Question:
am interested in getting started w/ deer hunting (in Virginia). I
have the gear (.270 rifle, etc.), but I don't know what to do once I
GET the deer. Are there any books out there that explain how to
dress, skin, the deer, etc?
Answer:
This is not an especially thick book, and there are numerous high
quality colour photographs and diagrams on just about every page.
Despite this, or rather, because of it, the book contains a huge amount
of advice and information. For example, the section on whitetail
habitats illustrates eight different types of "typical" habitat ranging
Mountains.
The discussion of the deer's senses is short but effective, and the full
page photograph of an alert buck with his erect head, wet nose, and one
ear pointing forwards with the other pointing backwards perfectly
illustrates what the stalker is up against. The discussion on deer
vision is especially convincing, especialy in the light of recent
discussions here: I may reproduce the text here if I find the time.
Breeding behaviour is covered in considerable detail. It contains much
that will be of use to anyone who hunts deer and is thus recommended to
novice and experienced stalker alike.
The section on equipment opens with a two page photograph of a modern
muzzleloader "making smoke". The discussion of rifle choice is
relatively short and yet complete. The various options open to the
stalker in terms of sights, actions, calibres and so forth are covered
sufficiently yet briefly. The author's do not push their personal
opinions on the reader except in respect of the selection of *effective*
calibres and cartridges where they feel that a minimum terminal energy
of 900 ft-lbs is required and recommend a from a range of medium bore
high velocity cartridges (e.g. 243Win to 7mmRM). The discussion on
shotguns and ammunition is equally sensible. Unfortunately, the
discussion of handguns for whitetail would not cover a postage stamp.
Archers fare much better with six whole pages devoted to archery
equipment. One nifty device which I have not seen mentioned in
rec.hunting is a "string tracker". This is a bright orange string which
attaches to the arrow and runs off like a fishing line when a struck
beast runs. Talk about making life easy for yourself!
