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Starting Deer Hunting
I'm starting deer hunting this season in VA. It starts Nov 19, and I'm getting a .243 soon.
I need advice on pretty much everything other than scents (settled for Code Blue urines)--calls I need, when to hunt, shot placement, etc. If I zero at 70 yards, can I get away with shooting straight at the aimpoint without aiming high or low? (shooting from 10-100 yards) If not, when should I aim high or low and by how much? How should I adjust my aim shooting from a treestand? And, should I use Nosler Partitions or Remington Core-Lokts? Thanks, Riverhawk |
you don't need to make it complicated ..put the crooshairs on him and squeeze..assuming you'll have a scope on the rifle..if not aim the same anyway
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I wouldn't get brain lock, there is really no substitute for the real thing.
Take a good solid rest, relax, good sight picture, control your breathing and squeeze the trigger. Once you get to the point where you can shoot a decent three shot group, give it a try at extended range and even different angles/elevations. Good form has a lot more to do with good shooting than trying to overthink it. And remember it has little to do with how many bullets you fire, much more to do with how accurately you fire every bullet. Consistency is the key. Try it at different ranges and even from a high seat. A flat shooter like the .243 and "aim off" really doesn't figure in much until you get out to extended ranges. Any of the top brands of ammo/bullet are going to get the job done. Shot placement is a lot more important than finding the perfect bullet IMO. |
Calls: I like to have a grunt tube with me. Not to call them in, but rather to stop them for a shot.
When to hunt: I've found the best times are the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset, although it doesn't hurt to hunt a lot longer. The main thing is to get in the stand or blind fairly early. For example, at least 30 minutes before legal shooting light in the morning. Shot placement: Depends on your angle. Since you're using a 243, I would recommend waiting for the classic broadside shot and aim midway between the top and bottom of the chest (or a bit below that point) just behind the front legs.  Bullet rise/fall: With a 243 sighted in at 70 yards, you don't have to account for bullet rise/fall until you start shooting close to 200 yards. Aim the same way at 10 yards as you would at 100, and everything in between. Adjusting your aim from a treestand: At rifle ranges, you won't have to worry about it. Bullet choice: Woo boy, you've opened up a can of worms here. There are as many opinions on that subject as there are bullet types and weights. My answer would be use what shoots best in your gun. Either one will quickly kill a whitetail if put through both of its lungs. |
Originally Posted by riverhawk
(Post 4317495)
I'm starting deer hunting this season in VA. It starts Nov 19, and I'm getting a .243 soon.
I need advice on pretty much everything other than scents (settled for Code Blue urines)--calls I need, when to hunt, shot placement, etc. If I zero at 70 yards, can I get away with shooting straight at the aimpoint without aiming high or low? (shooting from 10-100 yards) If not, when should I aim high or low and by how much? How should I adjust my aim shooting from a treestand? And, should I use Nosler Partitions or Remington Core-Lokts? 2. If you are dead on at 70 you should be fine at 100 but I would limit you shots your first year to less than 50. Your question suggests you don't have much shooting experience. Get to the range as much as you can before you get in the woods. 3. The treestand height should not effect you aiming point with a rifle at less than 100yd ranges. Again, limit your shots to close range until you have some more experience. 4. Nosler partitions are generally considered a premium bullet and superior to Cor-Lokts, but the deer won't know the difference at less than 100yds. |
Originally Posted by hubby11
(Post 4317578)
2. If you are dead on at 70 you should be fine at 100 but I would limit you shots your first year to less than 50. Your question suggests you don't have much shooting experience. Get to the range as much as you can before you get in the woods. 3. The treestand height should not effect you aiming point with a rifle at less than 100yd ranges. Again, limit your shots to close range until you have some more experience. 4. Nosler partitions are generally considered a premium bullet and superior to Cor-Lokts, but the deer won't know the difference at less than 100yds. As said get to the range. Doesn't hurt to try a 2nd brand. But practice a bit with the cheaper, until you are sure it is not you. To many hunters fail to practice. Though most people I know shoot 30 yards, and doesn't matter alot. If you are shooting out to 100. Run a balistics calculator. I like Nikon Spoton. Path is up and back down. Decide what will give you good placement up close too, when deciding on what height to zero at. Many zero 1-2 inches above at 100. With a 243 you may want to limit shots to vitals and kneck. Which is pretty much good advice anyways. Though I also read about people going for shoulder. I never have though. With small caliber like 243, if you can afford it, I would use a premium bullet. I realize this stirs lots of debate. Yes I realize deer is just as dead. I wouldn't get to worked up all kinds of strategies and such. Though I think it is fun to read about them, and gets your mind racing. Unless you are in deer country, remember you may not get one every year. |
Originally Posted by hubby11
(Post 4317578)
1. If you are using deer scent, make sure it is synthetic. The natural stuff has been illegal in VA since 2015. Code Blue does make synthetic attractants.
2. If you are dead on at 70 you should be fine at 100 but I would limit you shots your first year to less than 50. Your question suggests you don't have much shooting experience. Get to the range as much as you can before you get in the woods. 3. The treestand height should not effect you aiming point with a rifle at less than 100yd ranges. Again, limit your shots to close range until you have some more experience. 4. Nosler Partitions are generally considered a premium bullet and superior to Core-Lokts, but the deer won't know the difference at less than 100yds. |
Originally Posted by TN Lone Wolf
(Post 4317555)
Calls: I like to have a grunt tube with me. Not to call them in, but rather to stop them for a shot.
When to hunt: I've found the best times are the two hours after sunrise and the two hours before sunset, although it doesn't hurt to hunt a lot longer. The main thing is to get in the stand or blind fairly early. For example, at least 30 minutes before legal shooting light in the morning. Shot placement: Depends on your angle. Since you're using a 243, I would recommend waiting for the classic broadside shot and aim midway between the top and bottom of the chest (or a bit below that point) just behind the front legs. {I removed the images because I have less than 10 posts and can't post URLs yet because of that} Bullet rise/fall: With a 243 sighted in at 70 yards, you don't have to account for bullet rise/fall until you start shooting close to 200 yards. Aim the same way at 10 yards as you would at 100, and everything in between. Adjusting your aim from a treestand: At rifle ranges, you won't have to worry about it. Bullet choice: Woo boy, you've opened up a can of worms here. There are as many opinions on that subject as there are bullet types and weights. My answer would be use what shoots best in your gun. Either one will quickly kill a whitetail if put through both of its lungs.
Originally Posted by MudderChuck
(Post 4317545)
I wouldn't get brain lock, there is really no substitute for the real thing.
Take a good solid rest, relax, good sight picture, control your breathing and squeeze the trigger. Once you get to the point where you can shoot a decent three shot group, give it a try at extended range and even different angles/elevations. Good form has a lot more to do with good shooting than trying to overthink it. And remember it has little to do with how many bullets you fire, much more to do with how accurately you fire every bullet. Consistency is the key. Try it at different ranges and even from a high seat. A flat shooter like the .243 and "aim off" really doesn't figure in much until you get out to extended ranges. Any of the top brands of ammo/bullet are going to get the job done. Shot placement is a lot more important than finding the perfect bullet IMO. Thanks a lot, both of you. I figure I'll get Partitions, and otherwise just go to the range and practice...what should I practice with that is cheaper than a partition but shoots similarly? |
Remington Core-lokts or Winchester PowerPoints are both pretty cheap and accurate, and they should shoot pretty similarly to Partitions, especially at the ranges you'll be shooting.
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sightin at 100, if 70 is all the range you have sight in just a tad low at 70 (like 1/4" low) you'll be good holding dead on till 275 yards or so, I'd use power points, god how I hate core-lokts. you do not need premieum bullets for va. whitetails.
RR |
The most important thing to keep in mind is just sit back and enjoy the hunt. Even when I don't shoot anything (which is the vast majority of the time), it's always nice to just sit back and watch the wildlife.
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Originally Posted by riverhawk
(Post 4317495)
I'm starting deer hunting this season in VA. It starts Nov 19, and I'm getting a .243 soon.
I need advice on pretty much everything other than scents (settled for Code Blue urines)--calls I need, when to hunt, shot placement, etc. If I zero at 70 yards, can I get away with shooting straight at the aimpoint without aiming high or low? (shooting from 10-100 yards) If not, when should I aim high or low and by how much? How should I adjust my aim shooting from a treestand? And, should I use Nosler Partitions or Remington Core-Lokts? Thanks, Riverhawk Place yourself in shadow. Deer will have a hard time seeing you there. Be still. That too makes it hard for the deer to see you. When you move, move slowly. |
Originally Posted by Ridge Runner
(Post 4317832)
sightin at 100, if 70 is all the range you have sight in just a tad low at 70 (like 1/4" low) you'll be good holding dead on till 275 yards or so, I'd use power points, god how I hate core-lokts. you do not need premieum bullets for va. whitetails.
RR I might just try the Federal Fusions, or PowerPoints, or Partitions...so many choices...Anyone have feedback on the Fusions? |
Originally Posted by Alsatian
(Post 4317869)
Deer are a prey species - food for predators. They "know" this and have adapted to avoid being eaten. They are most active (visible and amenable to being hunted) at twilight - early in the day and late. When they are moving, they will follow pathways that are a balance between easy and hidden.
Place yourself in shadow. Deer will have a hard time seeing you there. Be still. That too makes it hard for the deer to see you. When you move, move slowly. |
holy cow, we had to big bucks going at it last night in my back yard here in Toledo Ohio. the ground was shreaded and broken antlers on the ground!! Seams a little early for that type of aggression don't you think?
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Originally Posted by riverhawk
(Post 4317876)
..Anyone have feedback on the Fusions?
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Get a copy of the hunting regs and study them, know them "by heart" you'r job as a hunter is knowing what legal and what's not. Take lots of snacks/water, and try to sit still. Tell someone where you are, and when you'll be back, and what to do if you don't check-in.
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Where at in Va are you hunting? All above advice is good particularly the one about reading and rereading the regulations. Also get very familiar with your hunting area so if you get turned around you can get to your vehicle or at least a road.
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Originally Posted by vapahunter
(Post 4318604)
Where at in Va are you hunting? All above advice is good particularly the one about reading and rereading the regulations. Also get very familiar with your hunting area so if you get turned around you can get to your vehicle or at least a road.
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Originally Posted by hubby11
(Post 4318540)
I shoot the Fusions in my .308. A good deal (maybe a buck more than Cor-Lokts for 20 rounds) considering it's a bonded bullet. I get very good accuracy out to 100yds.
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Did the Core-Lokts not shoot well?
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Originally Posted by riverhawk
(Post 4319439)
so, Fusions or Partitions? Tryin' to decide between them; already gave up on Core-Lokts :party0005:
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