| Deer hunting can be a challenge, especially after | | | | shot per opportunity unless of course a deer is |
| putting all those hours scouting and preparing for | | | | wounded by the first shot or failed to be |
| the season to start. Do not forget the | | | | spooked by the first and allows time for the |
| importance of the most fundamental piece of | | | | hunter to reload. A bolt action rifle will offer more |
| hunting equipment which is the rifle. With so many | | | | shot opportunities after the first shot but time |
| calibers and loading types, it can be hard to decide | | | | must be taken to pull the bolt back to reload |
| which one is best for a particular hunter. | | | | which usually only takes a couple of seconds. This |
| First, consider the distances in the hunting areas | | | | may be repeated until the magazine empties. A |
| where deer may be seen. If a food plot is three | | | | semiautomatic rifle will shoot a cartridge each time |
| hundred yards long, be sure the rifle is a caliber | | | | the trigger is pulled until the magazine is empty. |
| that has the power to propel a bullet that far | | | | Less movement on the hunters part is involved |
| without alot of drop. Weight or grain of the bullet | | | | with the latter. Again, deciding on loading style is |
| is also important. Longer barrel length offers more | | | | more hunter preference. |
| accuracy at longer ranges as well. Longer range | | | | Thirdly, consider the recoil of a rifle. Younger |
| rifles include the 7mm, 6mm, .243, .270 and 30-06 | | | | hunters and some women prefer a rifle that will |
| among others. Heavier grain bullets tend to drop | | | | not bruise the shoulder after only a couple of |
| faster thus hitting the ground before hitting the | | | | shots. Some of the smaller caliber rifles tend to |
| target. Therefore, in the three hundred yard food | | | | have less recoil. The .30-30 and .243 usually have |
| plot, a slightly lighter grain bullet will travel farther. | | | | less recoil but are plenty high powered enough to |
| In wooded areas or small food plots, longer and | | | | kill a trophy whitetail. Of course there are others. |
| shorter range rifles will do fine. usually, the heavier | | | | It is best to research and shoot some of these |
| bullets have more knockdown power so in areas | | | | files in order to get a feel for them. |
| where distance will not be an issue, a heavier | | | | Choosing the right deer rifle is a combination of |
| grain bullet may be in order. Just be sure to sight | | | | hunter preference and hunting environment. Make |
| in the scope of the rifle using the same grain of | | | | sure especially in areas with the potential for a |
| bullet that will be used for hunting. | | | | long shot that the chosen rifle and cartridge are |
| Secondly, be sure to consider the need for a | | | | up for the task. With the right rifle for both the |
| quick second shot. This is usually hunter | | | | hunter and situation, the odds are better for |
| preference. A single shot rifle will only offer one | | | | taking home that monster buck. |