Author Topic: First deer with encore 7mm-08  (Read 541 times)

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Offline DSchmeck

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First deer with encore 7mm-08
« on: November 10, 2003, 03:55:15 PM »
I picked up my first hunting handgun last Thursday.  A s.s. Encore in 7mm-08 topped with a 2-7 Burris.  Went to the range Friday and shot 3 boxes of ammo.  I was accurate at 50 yds. but still need to practice at 100+.  The Minnesota deer season opened the next day (Sat.) and the gun was with me.  I had a 150 inch buck at 70yds but I was in a portable tree stand and didn't have a rest, buck was in the scope but I didn't feel confident with the shot so I passed hoping he would come closer...He didn't.  About an hour later he came running by again hot on a does backside.  This time I was able to rest against the tree my treestand was hanging from but I couldn't stop him for a shot.  About 10 a.m. another buck came by chasing a doe.  Again I did not have a rest but he was only 30 yds. away.  I fired, he didn't react at all like he was hit but kept chasing the doe for about 25 yds. stumbled and took a header into a tree and that was it.  He wasn't very big,  about 120 inch 11 pointer with a drop tine and weighed about 200lbs.  I would have passed on him if I was bowhunting but I was excited to shoot him with my 2 day old handgun.  I am know hooked on handgun hunting.  This gun will be with me in Wisconsin as well.  Thanks for the trigger adjustment tips...

Offline SD Handgunner

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First deer with encore 7mm-08
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2003, 04:25:13 PM »
Congtrations on your First Handgunned Buck. You should be proud as I know couple fellow handgunners that have been hunting with a handgun for about 10 years and have not connected as yet.

Larry
T/C Handguns, one good shot for your moment of truth !

Offline KYODE

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First deer with encore 7mm-08
« Reply #2 on: November 11, 2003, 12:08:04 AM »
congratulations! i'd rather do it with a handgun than anything else.
try putting a super sling on it. you can use it for packing, but you can also shorten it up, hook it over your left elbow, apply a little pressure to the forearm with your left hand. seems very steady for me for those longer offhand shots. i believe i can hold it as steady, if not more than a rifle.
 you may also use some homemade, or store bought cross shooting stix when ground hunting.
 :shock:  not very big! sounds like a very nice one. any deer by handgun is a trophy to me. 8)

Offline Dave1

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First deer with encore 7mm-08
« Reply #3 on: November 11, 2003, 01:14:42 AM »
DS

It sounds like you have a great place to hunt some really good bucks.  Man, figure out how to rest and shoot out of that stand!  Having to pass up a 150 inch buck at 70 yards because of no rest is "unthunkable"!

I too hunt from some portable climber type stands when the need arises.  A good solid rest can be difficult, but with some experimentation and practise you can develop a good steady rest and hold.

I use the Stoney Point Pole Cat mono-pod and this year bought the bi-pod to try out.  Either can be rested on top of your boot(s) and/or against the side of the stand and is much more steady than an offhand no rest hold.  The sling is another good option.

Try different setups and you will find they will greatly improve your steadiness.  Good luck.  Now, go get after that 150 incher.  :-)

Dave1