crossbows? Is it harder to get a good deer. I ran into a few people here that say it is. But it seemed like someone talking themself up more then true facts. [/quote]
You do have to get much closer and be more accurate. Bowhunting would not be nearly as popular or successful without baitpiles.[/quote]
That is a crop you plant in the spring to attract dear to eat it so you can set them up near your tree stand?
I thought you use antler sounds and attractants to get them to come closer?
Michigan has a “Mason Dixon” line. North of the line you can use a rifle, south of it you can only use a shotgun.
I grew up in the southern zone, and never came across a situation where I wish I had a rifle while deer hunting. The shotgun, properly barreled and sighted, does the job.
As an aside, when I finally changed my state residence from Michigan my car insurance rates went down. When I asked why, I was told that my risk of hitting deer is nil. Not everything is cheaper in the flyover states.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
What about using bows or crossbows? Is it harder to get a good deer. I ran into a few people here that say it is. But it seemed like someone talking themself up more then true facts. [/quote]
I’ve been bow hunting once and got lucky and killed a decent-size buck. I hunt with guys that have been doing it for decades and haven’t killed one. My dad has killed well over 100 deer in his 45+ years of hunting and just got his first bow kill 3 years ago.
Based on that, IMO there is no question that bow hunting is more difficult, for a few reasons:
-can’t shoot through cover
-limited range
-almost zero chance of getting a second shot off
-basically zero stopping power (a bullet or slug can knock a deer down; a broadhead almost never will)
-no zoom optics (unless we’re talking crossbows which I have no experience with)
-deer tend to “jump the string” and take off when they hear the bowstring release, causing some shots to sail high (since they crouch before they run)
You have to be more quiet, you have to have good scent discipline, and you have to go to greater lengths to prep your spot by clearing shooting lanes. Doesn’t hurt to get lucky either.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
What about using bows or crossbows? Is it harder to get a good deer. I ran into a few people here that say it is. But it seemed like someone talking themself up more then true facts. [/quote]
You do have to get much closer and be more accurate. Bowhunting would not be nearly as popular or successful without baitpiles.[/quote]
That is a crop you plant in the spring to attract dear to eat it so you can set them up near your tree stand?
I thought you use antler sounds and attractants to get them to come closer?[/quote]
Antler sounds and attractants really only work during the short timeframe of the “Rut” when bucks are ready to mate and they’re basically driven only doe poon.
Deer seasons often overlap the rut a month before and after.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
So what is better to bag a Buck or a Doe? Meat wise and better for you wise.[/quote]
You’ll get more meat from a buck. They usually outweigh doe by 50 lbs or more.[/quote]
Depends on if there is an antlerless season. In the Northern Lower peninsula Does are usually larger because they live longer. Bucks are lucky to make it to 3-1/2 years.
I prefer a young doe as the meat is better, not as much stress and hormones messing with them.
[quote]dirtman wrote:
So what is better to bag a Buck or a Doe? Meat wise and better for you wise.[/quote]
You’ll get more meat from a buck. They usually outweigh doe by 50 lbs or more.[/quote]
Depends on if there is an antlerless season. In the Northern Lower peninsula Does are usually larger because they live longer. Bucks are lucky to make it to 3-1/2 years.
I prefer a young doe as the meat is better, not as much stress and hormones messing with them.
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I think the lower mitten deer meat is a little better than the northern and upper penninsula deer.
Further north you go the more acorns and pine seeds those guys eat. Deer in the southern part of the state eat the soybeans, corn, alfalfa… Much more of a diet like beef.
[quote]cwill1973 wrote:
I use a .270 for antelope, deer, and elk. Does the job on all three. If you are sticking strictly to whitetail 7mm-08 is a great caliber.[/quote]
Personally I took a lot of time in my youth to try a lot of different guns. (7mm, 30-30 with open sights, 243, 30.06, 308) Before I went in and special ordered exactly what I wanted. A lightweight Featherweight Remington 270. with scope and tripod. It is light enough for me to carry all day and easy enough to put everything down with the right bullet placement. I use a 130 grain Nosler partition for the Antelope and Deer and a larger 150 grain for Elk Hunting. I have had great success with and recommend getting use to your rifle as it becomes reflex when the game presents itself. You gain good habits and safety is an all time must!
I was fortunate enough in the year 2006 to bag an Elk, a Deer, and my Antelope in ONE day in Judith Gap MT! Using this gun alone.
