This is just a question I ask because I have too much time on my hands.

Would it be wise for me to geta shotgun for deer hunting? I hear that shotgun only areas are springing up, so I was wondering if the future would demand that I need a shotgun?
Or is there any reason at all I should get a shotgun for big game hunting (four legged, not birds)?

No. Just buy a bow.

Why not buy a T/C so that using the same platform, you can switch from a rifle to a shotgun by simplychanging bbls. Also allows you to switch to a muzzle loader as well.

NEVER use a shotgun if you can use a rifle! If there comes a time when you are FORCED by law to use a shotgun for deer and larger game, use one with a rifled barrel and the new sabot type slugs!

I'd use a muzzleloader if I couldn't use a rifle.

Tom

Since you are just asking this question to be asking, I would say NOT to buy a shotgun JUST for deer hunting, but to me, you are taking the short sighted view of a shotgun.

A shotgun (let's use a Remington 870 just for grins) has alot more uses in an arsenal than a rifle. With the change of the barrel (and barrels for an 870 are not too expensive), you can have a tactical close quarter defense weapon, or a big game slug gun, or a upland bird/duck gun, and actually, the uses are unlimited.

I LOVE my rifles, but if the "laws" were changed to where I could only own one gun, I would keep my Benelli Super 90 shotgun without hesitation. I have already proved that it is good for anything from squirrels and rabbits to quail and ducks to deer and hogs. It is the most versatile gun in my safe.

nothing wrong with a shotgun. here in Florida our hunting seasons are archery, muzzle loader and then general gun (pistol, rifle or shotgun). i still use my shotgun with buckshot when i hunt tight areas with visibility less than 50 yards. a 12 gauge shotgun will easily take down a whitetail deer with buckshot within 50 yards.

shotguns are an awsome tool when you put them to use in the right conditions. remember, you wouldn't use a ball peen hammer to loosen your trucks lug nuts. always use the right tool for the job.

Iwould say that it you do not have a current need/requirement to use a shotgun, and do not bird hunt, then I would not to bother with getting one yet and just keep using your rifle. I have used my 870 with slug barrel when hunting in a shotgun/ML only zonethe last 4 years, but will use my savage 10ML-II this year, as it if far more accurate, and I like the flexibility of being able to take a 150-200 yard shot with confidence if presenting.

As far as deer hunting goes I wouldn't get one until they force you to. And then most modern inlines are actually a bit better in my opinion. I own both, and while I love my H&R ultra slug gun, my Muzzle Loader is actually more accurate farther out and was easier and cheaper to get that way.

Slug guns are easier to shoot and maintain, but the premium saboted slug ammo is EXPENSIVE! Like 10-15 bucks a box for 5 rounds.

If I didn't have to use a ML or shotgun where I live I would have a 30-30 or 243 within a month of the regulation change, even if I had to sell my slug gun and muzzle loader to get one. I still have 3 other shotguns for small game and bird hunting.

Paul

I'd say unless you absolutely wanted an excuse to buy another gun I would wait. Like the others said, if it came down to it, I would choose a muzzleloader over a slug gun anyday of the week.