Shooting at Running Deer

[PostFrontal]

We hunt a buddy's property for Wisconsin deer opener. Their way to hunt it is to do drives all day, every day. They have been doing it that way for 50 years. It's their property and their tradition so we do it their way.

Here in Minnesota we sit on stand all day so it is the exact opposite of the way we hunt on our property. In WI we post people around the woods and have the drivers push through the woods. When posting we are sitting on top of hills in grass fields. The deer come running out in all directions, so it is a moving shot that can be to the left, right, or straight ahead.

I have been trying to figure out what is the best way to have a good rest for my rifle and what shooting position would be the best to be in.

Should I be standing, kneeling, sitting, prone? Should I use a sling, or shooting sticks? Monopod, bipod, trippod shooting sticks? What length shooting sticks? Should I have one that I carry or attach to my rifle?

Thanks for your help!

[picksbigwagon]

WOW, my answer would be yes.....I am heading to Iowa this year and doing the same thing, but we use shotguns not rifles. when we drive in Iowa, I either stand, sit or kneel. That is my preference order. I have a sling on my shotgun and am debating getting the grip stick shooting sticks....it's a mono pod, but with a shotgun I really don't need it.

sounds like you need to get out and practice a little bit of what is going to be best for you.....I have foldable shooting sticks that I can wrap around the sling of my gun but are not attached to my gun.

[Dave S]

When we hunted in my area, it was always driving/pushing deer out of the ravines. It's very dangerous if you have a newbie who doesn't understand the lay of the land or where everyone is going to be.

We've been wildly successful in hunting this way. Our posture depended on the terrain we were on. I've sat in the remnants of fallen trees where the deer wouldn't see me. Other times I would stand and make myself readily visible, especially if there was an area we wanted to channel the deer into.

The past couple years, I had a sling on my gun that I was able to use as an extra brace to steady the gun. Either a wrap around my fore-arm or around my elbow would help secure the gun.

For me personally, I wouldn't be totally sold on the idea of using a mono/bi/tri-pod if you're driving the deer. I've never found it to be of mucch benefit the times I've tried it.

[paul pachowicz]

hitting any moving target isn't something that a person gets profiecent at on opening day. I was fortunate enough to have had a practice range when I was stationed at Lackland AFB for 9 years in San Antone, Texas. We had a "running boar" range, trap and skeet range, both international and American. I've nailed several deer on the run and missed a few as well. A guy has to really know the terrain and party folks location. I prefer to shoot off hand but, again, it's something I pratice at. Clay birds is an excellent practice excercise. The biggest fault is not "following through" with thier shots. It's really a kick to see em fall while cookin.

[vister]

i someone is shooting at a running deer, i would recommend standing, with no aid of shooting sticks! I have shot a lot of deer running while makeing drives, some close, some far away, and i know for a fact, whether bounding through timber, corn, grass, brush, or srinting across the open ground, i'd much rather be standing while shooting, with no shooting sticks. this way, you can definetely follow and shoot at a deer much more effectively, but then again, maybe thats just me.

[PostFrontal]

I've been hunting 21 years, been doing this in WI for 5 years, and have done countless drives before. So the practice and safety aspect of it I'm already well aware of.

Would love to have a range like that!

I've always shot off-hand standing, and never used sticks so was wondering if anyone had something that worked great or should I stick with what I'm doing.

[picksbigwagon]

I like sticks when I am sitting and coyote hunting. Sticks are too short when I kneel

[Dave S]

I like sticks when I am sitting and coyote hunting. Sticks are too short when I kneel

Does anyone makes sticks tall enough for you Tom?

[picksbigwagon]

Yeah, those trigger sticks that go from 31-65", those are almost perfect for sitting and kneeling....little short for standing though....I just don't want to spend 40+ bucks for them....

[BobT]

Personally I'd hesitate to take the low percentage shot at a running animal. But, I think the best answer I can offer is to use the method where you are most comfortable and feel most confident. That way you're less likely to wound it.

[Steve Foss]

I've practiced and taken shots at running targets with some success. In your situation, I'd sit on my butt with elbows braced on knees or lay prone if you still have a good view prone.

That's because posters sometimes do get standing or walking shots, and it's better to be well braced for those. When I've posted and deer come running out into the open fields, it's a simple matter to hop from a sitting or prone position to standing position and then swing on the deer. I prefer standing when shooting at a fast moving target because I feel there's no impeding the swing. In this situation, there's no difference for me between shooting at a crossing pheasant, a zipping duck or a running deer, and I like to be standing for all three.

[Dave S]

I've also had success at getting a running deer to stop, making for an easier shot.

If they're not already in an all-out run and just trotting through the woods, a simple "HEY" or a "BAA" will be enough for a deer to stop and identify what made the noise. This is one of the downfalls in a deer's senses and often times a lethal mistake on their part.

In an all-out run, you'll never stop them unless you make a good shot.

[BobT]

In an all-out run, you'll never stop them unless you make a good shot.

I have to respectfully disagree.

When I was about 14 I went hunting with my dad. He put me in a small clearing in the woods, about 20 yds. across, while he went for a walk. About a half-hour goes by and I hear him take a shot with his 30-06. Within just a few seconds this doe comes crashing through the brush into my opening. I instinctively brought my rifle to my shoulder. I happened to have this metal emblem on my jacket (I was a kid, you know) and as I shouldered my rifle the butt of my stock hit that metal emblem. The sound was barely audible to me but that doe instantly stopped dead in her tracks and stood there looking at me broadside. Unfortunately, it was buck only that year. My dad missed the buck and I couldn’t take the doe.

[FishonTom]

If a deer is running you really can't use sticks or any rest for that matter. Standing and shooting is your best bet. The biggest reason why people miss a running deer is because they shoot behind them. So don't forget to lead them. A flat out deer can run almost as fast as most large game birds fly can fly.

[Rost]

In SW MN, shooting at running deer is more common than shooting at one standing. In fact, in my 20 years of slug hunting, I can only remember shooting one standing. The rest have all been running.

Your 1 shot one kill percentage is lower, but very rarely does a wounded deer get away because the country is wide open and we'll track it for miles.

[Dave S]

Originally Posted By: LEP7MM

In an all-out run, you'll never stop them unless you make a good shot.

I have to respectfully disagree.

When I was about 14 I went hunting with my dad. He put me in a small clearing in the woods, about 20 yds. across, while he went for a walk. About a half-hour goes by and I hear him take a shot with his 30-06. Within just a few seconds this doe comes crashing through the brush into my opening. I instinctively brought my rifle to my shoulder. I happened to have this metal emblem on my jacket (I was a kid, you know) and as I shouldered my rifle the butt of my stock hit that metal emblem. The sound was barely audible to me but that doe instantly stopped dead in her tracks and stood there looking at me broadside. Unfortunately, it was buck only that year. My dad missed the buck and I couldn’t take the doe.

I've never had one stop if they're in an all out run. Especially after shots have been fired.

[bigbucks]

Me either unless a chunk of lead stopped them...

I've seen them stop fairly often just into the woods after crossing a field. Had a buck do that a few years ago that I had watched my brother shoot at, he looked hit, so I shot him to finish him off. There was only one hole in him. I most likely would not have shot him otherwise.

[WaitForIt]

I'll say my piece then step off the soapbox - It is unlikely that you are going to get an ethical shot opportunity and more likely than not you are going to wound an animal. The argument about 'well we will just track it anyway' is a poor one IMO - you have a responsibility to quickly and humanely kill the animal. I simply cannot see how running shots can be compatible.

That said, I'd have a set of sticks that would allow me to stand with the rifle supported at shoulder level so I could take some of the guesswork out of the equation.

Do you practice offhand shooting? I bet 90% of these guys on the forum couldn't hit an 8" plate at 100 yards offhand, especially when you don't know the shot is coming. It isn't that easy.

[harvey lee]

If I were to take a running shot and that is doubtful, I would do it standing and maybe with shooting sticks as mentioned above.

I prefer to hunt the deer from a tree stand and take a standing still or walking very slow shot.

We do not allow any deer drives on the ranch we control for gun season. I'm scared to death that a bigger buck would start running and someone would lose their head and sense of direction and someone could get shot.

[koonie]

I'll say my piece then step off the soapbox - It is unlikely that you are going to get an ethical shot opportunity and more likely than not you are going to wound an animal. The argument about 'well we will just track it anyway' is a poor one IMO - you have a responsibility to quickly and humanely kill the animal. I simply cannot see how running shots can be compatible.

That said, I'd have a set of sticks that would allow me to stand with the rifle supported at shoulder level so I could take some of the guesswork out of the equation.

Do you practice offhand shooting? I bet 90% of these guys on the forum couldn't hit an 8" plate at 100 yards offhand, especially when you don't know the shot is coming. It isn't that easy.

Ethical according to whom?

More than likely wound an animal. Hmmm.

Come hunt in western Minnesota where there aren't many places to sit and wait for a deer to walk in front of you. You learn really quickly how to shoot running deer. Not everybody is good at it but you'd would be very surprised at how good you can get when that's the only kind of shots available. Out of the 40 some deer I've shot in my life there has been exactly one that was standing still. Maybe I'm not part of that 90% though.

I do wish it was possible to actually sit and have deer walk past me so I could have a standing shot. It just isn't really an option around my area.

[Dave S]

If I were to take a running shot and that is doubtful, I would do it standing and maybe with shooting sticks as mentioned above.

I prefer to hunt the deer from a tree stand and take a standing still or walking very slow shot.

We do not allow any deer drives on the ranch we control for gun season. I'm scared to death that a bigger buck would start running and someone would lose their head and sense of direction and someone could get shot.

My dad was hit in the chest by a slug in '88. Luckily it bounced off. I also know a guy who still has a slug lodged next to his spine after being shot during a drive in a cornfield.

[96trigger]

I was really hoping that this wouldn't turn into a "to shoot or not to shoot argument". It really, is not all that difficult to shoot a running deer, I've done it many times. Deer down here often break out of the woods and head across fields so running shots are not very uncommon.

Some things that I do.

#1, shoot lots and lots of trap. You learn to keep your barrel moving on the target.

#2. Try and keep the shots close. Running shots are going to be much easier within 50 yards, any more than that and it gets really tough. If the deer is running broadside within 50 yards, I am 100% confident in myself. If it is angling or running away, pass on the shot.

#3. Know your weapon, maintain a good stance and posture, move your upperbody with the animal maintaining a smooth swing and keep the barrel just in front of the deer. I would not use sticks unless you already have them set up and are ready, which might not be feasible. When adrenaline kicks in and you pull the trigger, you don't notice barrel wobble or the kick. Sticks are great if you have a scope and the deer is loping. I prefer open sights and free hand.

[Bear55]

Ethical according to whom?

More than likely wound an animal. Hmmm.

Come hunt in western Minnesota where there aren't many places to sit and wait for a deer to walk in front of you. You learn really quickly how to shoot running deer. Not everybody is good at it but you'd would be very surprised at how good you can get when that's the only kind of shots available. Out of the 40 some deer I've shot in my life there has been exactly one that was standing still. Maybe I'm not part of that 90% though.

I do wish it was possible to actually sit and have deer walk past me so I could have a standing shot. It just isn't really an option around my area.

Koonie

I'm not questioning the eithics of shooting at running deer but it seems most people I know who hunt open farm country sit in the stand for an hour or two opening day and then start making drives. I'm sure you guys know what you are doing and it is the most effective way to hunt these areas. However from an outsiders perspective(bigwoods) it doens't seem like anyone gives the deer a chance to move on their own. As soon as you start making drives I'm sure those deer feel the pressure and hunker down in the thick stuff. Then you would almost have to make drives to hunt them after all that pressure. So I guess what I am asking is if everyone didn't make drive right away do you think the deer would move on a more natural pattern and people would still get their deer?

[96trigger]

Your are comparing thousands of acres of timber to small 2-10acre chunks of land and waterways. The deer in those small areas will more than likely need to get pushed out. I couldn't understand pushing deer in large forests. I wouldn't know how to do it or where to start or stop. Around here, its pretty common to drive the bluffs.

[Bear55]

Actually not I'm compairing just asking if they deer would move more naturally if they weren't pressured. Before rifle seaons the bowhunters seem to have a fair amout of luck getting deer without drives.