fireblade,

I'm sure there are a multitude of "whys"....

** In many cases I'm betting it is the only centerfire rifle in the closet....
** In other cases, in some parts of the country, white tails are the size of large dogs so it takes "less stick" to whack'em
** In some cases people just like a challenge (and hopefully have the skill to play).

In many parts of the country, deer are little more than vermin. They have endured mankind for centuries and appear to be thriving, so "why not?" gotta thin them out some how. More than I ever realized, it appears that deer hunting (especially white tails) is largely an "anything goes" sport.

All you can do is stand back, watch it go by, and nod your head at some of the methods and shake your head at others. Don't get too "wrapped up" about it, or think you are going to change anything, it won't do any good.

And so it goes,

EKM