Tactics questio for shotgun hunting this fall

[jcollins1007]

I'm going to be hunting with a shotgun this fall, using rifled slugs since I can't use buckshot and don't want to buy a rifled barrel. What tactics do you guys use when using shotguns (as opposed to rifle hunting) that ensure best success?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Assuming you're after deer.....

Be between where the deer are and where they'll be going. Like a bedding area and feeding area. Hunt like a bowhunter, set up for a close range shot watching the wind and well camoed. A tree stand is nice but not essential.

Please do shoot some groups and find out the slug that does best in your shotgun. Then establish your max range and stick to it.

With maybe 40 deer behind me, I guess the longest shot I've taken was about 65 yards, Typically, 30-35 yards.

Do not obsess about getting a deer. Hunt hard, but let things develop.

Good luck....

 

[jcollins1007]

do you use any type of sight other than a bead?

 

[Dave McCracken]

Both my slug shooters wear peep sights. So do my two Muzzleloaders, my 30-30 Model 94 and so on. However, out to 50 yards, a bead works well.

Your skill level will be much more important than the hardware. Like my friend Lee Lapin says, Mindset,skillset,toolset....

 

[blackDdefense]

We sit until about 9am and then push small patches to get em moving. Maybe not an option if you are hunting alone. Best to see where other hunters are sitting and post up where the deer will come if they show up late and bump them. I have seen alot of hunters not get to their stand until 15-20 minutes after shooting hours in the morning. If there are some of those around; set up where the deer WILL run if he/she bumps them. Here in Illinois the first season is only three days long. The second, only four. Run em and gun em is what we do to put the venison in the freezer.