Rifles

Bolt-Action Rifles

• Remington Model 700: A classic choice with many variations. Known for its reliability and accuracy.
• Ruger American Rifle: Affordable and accurate, with good options for beginners and experienced hunters.
• Tikka T3x: Lightweight and highly accurate, with a smooth action.
• Savage 110/Axis Series: Budget-friendly with excellent out-of-the-box accuracy.
• Winchester Model 70: A timeless bolt-action rifle, often called the “Rifleman’s Rifle.”

Lever-Action Rifles

• Marlin 336: A favorite for close-range hunting in brush or wooded areas, often chambered in .30-30 Win.
• Henry Big Boy: Great for traditionalists who prefer lever-actions, available in calibers like .30-30 or .45-70.
• Winchester Model 94: Another classic lever-action, ideal for medium-range hunting.

Semi-Automatic Rifles

• Browning BAR: A reliable and accurate semi-auto rifle for hunters who prefer faster follow-up shots.
• Ruger Mini-30: Chambered in 7.62x39mm, great for medium-range hunting with semi-auto capabilities.

Single-Shot and Break-Action Rifles

• Thompson/Center Encore Pro Hunter: Highly customizable and available in multiple calibers.
• Henry Single Shot Rifle: Simple, reliable, and available in popular deer calibers.

Modern Sporting Rifles (AR-Style)

• Ruger AR-556 MPR: Chambered in 6.5 Grendel or .350 Legend, it’s great for hunters who prefer an AR platform.
• Smith & Wesson M&P 15: Often used with hunting-friendly calibers like .300 Blackout.
• Wilson Combat AR10: A higher-end option for calibers like .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor.

Popular Calibers for Deer Hunting

• .243 Winchester: Light recoil, good for beginners or smaller-framed hunters.
• .270 Winchester: Flat-shooting and highly versatile.
• .30-06 Springfield: A powerful and widely used classic.
• 6.5 Creedmoor: Known for its accuracy, low recoil, and long-range performance.
• .308 Winchester: A tried-and-true caliber with excellent balance between power and versatility.
• .30-30 Winchester: Popular for lever-actions and shorter-range hunting.

Handguns

Deer hunting with a handgun is a growing niche, and many hunters prefer this method for the challenge and portability. Popular deer hunting handguns are typically chambered in calibers capable of humanely harvesting medium-sized game like deer. Here are some commonly recommended models:

Revolvers

Smith & Wesson Model 629 (or 29)

• Caliber: .44 Magnum
• Why it’s popular: Known for its power, accuracy, and reliability, the 629 is a classic choice for handgun hunters. The .44 Magnum is a proven deer hunting round.

Ruger Super Blackhawk

• Caliber: .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger
• Why it’s popular: Rugged, single-action revolver with a reputation for handling heavy-hitting calibers suitable for hunting.

Ruger Redhawk or Super Redhawk

• Caliber: .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .480 Ruger
• Why it’s popular: A durable double-action revolver with excellent accuracy, it’s often chosen for its ability to handle powerful loads.

Taurus Raging Hunter

• Caliber: .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, .460 S&W
• Why it’s popular: Affordable and designed specifically for hunting, featuring a Picatinny rail for optics and great muzzle control.

Freedom Arms Model 83

• Caliber: .454 Casull, .475 Linebaugh, and other powerful cartridges
• Why it’s popular: High-end, custom revolver with unmatched precision for long-distance shots on deer.

Semi-Automatic Pistols

Glock 40 MOS

• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Why it’s popular: The 10mm is capable of cleanly taking down deer, and the Glock 40’s extended barrel and optics-ready platform make it a practical option.

Sig Sauer P220 Hunter

• Caliber: 10mm Auto
• Why it’s popular: A precision-made 10mm handgun, designed for hunters looking for semi-automatic power and reliability.

1911 Variants in 10mm

• Brands: Colt Delta Elite, Dan Wesson Razorback, Kimber Custom II
• Why it’s popular: These platforms provide both power and elegance for hunters who enjoy the 1911 design with a powerful cartridge.

Specialized Hunting Handguns

Thompson/Center Contender or Encore

• Caliber: Wide range, including .30-30, .308, and others
• Why it’s popular: Single-shot pistols with rifle-level accuracy, these are ideal for hunters who want precision and versatility.

Magnum Research BFR (Big Frame Revolver)

• Caliber: .45-70 Govt, .30-30 Winchester, and more
• Why it’s popular: Known for its sheer power and ability to handle rifle cartridges, this revolver is built specifically for handgun hunters targeting larger game.

Smith & Wesson Performance Center X-Frame

• Caliber: .460 S&W, .500 S&W Magnum
• Why it’s popular: These X-frame revolvers are among the most powerful handguns available and can drop a deer at longer ranges.

Key Factors When Choosing a Deer Hunting Handgun

Caliber: The handgun must be chambered in a caliber with enough energy to ethically and humanely take down a deer. Options like .44 Magnum, .454 Casull, and 10mm Auto are minimum recommendations in most states.

Accuracy: Consider a handgun with the option for optics like a red dot or scope for improved precision.

Hunting Laws: Ensure the caliber, barrel length, and energy meet your state’s hunting regulations.

Black Powder Guns

Black powder guns (also known as muzzleloaders) are a popular choice for hunters during deer season due to their historical appeal, accuracy, and the challenge they offer. Here’s a list of some popular and reliable black powder guns for deer hunting:

Traditions Buckstalker XT

• Type: Inline muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50
• Features: Affordable, lightweight, and easy to use. It has a 24-inch barrel, solid accuracy, and comes with features like a break-open action and dual safety systems.

CVA Optima V2

• Type: Inline muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50
• Features: A premium mid-range option with a stainless steel barrel, adjustable sights, and a sleek design. Known for its accuracy and ease of cleaning.

Thompson/Center (T/C) Impact!SB

• Type: Inline muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50
• Features: Break-open design, lightweight, with an adjustable length of pull. Great for beginner hunters or those who prefer a compact, versatile firearm.

CVA Accura MR-X

• Type: Inline muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50
• Features: Premium build with an adjustable trigger, nitride-treated barrel, and outstanding long-range accuracy. It’s ideal for hunters targeting deer at extended ranges.

Pedersoli Kentucky Rifle

• Type: Traditional sidelock muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50 or .54
• Features: A classic design with historical appeal. Great for hunters who prefer traditional hunting experiences and aesthetics.

Traditions Vortek StrikerFire LDR

• Type: Inline muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50
• Features: Innovative striker-fire system, 30-inch barrel for increased range and velocity, and a lightweight synthetic stock. Excellent for hunters who want modern features.

Knight Vision Freedom Series

• Type: Inline muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50
• Features: Renowned for reliability and accuracy. Offers customizable options and uses Knight’s proprietary Full Plastic Jacket ignition system.

Lyman Great Plains Rifle

• Type: Traditional sidelock muzzleloader
• Caliber: .50 or .54
• Features: A well-crafted traditional rifle with excellent accuracy, especially for hunters who appreciate a historic look and feel.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Black Powder Gun:

Type: Inline muzzleloaders are modern and more user-friendly, while sidelocks or flintlocks are traditional and offer a unique hunting experience.

Caliber: Most hunters use .50 caliber for deer due to its balance of power and versatility.

Range: Inline muzzleloaders often have longer effective ranges, while traditional designs are typically for closer shots.

Local Regulations: Check state hunting laws for muzzleloader-specific regulations.

Air Rifles

When it comes to air rifles for deer hunting, you’ll need a high-powered big bore air rifle (typically .30 caliber or larger) that meets your state’s legal requirements for hunting large game. Here are some of the best air rifles for deer hunting:

AirForce Texan (.45, .50, or .357 Caliber)

• One of the most powerful production air rifles
• Capable of over 700 ft-lbs of energy (depending on caliber)
• Long-range accuracy

Hatsan Piledriver (.457 or .50 Caliber)

• Delivers up to 800 ft-lbs of energy
• High power for big game hunting
• Bolt-action single shot

Benjamin Bulldog (.357 Caliber)

• Produces around 200 ft-lbs of energy
• Bullpup design for compact handling
• Suppressed barrel for quieter shots

Umarex Hammer (.50 Caliber)

• Capable of over 700 ft-lbs of energy
• Two-shot magazine with a fast follow-up
• Integrated suppressor

Evanix Rex (.357, .45, .50 Caliber)

• Lightweight and simple single-shot design
• Energy output varies by caliber but suitable for deer

Things to Consider:

Power & Energy: Look for at least 200 ft-lbs of energy, but preferably 400+ ft-lbs for ethical deer hunting.

Caliber: Most states require .30 caliber or larger for big game. Check local regulations.

Accuracy: High-power air rifles have recoil and require practice for ethical hunting.

Shot Placement: Aim for vital organs (heart/lung area) due to the lower velocity compared to traditional firearms.

atlatl (a spear-throwing tool)

Hunting deer with an atlatl (a spear-throwing tool) is an ancient method that predates bows and firearms. It requires skill, practice, and understanding of your prey’s behavior. Here are some key points to consider:

Legality

Atlatl hunting is legal for deer in some U.S. states but not all. Always check local hunting regulations before attempting.

Some states have specific seasons or requirements for primitive weapons like the atlatl.

Atlatl Basics

An atlatl is a lever that increases the speed and force of a thrown dart (spear).

The darts are typically 5-7 feet long, flexible, and tipped with broadheads or stone points.

Hunting Tips

Accuracy & Practice: It takes time to master the atlatl. Regular practice at varying distances (15-30 yards) is crucial.

Stalking & Ambush: The atlatl requires getting close to the deer (within 20-30 yards). Still-hunting, ambush hunting, or using natural cover helps.

Dart Placement: A well-placed shot to the heart-lung area is essential for an ethical kill. Darts do not have the energy of bullets or modern arrows, so precision is key.

Dart Retrieval: Missed shots can result in lost darts, so hunting in open areas or using bright-colored fletching can help recovery.

Equipment Considerations

Atlatl Types: Choose a sturdy atlatl with a comfortable grip and a flexible dart system.

Broadheads: Some hunters use traditional stone tips, but modern broadheads improve lethality.

Clothing & Scent Control: Since you’ll be close to the deer, camouflage and scent reduction techniques are critical.

Ethics & Challenges

Atlatl hunting is not as lethal as modern weapons, meaning shot placement and tracking skills are vital.

Wounded animals can be harder to track, so having experience with blood trailing is beneficial.

It is an expert-level hunting method, not recommended for beginners.