I am thinking of taking up deer hunting. What kind of gun do I need? How much will it cost?
Toby G asked:
I would also like to try turkey hunting as well. Can I use the same gun for that?
Wayne
I would also like to try turkey hunting as well. Can I use the same gun for that?
Wayne
Tags: Deer Hunting, Turkey Hunting
November 2nd, 2008 at 3:43 pm
Hi Toby,
Depending on what state or area you live in you normally use a rifle for deer hunting BUT some areas require the use of a shotgun. Check with your Fish and Game Department or local gun shop if you’re not sure.
If you are in an area that requires a shotgun for deer hunting then you will benefit because you also will normally use a shotgun for turkey hunting as well. You’ll probably need 2 different barrels but only one receiver.
What will it cost ? Again it will depend on where you live, each state sets it’s own prices on hunting licenses and tags or stamps. Then add in the cost of the firearm and any necessary accessories, ammunition etc… Sorry that I am unable to give you a specific dollar ammount.
November 5th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
I work at a sporting goods store, the 4 most popular deer rifle calibers (in Mich.) are the 30-06 Springfield, .270 Win, the 7mm-08 and the 300 Win Mag.
Remington sells all these guns for around $750, Savage for about $625, those are in wood. A synthetic will be less in both.
Ammo will cost from $16.95 to almost $50 a box, depending on the company and bullet loaded.
Turkey hunting takes a shotgun, not a centerfire (in Mich.) and the Rem 870, Benelli Super Nova and Mossberg 500 are our most popular sellers in a turkey gun…in a 12 guage smooth bore. Ammo ranges from just under $10 to over $33 a box for turkey loads in Federal, Remington, Winchester and Hevi 13.
Good luck.
November 9th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Provided you are deer hunting in woods or somewhere where shots will be limited to 100 yards, I don’t think you can go wrong with a shotgun. It will be your cheapest option for you if money is tight.
Figure roughly 300 for a basic pump shotgun made from one of several makers (winchester, remington, mossberg). There are a ton on the used market, but you can buy the same gun brand new from walmart for the same amount. So I’d buy new. You’ll probably have to spend 20-30 dollars on a turkey choke tube if you don’t like the full choke.
Rifled barrels for slugs could cost 200-300 dollars.
When it’s all said and done out the door, I think you’re looking at about 600-700 dollars if you buy everything seperatly (and that’s assuming you use iron sights on the deer barrel..and for that matter the bead on the regular barrel). It should be cheaper if you buy a package deal (comes with both barrels) all at once as I know remington and mossberg make them.
Now let’s look at your other option – a shotgun for turkeys and a centerfire rifle for deer (again like someone else said – check your area’s regulations).
You do have some options and package guns at walmart are ideal for newbies. Savage, Howa, and Mossberg (bolt action rifle) should get you out the door with rifle and scope for $400-550 depending on the brand. I would probably switch out the scope mounts to leupold which will be a little added cost but helpfull in the long run.
November 11th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
I would recommend a Mossberg 500 combo, they look kind of cheap, but they are very well designed. They can be had for around 300 dollars, and it will come with a smooth bore deer barrel (good for rifled slugs, not sabot slugs), and a field barrel with an interchangable choke. Add 20 dollars for a Full turkey choke tube. I used a Mossy 500 this year and got my first buck at 80 yards, with a slug that cost $2.50 a box, off of the iron sights. Since you are just getting into it, start cheap, then if you find out you like it, then you can go buy more expensive stuff, but you will always need a reliable pump shotgun for something.
Also a Remington 870 combo would be just as good, but might be a few more dollars.
November 13th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
for the deer id recommend a 30-30 or 30-06 but for the turkey i would use a shot gun not a rifle
November 15th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
1st thing you got to find out…. Is it legal to use a rifle where you want to deer hunt…. Some county’s in several states have a shotgun only rule. Here in New York I am only allowed to hunt with a shotgun in the southern tier counties, but way way upstate I can use a rifle….. If you can use a rifle then consider a rifle chambered in .308….. Thats my favorite. Its a military round but is popular for deer, boar and other heavier animals. Get a bolt action rifle of course….. Savage and Remington make fine rifles – consider them….. See the below links for info —– For Turkey you have to use a shotgun, by law shotguns are the only firearm allowed for turkey — You can use a shotgun for deer also…. See the link below for the Remington 870 pump shotguns and the Mossberg 500 shotguns…. These 2 brands are the most popular and have huge legions of fans for them…. Both Remington and Mossberg have combos where you get a field(bird) or slug barrel for deer —– Dont get an H&R or a Benelli – they arent made in America – Keep folks employed here….. Hope This Helps ~~~~ See the links below…
November 17th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
Yep.
You need a shotgun.
You can use either buck shot or slugs for deer and bird shot for turkey.
You can get a decent shotgun for around $300-$400.
Can’t go wrong with a Remington 870.