| As with any sport, your choice of equipment | | | | stand hunting or shooting long range. In |
| will determine your degree of success when | | | | densely populated areas where rifle hunting |
| hunting deer and elk. When choosing a rifle, | | | | isn't allowed, Shotguns and slugs are |
| you should consider how it feels in your | | | | commonly used, and some states permit the use |
| hands, how it fits to your shoulder, the | | | | of shotguns with buckshot. The ideal shotgun |
| weight, the sights, and its action and | | | | for deer hunting is one with a rifled barrel |
| caliber. A gun of the right weight, with a | | | | and special sights, or a scope. Rifled |
| good fit, will help you shoot more | | | | barrels shoot slugs more accurately than |
| accurately. Take time to carefully consider | | | | smoothbore shotguns - rifling makes the slugs |
| the length of the stock when shopping for | | | | to spin and stabilize, allowing shots at deer |
| hunting rifles. Stock lengths vary among | | | | up to 100 yards away. You shouldn't use |
| different rifle manufacturers and models, and | | | | anything smaller than a 20 gauge shotgun for |
| a stock that's too long can be a problem - | | | | deer hunting - 12 gauge is the most popular. |
| and if the stock is too short, the scope can | | | | Bowhunting offers a higher level of |
| strike your eyebrow. If needed, a gunsmith | | | | difficulty and a number of unique challenges, |
| can change the length of the stock. Another | | | | but also offers a longer hunting season when |
| problem with an improper fit, especially for | | | | hunting deer and elk. Most bowhunters use a |
| larger men, is the "drop" - the distance | | | | compound bow - a bigger, heavier bow that |
| between your cheek and the stock. When you | | | | uses cams and pulleys for additional power |
| press your cheek against the stock of the | | | | and speed. Each state has a legal minimum for |
| rifle, your shooting eye should line up with | | | | draw weight for hunting bows, usually between |
| the sites. Too much drop will prevent you | | | | 35 and 45 pounds. Despite its increased |
| from placing your cheek against the stock, | | | | difficulty - or perhaps because of it - some |
| and the recoil could cause the stock to smack | | | | hunters choose to use a traditional bow and |
| you in the face. The weight of the rifle is | | | | arrow for deer hunting. There are hunters who |
| another consideration. Most hunting rifles | | | | also use crossbows for hunting, as well. A |
| weigh between six and nine pounds. Lighter | | | | good sporting goods store or gun shop will |
| guns are much more comfortable to carry, but | | | | have staff who can help you find the right |
| heavier rifles have less kick when fired. It | | | | weapon, no matter what your level of |
| may seem antithetical to buy a heavier rifle | | | | expertise. Having the right weapon is only |
| if you're going to be carrying it around with | | | | half the key to successful deer and elk |
| you all day, but heavy rifles are easier to | | | | hunting, though - the rest is skill, patience |
| hold steady, and they're more accurate when | | | | and just plain luck. |