Finally Got First Deer :) And Lessons Learned

ironsighter said:
I totally get what you are saying here, however I think some people just feel like the same can be achieved for less money and effort. This is not a criticism of people like you who chose to have every gadget and be OCD about loads, etc. Just a comment that some people feel that much of it is unnecessary. Include me in that group. As you said, there is lots of room for different opinions and there is no right answer for everyone.

In my case, I have a $450 combo package Savage 111 in .270 + Weaver 3-9x40 w/Ballistic X reticle. It puts 130gr. blue box Federals into .75" at 200y (zeroed) from the bench, which puts the rounds 1.5" high at 100y and the reticle has marks for 300y, 400y and 500y allowing easy hits on the 12" gongs out to 500y. From the "elbow-on-knee" crouched position with solid forend grip and proper sling usage, I can keep it within 2" at 200y. Range time has taught me to be a great judge of distance anywhere from zero to 300 or so yards and the rifle throws 130gr. copper premiums just as well. Every deer I have shot so far has been within 200y. There is no thought or calculation or hesitation involved, no other devices necessary. Just crouch, aim and fire. Dead deer every time. A rangefinder would be "nice to have" but so far it would have provided not a single benefit to me. In the future, if I want to start shooting animals beyond 300y or so I will likely purchase a RF.

Again, I am not being critical of your methods or tools. Just presenting one example of how someone else gets the job done.
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This is an excellent point. If your reasons for hunting change and you decide to drop big bucks, there is no way on gods green earth you will have time to range find them. Unless you somehow catch them completely unawares. I appreciate that you are a meat hunter, my wife and I eat copious amounts of game meat (Paleo before it was cool). I fill the freezer with Moose, Elk and Does but I shoot bucks for their head gear and jerky.

A bit about me, I hunt with a 260rem shooting 130g Berger VLD for everything. That bullet doesn't allow for Texas heart shots so I practice, practice, practice, mostly on gophers.
 
Glad you got your deer, but geez, you went about it the hard way, from, well, it seems like pretty much everyone perspective.

Rangefinders are great, and having one has changed the number of guys that claimed that they whacked their deer running at 500+ yards, etc.

But really, it should be somewhat simpler than you made it.

Too many hunting shows on TV, not enough time out in the field, eh?

As to offhand shots at 300, nope, not me. I am more of the 'walk into their sleeping space' type. If they are 300 yards away, typically they are far enough away for me to get closer.

Cheers
Trev
 
trevj said:
Glad you got your deer, but geez, you went about it the hard way, from, well, it seems like pretty much everyone perspective...it should be somewhat simpler than you made it.

Too many hunting shows on TV, not enough time out in the field, eh?
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This ^ sums up my reaction to your post. Your thoughtful approach to hunting is commendable, but when I read your original post my first thought was "Great...another catalog cowboy! If I wanted product endorsements, I could have watched WildTV!"

For me, hunting is about participating in nature and natural processes. High-tech gizmos and gadgets, or obsessions with gear and technology, intrude upon my enjoyment. The more devices you use which rely upon batteries, the more mental calculations you need to make due to extended shooting distances, the more your description sounds as though you have sponsors to satisfy...the less "fun" you are having, IMHO. But, to each his own. Stay legal, stay safe, and welcome to hunting. Congratulations! :)
 
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