What to NOT Hunt a Deer With

Published on December 10, 2025
Duration: 2:04

This guide, presented by a GUNBROS host with high authority, details firearms and calibers unsuitable for ethical deer hunting. Key considerations include sufficient projectile energy and firearm accuracy. The video strongly advises against using small rimfire rounds, pistol caliber carbines, and birdshot, emphasizing that short-barreled firearms, even with powerful cartridges, often lack the necessary accuracy and velocity for a humane harvest.

Quick Summary

For ethical deer hunting, avoid small rimfire cartridges like .22 and pistol caliber carbines due to insufficient energy. Never use birdshot; opt for slugs. Short-barreled firearms often lack the necessary accuracy and velocity for a humane harvest, making them unsuitable.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Ethical Deer Hunting Considerations
  2. 00:28Why Small Rimfire (.22) is Unsuitable for Deer
  3. 00:43Pistol Caliber Carbines vs. Rifle Cartridges for Deer
  4. 01:07Shotguns: Slugs vs. Birdshot for Deer Hunting
  5. 01:20The Problem with Short Barrels and Accuracy (.45-70 Derringer Example)

Frequently Asked Questions

What calibers should be avoided for deer hunting?

Small rimfire cartridges like the .22 are generally not recommended due to insufficient energy for an ethical kill. Pistol caliber carbine rounds (like 9mm) are also considered inadequate when compared to traditional rifle cartridges for deer hunting.

Is birdshot acceptable for deer hunting with a shotgun?

No, using birdshot (such as 7.5 shot) for deer hunting is strongly discouraged and considered unethical. Shotguns should only be used with slugs for deer hunting to ensure adequate penetration and energy transfer.

Why are pistol caliber carbines (PCCs) not ideal for deer hunting?

While PCCs can be effective for other purposes, their ballistic performance (energy and velocity) is often insufficient for an ethical deer harvest compared to dedicated rifle cartridges. If carrying a 16-inch barrel, a proper rifle round is recommended.

What makes short-barreled firearms unsuitable for deer hunting?

Short barrels, even on powerful firearms like a .45-70 Derringer, can lead to significantly reduced accuracy and velocity due to incomplete powder burn. This compromises the ability to make an ethical, humane shot on a deer.

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