CT mentor

[lonewolf_one]

Hi Folks,
           I'm a CT hunter who's never done anything more than wing shooting. I'm interested in deer hunting and looking for someone who would be willing to share their experience with a newbie. Shotgun and muzzleloading season will be here soon!
Thanks,
joe

[John Y Cannuck]

That's a big subject. I'm a long ways north of you, and my hunting is predominantly in deep forest.
Could you be more specific?
Are you hunting farm country? Planning to use your shotgun?
Will you hunt from a stand? do you have partners?

[lonewolf_one]

Hi John,
           I'm not sure what you mean by a long ways north of me (in state or out). The only place I have plans to hunt at this point in time is Naugatuck state forest. It's all wooded (at least the parts I've seen.) There's a fair amount of hunting pressure there. I would prefer to hunt a place more secluded, even if it means a fair amount of hiking. I have to admit to being out of shape, but am not one to toss in the towel when I'm after something I want. I plan to hunt both shotgun and muzzleloader seasons. I'm willing to hunt from a stand. I haven't as of yet, as this will be my first deer season and do not yet own one. I have no partners. Please feel free to ask anything pertinent.

[John Y Cannuck]

I suggest you take your shotgun out and try shooting slugs out of it as is.
Most shotguns will shoot standard slugs effectively enough for a 50 yard range.
If that's not enough, then you need some specialized equipment. With the right barrel, and even a scope, shotguns can be made into 100 yard deer guns, and maybe even a bit more with slugs.

If you want to try buckshot, I know there are guys who will flame away at the thought, but it does work. But keep the range short, and I recommend nothing smaller than 00 Buck.

As to my location, I am, as my Moniker would indicate a Canadian. I am a long ways north of you. Hunting conditions are different here, as are the regs. Be sure you comply.

[AKmik]

 Joe,

 I grew up hunting all over CT. My old favorite chunk of state land was up in Newtown...Paugusset state forrest. Definitely worth a look.

 If you are SERIOUS about deer in CT you need to get out and knock on some doors. If you really want to drastically improve your odds of both getting permission to hunt and shots at good deer take up bow hunting. Land owners are MUCH more likely to say yes, and you have the best odds at early undisturbed deer.
 
 The problem with CT and the rest of that region is all the tree hugging, anti hunting, anti gun types that think meat magically appears in the grocery store. Believe me , I spent my first 24 years dealing with that mind set, I was born and raised there, but have defected to Alaska. CT has a HUGE  deer population with many big bucks that die of old age or auto accident. Those little overgrown wooded patches of private land that you drive past every day hold lots of opportunities at deer.

  I had some really great spots that were all private and the largest was 11 acres, find those areas that funnel the deer traffic and start looking around.  If you put in some time and effort, and do your homework you could have a great shot at an unforgettable 2011 deer season.

    I left CT in 1996, but if I remember correctly a guy had a chance to fill like 12 tags if he was to hunt all the private/state seasons available. I would imagine the population has exploded with even more land closed to hunting now.

   People are much less apprehensive about a guy in the woods near their house with a bow than a shotgun/rifle, so that is definitely something to consider.

 Good luck.

Mike