For many deer hunters, the shotgun represents a classic and versatile tool well-suited for pursuing whitetails and other deer species. While often overshadowed by rifles in the deer woods, the shotgun offers several distinct advantages when deployed correctly. From the dense timber to wide agricultural fields, the shotgun can be an effective deer-getting implement in the right hands. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the finer points of hunting deer with a shotgun – covering shotgun and ammunition selection, hunting strategies tailored to the shotgun’s potent but limited range capabilities, and more.
What Makes a Shotgun Ideal for Deer Hunting?
A shotgun can be an excellent choice for deer hunting due to several key factors. First and foremost, the shotgun’s versatility and effectiveness at relatively short to moderate ranges make it well-suited for the thick cover and brush often encountered in deer hunting environments.
The shotgun’s ability to fire a wide pattern of shot pellets increases the margin for error when compared to a single projectile from a rifle. This can be advantageous when hunting deer, as they are constantly moving and presenting quick, fleeting shots through vegetation. The spread of the shotgun’s pattern compensates for minor errors in lead and aim, allowing for a more forgiving and ethical shot opportunity.
Additionally, the stopping power of modern shotgun slugs or buckshot loads is more than sufficient for cleanly taking down deer-sized game at practical hunting ranges. Advances in ammunition technology have made shotgun slugs and buckshot more accurate and harder-hitting than ever before, enabling reliable, one-shot kills on deer when properly placed.
Another advantage of the shotgun is its relatively light recoil, especially in smaller gauges like 20-gauge. This lower recoil can translate to better shot placement and follow-up shots if needed, as the shooter is less likely to be thrown off target by heavy recoil. The shotgun’s user-friendliness also makes it a great choice for introducing new or younger hunters to deer hunting.
Finally, the shotgun’s versatility allows it to be used effectively for other hunting pursuits, such as bird hunting or small game, making it a valuable all-around hunting tool. With the right ammunition and choke tube selection, a single shotgun can serve multiple hunting purposes throughout the season.
How to Choose the Right Shotgun for Deer Hunting?
When selecting a shotgun for deer hunting, the gauge is an important consideration. The 12-gauge is the most popular and versatile choice, capable of firing a wide range of slugs and buckshot loads suitable for deer. However, the 20-gauge has gained popularity due to its lighter recoil and weight, making it an excellent option for hunters concerned about felt recoil or those with smaller statures.
The action type of the shotgun is another key factor. Pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns are both viable options, each with their own advantages. Pump-actions are often more affordable, reliable, and require less maintenance, while semi-automatics offer faster follow-up shots if needed. Personal preference and intended use should guide this decision.
Barrel length is also crucial, as it impacts handling, portability, and shot performance. For most deer hunting situations, an 18-20 inch barrel is a sweet spot, providing a compact and maneuverable shotgun while still allowing for decent range and accuracy with slugs or buckshot. Barrels much longer than 24 inches can become unwieldy in thick brush.
The shotgun’s sighting system is another important consideration. While basic bead sights are common, many deer hunters opt for more precise ghost ring or scope sights to maximize accuracy, especially when shooting slugs. Red dot or reflex sights are also growing in popularity for their fast target acquisition.
Finally, fit and overall weight should be evaluated, as a properly fitted shotgun will be easier to shoulder and swing smoothly. An overly heavy or poorly fitted shotgun can fatigue the hunter and negatively impact shooting performance after hours of stationary waiting or still-hunting.
What Choke and Ammunition Should You Use?
The choice of choke and ammunition is critical for effective and ethical deer hunting with a shotgun. For firing slugs, most hunters opt for an improved cylinder or modified choke tube. These relatively open chokes provide enough constriction to stabilize the slug without excessive shot deformation at common deer hunting ranges.
When choosing slugs, hunters should consider modern loads like the Brenneke or other front-loaded, mono-metallic designs. These slugs tend to exhibit superior accuracy and harder-hitting terminal performance compared to traditional foster-type slugs. Additionally, sabot slugs offer blistering velocities and flat trajectories, making them an excellent choice, albeit at a higher cost per round.
For buckshot loads intended for deer, a more constricted choke like improved modified or full can provide dense patterns out to 40-50 yards. 12-gauge 00 buckshot in 2-3/4″ or 3″ shells usually containing 8-10 pellets are a proven deer load. The larger .33 or .36 caliber pellets offer harder-hitting performance over .30 caliber buckshot.
When patterning buckshot, look for loads providing a dense, evenly-distributed pattern out to your maximum intended range. An 8-10 inch group is a good benchmark for clean killing at 40 yards. Some hunters also smooth the buffered pellets for tighter patterns.
Whichever ammunition is chosen, hunters should take the time to pattern and sight-in their shotgun annually. Slugs in particular can exhibit different point-of-impact and trajectories based on design. Patterning allows for verifying proper shot placement out to your maximum range.
What Hunting Strategies Work Best for Deer with a Shotgun?
One of the most productive strategies is still-hunting or slow, stealthy movement. The relatively short effective range of shotgun slugs and buckshot loads makes it essential to close the distance on deer. Still-hunting involves carefully working into the wind, glassing ahead, and slowly stalking through areas where deer are likely to be.
Patience and acute observation skills are critical, as deer may be spotted at short ranges, requiring a quick and accurate shotgun shot. This technique is well-suited to areas with moderate terrain and vegetation that provides some cover for the hunter’s approach.
For more open areas, employing some form of concealment hunting can be very effective. Setting up in a well-camouflaged ground blind or tree stand along likely deer travel corridors puts the shotgun hunter within close range when deer appear. The key is identifying funnels, pinch-points, or food sources that deer are likely to move through or visit.
Driven deer hunts, where “standers” are stationed at key locations as others push deer towards them, can also play to the shotgun’s strengths. With hunters coordinating their positions, there are increased opportunities for catching deer moving at shotgun ranges when flushed by drivers. Good voice communication is crucial for safety.
Finally, night hunting methods like spotlighting or hunting over bait can be productive in areas where legal. However, the shotgun’s relatively short range requires deer to be located at very close distances, often under 100 yards, for a responsible shot opportunity.
No matter the strategy, scouting, reading sign, and gaining intimacy with the hunting area’s terrain and deer movements are invaluable for consistent shotgun success. Getting within close range is pivotal.
Enjoyed this guide of hunting deer with a shotgun? Then be sure to check out our other outdoor gears guides.