| As with any sport, your choice of equipment will | | | | hunting or shooting long range. In densely |
| determine your degree of success when hunting | | | | populated areas where rifle hunting isn't allowed, |
| deer and elk. When choosing a rifle, you should | | | | Shotguns and slugs are commonly used, and |
| consider how it feels in your hands, how it fits to | | | | some states permit the use of shotguns with |
| your shoulder, the weight, the sights, and its | | | | buckshot. The ideal shotgun for deer hunting is |
| action and caliber. A gun of the right weight, with | | | | one with a rifled barrel and special sights, or a |
| a good fit, will help you shoot more accurately. | | | | scope. Rifled barrels shoot slugs more accurately |
| Take time to carefully consider the length of the | | | | than smoothbore shotguns - rifling makes the |
| stock when shopping for hunting rifles. Stock | | | | slugs to spin and stabilize, allowing shots at deer |
| lengths vary among different rifle manufacturers | | | | up to 100 yards away. You shouldn't use anything |
| and models, and a stock that's too long can be a | | | | smaller than a 20 gauge shotgun for deer hunting |
| problem - and if the stock is too short, the scope | | | | - 12 gauge is the most popular. |
| can strike your eyebrow. If needed, a gunsmith | | | | Bowhunting offers a higher level of difficulty and a |
| can change the length of the stock. Another | | | | number of unique challenges, but also offers a |
| problem with an improper fit, especially for larger | | | | longer hunting season when hunting deer and elk. |
| men, is the "drop" - the distance between your | | | | Most bowhunters use a compound bow - a |
| cheek and the stock. When you press your cheek | | | | bigger, heavier bow that uses cams and pulleys |
| against the stock of the rifle, your shooting eye | | | | for additional power and speed. Each state has a |
| should line up with the sites. Too much drop will | | | | legal minimum for draw weight for hunting bows, |
| prevent you from placing your cheek against the | | | | usually between 35 and 45 pounds. Despite its |
| stock, and the recoil could cause the stock to | | | | increased difficulty - or perhaps because of it - |
| smack you in the face. | | | | some hunters choose to use a traditional bow and |
| The weight of the rifle is another consideration. | | | | arrow for deer hunting. There are hunters who |
| Most hunting rifles weigh between six and nine | | | | also use crossbows for hunting, as well. |
| pounds. Lighter guns are much more comfortable | | | | A good sporting goods store or gun shop will |
| to carry, but heavier rifles have less kick when | | | | have staff who can help you find the right |
| fired. It may seem antithetical to buy a heavier | | | | weapon, no matter what your level of expertise. |
| rifle if you're going to be carrying it around with | | | | Having the right weapon is only half the key to |
| you all day, but heavy rifles are easier to hold | | | | successful deer and elk hunting, though - the rest |
| steady, and they're more accurate when stand | | | | is skill, patience and just plain luck. |