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Everything posted by Doc
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When it comes to challenge, you will have a real hard time convincing me that there is any comparison between any rifle of any sort and any bow of any sort. That is not even something that I would seriously waste time discussing because that is just a foolish comparison. You talked about the sub-moa accuracy, and then try to compare the challenge to that of a bow. Your comparisons with archery equipment are a hell of a reach at best in terms of a challenging method of deer hunting, and that is a judgment that doesn't really require any shooting experience with one of these rifles to make. As far as level of archery skills/challenges, I have to say that I watched Stacey Groscup shoot aspirins out of the air with a recurve, but I wouldn't exactly call that something that the average archer can do. Yes a dozen yards was a bit short and was mentioned in the context of a beginning archer of the recurve days (me), but I and many other people start getting a little uncomfortable after 25 yards. That is more likely the maximum efficient range of the average archer today. And yes with that limited distance the challenge is way more than any kind of rifle. So that point isn't even arguable. Quote: "The ballistic performances isn't much different than that of a broad head from archery equipment. Both implements primarily kill by means of wound channel and hemorrhaging." So you are saying that these big bore air rifle have the same looping trajectory as an arrow? See, when it comes to performance, I know nothing about these rifles, so I am surprised to hear that the performance is so poor. It sounds like a rangefinder would be a necessary accessory. But let me clear up one thing about the theory of killing between a blunt rifle projectile and a broadhead. The broadhead relies on sharp-edge laceration to penetrate to the vitals. Most bullets that I know of rely on energy and impact to penetrate to the vitals. That is a whole opposite theory of getting the job done with absolutely no similarity. I just wanted to straighten that point out a bit. So anyway, basically in every instance where you try to compare any rifle to a bow, the comparison fails miserably because there really is no comparison. Each weapon is unique in form and function with no similarities of any sort. You picked a bad weapon to try to compare air rifles against. That is a true attempt at apples and oranges type comparison, and not even that close of a comparison. Traditions ..... not a real big deal, but when I was a kid, my air rifle (B-B gun) was doing well to kill a sparrow. What a stretch it is to see a B-B gun being considered as any kind of deer hunting weapon of tradition. You asked why I use a bow, and "tradition, culture and heritage" was all part of my answer. It was never about trying to re-live my childhood. You misunderstood the kind of tradition that I was talking about. Cost vs. performance: My .270 Ruger American is a fairly decent quality gun, and it cost no where near the numbers I saw in this thread of one of these air rifles. The .270 will handle 95% of the shooting opportunities in NYS when it comes to deer. That's not the picture I am getting of these air-guns. So again, I do question the price vs. performance issue of opting for an air rifle. At least there is a huge issue there that I need more convincing on before I get all excited about running out and buying one of these things....lol. I do wonder about what the recommended maximum effective range is for deer. And I am curious about terminal energies and what is considered to be too far to ethically use one of these. I was hoping for more technical data on performance, but I guess I am not really all that interested to go on a research mission. But anyways, I guess I can now see a use for air-rifles in urban/suburban areas, which I will never really have to concern myself with. It certainly would never be my choice for the more traditional rural hunting by any stretch of the imagination. And perhaps it may be a desirable thing for kids where the massive kick of a .270 or .243 is just simply overwhelming (Sarcasm intended) . Oh yeah and other situations where noise may be a concern it might serve as a weapon with the features of a silencer that some may be interested in. Anyway, that's a pretty small niche, but does answer why somebody might consider buying one. I guess I am satisfied that there is nothing there for me, and I thank you for the answers.
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When I got into bowhunting, it was for the super-challenge that it represented. The challenge of using a weapon that required muscle memory, and a whole list of form disciplines. The weapon then had a very direct tie to tradition, history and culture. A weapon that demanded some extreme challenges in the required knowledge of deer habits and patterns so you could get within a dozen yards and pull off a decent shot. Bows have changed appearance and performance, but the basic disciplines involved in shooting them haven't changed a whole lot. A lot of what appeared in the books of archery still apply in today's books. And so the appeal of challenge makes it an endeavor that still has the appeal of having accomplished something that is difficult. Does an air rifle provide those kinds of challenges? I really don't know because I have never shot one with the intention of dropping a deer. I don't see those same element of challenge other than wondering if I really have the energy performances to drive a projectile deep enough to enter and disrupt vital organs. The theory of operation is totally different than a broadhead, so I have no way of judging the adequacy of the weapon. It does leave me with questions of adequate performance and limitations. But again, I have no knowledge of these weapons and hence my questions. Are these things something that I would lay down twice the money that I spent on my .270? Is the performance per dollar similar to my .270? So many questions..... so few answers.....lol.
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The reasons given made no sense as I explained. So I am still curious as to what the attraction is and hoping there is someone who can explain it. Perhaps I'm missing out on something if someone will take the time to honestly explain it all to me with real and logical answers. I would appreciate that rather than a whole bunch of uncalled for feigned outrage and defensiveness. And by the way, in case it all went over your head, I am not attacking the weapon or the use of it. I am simply trying to understand what people feel are the reasons for wanting to use them. Nothing aggressive or unfriendly or anything for you to be getting all indignant about. Just curiosity. It is the same kinds of questions I have asked a thousand times about different makes of bows, and certain calibers and models of rifles or shotguns. Frankly, I have never had anybody ever take offense over my asking those kinds of questions.
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Lol
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By the way, I would like to make an observation from some nearby state land. Most of the trash that I have found and removed was concentrated on the trails gouged into the forest floor my mountain bikers and the constant string of hikers that use those trails also. So, trying to blame it all on hunters is a pure distortion of facts. Oh, and aren't those blobs of bright colored paint splashed all over the trees next to the trails attractive. It's as if these bikers and hikers are all semi blind and unable to recognize the maze of dirt ditches that they are riding on. And while the DEC gets all excited over a hunter nipping a branch or two, they don't seem to have any problem with the bikers having a field-day with chainsaws removing limbs and downed logs. They do this with DEC permission and blessing. And then too, speaking of trash in the woods, I can't say that I have seen a whole lot of hunters walking through the woods carrying those mylar balloons that nobody seems to have a problem releasing into the air without a care where they will fall and become litter. People that would never think to thrown non-biodegradable materials out their car windows will stand there and oo-o-o & ah-h-h while they turn loose these party balloons totally unconcerned where they will eventually wind up. What friggin stupidity!
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As it was intended to be. In fact most gun control laws are designed for maximum confusion to discourage firearms and accessories purchases. It is working exactly as intended as shown by this response by the sales clerk.
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If you look on the DEC map where the antlerless only edict was placed, you will notice that the effected areas include some urban areas, but mostly run out into rural areas as well.
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Look, I'm just asking reasonable questions, and hoping for reasonable answers, not some snide comments of who things are all about or aren't. Nobody gets into things without some logical reasons. I'm just curious as to what those reasons possibly could be. If you can't come up with any, don't feel bad. So far nobody else has either.
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The DEC is simply building a case to maintain deer populations at levels that satisfy the politics of satisfying moneyed stakeholders. Yes, we all remember days when hunting was exciting because of so many opportunities. Apparently the DEC has decided to put the "hunt" back into hunting. And boy the explanations all fly fast and furious each year, don't they? Some of the more arrogant hunters like to blame it all on hunters who apparently have recently gotten stupid or lazy or blind, or who just simply all of a sudden don't have a clue how to hunt. And then there are the weather critics ...... it was too warm. Don't like that one, how about too many acorns ....ok how about not enough acorns? Bad winters? Predators? Look, how about the answer that makes the most sense. The DEC's estimates of herd size are either mistakenly too high, or they simply are purposely distorting the numbers to support their agenda of whacking down the herd to something that is insignificant in terms of deer damage to the various financial interests who are impacted by the deer. The big question now is just how far down do they have to draw the herd size down to satisfy all those squeaky wheels that have established political control over DEC policies. I guess time will tell. And in the mean time we will listen to those that remember a better time. and we will still be amused at all of the annual excuses as to why we just aren't seeing the deer we used to. And the DEC will continue to claim higher and higher deer populations. Its all pretty fun to watch.
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Well I have to admit that TV hunting programs (faked-up infomercials) have failed to capture my interest for a few years now. So if they have been touting the virtues of air rifles lately I guess I could have easily missed it. And making it to the Shot Show is not likely in my future either.....lol. But I do subscribe to quite a few magazines, and I have to say tat they are not something that jumps out in every issue. Now as far as the benefits, I do still see a lot of active interest in impact energy, and speed and trajectory in big game rifle discussions and to a point it is generally considered to be a good thing to have knock-down power, and flat trajectories. These are generally considered to be good things and not liabilities. The noise is something that I don't really care about. When a deer hears the noise of my .270, he is already dead .... lol. Recoil again, not a big deal. My .270 has no objectionable recoil, and anyone at any age could shoot it without any bother. And reduced effective range is not something that I would be looking for in a deer rifle. So once again, I have to wonder out loud, just what is the appeal or benefits to buying something that does the job on big game in a marginal or compromised fashion? From what I am hearing, that is a pretty reasonable question.
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Yes, the threat was that if bowhunters didn't do the impossible, that is control deer populations for all of hunting but with a very inefficient weapon, they were going to introduce muzzleloaders into the bow seasons. Which by the way was an idea that they championed a decade ago before conjuring up an excuse to legitimize it. Don't kid yourself, phase two was really their phase one plan regardless of what bowhunters did or didn't do. Point #2- Is it the bang that turns deer nocturnal? Or is it the panic they experience when every time they turn around there is human scent slamming into their noses. I think that is more likely the cause than simply gunshots. As far as I know the shooting by small game hunters does not drive deer into nocturnal patterns unless the pressure becomes too intense. I suspect a sudden increase in deer hunter numbers due to any firearms being introduced will be the real reason for deer to hunker in and adapt their gun season defense mentality. So the DEC may be trying to make it appear that they are friends of bowhunters with some ploy like this, but frankly, I don't really think they give a damn anymore. As they say, "the gloves are off", and the new hardline against bowhunters has begun. They have now adopted the attitude that bowseason is a waste of good deer harvesting time and the quicker they get decent effective weapons into that season the better they can continue to satisfy the whining of NYS's moneyed interests. "Challenging" hunting methods be damned. That is a luxury they are no longer willing to entertain.
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I think that it would be useful to carve a little chunk of the budget out and put up some public service announcements around hunting seasons that is aimed at changing attitudes about doe harvests and the necessity of population control. I think hunters minds and attitudes can be changed with even the most minimal of effort. I think it is also a good way to get the benefits and necessity of hunting put out there (as a side effect). I have always contended that the DEC does not have as big a public presence as they should have. It may be time to change that. I realize that DEC budgets have been cut to the bone, but with a bit of reprioritizing of expenditures they may find that a little more public exposure will offer more bang for the buck. Perhaps some media presence would start creating positive hunter attitudes through public education rather than trying to come up with all of these hair-brained fixes to throw band-aids over the effects of neglected bad, outdated, or uninformed attitudes.
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Look, I'll be happy if people would just stop pulling up into the end of our driveway and taking a dump in the middle of it. I realize that emergencies do come about, but it almost looks like they measure the driveway to be sure they plop their crap and toilet paper dead center in the middle .... lol. And then the trash bags that find their way up into our driveway .... what's that all about? What kind of mentality does it take to do that kind of stuff. And then there are the shoulders of the road out front where you will every kind of refuse you could imagine. So, lets face it, people as a species are just filthy pigs that like to foul their own environment, and I believe they often enjoy doing so. The only thing missing is the squealing and grunting. And in the case of these little stinking piles in my driveway, I'm not sure that some squealing ad grunting doesn't accompany that act as well. And we think that people will walk through the woods without throwing all kinds of crap around the woods? The only thing we can do that is reasonable and practical is to accept that some percentage of people who use that area will be these disgusting pig-like creatures and it is probably up to us to pick up after the pigs in the woods.
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Yeah, the wind is howling away out there ...... what else is new . If anyone kept any stats on wind speed, I believe that among other record setting weather anomalies, this year has likely been one of the windiest too.
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I keep telling you guys that someone has leaked a copy of the hunting syllabus, and a calendar out to the deer herd. I have seen this kind of thing before in my front yard.
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How do these things fit into current gun laws? Are they considered a "firearm", or are they some unique uncategorized "thing"? Are they the kind of thing that any neighborhood kid can by and use? I have to admit to being totally unaware of the power of these things. They seem to have been kept out of the hunting magazines and other sources of introduction. So, the only knowledge I have of them is a TV program from Gamo a few years ago where they showed a wild hog being killed by one. I assume it was the same kind of thing they are talking about now. So, other than the noise, what is the big attraction as a big-game weapon? They are slower, they have less energy, and you still have to buy the projectiles (Are they cheaper). Why would anyone buy or use one? Is there an actual reason or benefit?
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Ha-ha-ha ..... I can just picture hunters walking up to the hunting counter of Walmarts or Dicks and wrestling a bloody old doe carcass up onto the counter so they can get their buck license.
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Don't confuse people refusing to be bullied into participating in a foolish, idiotic plan with refusing to do their part in harvesting deer. Those of us who see that doe-only, bowhunter-only, plan for what it truly is have no problem taking does. What we don't accept is the idea that doe harvests and deer population control is solely the responsibility of the smallest group of hunters shooting the most inefficient weapon. That plan and the way it was implemented cast a dark shadow over the credibility of the DEC sincerity about the problem.
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My favorite critter to hunt! The size ..... The power ..... the unpredictable temperament .... The taste of the meat ..... And for all the bone addicts, what an impressive set of head-gear! You can all keep your wimpy little elk with their sissy pathetic squealy voices. make mine moose every time.....lol.
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And apparently raccoons, coyotes, skunks and possums and a whole lot of other pests and critters as well.
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Yeah, everybody thinks these bears are just over-grown puppy dogs. You hear stories about the little old lady chasing them off with a broom...lol. Well, they aren't over-grown puppy dogs, and they can catch you, kill you and eat you if they choose to do so. I picture walking in or out from my stand in the dark during bow season armed only with a stick and string in conditions where even that would be impossible to use, and then walking into the middle of a sow and a couple of cubs. That's not a nice thought when you hear that large stick crack in the pitch black trail ahead of you ..... lol.
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In deer hunting , things happen that you do not expect
Doc replied to nobody's topic in Hunting Success Stories
You flagged down a car and a stranger agreed to help you drag the deer the rest of the way out? That was indeed your lucky day. You should have run right out and got a lottery ticket. What a great guy! It kind of refreshes your faith in mankind. Apparently there are some pretty good guys still left in the world. I'm thinking that most guys would have flipped you the bird and drove off. Others might have offered the use of their cell-phone to call somebody. Others might have offered to drive to or towards your camp to get help. But here a total stranger parked his car and walked in with you to help drag the deer to the road. That is amazing! -
The problem is that the DEC Commissioner is appointed by Cuomo. And whatever political lobbying and pressure that Cuomo receives from the moneyed interests of the state including campaign contributors gets passed down to lackey that he put in charge of the DEC. The DEC gets the word via political command.
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There will come a time when future Americans will be wishing they had some of that land back. Hell, I already do when I consider how much of our food comes from countries where the average farmer envies and hates our guts.