First I believe that in the taking of any game animal, one should use enough gun. I think that Bob Hagel an American gun writer has it right. He stated: "You should not use a rifle that will kill an animal when everything goes right; you should use one that will do the job when everything goes wrong." Along those same lines the right bullet should be used. Target bullets should be used for targets, varmint bullets for varmints and game bullets for game. These can be divided between deer bullets (80-400lbs) and big game bullets(400lb+). These are my general statements. Most of the deer bullets .from 120 to180grains with a muzzle velocity under 3000fps are made for deer sized game. At least those made for the US market are. One must be a little more careful choosing bullets at over 3000fps. As you might notice, this leaves out the 6mm/243 calibers and most 25s. Imagine, because of or beyond, your control you shot low and blew off the leg of a fallow, red or, god forbid a red. As it runs straight away from you, think Bob Hagel, do you really feel comfortable making that ''Texas-heart-shot?"
I believe you guys
worry a little to much about meat damage. Maybe one should for deer that are to be sold, but not those for ones own consumption. I normally take around five game animal per year. About half and half, pigs and deer. When I shoot hogs, is usually right at dark or after. We usually hunt 2-3 hours after dark. A hogs boiler room is farther forward than a deer's. When I shoot, I try to hit the area between the shoulders. If I destroy one, or both shoulders. I still get my hog, and there is salvageable meat on the shoulder. A deer is easier to kill without loosing much meat. I aim between 1/3 and 1/2 way up, right along a line continuing along the front leg. This shot will destroy very little meat. Also, that aim point is the center of a target that is deadly. Their are exceptions but a deer hit within the area, about the size of a basket ball, will be down within seconds. One might hit a shoulder, but what does a shoulder weigh 3-5lbs, half of which is bone, just how much meat might one loose? The good thing is by hitting the shoulder, the deer doesn't go far. If I shoot a dear after sundown, which is rare. (I believe that is an hour before your legal hunting ends) or if the brush is extremely thick I don't worry about the shoulders. Trying to save a little meat is not worth loosing a whole deer. I generally pass on those shots. On a personal note I would rather eat a neck pot roast. One last thing, don't expect a blood trail. there are too many variables. Do expect the inside to be mush. capt david
I believe you guys
worry a little to much about meat damage. Maybe one should for deer that are to be sold, but not those for ones own consumption. I normally take around five game animal per year. About half and half, pigs and deer. When I shoot hogs, is usually right at dark or after. We usually hunt 2-3 hours after dark. A hogs boiler room is farther forward than a deer's. When I shoot, I try to hit the area between the shoulders. If I destroy one, or both shoulders. I still get my hog, and there is salvageable meat on the shoulder. A deer is easier to kill without loosing much meat. I aim between 1/3 and 1/2 way up, right along a line continuing along the front leg. This shot will destroy very little meat. Also, that aim point is the center of a target that is deadly. Their are exceptions but a deer hit within the area, about the size of a basket ball, will be down within seconds. One might hit a shoulder, but what does a shoulder weigh 3-5lbs, half of which is bone, just how much meat might one loose? The good thing is by hitting the shoulder, the deer doesn't go far. If I shoot a dear after sundown, which is rare. (I believe that is an hour before your legal hunting ends) or if the brush is extremely thick I don't worry about the shoulders. Trying to save a little meat is not worth loosing a whole deer. I generally pass on those shots. On a personal note I would rather eat a neck pot roast. One last thing, don't expect a blood trail. there are too many variables. Do expect the inside to be mush. capt david
as I use 150 7mm and 165 30-06 Partitions. The largest thing that I might ever hunt is another cow elk or cull red stag. both weighing in the 400lb range.
