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Feb 7th, 2025
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 Using AR style guns to hunt deer
#6727861
04/07/17 12:55 AM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 41
JSAPP
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 41 |
I am from Louisiana move to Texas about 4 years ago. And in Louisiana it isn't a big deal to hunt with AR style rifles. But here in Texas I see a lot of ranches won't let you hunt with them. What's the deal with this?
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6727865
04/07/17 12:56 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 21,540
TurkeyHunter
determined
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determined
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 21,540 |
Small caliber usually. Sometimes it's an indication of a special person they don't want on their ranch.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6727904
04/07/17 01:29 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 793
RockinU
Tracker
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Tracker
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: TurkeyHunter]
#6727915
04/07/17 01:35 AM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 41
JSAPP
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 41 |
Can you explain this more for me please?
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6727935
04/07/17 01:48 AM
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,156
sweetwood
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,156 |
Can you explain this more for me please? .223 is going to be roughly a 62 grain bullet. I'm guessing that the land owners want something with a little more heft so that it doesn't break apart. AKA, clean shot for a humane kill. I could be wrong though.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6727951
04/07/17 01:56 AM
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Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,386
pertnear
"Demolition Man"
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"Demolition Man"
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,386 |
Yep, the debate goes on that the .223 is not sufficient for deer.
"I haven't shot a 1,000 deer, but I've sat around a 1,000 Texas camp fires. I'm a happy man." - pertnear
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: TurkeyHunter]
#6728004
04/07/17 02:25 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,272
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,272 |
Sometimes it's an indication of a special person they don't want on their ranch. Right or wrong, this is sometimes the perception. Unfortunately, we have had to kick 3 members out of our gun club last year for not following range rules and unsafe behavior. All three separate incidences involved guys with AR's. Kinda gives the rest a blackeye.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728015
04/07/17 02:31 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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The deal is there are a lot more appropriate rifles to hunt deer with so ranchers would like folks to use them instead.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: sweetwood]
#6728029
04/07/17 02:38 AM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 41
JSAPP
OP
Light Foot
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OP
Light Foot
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 41 |
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6728030
04/07/17 02:39 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 43,198
J.G.
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The deal is there are a lot more appropriate rifles to hunt deer with so ranchers would like folks to use them instead. It's a semi-automatic centerfire rifle. A semi-automatic centerfire rifle has been used to win wars since WWII and all have found their way on hunting trips. If a guy shows up with an M-1 Garand would that be an inappropriate rifle. OP, I can understand a land owner having a minimum caliber policy, but I can't understand a no Armalite Rifle policy. I can also understand a locked open bolt policy. I don't trust safeties, I trust open bolts. AR-15 available in 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, and 7.62 X 39 are plenty capable of cleanly taking coyotes, hogs, and deer. AR-10 available in .243, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, and .308 are plenty capable, same as they are in any other type of action. The hunter has to be safe, same as with any other type of firearm.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: J.G.]
#6728037
04/07/17 02:43 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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The deal is there are a lot more appropriate rifles to hunt deer with so ranchers would like folks to use them instead. It's a semi-automatic centerfire rifle. A semi-automatic centerfire rifle has been used to win wars since WWII and all have found their way on hunting trips. If a guy shows up with an M-1 Garand would that be an inappropriate rifle. OP, I can understand a land owner having a minimum caliber policy, but I can't understand a no Armalite Rifle policy. I can also understand a locked open bolt policy. I don't trust safeties, I trust open bolts. AR-15 available in 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, and 7.62 X 39 are plenty capable of cleanly taking coyotes, hogs, and deer. AR-10 available in .243, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, 7mm-08, and .308 are plenty capable, same as they are in any other type of action. The hunter has to be safe, same as with any other type of firearm. The vast majority are 5.56/.223. You know this. I know this. So chill. A battle rifle is different than a hunting rifle. A Garand is fine I guess caliber wise. Can you even mount a scope on it? Why one would want to tote the damn thing around hunting would be a mystery. But, I know you don't care about such nonsense as that. Suffice it to say I have never seen one in a hunting camp or at any ranch I am aware of. Never even heard of one being used. Suffice it to say they are not common in the hunting world.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728047
04/07/17 02:52 AM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Plus, it might just be a lot of ranchers' experience that many folks who insist on using ARs for hunting are more likely to be tacticool wannabe yahoos who know very little about hunting and have marginal safety practices. That's certainly been my experience at public ranges.
A lot of ranchers and outfitters don't allow them. They're not in the business of just gratuitously ticking people off. So I'm certain they have their reasons.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#6728179
04/07/17 10:58 AM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 43,198
J.G.
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Chill? Where was I not?
Yes, battle rifle was built to kill men, it also does a fine job of killing animals. The LR-308 in the truck today will do a fine job of killing anything it's aimed at, should the need arise.
Garand is not common to hunt with. But it is a semi-auto .30-06, and that cartridge is one that is loved my many on this forum. I bet it weighs less than a couple bolt actions I've toted. Yes a scope can be mounted to it.
Some people create a stigma for everyone, else, but that is not the rifle's fault.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: Palehorse]
#6728211
04/07/17 12:16 PM
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 13,530
Hunt n Fish
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Sometimes it's an indication of a special person they don't want on their ranch. Right or wrong, this is sometimes the perception. Unfortunately, we have had to kick 3 members out of our gun club last year for not following range rules and unsafe behavior. All three separate incidences involved guys with AR's. Kinda gives the rest a blackeye. The "standard" AR platform (5.56/.223)has it's limitations just like any other firearm. The person behind the AR has a responsibility to know those limitations and his/her own proclivity toward messing up. I've hunted hogs with an AR and no one said a thing and a lot of the kiddos broke out for deer on .223 at shorter ranges, but at the same time we had a couple of guys on our lease who were asked to leave after shooting AR's, SKS's, & AK's at everything in sight including the camp house. 
HnF
"Prayer is when you talk to the Lord, Meditation is when you listen to what he says"
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728240
04/07/17 12:44 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177
DH3
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177 |
The AR offers the opportunity for multiple shots on deer. For that reason, some individuals will empty a magazine at an animal that is out of range or is escaping after a poor first shot.
The military decided to go with the spray shot technique after deciding that marksmanship was old fashioned and that new recruits were better off with the shotgun approach. IMO, a sad decision for all concerned.
Old age and treachery beats youth and stupid every time!
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: DH3]
#6728247
04/07/17 12:47 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 43,198
J.G.
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^^That's not wrong^^
I've taught lots of vets on my range. Marines still believe in rifle marksmanship a little more than the rest, from what I've seen.
800 Yard Steel Range Precision Rifle Instruction Memberships and Classes Available
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: J.G.]
#6728257
04/07/17 12:54 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,646
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
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Some people create a stigma for everyone, else, but that is not the rifle's fault. This, for sure. I also agree that limited hunting/shooting experience and an autoloader are a bad combination. In the "do as I say, not as I do" category, the last two hogs that I shot were with an auto (BAR). I specifically bought the BAR for times when I wanted to use an auto (hogs, coyotes) at locations where an AR was socially unacceptable. FWIW, I think you just can't beat ARs (with appropriate loads/calibers) for hog and coyote shooting.
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728260
04/07/17 12:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 793
RockinU
Tracker
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Tracker
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I use an AR for predator hunting, and it works really well for that. I've never taken it deer hunting, and can't see a circumstance in which I would want to. .223 is far and away the most commonly used round when I get calls for my tracking dogs, doesn't really matter what type of gun delivers it.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728266
04/07/17 01:03 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 705
Age N Score ?
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 705 |
I Feed Indian Corn. The deer love it and all the colors make them stay at the feeder longer.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: RockinU]
#6728272
04/07/17 01:08 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I use an AR for predator hunting, and it works really well for that. I've never taken it deer hunting, and can't see a circumstance in which I would want to. .223 is far and away the most commonly used round when I get calls for my tracking dogs, doesn't really matter what type of gun delivers it. That's the kind of actual, real-world stuff that doesn't get mentioned by .223 supporters on the internet. Hear it all the time from guys who are out there in the real world and know the score. It's why I take all the "Every one I have ever shot with my .223 is DRT" type posts with a big old grain of salt. Even if there are a few experienced marksmen who shoot like Annie Oakley and do their culling with one, that doesn't describe the vast majority of folks who use them. It doesn't accomplish anything to respond to posts that the .223 is "Thor's hammer" by just straight up calling BS on it, but I do it mentally all the time.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728275
04/07/17 01:11 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,646
syncerus
Extreme Tracker
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Extreme Tracker
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,646 |
Does dressing like Annie Oakley count? 
NRA Patriot Benefactor & DSC Lifer
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: syncerus]
#6728284
04/07/17 01:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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Does dressing like Annie Oakley count?  There are a few guys on here who have never missed. Heck, they've never even had one move out of its tracks. Neck and head shots only, baby! Nearly all of them use .223s. I don't know what they dress like - but I always picture Rambo.  All this probably seems like a sidetrack from the OP, but it really is probably the answer to his question.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728292
04/07/17 01:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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It's really as simple as this: if someone has a job to do and brings a tool that is wrong or marginal for the job - it's a pretty big red flag that he may not know what he is doing.
You wouldn't want a guy framing your house to show up with a tack hammer.
That's what runs through these ranchers' heads when they see a grown man show up to hunt with a .223.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: JSAPP]
#6728302
04/07/17 01:38 PM
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,701
Choctaw
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Poor judgment isn't confined to AR shooters. Before ARs became popular I'm pretty sure deer were still being wounded and lost by bolt and lever guys, no? The only result this thread will have is the growing animosity some hunters have for the way others choose to hunt.
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Re: Using AR style guns to hunt deer
[Re: Choctaw]
#6728310
04/07/17 01:46 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 43,198
J.G.
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Poor judgment isn't confined to AR shooters. Before ARs became popular I'm pretty sure deer were still being wounded and lost by bolt and lever guys, no? The only result this thread will have is the growing animosity some hunters have for the way others choose to hunt. Agreed. For the record, I have never, nor plan to use a .223 to deer hunt. I've got plenty of larger calibers to choose from. That's my policy, but it is not my job to make policy for other hunters.
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