Missed Deer Today

Was tempted to say this earlier, but bit my tongue. I would not hunt big game anymore with a slug unless it was the only option. They are not consistent even if the shotgun is sighted in. I did not know shot guns could be purchased with rifled barrels, but for me a shot gun is for birds, rifles are for mammals, and bows can be used for both. I do not understand how a rifled barrel would produce the spiraling of a pellet, but there are many things I do not understand.



To many hunting is an adrenalin rush, the kill is anticlimactic, and the food is a blessing. I justify the rush and blessing by the fact that death in nature is never pleasant. Second to hunting, being hit by a vehicle is the next best way of natures cause of death to wild life. Therefore a humane harvest is more important than the trophy.

In Lander, Wy. they have a one shot tournament for antelope. For more information, Google one shot, Lander WY. It is hard to enter the tournament because it is reserved for prominent figures such as politicians, astronauts, actors, etc. States and different organizations petition the committee for entry. This is only mentioned because of the history of hunting ethics that surround the hunt. I have been invited to the Victory Banquet several times, but never participated in the hunt. I was always hopeful the pre hunt target shooting would enlist an invitation, but accuracy does not out preform a diplomat. Just the same, the one shot tournament exists every year for this hunter and most of the time I am a winner.

Nutpie - If you are after the wild life for food I assume you have some experience cooking wild game. If not you should be aware that venison shot in the forest is a lot different than that shot around farm land. Preparation is also different. If you do not fill your tag check with your local wardens. There are many hunters that do not appreciate the taste of wild game and will donate it to a interested individual. Another piece of advice, if you take it to a game processor, make sure you do it with several carcasses your buddies shot. The reason is that processers combine several deer when they produce hamburger, sausage, etc. If the other deer were not properly prepared, you will taste it.

I love it when scrap and hunting are part of the same discussion.