First time hunter

[akaTrex]

I'm not a hunter but that being said, I used a 22 long barreled hand gun for IHMSA Competition. My preferred Guns are S&W 617, Ruger Mark III Competition and a Thompson Center 22.

My friends are fans of 233 chambered rifles. 223 ammo is inexpensive and readily available.

As far as pellet guns I used a Sheridan Blue Streak. Scary Powerful and Accurate with a 4 power scope.

Ruger 10/22 and Mini 14 are my favorite small caliber autoloaders.
I love my Browning BAR ShorTrac Hog Stalker chambered in 308.

 

[NCGUY1972]

Would that be capable of bigger-than-rabbit game? Also, I don't want the animal to suffer so would this create a humane kill?

google it its a very nasty varmint round and its so accurate you place the shot anywhere you want and it will drop them where they stand. Yes it will take just about anything smaller than a deer you would want to eat. I shoot shotgun shell primers out at a 100yrds with mine and regularly target shoot 200 yrds with the 17 but Ive seen people shoot much farther with it. Much more humane than a .22 or an air rifle

 

[bbgunz]

One of my big concerns is quickness of death. I don't want the poor guy to suffer. I know some coons can reach 40lbs. That's a big animal. Trex, what caliber do most shooters use for competition?

 

[someone_like_u]

I think you would be better off with a rod & reel.

I've never caught a deer on a rod and reel. What do you use for bait?

 

[JonPop]

Apple orchards are a great place to fish for deer.

 

[bbgunz]

I've never caught a deer on a rod and reel. What do you use for bait?

A truck movin 55 MPH on a dark road lol

 

[bbgunz]

Apple orchards are a great place to fish for deer.

Partly what I'm worried about with my new home: lots of fruit trees.

 

[bbgunz]

I think you would be better off with a rod & reel.

I'm not the best fisherman. lol I was a decent shot in the Army though. Plus I'd like to work on my tracking skills.

 

[bbgunz]

Does anyone do any trapping? Like snares or quick kill snap traps? If so what method?

 

[Jay1983]

I'm not the best fisherman.

Neither am I; I catch and release.

 

[bbgunz]

I think you would be better off with a rod & reel.

Plus I can use the fur

 

[youforme93]

If money is tight why don't you just get a 12ga. shotgun? A shotgun is probably the most versatile firearm out there (IMO). A pump is very inexpensive and can handle anything from rabbits to coyotes. Then for another $100 or so you can buy a slug barrel and then you'll be set for deer. 12ga. shot shells come in a many different loads and just about any store will have what you need.

 

[JonPop]

Load for my 12 GA? Buckshot, 2 3/4" 00 Buck Shot.
Contains 9 pellets, each 32 caliber.
Great for intruders, won't get very far inside.
Also according to the box, good for Black Bear.

 

[bbgunz]

If money is tight why don't you just get a 12ga. shotgun? A shotgun is probably the most versatile firearm out there (IMO). A pump is very inexpensive and can handle anything from rabbits to coyotes. Then for another $100 or so you can buy a slug barrel and then you'll be set for deer. 12ga. shot shells come in a many different loads and just about any store will have what you need.

Thought about that, too, but I'd like to be able to take out rabbits and coon from my back porch. I live in a neighborhood and I'm almost positive I can't shoot in my yard even though I'm zoned for agriculture.

 

[youforme93]

Are you planning to hunt in your back yard?

 

[bbgunz]

Are you planning to hunt in your back yard?

I'm planning to take game where ever I can.

 

[bbgunz]

I've decided to get a .22 air rifle. about 99% come with a scope and ammo and the ammo is dirt cheap. If I can feed my family for $.03/.04 why not? We grow our own veggies/fruit so.. Basically a quick kill, some time skinning etc and meal time.

 

[JonPop]

Get yourself a target, a hay bale, and sight in your scope.
Different yardage, standing, over a rest, sitting. Get comfortable with the weapon,
get proficient. The pellets are cheap, you'll only get one shot, make it humane.

 

[camaro]

A good .22 or .25 air rifle should do nicely.Hatsan make good rifles on the cheap.

 

[camaro]

Regarding bows, a crossbow may work better for you.The Barnett Ghost should do nicely.

A used .22 LR is your best bet IMO.