New to hunting

**flyfishforfun** · November 15th, 2009, 08:25 PM

I am currently studying for the PAL test. I am going to sit the test next month. Once i've got my license, i need to buy a rifle for deer hunting. I am going to get a rifle with a scope and hit the range hard over the next year, so i am ready for next year's deer season. I am going to hunt on Vancouver Island for blacktail, and I am hoping to go to the interior for deer, possibly elk or moose too.

I know the different action types that i can get, and i have a basic understanding of the different cartridge options. However, i don't really understand what the different cartridges are useful for. What are the different cartridge types useful for in different conditions? What are their useful ranges? And can anyone suggest the calibre that I should get?

Thanks for your help!

**phearless** · November 16th, 2009, 01:16 PM

Hello F Cubed

There is no one perfect rifle caliber out there.
As close as you can come, in my opinion, is the venerable
30-06 Springfield.
With todays modern ammo you can get 300 win performance.
Every animal I have harvested with mine has been bang flop.

Give me a shout at the shop and we can discuss it more if you like.

Straight Shooting

**Maverick** · November 16th, 2009, 04:24 PM

hey ffff. the world of hunting is that of my favorite(cringe). I stopped rifle hunting when i was 13. took my 2nd and last deer with a rifle and switched to the bow. Now i'm sitting on 8 more succesfully filled tags with my bow. not to say i dont have a favorite rifle. I'd recomend a 30-06 as well as it is an all around gun thats capable of taking i'd say nearly all western game, especially blacktail. I think you should consider both options as next season is long enough for you to be comfortable with both. If your interested pm me and i can share some stories and info with regards to bowhunting. I guarentee that on the island espciallly(im across from you in Powell RIver) you'll have a lot of opportunites on some savage bucks if you are able to hunt in the bow only zones. we also shoot shotguns, crossbows, in my family so give me a pm. also you should consider heading on over to texada. good fun there. jsut took a doe two evenings ago.

**flyfishforfun** · November 17th, 2009, 11:04 PM

Thanks for the info guys. Fred, whats the phone number of your shop? I hope it is all going well for your shop, by the way! I know its nice doing what you love for a job! i think i'll give you a call before i make a final decision.

Maverick, long term i can see bowhunting in my future, but i feel like i need to walk before i run? I like texada- i'll need to add it as a future destination for a long weekend with the gun!

I didn't mention before that i'm left handed. It seems that, if i want a LH gun, i greatly reduce my options. We're persecuted constantly! But I think a LH 30-06 might be the best option, from what i can tell? I also would like a relatively light rifle i think. But maybe i;m just getting too picky now! Do you carry any guns with these requirements Fred?

**zulu** · November 18th, 2009, 09:56 PM

Originally Posted by flyfishforfun

Thanks for the info guys. Fred, whats the phone number of your shop? I hope it is all going well for your shop, by the way! I know its nice doing what you love for a job! i think i'll give you a call before i make a final decision.

Maverick, long term i can see bowhunting in my future, but i feel like i need to walk before i run? I like texada- i'll need to add it as a future destination for a long weekend with the gun!

I didn't mention before that i'm left handed. It seems that, if i want a LH gun, i greatly reduce my options. We're persecuted constantly! But I think a LH 30-06 might be the best option, from what i can tell? I also would like a relatively light rifle i think. But maybe i;m just getting too picky now! Do you carry any guns with these requirements Fred?

I hunt with both bow and rifle - my weapons of choice are .270 win And PSE X Bow..

Sometimes a bow is is what is required sometimes a rifle is required - horses for courses. Al the same you can expect to have a brilliant time - BC is a fantastic place for hunting.