Okay, hunters, dumb question from a newbie

[Q9]

I've never hunted before. I would REALLY like to try my hand at it. Unfortunately, I do not have a high-caliber rifle, though my dad has a 12-gauge. Can anyone point me towards game that can be reliably brought down by a .22 long rifle? I had thought about turkey, since season begins soon, but was told a rifle was a bad idea for it.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I've never hunted before either, but my family has, and you hunt turkeys with shotguns - same for ducks and pheasant.

As for hunting with a .22...............a rabbit, maybe? (although Elmer Fudd used a shotgun

)

 

[chikky]

Rabbits and squirrels (and targets- haha) can be taken with a .22. Turkeys are very difficult to take...people use 12 ga. shotguns. I'm certainly no expert, but that's what I know from the hunters in my family. I've taken a turkey with a crossbow.

 

[booker81]

First off, if you haven't attended hunter safety - gotta do it!

http://www.ncwildlife.org/hunting/H_Hunter_Ed_Course.htm

Second, need your license and rules. Your state site linked above will have that too.

Third, find a mentor. MANY hunters are more than happy to take a new hunter out hunting and even loan gear and guns. That's how I learned

I use a 12ga for turkey and waterfowl, a 20ga for upland fowl. I only use a rifle for deer and coyotes. A .22 is about good for rabbits and varmints, but if I'm actually out rabbit hunting, I use a 20ga.

 

[Junkmanme]

The FIRST thing you want to do....is READ your North Carolina hunting regulations.

You can get a copy at any place that sells hunting licenses, etc.

Once you read that...you will have a better idea WHAT it is you want.

No sense buying a firearm that you can't use.

 

[booker81]

 

[michickenwrangler]

Quote:
DH used to hunt grouse and pheasant with his .22

 

[Q9]

Quote:
That's a given.

I really don't want to run afoul of the law for any reason.

Personally, I WANT to try my hand at deer. The problem is, I don't exactly have enough cash to purchase a Remington 700 or a 30/30. The .22 my grandpa gave me is all I've got, and all I can afford ammo for. Once I get a job, that'll change, but until then...


Michickenwrangler - I like that idea. I think I've had pheasant before - pretty tasty as I recall.

 

[Mary Of Exeter]

If you hit it in the right spot, at the right distance, you could kill a deer with anything

Where at in NC are you?

 

[Q9]

Quote:
Davidson County. Why do you ask?