If you have killed a doe we want to hear about it.

I'll second reflex's sentiment. I honestly feel like this is one of the best sites on the net for hunting information and general camaraderie. We have always had very little troubles with trolls and other such vermin because I believe we are a cut above. Not to disparage others, but not everyone had what it takes to be a handgun hunter. Of course we've had a few issues over what has now been almost 17 years but the neerdowells don't last very long here mainly because we would rather ignore them than engage in the battle on their terms.

Well done everyone!

Gary

I've been lurking for a while. Last year I decided to get back into handgun hunting and purchased a pair of S&W revolvers, a 617 and 686. I quickly discovered my skills do not belong in the field so have been practising until I feel comfortable enough to make a clean shot on game. I think some rabbits are going to be on the table this winter though.

The guys on this site have been a big help to me since I joined!

If you have killed a doe we want to hear about it.

Hard cast seems to be the preferred projectile.

Ruger 4570,

That's a dandy buck! Congrats.

I've done OK since then.

If you've only done "ok" then I haven't even scratched the surface yet.

I started handgun hunting in the late '50s. I had an understanding dad that taught me well as a very young boy.There was no place to lurk. I wanted to kill 1 deer with a handgun and go to Africa to see a lion. I totally gave up rifles in 1978. I've done OK since then.

Well maybe some do but they probably don't have rabies.

To all you new guys, each one of us was in your shoes once too. Maybe it was a long time ago but nobody was born doing it so don't be embarrassed if you haven't shot anything but cans or paper targets, we all started somewhere pretty easy.
First thing is, don't over gun yourself with heavy loads or long distance, either one will ruin your confidence & take much longer to learn the basics.
Hitting is fun so use a load that is comfortable to shoot & do it at a distance that challenges you a bit but make sure you are getting 80-90% hits before moving out.
A good trigger is an absolute must, without it you will chase it & flinch most of the time if you are shooting offhand. Much better to have a good gunsmith do a good trigger job on your gun, you will love it.
Don't fall for the old "poor man's trigger job" hooey on a new model Ruger, get a real trigger job. Those 2 springs are on there for a reason & dropping one off is not going to give you a good trigger, lighter maybe but it will not fix a bad trigger, only a gunsmith can do that.
Bullet choice is always a toss up but shooting cast is cheaper, especially if you cast your own. Some of the best hunters in the world only use jacketed so you'll have to decide when the time comes. For deer about anything works with good bullet placement.
Front sight is key, for many narrowing the front helps a great deal, most factory fronts are .125" wide, maybe a friend has one that's been narrowed so you can compare.
Don't play when you practice, try to make every shot count, no messing around. Good trigger, see the front sight, break the shot & hit the target, 10,000 times & you're on your way to a good start.

Dick