I'd like to start deer hunting, have a few questions.

Fedyschyn · 03-09-08, 09:47 PM

So I have been hunting in Vermont a few times with my grandfather, and next fall would like to start here in Virginia. I am right near the George Washington national forest so I have some public land to go to. What gun should I start out with? My budget is only around 350$ for a decent rifle that will get me through at least the next few years. Any general advice on how to get ready for the season? I am trying to get a jump on this so I am ready in the fall.

MARLIN375 · 03-09-08, 10:01 PM

What cali/action does your grandfather use?
Are you just hunting whitetails?
What would your Max range be?

Fedyschyn · 03-09-08, 10:49 PM

My grandfather uses a pump action Remington in 300 savage. I think those are a little out of my price range though. I can't imagine having to shoot anymore than 150-200 yards where i would be hunting. I will only be hunting white tail

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 01:22 AM

30-30 is pretty much all you need for deer hunting around here , unless your hunting a lot of open pasture farm land. Even then , most times you can set up for likely closer shots at ambush points and funnels.

$350 should just about get you one , brand new at Wally world. I could probably save you some money , by finding you a used one in good shape for around $150-$250. They're pretty common.

I might even be able to help you with more than just general advice on hunting too , if you'd like.

I'm all for helping someone new to hunting get started. Our tradition needs every hunter to "pass it on".

To be continued......I just got home from NC........3:21 a.m..........snorrrrre.

bigndn · 03-10-08, 08:47 AM

What are the laws in your state? Up here the only regulation on caliber is that it has to be a centerfire. That means all the centerfire .22s are legal (.22-250, .220 swift, .223 Rem, etc). They're all good rounds and I prefer to shoot my whitetails with them. They result in very little meat loss. Just remember, shot placement is #1.

Are there pawn shops where you live? That's always a good spot to look. As mentioned above, a .30-30 lever action is pretty good to 200 yards with practice.

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 09:07 AM

Must be centerfire , .23 caliber or larger for deer or bear in VA.

People debate calibers all day long. I recommend the 30-30 , because it's cheap and easy to find around here. Most people I know learned to hunt with a 30-30 , as did I. Very little recoil , and very effective within 150 -200 yards. [I personally ,have never lost sight of a deer, that I shot with a 30-30]

The biggest advantage that it has here locally is it's brush busting ability. Woodland gun hunting sometimes feels like bow hunting.

[twigs/sticks/limbs]

The vast majority of the deer shot in this state are under 100 yards. Our skills need to be honed more for outsmarting deer at close range , than long range shooting.

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 09:14 AM

The pawn shop can be good , but it can be a gamble , not knowing how the gun was cared for.

I was suggesting that I might be able to help personally , if he'd like. My friends almost always have a 30-30 for sale.

Heck , a friend of a friend just sold one for $150 bucks last week , in great shape..........Turns out , I hear , that the book value was $800-$900 !!!!

[My friend told me about it.

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigndn

That means all the centerfire .22s are legal (.22-250, .220 swift, .223 Rem, etc). They're all good rounds and I prefer to shoot my whitetails with them. They result in very little meat loss. Just remember, shot placement is #1.

I wouldn't recommend those calibers to real world[ adult] beginners myself.

Shot placement is #1 , to be sure..........

Unfortunately unlike with kids , a new , adult hunter , has the right to go out unsupervised. Nerves can affect the best shot [at the range].......When facing his first whitetail.

For that reason , it's my opinion that those calibers are a little light.

But I agree that those calibers can be very efficient meat getters. [poachers use them a lot here , not me]

Fedyschyn · 03-10-08, 09:43 AM

highlandcruzer- If you know of one for sale, that would be awesome. I would be very grateful for whatever help you would be willing to give me. It doesn't seem like there are that many new hunters in my age range (I'm 18) but I'm not going to let that stop me from learning.

bigndn · 03-10-08, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedyschyn

highlandcruzer- If you know of one for sale, that would be awesome. I would be very grateful for whatever help you would be willing to give me. It doesn't seem like there are that many new hunters in my age range (I'm 18) but I'm not going to let that stop me from learning.

Good for you! Learning how to hunt on your own can be tough. I assume you've had a Hunter's Safety Course? Good luck!

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 10:53 AM

You're more than welcome to get with me this season to deer hunt. I've got plenty of places to hunt , or if you have any private land near you , and you'd like me to come on a hunt w/ you to "show you the ropes" that would be fine too. Sometimes I take newbs out just to video them. [I'm going to video my buddy's nephew on a spring gobbler hunt this spring]

Cruisers and hunting are what I do.

I've got some places you can wheel that 60 too. [hmm... that rhymed

I'm slim shady]

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fedyschyn

It doesn't seem like there are that many new hunters in my age range (I'm 18) but I'm not going to let that stop me from learning.

That's precisely why I try to help every young person that I can. We're a dying breed.

wesintl · 03-10-08, 11:07 AM

I'm not much or a fan of the 30-30 levers. I could never get my fathers to shoot straight even though they are good brush rifles. My choices would be 30.06, 308, 270 or 260 remington.

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wesintl

I'm not much or a fan of the 30-30 levers. I could never get my fathers to shoot straight even though they are good brush rifles. My choices would be 30.06, 308, 270 or 260 remington.

Believe me , caliber debates are worse than religion and politics !

I will say that my 30-30's have always been devastatingly accurate at said ranges. My one lever action in particular has been named by my buddies.... "The deer slayer"

That's not primarily what I hunt with though, and he can always upgrade later , or I might find something else that's nice for him to consider.

Around here just about any legal caliber will be fine 99.9% of the time.....Might as well start with a cheep one.

AJP · 03-10-08, 12:17 PM

You might find a good used pump for the money you want to spend. Remington pumps are magazine fed (removable magazine that is) and come in excellent deer calibres from 243W - 35 Whelan...if you are used to your grandfathers pump .. they make sense.

Also the magazine is a nice feature for a newer hunter... easy to make safe and see that it is safe - simply remove magazine and open action....buy a spare mag though.

Rem. pumps are quite accurate - the carbine versions are handy but have a little more muzzle blast...

Personally I'd buy a 308 or 30/06 - I have a 35 Whelan and it shoots fine AND always holds it's zero - on the other hand I would be very happy with 243W or 270W pumps as well

Also find some guys you enjoy being with and who like to hunt ... personally I don't enjoy hunting alone ... I like the camaraderie of the hunt camp and planning next days strategies etc. I am certainly happier by myself in the bush during the actually hunt ... but enjoy lunch with a chum...and getting a big deer out of the bush is easier with a pal.

I have been hunting for over 35 years and admire the tough as boot leather bushwackers we read about in the hunting mags who go into the wilds with nothing more than a poncho and emerge weeks later with 4 qtrs of an elk strapped to their pack and a massive rack (with head attached for mounting) on top....there may be men than can do that and say they are having fun...I can't and don't.
That stopped being interesting the first time my pals and I dropped a young bull moose too far from camp!

rjcruiser · 03-10-08, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AJP

Also find some guys you enjoy being with and who like to hunt ... personally I don't enjoy hunting alone ... I like the camaraderie of the hunt camp and planning next days strategies etc. I am certainly happier by myself in the bush during the actually hunt ... but enjoy lunch with a chum...and getting a big deer out of the bush is easier with a pal.

I couldn't agree more. Hunting by oneself can be enjoyable, but having a friend to go with, help you drag your kill out of the woods, or just trade stories with is the best part of it.

As far as guns go, I think a Remington 710 would be a great gun to start out with. They are very accurate out of the box guns and can be had with a scope mounted on them for the price you're wanting to pay. Also, the fact that it has a composite stock will make upkeep very easy.

As far as calibers, there is much discussion on this. Almost like asking if the 2f is better than a 350 swap in your fj40....or if a shackle reversal is beneficial. Based on the fact that you're going to be hunting whitetails, 30-06 might be a bit on the big side. However, with a subprime shot, you'll still be able to have plenty of blood trail to track. A good caliber that flies pretty flat and won't kill your shoulder is .270. Also, has plenty of power to knock down a deer.

So, my recommendation, a Rem 710 in 270.

Oh, and welcome to the hunting club. I still remember the first time I took a shot on a whitetail...and I also remember my first kill. Nothing like it

highlandcruzer · 03-10-08, 01:56 PM

Yup.....It's not as much fun if you don't have a buddy to tell your long and drawn out story to while the adrenalin is still pumping. Especially one that actually enjoys hearing your long and drawn out story!

Having someone to help drag is always a bonus.....Not to mention the safety factor. To this day I'm always a little uneasy about hunting alone. You never know when you might have an accident far off the beaten trail.

Good advice.

I'm no geezer yet myself,keep in contact and we'll get you a deer for sure! James Madison isn't that far away from here.

And I've also got some hunting buddies around 18-20 too,that you could meet. , good hunters..........If your not real big on hanging out with a married /w kids old guy like me. [ 28]

Some of my hunting pics from this past season......this is a link>http://forum.ih8mud.com/hunting-fish...good-year.html

AJP · 03-10-08, 03:15 PM

Quote:

.Not to mention the safety factor

X2 ... this is absolutely critical...saves a lot of grief!! For families, friends, SAR etc etc AND yourself!

Which is why it is great to discuss the hunting strategy each evening...where you are going, how long, signals if one of you gets in trouble or gets a deer ...

(sorry - for some folks worrying about SAR is perhaps unnecessary ... walk 5 miles in any direction and you will hit a road....most of my hunting is done in areas where the north end of the trace is Hudson's Bay/James Bay .. and east or west gives little joy either

..)

MARLIN375 · 03-10-08, 04:14 PM

I think that a 30-30 will provide you with the most enjoyment and add to the experience and learning process along the way.

That being said if you stumble across a Marlin lever in a .35 Remington or a .375 Winchester do not hesitate to buy it.

Since I do my own butchering I am a fan of the larger slower caliber delivering the energy instead of the zippy smaller ones. I have put many shoulder roasts in the freezer with a .375 hole in them.
When I started hunting 25 years ago I shot everything with a 270 and shot alot of deer inside 50 yrds, always waiting for that 250+ yard oppertunity to come along.........it rarely happens when you are hunting white tails in the timber.

If you want to jumpstart your success rate take a recurve bow into the woods and try to get a deer, it will drastically change your perspective and your methods, you will get closer, move slower and "tune in" considerably faster than treking around for the next few years with a rifle.
I got my son to do this......now I am affraid for all the woodland creatures.

Fedyschyn · 03-10-08, 04:55 PM

I have a few buddies that would like to go hunting, but none of them know anything about it. Before I venture off into the woods with guys that have never been at all I'd like to know at least a little bit more about what I am doing. I know gun safety from boy scouts and have to take a hunting safety class before I can get my license in Virginia, so hopefully that will be helpful. As for caliber it sounds like that is really disputed, so I'll just go with highlandcruzr's recommendation as he knows the local terrain. If I don't end up liking the 30-30 I can always sell it and upgrade later.

Marlin375- do you think as a new hunter I could even get close enough with a bow? bow hunting seems like a lot of fun but might be beyond my current skill level.

Highlandcruzr- I'll keep in touch. Charlottesville is really close and I'd love to learn whatever I can. Let me know if you hear of any decent guns for sale.

Haha it sucks that it is march, I can't wait to get started.

Cattledog · 03-10-08, 07:40 PM

I will go out on a limb, Go muzzleloader. You can buy a Thompson Center Omega inline muzzleloader for under $300. Range is fine up to 200 yards with proper load, sabot, bullet and scope. For me a used muzzleloader is easier to inspect for condition than a centerfire rifle. The TC Omega Inline muzzleloader is a simple in design, thus not much to break.

Some reasons to go muzzleloader,

1. You get 15 more days out to hunt vs. rifle season. In Virgina muzzleloader season is before rifle so the deer are a bit less pressured at that time. (fewer people in the woods.

2. You can use the muzzleloader during rifle season. It is the only firearm you need for whitetail hunting though both seasons.

3. .50 caliber and 150 grain powder will drop any deer under 200 yards with proper shot placement. You have one shot you will make is count.

4. Shooting and loading a muzzleloader is slower than a centerfire rifle, you tend to take more time to understand aiming and shot placement. IMO it is fun.

5. If you are new to hunting you need to spend time in the woods, alot of time... The more time you have in the woods, the more you will learn what not to do in the woods. Hunting is a learned skill. An extra two weeks in the woods is huge for a newb hunter!

Forget any idea that shooting a modern inline muzzleloader is like shooting a traditional muzzleloader. Modern bullet design and modern black powder substitutes have changed the sport. Some like it some don't, I love it.

Either way you go centerfire or muzzleloader, just enjoy the hunt.

Cattledog · 03-10-08, 07:55 PM

"do you think as a new hunter I could even get close enough with a bow? bow hunting seems like a lot of fun but might be beyond my current skill level."

If you go ground hunting deer with bow, expect to fail for many seasons. It take a lot of experiance and skill. Preseason planing and tracking are critical if you want to get an animal. You end up spending a lot of time in the woods if you want a deer. It is my favorite way to hunt. Likely the safest way too... You don't see many lazy or drunk archer in the woods...

BTW, most people just don't have the time to practice to be a good archer. I shoot a recurve for hunting, I shoot year round, and in season I shoot at least a dozen arrows or more a day. Takes a lot of time and practice.

highlandcruzer · 03-11-08, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cattledog

I will go out on a limb, Go muzzleloader.

Great advice! Why didn't I think of that?

Muzzleloader season is the prime time to be in the woods, in Virginia. [Shhhh!!! don't tell everybody!]

Yes,yes ,and yes to everything Cattledog said.

The only reason that I normally don't recommend M'loaders to newbs........is because the idea is often so damned intimidating for them , which is understandable but....

Loading , firing , and clean-up is much easier than it might seem . I can walk you through that too, if you'd like to go that route. You can also mount a scope in VA if you like.

Muzzleloader is just as exciting as bow, for me, because that's when our local rut is usually bringing the big boys out of hiding. And you can pretty well, reach-out-and-touch-them , anytime you can see them with a modern muzzleloader. If I had to survive off of venison and could only hunt the legal seasons , I would choose the muzzleloader.

Either way though , we'll get you your first deer. This is a good time of year to buy guns.........

BTW Turkey seasons's comming soon.

03-09-08, 10:01 PM	#2
MARLIN375 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Posts: 515	What cali/action does your grandfather use? Are you just hunting whitetails? What would your Max range be? __________________ "Stupid things, happen to smart people that are affraid to ask stupid questions" 93 FZJ80 Full Load w/lockers, 2.5 OME, #7pin/CDL, Custom Bumper w/M8274, 315 MTZs 78 FJ40 Retired.....never left me, not once. 81LJ, 89JLX, 01Vitara SUZUKI wifemobiles (the only other 4X4 to own) 76 Chevy PU 292 6cyl, Restored w/collector plates

03-10-08, 11:07 AM	#13
wesintl IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Denver TLCA# 4180 Posts: 3,482	I'm not much or a fan of the 30-30 levers. I could never get my fathers to shoot straight even though they are good brush rifles. My choices would be 30.06, 308, 270 or 260 remington. __________________ 1964 FJ40 \| 1966 M416 \| 1976 FJ40 \| 1985 BJ70 Volvo Power\| 1997 FZJ80 \| TDI commuter car Rising Sun; Former CLCC You should be able to delete your own thread. Communists abound

03-10-08, 12:17 PM	#15
AJP IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 280	You might find a good used pump for the money you want to spend. Remington pumps are magazine fed (removable magazine that is) and come in excellent deer calibres from 243W - 35 Whelan...if you are used to your grandfathers pump .. they make sense. Also the magazine is a nice feature for a newer hunter... easy to make safe and see that it is safe - simply remove magazine and open action....buy a spare mag though. Rem. pumps are quite accurate - the carbine versions are handy but have a little more muzzle blast... Personally I'd buy a 308 or 30/06 - I have a 35 Whelan and it shoots fine AND always holds it's zero - on the other hand I would be very happy with 243W or 270W pumps as well Also find some guys you enjoy being with and who like to hunt ... personally I don't enjoy hunting alone ... I like the camaraderie of the hunt camp and planning next days strategies etc. I am certainly happier by myself in the bush during the actually hunt ... but enjoy lunch with a chum...and getting a big deer out of the bush is easier with a pal. I have been hunting for over 35 years and admire the tough as boot leather bushwackers we read about in the hunting mags who go into the wilds with nothing more than a poncho and emerge weeks later with 4 qtrs of an elk strapped to their pack and a massive rack (with head attached for mounting) on top....there may be men than can do that and say they are having fun...I can't and don't. That stopped being interesting the first time my pals and I dropped a young bull moose too far from camp! Last edited by AJP; 03-10-08 at 12:44 PM.

03-10-08, 04:14 PM	#19
MARLIN375 IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Posts: 515	I think that a 30-30 will provide you with the most enjoyment and add to the experience and learning process along the way. That being said if you stumble across a Marlin lever in a .35 Remington or a .375 Winchester do not hesitate to buy it. Since I do my own butchering I am a fan of the larger slower caliber delivering the energy instead of the zippy smaller ones. I have put many shoulder roasts in the freezer with a .375 hole in them. When I started hunting 25 years ago I shot everything with a 270 and shot alot of deer inside 50 yrds, always waiting for that 250+ yard oppertunity to come along.........it rarely happens when you are hunting white tails in the timber. If you want to jumpstart your success rate take a recurve bow into the woods and try to get a deer, it will drastically change your perspective and your methods, you will get closer, move slower and "tune in" considerably faster than treking around for the next few years with a rifle. I got my son to do this......now I am affraid for all the woodland creatures. __________________ "Stupid things, happen to smart people that are affraid to ask stupid questions" 93 FZJ80 Full Load w/lockers, 2.5 OME, #7pin/CDL, Custom Bumper w/M8274, 315 MTZs 78 FJ40 Retired.....never left me, not once. 81LJ, 89JLX, 01Vitara SUZUKI wifemobiles (the only other 4X4 to own) 76 Chevy PU 292 6cyl, Restored w/collector plates

03-10-08, 07:40 PM	#21
Cattledog IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Portsmouth NH Posts: 531	I will go out on a limb, Go muzzleloader. You can buy a Thompson Center Omega inline muzzleloader for under $300. Range is fine up to 200 yards with proper load, sabot, bullet and scope. For me a used muzzleloader is easier to inspect for condition than a centerfire rifle. The TC Omega Inline muzzleloader is a simple in design, thus not much to break. Some reasons to go muzzleloader, 1. You get 15 more days out to hunt vs. rifle season. In Virgina muzzleloader season is before rifle so the deer are a bit less pressured at that time. (fewer people in the woods. 2. You can use the muzzleloader during rifle season. It is the only firearm you need for whitetail hunting though both seasons. 3. .50 caliber and 150 grain powder will drop any deer under 200 yards with proper shot placement. You have one shot you will make is count. 4. Shooting and loading a muzzleloader is slower than a centerfire rifle, you tend to take more time to understand aiming and shot placement. IMO it is fun. 5. If you are new to hunting you need to spend time in the woods, alot of time... The more time you have in the woods, the more you will learn what not to do in the woods. Hunting is a learned skill. An extra two weeks in the woods is huge for a newb hunter! Forget any idea that shooting a modern inline muzzleloader is like shooting a traditional muzzleloader. Modern bullet design and modern black powder substitutes have changed the sport. Some like it some don't, I love it. Either way you go centerfire or muzzleloader, just enjoy the hunt. __________________ 96 lx 450 stock, with 285's and R.B. MAF housing. 2006 Sienna LE 8 passanger, 3 kids and Room to spare!

03-09-08, 09:47 PM	#1
Fedyschyn IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: JMU/Chesapeake, VA Posts: 62	I'd like to start deer hunting, have a few questions. So I have been hunting in Vermont a few times with my grandfather, and next fall would like to start here in Virginia. I am right near the George Washington national forest so I have some public land to go to. What gun should I start out with? My budget is only around 350$ for a decent rifle that will get me through at least the next few years. Any general advice on how to get ready for the season? I am trying to get a jump on this so I am ready in the fall.

03-09-08, 10:49 PM	#3
Fedyschyn IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: JMU/Chesapeake, VA Posts: 62	My grandfather uses a pump action Remington in 300 savage. I think those are a little out of my price range though. I can't imagine having to shoot anymore than 150-200 yards where i would be hunting. I will only be hunting white tail

03-10-08, 09:43 AM	#9
Fedyschyn IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: JMU/Chesapeake, VA Posts: 62	highlandcruzer- If you know of one for sale, that would be awesome. I would be very grateful for whatever help you would be willing to give me. It doesn't seem like there are that many new hunters in my age range (I'm 18) but I'm not going to let that stop me from learning.

03-10-08, 04:55 PM	#20
Fedyschyn IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: JMU/Chesapeake, VA Posts: 62	I have a few buddies that would like to go hunting, but none of them know anything about it. Before I venture off into the woods with guys that have never been at all I'd like to know at least a little bit more about what I am doing. I know gun safety from boy scouts and have to take a hunting safety class before I can get my license in Virginia, so hopefully that will be helpful. As for caliber it sounds like that is really disputed, so I'll just go with highlandcruzr's recommendation as he knows the local terrain. If I don't end up liking the 30-30 I can always sell it and upgrade later. Marlin375- do you think as a new hunter I could even get close enough with a bow? bow hunting seems like a lot of fun but might be beyond my current skill level. Highlandcruzr- I'll keep in touch. Charlottesville is really close and I'd love to learn whatever I can. Let me know if you hear of any decent guns for sale. Haha it sucks that it is march, I can't wait to get started.

03-10-08, 07:55 PM	#22
Cattledog IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Portsmouth NH Posts: 531	"do you think as a new hunter I could even get close enough with a bow? bow hunting seems like a lot of fun but might be beyond my current skill level." If you go ground hunting deer with bow, expect to fail for many seasons. It take a lot of experiance and skill. Preseason planing and tracking are critical if you want to get an animal. You end up spending a lot of time in the woods if you want a deer. It is my favorite way to hunt. Likely the safest way too... You don't see many lazy or drunk archer in the woods... BTW, most people just don't have the time to practice to be a good archer. I shoot a recurve for hunting, I shoot year round, and in season I shoot at least a dozen arrows or more a day. Takes a lot of time and practice. __________________ 96 lx 450 stock, with 285's and R.B. MAF housing. 2006 Sienna LE 8 passanger, 3 kids and Room to spare!