Deer Hunting Study

[alfsauve]

Most DNR's do reports each year on deer harvests, but SC went a step further and analyzed some of the variables.  While it was mostly just from one wildlife area, I think the things are good to know. 

Shot placement, how far the deer ran, blood trail, caliber. etc.   It might surprise some to see the results.

https://dnr.sc.gov/wildlife/deer/articlegad.html


SUMMARY  <my comments>
Shooting percentages about 82%.
The farther the shot, the lower the chance of getting the deer.  <duh>
Deer ran about 62 yards on average.
Shot placement is determining factor. All things considered, broadside shoulder shot worked best compared to others.
About 50:50, deer run vs. deer don’t run.
Trained dog expedited recovery of all deer that ran.
Dog very important in recovering 61 deer that left poor/no sign, 24 deer judged unrecoverable, and 19 live/wounded deer.
Dog accounted for approximately 15 – 20% of total harvest on hunting area, i.e. 75 – 100 deer.
No difference in effectiveness of various calibers.
No difference between factory vs. custom firearms.
Significant difference between bullet types. This study indicates that rapidly expanding bullets lead to deer running less often and less distance and when they run they leave better sign.

[MikeBjerum]

It will be interesting to see how this builds as it is expanded to more zones and as years go by. These stats here seem to match common historic thoughts.

[Rastus]

A very interesting study!!  That brings to light a lot of information. 

[Big Frank]

I thought this was particularly interesting.

The mean distance of all shots taken at deer was 132 yards. For shots that resulted in a deer the average was 127 yards. On the other hand, shots that were unsuccessful had a range of 150 yards, significantly further than the distance of successful shots. Intuitively you would assume that marksmanship suffers with increased distance to the target, however, who would have expected a statistical breakpoint between roughly 125 and 150 yards.

That sounds more like shotgun statistics than the rifles they were using.

[MikeBjerum]

I thought this was particularly interesting.

The mean distance of all shots taken at deer was 132 yards. For shots that resulted in a deer the average was 127 yards. On the other hand, shots that were unsuccessful had a range of 150 yards, significantly further than the distance of successful shots. Intuitively you would assume that marksmanship suffers with increased distance to the target, however, who would have expected a statistical breakpoint between roughly 125 and 150 yards.

That sounds more like shotgun statistics than the rifles they were using.

Many deer hunters ( I'm tempted to say most) only shoot their guns for deer season. A few practice shots just before season, and "good to go." There is a lack of marksmanship skills in many hunters. The 100 to 150 line is what will take most deer out of the range where you are simply able to hit the broad side of a barn.

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

I believe at one time SC was a shotgun only state.  A lot has changed.

[MikeBjerum]

I believe at one time SC was a shotgun only state.  A lot has changed.

I went to their hunter regulation book that you get over the counter. Typical government publication, and one of the worst of these I've seen. I got more information by going to SC hunting forums. I'm not sure what the restrictions are, but it is obvious that they allow at least some centerfire.

[Rastus]

A little off topic here, but we are overrun with deer this year.  Seems like there are always at least 2-3 deer in the yard night and day.