Newb Hunter Needs Advice

[Steelhead S2]

Well, at long last I've completed the PAL and CORE, and I'm already counting down till I get my licences, buy some guns, hit the range, and take to the field. The last thing I need is a new hobby, but I am super pumped.

So now what? I have lots of friends who hunt, but many of them are far away. And I have everything to learn. I mean EVERYTHING.

So for lesson 1, I'd really appreciate input on firearms. By next Fall I hope to be prepared for hunting Island deer and grouse. I'm still a long way from wealthy, so cost is a major factor, but at the same time, I'm not inclined to buy $hite either.

I also don`t really have time for a new forum, so I'm hoping to just tap into the vast hunting wisdom on here. But maybe once I'm really into it I'll sign up over there too.

So, what do you all think?

 

[hooktender68]

If its afforadable advice on a reliable gun your after, one of my first and reliable (and actually favorite to this day) Winchester Mod88 .308 lever with a clip. If its hunting ropes your looking for, your dad has them and if he doesnt hunt than your closet buddys dad who does. Be safe, good luck in 2012

 

[hambone]

I'm no expert, but this is what I would recommend and what I used when starting from scratch.
For island deer I think a good gun would be a .30-06. That caliber isn't overkill for an island deer and you can always use it for larger game (moose, elk) if you find yourself going on a trip into the interior. I don't know enough about the different makes, but mine is a Sako and its never let me down. I think Savage makes fairly cheap guns that provide good value.
For grouse all you need is a .410. Don't use something this small for waterfowl, but they are perfect for grouse, especially if you have kids that will be hunting. There's no kick and it wont blow their wings off. You can likely find a used one for dirt cheap.

 

[AlK]

I prefer a bolt actions they are simple and not very like to jamb. For deer and up I shoot a Tikka 7mm magnum with a 4 shot box magazine and for grouse I use a 22 with a 10 shot clip. Unless the grouse are sharpies, most of them are easy to get with a 22. I like the 22 rifles because they are small and light and the 22 shells are probably a lot cheaper than shotgun shells.
Good luck and be SAFE!

 

[Lipripper]

So, what do you all think?

For what its worth..... Don't shoot it in the azz

Good luck on the new addiction

 

[Cuba Libre]

Dont be in a hurry to purchase your firearms. There are a bunch of gun shows every year on the Island (and the mainland too) where you can purchase a used firearm. Just be prepared to arrange to take it to the range before you finalize the deal. I personally would not buy a .410 as I have seen too many wounded birds fly away. Agree with the advice to get a .22 or even a 20ga. If you want one gun that will work for close in hunting of deer, ducks and geese and grouse on the Island-- look at a 12 ga full choke shotgun.

As soon as the long gun registry is completely gone, expect a whole bunch of guns to hit the market. There are many guys like myself that will be selling firearms that they no longer use.

I will be getting rid of a Remington 760 pump 30-06 with 9X scope, a Mossburg 352K semi auto .22 with fold down forestock and a mint 20 ga light weight vent rib 20 ga Remington 870 shotgun. I will get nowhere near the replacement value, and I am just one of the old farts that has cut back his hunting. Dont be in a rush--- there will be some good deals coming up.

 

[lorneparker1]

Although Brian makes a some good points. I wouldnt get a full choke shotgun. Very few Full choke shot guns that are fixed chokes can shoot steel. And if you plan to hunt ducks and geese down the road(which you should cause its super fun!) then the gun will be useless. YOu can buy a remington 870 new in the box with screw in chokes for around 400. for a rifle. I would recommend a 30.06, or maybe a 7mm. They are oth good all around guns, ammo is cheap and very accessible, and will kill anything in BC with proper shot placement. You could kill an island deer with alot less fire power, but me thinks, that once you get the hunting bug, you'll want ot chase more things. And well if you buy something specifically for island deer, you may be under gunned for other things. (elk, moose, bears etc).

If you want someone to go to the range with, or someone to go kill a spring bear with shoot me a pm. Id be happy to take you out.

Lorne

P.S Brian what do you want for your 20ga? and is wood or synthetic and what colour?

 

[Steelhead S2]

Thanks for all the input already guys. Even you Lippy. Of course I'm already nurturing fantasies about bigger trips for bigger game, so the idea of something with a little more umph makes sense. But on the other hand, the reality is that it'll be a fair few years before I take off to the Mainland for any biggies, and I'm not going gun shopping based on the possibility of an Island elk in mind. But I see the 30.06 and the 7mm are repeat s, so there must be something to that. Do guys go smaller for island deer, or is it more common to use something bigger.

As for ducks and geese, I see that in my future too --I can already tell it's super fun. But no one I know is a water fowl hunter... Lorne....

Any hoo, as I haven't even squeezed a trigger on anything more than a pellet gun in at least 15 years, and with no consistent experience prior to that either, there's one heck of a learning curve ahead. Once I get my paper work squared away, it's time to start nagging buddies to take me to the range.

Keep the good into coming please. Fun to read, as it feeds the new proto-addiction.

 

[Little Hawk]

Amen on the 'Odd-Six'. Many bullet weights to choose from for large or small game and if you get into reloading you will have several excellent bullet choices for larger big-boned game. If you get a 22" or longer barrel you can work up rounds that get you into 300-Win. mag velosities. Speaking of which, the 300' is also an awesome round and could be argued it is the best all-round cartridge. But some people can't shoot magnums straight (they flinch) and SHOT-PLACEMENT IS EVERYTHING!

Welcome to the hunting fraturnity.

 

[Cuba Libre]

Although Brian makes a some good points. I wouldnt get a full choke shotgun. Very few Full choke shot guns that are fixed chokes can shoot steel.



Ooops-- you are right of course Lorne. Steel shot and full choke older type barrels for duck hunting dont mix. But the gun I mentioned does have a place for Vancouver Island deer hunting. I have downed a bunch of blacktails over the years with that gun. SSGs and slugs do the job nicely at 50 yards or less. More and more farmers are allowing shotgunners and archers to hunt in the coastal strip below the Island Highway.

My modified .20 ga is a hoot for ducks, but it has seen little action for the last ten years.. hence it will be sold later. I have gotten past the stage where I have to acquire more "stuff" .

 

[Jencourt]

If your budget allows for 1 rifle and 1 bird gun,then I would highly recommend the rifle to be a 30-06. I would say that more game has been shot with the o6 than any other gun. What I like about it is that it has one of the largest choices for grain of bullets. You can go from What I believe is the 55grain accelerators up to 220.
150 grain is plenty for Island deer nice fairly flat for cut block hunting. I have been shooting 165 grain for about 20years now and I love them. They are almost as flat as a 150 and hit about as hard as a 180. Basically IMHO the 30-06 is the most versatile gun out there for the 1 gun budget. As far as grouse go I always liked the 22 option but a nice little 410 would be hard to beat as well/ Unless as Lorne said you plan to expand into migratory game then 410 would be light.

 

[Jencourt]

Also wanted to add that the versatility of the 30-06 provide you with plenty of gun to make a trip into the interior for some big mules or whatever.

 

[IronNoggin]

I will be getting rid of ... a mint 20 ga light weight vent rib 20 ga Remington 870 shotgun.

Let me know when that ones goes on the block Buddy!! I am VERY Interested!!

Gun Show in Nanaimo this Sunday btw.

To the OP: If you intend to own but one rifle, I highly recommend what several have already aid here: 30-06. It is indeed the most versatile of hunting calibers and can be loaded down for light game (Island Blacktails) ans well as up for moose elk, bears etc. Good starter rifle that will likely stay with you over your hunting career.

If on the other hand you are like some others (me... LOL!) and intend to eventually own an arsenal of sorts, I've found the 270 to be damn tough to beat for Island Hunting. And, it has successfully taken elk, caribou, moose, bears, and sheep over it's time with me. Great all round performance. Although for the bigger critters I do prefer the 300 Weatherby! SERIOUS knock-down power at great range. Comes with a cost though - RECOIL! LOL!

Don't have to go overboard for a decent grouse gun. 22's work, as do inexpensive 12 gauge shotguns.

Good Luck with your decisions! Oh, and btw, Welcome to The Addiction!!

Cheers,
Nog

 

[Steelhead S2]

This is all great info! Thanks guys!!! Just to be clear, I don't plan to be a two gun hunter for ever. But for now I sure as heck am. Think I'm convinced on the .06, and maybe a 410. But long term, the sky's the limit. Please do keep the info coming, and I will sure as heck be posting more questions too.

 

[high tide]

Check your PM steehead S2

HT

This is a GREAT fishing forum ....and some good guys to help you here ...... but huntingbc.ca is a GREAT hunting forum.....

Lots of helpful advice on there too.

Give er a whirl .... see ya there.

HT

 

[Peterman]

What sort of gun works best for the Seals around Nanaimo??... just askin !!!

 

[Fish Nutz]

Only gun i've ever hunted with is a PH .270. Great flat shooting gun that works great for most things you'll find walking around! When you get into large game you may want to step it up but the .270 still has enough power to take down a larger animal.