Average hunting ranges on Van. Isl?

[arizonaicedtea]

Does anyone know what the average hunting ranges on Vancouver Island are likely to be? I know it's a rather stupid question as the terrain differs greatly but I am trying to decide on a decent woods rifle and, of course, the question of how far most shots will be taken at keeps coming up. From what I've heard they can be from literally a meter in front of you out to 200 yards. I have yet to take take the hunting course so I'd appreciate it if no one pulled the 'WTF You should know that it was in the course' card.
Sorry for what I realize is not the smartest question, I don't pretend to know much about hunting but would like to get into it.

Any help appreciated, thanks.

 

[hoochie]

Island deer are often right infront of you. In Sooke, I've walked up to a few deer this summer already. 2 bucks and a doe at the side of the road. I stopped and got out. they didnt mind me being there. Maybe they knew it wasnt hunting season yet.
Most deer I have seen on the island are well within 50 yards, and then you will see some at the far end of field that might be 100-150 yards away.

 

[arizonaicedtea]

Island deer are often right infront of you. In Sooke, I've walked up to a few deer this summer already. 2 bucks and a doe at the side of the road. I stopped and got out. they didnt mind me being there. Maybe they knew it wasnt hunting season yet.
Most deer I have seen on the island are well within 50 yards, and then you will see some at the far end of field that might be 100-150 yards away.

Perfect, thanks!
Too bad you can't 'adopt' those deer and keep 'em in your neighbors yard until hunting season...

 

[ultimate_monkey]

what rifle are you thinking about goin with? my 308 with my load, 2" high at 100, will keep me in the vitals from 0-200 with out having to worry about hold over if i have to make the shot quickly..

the best advice i can give is know your rifle and know your load, practice and more paractice...

im a big fan of mildots for this reason. take the time to know your hold over for any givin distance that you feel comfortable makeing a shot and with enough pracice it becomes 2nd nature, keep in mind that differant magnification on the scope changes the relationship of milldots and bullet drop

 

[arizonaicedtea]

I'm not sure yet, if I can find one of those used semi-auto Ruger .44 carbines I'd go with that, but I was also thinking about the Weatherby Vanguard in .25-06 or a Browning A-Bolt in .30-06.
Thanks for the advice on scopes and practice, what sort of rifle you shooting .308 out of?
I'm still looking at other semi-autos for hunting but the offerings seem rather limited for under $900 and in a calibre capable of cleanly harvesting deer...