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Gearing Up For My First Deer Season


C0lt

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Ive never been deer hunting, however next season I intend to change that. However there are a few decisions I need to make.

 

Although through the passing of my grandfather I have inherited a beautiful 8mm mauser that has taken dozens of deer throughout the decade, I live in Connecticut, a state that does not have a rifle season for state land, only bow and shotgun. 

 

Although I do know a few people with more than 10 acres (giving them the legal right to hunt it) where I could rifle hunt (there is a season for private land rifle hunting) I want to try to stick to state land. Although I could pickup a slug barrel for my 870, a shotgun I'm already extremely proficient with, there are so many 200 acre plus reserves in my state that are reserved for bowhunting exclusively, so I think that in the next few months when I recieve my tax return Im going to take some money out and invest in a compound bow.

 

So before i start this process, any comments of suggestions?

 

Colt

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  • 3 weeks later...

Harvesting a deer with any weapon, Firearm or Bow, is extremely rewarding. In my opinion, the feeling from shooting a nice deer with a bow will give you a better feeling than dropping a deer from 300 yards away. Although the reward is higher, the skill needed is also higher, and you may spend your first season (or more) without getting that perfect shot on a deer. If you put in the time and effort scouting and patterning deer, and take the kill with the compound... i feel you will be much more satisfied.

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  • 7 months later...

I realize this topic hasn't been answered for a  while but I would advocate using a gun at first - to get your feet wet. My first deer- I was really young- I was super excited and had to take a couple of deep breaths to calm down and make a clean kill. I couldn't imagine taking my very first deer with a bow. To each his own but I'd recommend the gun at first. Also , a bow requires more than just scouting and watching for patterns. It requires months of practice to ensure you obtain that behind the front shoulder shot that ensures a clean kill. A bow requires a great deal of commitment. I know this because I'm going through it right now. Best of luck in whatever you decide.

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  • Super User

If its legal you could also look into a crossbow.  They've become extremely popular over the years and they're probably more like a short range gun with a scope rather than a bow.  I know the traditional compound guys don't like them but times are a changin'

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  • 1 month later...

If you do decide to go with a bow, visit a few bow shops and talk to the staff. See how helpful they are and see what they recommend. Don't let them sell you a high end bow unless that's what your budget allows. With the technology today a lot of lower priced bows shoot pretty good. Even then, with all the required accessories it can be pricey getting into bowhunting. As mentioned, it will require a lot of practice and skill but when you get your first deer, it will be worth it!

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