Photo by Forrest Fisher Target practice at multiple ranges and bullet weight options with any hunting firearm are critical for success in the woods.

In New York State, the recent legalization of rifle use for big game hunting has sparked a wave of excitement and anticipation. This significant change, which has replaced the traditional shotgun-only rule in many counties, has been met with widespread support from the hunting community. The use of rifles, while requiring greater caution, offers the potential for safer shots and increased effectiveness at longer distances, leading to fewer wounded deer and a higher harvest rate.

Discussions among hunter groups can offer insight into the best choice of rifle caliber and brand, as well as bullet size options, which all depend on factors such as the distance of the shot and personal preference. That said, some popular and widely regarded combinations include the Remington Model 700 — one of the most popular bolt-action rifles for deer hunting due to its accuracy and reliability; the Ruger American Rifle — known for being lightweight and affordable, it still offers good accuracy for deer hunting; Winchester Model 70 — a classic and reliable bolt-action rifle, praised for its accuracy and ruggedness; the Savage 110 — a highly accurate rifle with a reputation for being durable, and it offers various caliber options. There are many others.

The best calibers for deer hunting include the .30-06 Springfield: it’s known for its versatility, as the .30-06 can be used for a wide range of game and is capable of both short and long-range shots; the .308 Winchester — very popular for deer hunting, the .308 is well-regarded for its accuracy and manageable recoil.

There are also the highly popular 6.5mm Creedmoor — known for its long-range accuracy and lower recoil, it has become increasingly popular for deer hunting; the .270 Winchester — it offers a flat trajectory with less recoil than the .30-06, making it an excellent option for those looking for accuracy over long distances; and the .243 Winchester — a great choice for smaller deer or shorter-range hunting due to its light recoil and good accuracy. Choices vary due to cost and weight considerations among these calibers,

Bullet choices add to the complexity of what is best with what caliber. Soft point bullets are designed to expand upon impact and are commonly used for deer hunting because they provide controlled expansion, which results in quicker, humane kills. There are also polymer tip bullets, these are similar to soft point bullets but feature a polymer tip that increases accuracy and ballistic performance. Popular options include the Hornady SST and Nosler Ballistic Tip. Add bonded bullets designed to retain their weight and expand reliably upon impact, making them good for larger deer and those that might be hunted at longer ranges. Last, there are boat tail bullets that provide aerodynamic efficiency to allow better long-range accuracy. Bullets like the Sierra GameKing are popular for deer hunting.

In general, hunters might lean toward a rifle like the 6.5mm Creedmoor with a bullet like the Hornady Precision Hunter for long-range shots. A .308 or .270 with a standard soft point might suffice for shorter ranges. With regard to recoil sensitivity, opting for a .243 Winchester with a light bullet (100 grain) is a good choice. However, regardless of the rifle and bullet, shot placement is critical for an ethical and successful hunt. Aim for vital areas like the heart or lungs for a quick, humane kill. Understanding the anatomy of a deer and practicing shot placement at the target range can significantly improve hunting success.

In summary, popular and effective combinations for deer hunting include a .30-06 Winchester paired with a soft point or polymer tip bullet like the Hornady Interlock or Nosler Partition for an accurate and humane kill at medium to long ranges.

Of course, proper use of a rifle also requires a good rifle scope. Choose a scope that provides a good balance of clarity, durability and precision. An objective size of 40-50mm provides enough light for early and late-day hunting without being too bulky and heavy. Find a scope with 3.5 to 4 inches of eye relief, essential for comfort, especially with a .30-06. Magnification of 3-9X magnification is ideal for most deer hunting. Scope brand options include Vortex, Leupold, Nikon, Burris, Hawke, and Bushnell. The right scope for each hunter depends on budget and personal preferences. On my 30-06 Remington 700BDL, I use a Hawke Endurance Model 30WA-SF 4-16 x 50 LR dot with an 8X reticle, and it sells for under $600 and has internal illumination of the reticle. This scope is affordable and practical for big game or varmit hunting. For more info, visit https://us.hawkeoptics.com.

All of that considered, regarding bullet choices, there is a partnership project in New York that includes the New York DEC, New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Cornell University, the U.S. Geological Survey, and Conservation Science Global, where all licensed New York deer hunters are eligible to receive up to $60 rebate for using a non-lead ammo choice. This is a great initiative that not only helps hunters save money but also encourages the use of non-lead ammo, which is better for the environment. The group is helping offset the cost of voluntarily trying lead-free ammo during your 2024-25 deer hunt in New York state. Here is the procedure to follow: Purchase 1 box of factory-loaded lead-free ammunition or 1 box of non-lead bullets for reloading. Save a photo of your receipt. Take a picture of the ammo box showing the product name and caliber. Take a photo of your valid deer license (limited to one offer per license holder). Visit https://www.huntersforeagleconservation.org/new-york/rebate-form/. They will issue a pre-loaded debit card for the amount you spent, up to $60 (not including tax and shipping).

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoor Calendar:

Nov. 16-Dec. 8: NYS Southern Zone Regular (firearm) Big Game season

Nov. 21: Southtowns Walleye Assoc. monthly meeting, 7 p.m., 5895 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, Info: 716-208-4023

Nov. 23-Jan. 19: South Area – Late Canada Goose Season, see syllabus.

Nov. 30: Last day of inland Musky Season (Great Lakes musky goes through Dec. 15).

Nov. 30-Dec. 14: Pennsylvania Regular (firearms) Deer Season. See https://www.pgc.pa.gov.

Dec. 9-Dec. 17 and Dec. 26-Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone Late Bowhunting Season