shooting bedded deer
 

I'm not sure I could do it. I read either on here, or in a hunting book I'm reading, about a guy that was looking under pines/cedars during a rainstorm and spotted 2doe and a buck. He ended up spooking them before he had a shot, but that got me wondering if I would/could shoot a deer while it was laying down. What do you guys think about this?

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

if i was using a bow,i wouldnt have a problem with it...if u can get that close with a bow and them not spook thats sayin something...with a rifle id still do it but i wouldnt be as proud....

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Brown is down!!!!!!:D:D:D

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If they don't want to be shot on the ground they better be standing. In the infinate wisdom of Uncle Ted "A deer is a deer". I get a kick out of people saying that they won't shoot a duck on the water. He better not land in my decoys. I let 3 times more deer walk than I shoot every year, and I am a 2 yr 8pt or better shooter. I don't see the big deal about whether to shoot one laying down is. It is legal so yes I will.

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Meat that's already on the ground means no chance of bruising , it also means my meat isn't likely to get up and run 200 yards , I'd take that shot anytime .

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I would take the shot. I think it says alot to be able to be in position to get it in the first place.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Like any deer, depends on the horns

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Yes, I think I would too. In most cases the deer are just as alert when laying as when standing, and sometimes more so. I passed a nice buck one time that was in his bed. He was about 40yds and with my .284 win. he had no chance. But instead I watched hi for about 5 minutes and decided to let him live. Mainly because he had an oddle deformed right antler. and continued hunting down the bench past him.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

I have taken two deer that were bedded, one in corn and another ina Christmas tree farm on a windy day. Both bow shots about 12-15 yds. It can be quite a rush stalking along thinking you see something and it's not a stump but an actual damn deer that has no idea you're there. Then trying to get into position for the shot and praying "please just stay, just stay" then making the shot, the rush is better than a six pack of Red Bull any day.

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I would take the shot, if you miss that deer is outta there. However I would never take a shot at a swimming deer - if you miss there the deer has got nowhere to go - nothing fair chase about that.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Would you take Momma in the bed ????????????

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Sounds like I'm like most of the guys here on this topic. I believe it is 'ethical' to shoot a deer in its bed. I enjoy still hunting for deer. Easing as quietly as possibly using my eyes and binos more than walking. And sneaking up to within range of a mature deer, doe or buck, can be extremely challenging and if its done right, rewarding. My biggest buck to date in over 40 years of hunting was taken last year in his bed. He had to see me from his bed which was located in thick cover next to a fallen tree. Especially when I walk past him at about 35 yds. After going past him about 50 yds not knowing he was there and checking my back trail as I do alot, I noticed a color in the cover that was out of place. I stood there for about 2 -3 minutes looking through my binos almost sure I was looking at part of a deer. But it wasn't until he turned his head to lick his back that I saw the rack. I couple of cautious repositioning steps and one shot from my 7mm-08 and I was filling out my tag.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

I believe it is apart of deer hunting. I think you have more of an advantage shooting a deer sitting 20 feet in the air waiting for them to walk under you to shoot them, than to try to enter their secure bedding area and shoot them. I walk corn every year with my bow. It is very tough to sneak up to a deer but once you've done it, it is veryrewarding. My biggest buck taken, I snuck up on while he was bedded with a doe on a fence line. It took mealmost 3hours crawling on my belly to get three yards behind him and get to my knees and take him. That was the most challenging hunt that I have ever had, and the most rewarding.

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Another thing to ponder. Is it more ethical to sit 20 feet up in a tree on a well used trail and ambush a deer or challenge him on his own turf and eye level?

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In Fl, we cannot shoot Swiming Deer orfrom a moving vehicle, or any buck with less than 5" spikes,but unless I over looked it, it doesn't say anything about while laying down. We also can't shoot Turkeys while on the roost.

Asking me this question is like asking me if Iwould shoot a duck in the water..NO, would I shoot Quail or Doves on the ground....NO, theres no law in my state that forbids it, but I don't see the Spotmanship in it,would I shoot a Hog laying down...:DYES:D.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Would I shoot a turkey on the roost? no. Would I shoot a deer in its bed? YES. The only times I've ever seen deer on their bed is after I've spooked 'em out of it. If I was lucky enough to get close enough to a deer and had a clean shot at it, I'd go for it.

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Boy That sure is a tough one I really don't know if I would or not.
I geuss time will tell on this one if I get a chance this fall.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

In the past two years, I have been easing through the woods and ended up within 50 yards of bedded deer. One was a certifiable wall hanger, big and wide, at lease 8 points. As I brought the gun up to shoot, I found that my scope had completely fogged up. I sat there, almost in tears as I watched him for about 5 mins lay there and eventually get up and walk away. He never knew I was there. I will never forget that I was.
The second time I was easing through a draw full of kudzu. I was scanning across a draw and saw what I thought was a bare stick coming out of the vines. I looked through the scope and saw an pretty good size cowhorn spike. He eventually saw me, but I think he thought he was hid well enuff that I couldn't see him. I could have easily popped him. I he had a good rack, I would have.
So, I think I am like most guys, If I am good enuff to get that close and it is a shootable deer, I figure I did my part.
R
Hank

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

that sounds like a very exciting adventure there. good job. :)

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Sorry guys I don't see the problem here. I don't shoot from a truck, I don't shoot deer slightly off the road and I don't take unethical shots. But growing up in Colorado I have hiked my share of mt. peaks. Most several miles from the nearest road or trail.If I can sneak to within a good 50 yard shot of a bedded buck I know I worked for him. Have shot several over the years just that way. Nothing in my book is unethical or unsporting about that. But at 50 more sleeping deer are getting safe.

Goatslayer

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

The point of hunting is to pit yourself and your skills against the animal you are pursuing.If you are able to take the animal in it's bed it means you have succeeded in a manner that you likely should be pleased or proud of!
I really don't understand why anyone would be bothered by taking an animal in it's bed!

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Thanks for the replys guys. After reading your responses and reasons, I think I would do it. DEFINATELY do it if it was a wallhanger. Of course, we don't get many of those around here either.

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i have shot a bedded deer, i was walking out of my stand in the rain, and happened to see 3 just laying down looking at me. they gave me the time to get prone and take a good shot from 10 yards away with my 30-06. in my eyes it was the most humane kill i've ever had, the deer simply laid its head down. Nothing wrong with it.

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this is like syaing you wouldnt shoot a standing deer because it was too easy an you waited for it to start running to take a shot to make it fair...

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Just a better opportunity to shoot at a non-moving target.


Put a 180" buck in front of anyone and I'll bet your a$$ you would do it.

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Id shoot if it was sleeping. My archery target is the "bedded buck" for a reason.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

bang

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

Be forewarned. Shooting a bedded deer with a bow can be a little tricky. When a deer is bedded, the ribcage lays back at an angle and could cause a broadhead to deflect off the rib and follow along the inside of the skin and the ribcage no matter what kind of a point you have on your broadhead.

I lost a dandy buck that way a few years back and it makes me sick everytimeI think about it.

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I would shoot a legal deer bedded, walkin, running, poopen, peeen and in any other position you can think of.

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I have no problem with it. Deer is standing laying swimming sitting...etc........If it is the deer i want then it gets shot

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I really never understood any ethical debate regarding shooting a bedded deer. Seems nothing like ground swatting or shooting a roosted bird.

RE: shooting bedded deer
 

if its legal, yes I would.

-Travis-

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I think the only rule is dont shoot them when they are taking refuge in water. I dont have a problem with shooting a bedded deer. Just make sure the angle and shot placement is right.

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I agree. This is the only problem that I have with a bedded deer. Most of the time it's just a poor shot with bow.

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I admire you guys who can close enough to a bedded deer with a bow and not get busted, that takes more skill than I have...[:o]

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There is no ethical issue with shooting a bedded deer whatsoever! Ib bird hunting a roosting bird or a duck on the water, yes, thats not sporting! The "sport" of deer hunting is either getting close without being spotted, (which if its bedded, you've obviously done!) Or shooting a calm animal! Unless you are just one of the really good shooters, shooting a running deer would be much more of an ethical question than shooting a bedded deer. Also, what would be more unethical, shooting a bedded deer, or trying to make a super long shot? Not that long shots are unethical either!

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I would, it takes a lot of talent to sneak up on most whitetails so reward yourself.

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I really dont even understand how this is debatable. Its a mute point to me. I will shoot every beeded deer I see. And in terms of legality, Is there a law against it?

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I know guys who carry a bow or cross bow on tractors during harvest season in Ohio. It is legal to shoot a deer from farm implements and sometimes you will see a big buck standing guard over a doe or bed down along fence rows. they will not spook because they are used to farm machinery and you can get within a few feet and get a shot. it's legal so why not? i would if the circumstances were right and had a shot at a huge buck. [/align]

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Just yesterday i snuck up on a cat with my .22, he wasnt even sleepin, just resting his eyes. I poked that cat with the butt of the gun and that thing made a noise like i've never heard!:D

I would deffinately shoot a beded deer