Plains hunting?
I have never hunted on the Western Plains and was wondering what the typical shot distance is for antelope/deer?
I just secured a Remington CDL in 25/06, and I would like to mate a good scope with it for Plains hunting. I use a Zeiss 3x9 for hunting here in the Southeast, I am just not sure that is sufficient for distances that may be encountered on the Western Plains. Knowledgeable recommendations appreciated.
I just secured a Remington CDL in 25/06, and I would like to mate a good scope with it for Plains hunting. I use a Zeiss 3x9 for hunting here in the Southeast, I am just not sure that is sufficient for distances that may be encountered on the Western Plains. Knowledgeable recommendations appreciated.
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my mule deer was 276yds, and my antelope was 407yds during my WY hunt a few years back. 0 -
25-06 perfect for the plains. Antelope? 25 -400 yards. Most are shot well within 200 yards. One shot and if you don't hit it and it starts running --save your ammo because I swear they can out run bullets[:D]
A 3 x 9 scope is plenty good enough. And you have a good scope.
I live on the western plains. And many of my friends have the 25-06 and if I had not started with a 308 years ago I would have one too. Even the 243 or 6mm is plenty gun for an atelope. They are thin skinned animals and go down easy.
Just remember that they are SMALL. About the size of a fawn deer in the fall.
If you were to buy any "necessary equipment" I would recommend a range finder as the distances here can be hard to judge for many people as there are not a lot of items to help gauge size.
Good luck.0 -
Define western plains. What states are you talking about?
Verify with state game & parks commissions on the allowed calibers.
I hunt white tail in central and eastern Nebraska. Longest shot is probably in the 100-125 yard range. Rolling terrain, farm houses, and trees are the usual obstacles. Out in western Nebraska this might stretch out a bit more. I have not hunted deer in that area.
25-06 sounds a little light for deer, but I am no expert. I have not hunted deer with less than .243.0 -
Most of my 30+ year hunts are in the western plains/region of the US with shots ranging from 15 yards to 400+ yards on various games. Like plains scout noted, your set up is adequate. However, you should stay within your comfort zone, i.e. keep it within 200 yards.
Good luck and have a happy and safe hunt.0 -
quote:Define western plains. What states are you talking about?
That would be Texas to Montana, and throw in the mountain states too, Colorado.
Scout - Thanks for the input. BTW, I also use the .308 here in the southeast with a 3x9 Zeiss. I like the Zeiss scope as it is perfect for my use and my eyes. I was just not sure what to expect out west. I do have a range finder, good suggestion. I have seen a lot of wide open spaces out west, and you are right about distances being hard to judge.0 -
The caliber and top glass you have are fine. A range finder can come in handy as well as good binoculars. Depending on your shooting skills, you might want a pair of shooting sticks/bipod. usually not a lot of "rests" in antelope country... 0 -
You have all you need. The yardages quoted by JustC are probably longer than most shots are made. I certainly do not shoot at 400+ plus, but he practices long range shooting regularly. 0 -
I live out in W. Nebraska and both deer I've shot have been less than 200 yds. Antelope are way more skiddish so I would guess between 200-300 yds. I've seen whole herds within 30 yds of myself on a horse, but that didn't last long once they figured out what I was. [:)] But you shouldn't have any problems with your setup. I use a 243 and have had pretty good success with it. 0 -
What you have is fine, but if you need a reason to get a new rifle, a 7MM Weatherby with a Leupold scope would be much better.
D.0 -
Of the 2 antelope I have shot (ND) the longest was about 125 yards.
I'm not sure that I have ever shot a deer at over that range either with 30-50 yards being the norm in the last 20 years. Of course I mostly use handguns now and pass up any longer shots. But then I'm probably not the average hunter.
Any gun with an effective range of 300 yards will suffice 99.9% of the time. I think your covered.0 -
quote:Originally posted by plains scout
25-06 perfect for the plains. Antelope? 25 -400 yards. Most are shot well within 200 yards. One shot and if you don't hit it and it starts running --save your ammo because I swear they can out run bullets[:D]
A 3 x 9 scope is plenty good enough. And you have a good scope.
I live on the western plains. And many of my friends have the 25-06 and if I had not started with a 308 years ago I would have one too. Even the 243 or 6mm is plenty gun for an atelope. They are thin skinned animals and go down easy.
Just remember that they are SMALL. About the size of a fawn deer in the fall.
If you were to buy any "necessary equipment" I would recommend a range finder as the distances here can be hard to judge for many people as there are not a lot of items to help gauge size.
Good luck.
+1[8D]0 -
And learn how to shot in WINDY conditions is a huge plus.
Darin Sperling Posted - 02/03/2007 : 10:26:11 AM
Define western plains. What states are you talking about?
Verify with state game & parks commissions on the allowed calibers.
I hunt white tail in central and eastern Nebraska. Longest shot is probably in the 100-125 yard range. Rolling terrain, farm houses, and trees are the usual obstacles. Out in western Nebraska this might stretch out a bit more. I have not hunted deer in that area.
25-06 sounds a little light for deer, but I am no expert. I have not hunted deer with less than .243.
I would take the 25-06 over the 243 anyday.[;)]0 -
Thanks to all. Thanks for your input, looks like I got the right equipment afterall. Now I just need to practice a little more and find the right cartridge.
I was hoping to keep the distances under 300 yards, or more like 250 yards. I am comfortable with that distance. Just so you all know, the other scope I was contemplating was a 3x12 Nikon for just a little more distance if needed. Doesn't look like that will be the case. See you on the Plains next year.0 -
I have hunted the West (often the Plains) for many years. The distance at which one can take a shot depends upon the shooter. I have seen people shoot "at them" as far as they could "see em." However, a responsible hunter, IMHO, imposes a maximum distance upon himself. If you are comfortable with 250 yds and not comfortable shooting at a longer distance, limit your shots to animals within that range. A good hunter should be able to get within 250 yds of an antelope or a mule deer. If you cannot get that close and are not comfortable with a longer distance, pass the shot. That is why they call it hunting.
While we read a lot about long distance marksmanship and successful shots made through their eye at distances of many hundreds of yards, my personal experience is that under field conditions relatively few of us should consider taking a shot at an unwounded animal in excess of 300 yards. At lot of misses occur and even worse, some poorly placed hits can be attributed to trying to push the envelope more than one should. In my later years I personally enjoy the "hunt" much more than the "kill." Therefore, if I do not get the shot that I want, I do not take it.
Good hunting.0
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