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Posted

What's the consensus on shooting through brush? I don't mean super thick stuff that you can't see through let alone walk through. I'm referring to saplings, downed branches, etc that might be between you and the deer. Where I hunt, it's mostly open field with some thick woods and some open woods. I've been hesitant to shoot if there's anything in the line of sight between me and the deer. Am I being overly cautious? 

For example, in the pic below, I wouldn't take a shot where the deer is now based on what I anticipate the bullets trajectory to be. If it took a few steps forward (and if that horizontal branch wasn't in the way...), I'd be more inclined to take a shot. 

brush deer.PNG

Posted
57 minutes ago, Rusty said:

Absolutely not!  I was a hunter ed instructor for 25 years and one of the things we emphasized was having a clear unobstructed view of the vitals.   

I was also a hunter education instructor for many years and I agree with Rusty. I would tell my students there are only 2 kinds of shots: 1. Good clear safe shot and 2. No shot.

Posted
Just now, Belo said:

brush? No. With a gun and maybe a twig, sure. flame suit on.

With the rifle, A twig or two, and it's the only open shot I'll get, absolutely, especially if the deer is standing next to the twigs. 

Posted
1 hour ago, Rusty said:

Absolutely not!  I was a hunter ed instructor for 25 years and one of the things we emphasized was having a clear unobstructed view of the vitals.   

 

3 minutes ago, CharlieNY said:

I was also a hunter education instructor for many years and I agree with Rusty. I would tell my students there are only 2 kinds of shots: 1. Good clear safe shot and 2. No shot.

As a hunter education instructor I agree 100% with both of you!

As a long time Deersearch member, I can also add that the best shot is ALWAYS unobstructed. Just lay off the trigger until you have a clear shot! It doesn't take much with a high velocity bullet, to veer off course. Even if it hits a twig. Yes, it could just go through the twig into the intended target. But just as easily veer far off target. Just not worth taking the chance. Again............just wait for a clear shot!

Posted

I wouldn't. Many years ago when we were limited to using shotguns, a young buck was walking through fairly open woods about 30 yards away. 1st shot, 1" sapling shot to smithereens. 2nd shot, another 1" sapling shot to smithereens. Buck escaped unscathed. I didn't see the saplings while looking in the scope.  Can't imagine shooting through brush and hoping for the best. 

Posted

In that pic if that deer was close I could make that shot all day long. Maybe not the best shot for everyone. Some of the locals I used to hunt with would only take neck shots and they dropped them.

Posted
2 hours ago, Bolt Action said:

What's the consensus on shooting through brush? I don't mean super thick stuff that you can't see through let alone walk through. I'm referring to saplings, downed branches, etc that might be between you and the deer. Where I hunt, it's mostly open field with some thick woods and some open woods. I've been hesitant to shoot if there's anything in the line of sight between me and the deer. Am I being overly cautious? 

For example, in the pic below, I wouldn't take a shot where the deer is now based on what I anticipate the bullets trajectory to be. If it took a few steps forward (and if that horizontal branch wasn't in the way...), I'd be more inclined to take a shot. 

brush deer.PNG

I've tried shooting through stuff like that, and it didn’t work out kind of like trying to win the lottery. Getting through brush is tough. The only difference is that I had the high ground and was shooting down, where the trajectory would have the bullet going into the ground when  I missed. I would never take a shot like that if I knew the bullet could travel far off into the distance. 

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