The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Who hunts deer w/ a 12ga & rifled/slug barrel?

Dave McC · January 9, 2010, 03:11 PM

When they started opening up shotgun areas in MD in the 70s, I had a choice.

I could drive to Garret County and use a rifle on sparse numbers of deer, bucks only.

Or, I could use a shotgun less than ten miles from home and see much greater numbers of deer and have a chance on doe permits.

The choice was obvious. And it paid off.

At this point in 50 years or so of hunting, I've taken.....

Someplace more than 25 deer, best guess, with shotguns.

Maybe 15 with MLs.

And counting a desert Mule deer in Ca once, maybe 5 or so with a rifle.

My success rate went up after starting to bowhunt. Having the limited range, needing great scent discipline and movement, etc, really hiked up the skills so that, at least in the areas where I hunt, a shotgun suffices.

Learning to dope out wind, drop, etc for long range deer sniping is an art in itself. But learning how to take them very close is major fun and a rush like you can't believe.

To paraphrase a friend, the shotgun doesn't limit the shooter, the shooter limits the shotgun...

January 9, 2010, 03:11 PM	#32
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	When they started opening up shotgun areas in MD in the 70s, I had a choice. I could drive to Garret County and use a rifle on sparse numbers of deer, bucks only. Or, I could use a shotgun less than ten miles from home and see much greater numbers of deer and have a chance on doe permits. The choice was obvious. And it paid off. At this point in 50 years or so of hunting, I've taken..... Someplace more than 25 deer, best guess, with shotguns. Maybe 15 with MLs. And counting a desert Mule deer in Ca once, maybe 5 or so with a rifle. My success rate went up after starting to bowhunt. Having the limited range, needing great scent discipline and movement, etc, really hiked up the skills so that, at least in the areas where I hunt, a shotgun suffices. Learning to dope out wind, drop, etc for long range deer sniping is an art in itself. But learning how to take them very close is major fun and a rush like you can't believe. To paraphrase a friend, the shotgun doesn't limit the shooter, the shooter limits the shotgun...