This is more of an opinion than a question, but I always wonder why credit is given and attention is drawn to hunters who use th

[sciancaglini]

This is more of an opinion than a question, but I always wonder why credit is given and attention is drawn to hunters who use the drive method. The chances of taking an clean, ethical shot at a running deer are fairly low; much less at a sprinting one. Growing up, if I took a shot at a deer that was running, or any kind of questionable shot for that matter, my dad would have taken my gun from me. I read these articles about guys taking multiple shots, grazing deer in the necks, and hitting antlers and I can't believe that they are given credit for taking a deer after something like that.

[6phunter]

IF SHOOTING AT MOVING GAME IS UNETHICAL,then dove hunters would only shoot at sitting birds along with rabbit geese and countless other species.,shooting a deer on the run is no great feat,you can't harvest if you don't shoot. each situation is different as is the shooters abilities.

[jhjimbo]

Drives i have been in it is usually the sitter that gets a shot and usually the deer is ahead of the drivers or trying to sneak away and not moving much at all.

[DSMbirddog]

I personally don't hunt that way but mostly for safety's sake. Many deer hunters here in Iowa drive deer and I don't question the ethics of it because with all the small parcels of woods it is sometimes the best way to do it.

[sciancaglini]

Dude, don't be an idiot. First of all, I said deer. Second, all the hunting you just mentioned is done with a shotgun. One shot and that animal is done, for the most part. If someone is doing a drive with a shotgun that's another thing also. A close shot with .00 buck is gonna drop the animal. But I'm talking about with a rifle. To hit a deer in the neck or antler you gotta 12+ inches away from the vitals. That's being careless.

[sciancaglini]

Sorry, that was to 6phunter.

[jcarlin]

I think drives have their place, and are a grand tradition in some locales, but it's not for me.
I've a couple of times now while archery hunting got caught in the middle of drives drives where a line and posters set up on public land while likely knowing I was in area due to truck in lot.
This is dangerous, and violates one of the first rules of knowing where everyon is. Regarding running deer. I wouldn't take that shot, but I've more than once stopped running deer by bleating if they're close or simply shouting HEY! If they were far out. Seems to work most of the time.

[MN Outdoorsman]

I hear you sciancaglini. I don't like drives cause of the safety reason. Too many young or inexperienced hunters that take questionable shots. If it's you and a couple trusted buddies that know what your doing than fine. Plus I like sitting in a stand letting nature do it's thing below me.

[JM]

-Of course people get careless when driving deer. That's why so many people die ever year during deer drives.
-I do not believe there is anything wrong with shooting at a moving deer if you feel comfortable though. I was always taught to shoot again if the deer did not drop, so I learned how to shoot moving deer(with follow up shots). Now I am comfortable enough that I can shoot moving deer within a reasonable distance.

[huntfishtrap]

Don't lump all drive hunters together. Are there unethical drive hunters? Sure, but there are also plenty of unethical stand hunters, unfortunately. Just because you're doing a deer drive doesn't necessarily mean you're shooting recklessly - the traditional way of late-muzzleloader hunting in my family is to do drives, and we almost never shoot at moving deer.

[charlie elk]

Beside the point you don't like deer drives; what is your point? That hunters using other methods never miss?
I stalk and track deer sometimes they hold tight and leap up running like a rabbit- After an entire day devoted to finding the deer on its own terms I'm not suppose to shoot it because it is moving?
later,
charlie

[Pathfinder1]

Hi...


I've been in many drives in the past. When done properly, the drivers would be moving very slowly...almost still hunting.

Like JHP said, the deer are usually trying to sneak away, and are not necessarily running.

[DSMbirddog]

Sciancaglini, I'm glad at this point to have you sharing your views here. Everyone will appreciate it. What won't be appreciated by me is your characterization of someone as an "idiot". What that doess is make others reluctant to post. We all have opinions and we all use humor at times but we all need to feel we can post without being called an idiot or someother derogatory term.

[azstank]

I agree with you and would also add the idea of more than two hunters (mostly for safety sake rather than a hunting advantage)being unsporty.