Ah yes, buckshot is unethical....................NOT!!! Ignorance is bliss.

Used correctly it works just fine. Limit your range to 50 yds and less, assuming the majority of pellets are in an 8" circle, and put the hammer down. I will say that buckshot does not leave a great blood trail and most pellets will not pass through. It's the hunter that makes the difference in recovering the deer.

Any load can be used unethically. Given your situation, I'd go with a muzzleloader if you have one.