Shooting Running deer.
 

I am going on a deer drive this weekend and I have rarely shot at a running deer. What are some tips or ways to shoot running deer. Should I shoot a .300 Savage w/ a scope or a 30-30 w/ open sights. I really don' t think 30-30' s have that much power. I was on a deer drive this past weekend and shot at a deer 4 times and missed every time.(w/ a scope) and so did my friend. You don' t have to lead them do you?

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

i would either use the 30-30 or the .300 with the scope on the lowest power, the 30-30 does have enough power to kill a deer easy. i would lead them a little bit depending on the range that you are shooting.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Joel , shoot only at a deer when he is landing and aim1.5-2 feet in front of his throat level with his back...BT

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I think i' ll shoot the .300 i just remembered that it had a flip over scope, but it makes it unsighted in.(???) Thanks a lot. I didn' t think you had to lead them. What is the reason for shooting them when they land?

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

yes joel , it takes a deer a few split seconds to start back up. you should be good with that around the 60- 130 yards. anything closer shorten your lead.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

The 30-30 should be fine within 150 yards. Open sights are easier to use when leading a running animal as you can see the whole picture. Whatever you do, be sure of your shot. Wounding and loosing an animal is a terrible thing.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

A method I use is to pick an opening or shooting lane in the trees a few yards ahead of the deer and wait for deer to enter your scope x-hair, then squeeze. Don' t try to shoot a running deer by following it with your scope unless your reflexes are very good.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I use a scope on low power and find it better than open sights.I also shoot with both eyes open.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

You shoot them on the way down because they cannont change there direction on the way down only on the way up.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Any time that their feet are off the ground they can' t change direction whether they are going up or down.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

more deer have been killed with a 30-30 than any other gun.. it may not get there as fast as the 300 but it will take em down...I have not taken a shot at a running deer yet.. I dont practice enough to feel comfortable shooting at them.. knowing that Im only going to wound them in the process instead of making a killing shot deters me..

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I got my first deer with a full speed running shot as mike said, picked a
spot and squeezed when the deer entered. 2 years later I missed one with the
same method, I dont think I`ll take any more running shots, not that I
dont think I can make the shot, but that Its too much of a low percentage
shot for me.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

DON' T

Most people think they can shoot running deer, and end up blowing their legs off and wounding them.

If the deer are running, then the drivers are pushing too hard. Slow them down. The deer should be walking by you.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

DO~~~

do practice, with practice a running shot can be just as deadly i have shot over 30 deer since starting hunting i have no exact numbers but probably atleast 25% have been running and the only deer ive wounded and had to track and shoot again was standing still for the first shot but flat moving when i jumped it 2 hrs later. That is my second point if you can practice running shots, we hunt jackrabbits and coyotes in the off season, it may come in handy when there is a wounded deer running off. So even if you wont usually take a running shot its nice to know you can do it if the situation arrises.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I have taken four deer (one shot kills) with an open sighted 30/30. Swing like your shooting birds and extend your lead as the distance extends. More than 75 yds is pushing it though.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Secure some cardboard inside a tire and roll the tire down a hill, shoot away and then cry when you attempt to count the hits. In time you will start to hit the target, then change positions/angles and speeds of the tire, then shoot away. Also you can stop a running deer by whistling at it but be prepared for it to stop behind cover, cover that you didn' t think could hide the vitals.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

here' s a good tip, put the scope out in front of them when the nose crosses the cross hairs in the scope pull the trigger, but obviosly aim a little lower always a good distance in leading deer running

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I don' t like using a scoped gun for jump shooting and drives. The 30-30 is a good choice.

I' d practice wingshooting quite a bit before going. That' ll help you get your swing and speed down. I like the tip above about the tire.

Hitting running deer takes practice, lots of practice. I' d opt for trying to stop or slow them down. Give a good whistle or shout, and they' ll usually hold up for a few seconds.

Tabby made a good point about the speed of the drive. If they' re running, your pushing them to fast. Slow down.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

running deer? should be fine within 150 yards?? different world than me. I would say how many opportunities do you practice that shot on the range? shoot when he' s coming down?? strange. Oh well I' ll stick to my gameplan.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Just BE CAREFUL. Following a running deer w/ your gun, you might lose track of where other hunters are. Especially on a drive!!!

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I dont do it, I' m to stupid. Dont like the practice of driving deer . Try and stop it first please, even if it takes a yell. I understand all about drives. Believe me. Here in Pa they drive them and just blast away and then divide the meat. Heck I can do that with my truck on the highway. Just my opinion

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

OK I' ll open up a can of worms here. Down here we' ve shot lots of running deer. When you have a pack of walkers on them they don' t stand around long. Buckshot works real well on them. But whether rifle or buckshot keep your shots in range. If a running deer is far enough out that you have to worry about bullit drop, he' s too far to shoot at. OK now let the dog bashing begin.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

As A5 say Buckshot up close.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Anything inside of 50 yards, with a 300, or 7mm, or 30-06 you can aim right on the front shoulder and the gun is fast enough to hit right in the vitals. Beyond 50 yards you need to lead a little each time. You really shouldn' t shoot at running deer beyond 200 yards, but those shots can be made.

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

I used to shoot running rabbits with a .22. Now, 50 years down the road, my deer have to have all four hooves planted. One of my best shots? A six point standing in 8 inches of mud.

Russ

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Never shoot at a running deer. EVER! Its just a luck shot no matter how good you are. Esp with a scope for christ sake! I' ll catch hell for this post, but I dont care. I' ll ignore it, like the deer you' ll be shooting at with your rifle and live to talk another day! ;)

RE: Shooting Running deer.
 

Duckmaster, You will not get any heck from me....as I agree. I spend quite alot of range time from season to season with various guns. That includes my 30.06 which is my gun of choice now....started with a Winchester mod 70 30.30 lever action, 70gr hollow points for Deer. :) Great gun but after 40, the eyes change abit....LOL
Hence the .06 with a scope still one shot, and their down. I will never take, and have never taken a running shot at a deer. Even though I am proficiant with handguns, and rifles at the range I will never take a running shot....ever! JMO. And to each his own. I would much rather let them walk than risk even a 10% or less chance of wounding one. If your not certain....DO NOT SHOOT! You will have another chance eventually.....:)