Whitetail Deer Hunting--Choosing a Rifle - Outdoors - Hunting

Deer hunting can be a challenge, especially after putting all those hours scouting and preparing for the season to start. Do not forget the importance of the most fundamental piece of hunting equipment which is the rifle. With so many calibers and loading types, it can be hard to decide which one is best for a particular hunter.

First, consider the distances in the hunting areas where deer may be seen. If a food plot is three hundred yards long, be sure the rifle is a caliber that has the power to propel a bullet that far without alot of drop. Weight or grain of the bullet is also important. Longer barrel length offers more accuracy at longer ranges as well. Longer range rifles include the 7mm, 6mm,.243,.270 and 30-06 among others. Heavier grain bullets tend to drop faster thus hitting the ground before hitting the target. Therefore, in the three hundred yard food plot, a slightly lighter grain bullet will travel farther. In wooded areas or small food plots, longer and shorter range rifles will do fine. usually, the heavier bullets have more knockdown power so in areas where distance will not be an issue, a heavier grain bullet may be in order. Just be sure to sight in the scope of the rifle using the same grain of bullet that will be used for hunting.

Secondly, be sure to consider the need for a quick second shot. This is usually hunter preference. A single shot rifle will only offer one shot per opportunity unless of course a deer is wounded by the first shot or failed to be spooked by the first and allows time for the hunter to reload. A bolt action rifle will offer more shot opportunities after the first shot but time must be taken to pull the bolt back to reload which usually only takes a couple of seconds. This may be repeated until the magazine empties. A semiautomatic rifle will shoot a cartridge each time the trigger is pulled until the magazine is empty. Less movement on the hunters part is involved with the latter. Again, deciding on loading style is more hunter preference.

Thirdly, consider the recoil of a rifle. Younger hunters and some women prefer a rifle that will not bruise the shoulder after only a couple of shots. Some of the smaller caliber rifles tend to have less recoil. The.30-30 and.243 usually have less recoil but are plenty high powered enough to kill a trophy whitetail. Of course there are others. It is best to research and shoot some of these rifles in order to get a feel for them.

Choosing the right deer rifle is a combination of hunter preference and hunting environment. Make sure especially in areas with the potential for a long shot that the chosen rifle and cartridge are up for the task. With the right rifle for both the hunter and situation, the odds are better for taking home that monster buck.

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