Shooting near major roads

[Elmo]

I always have this fear that if I shoot a deer near a road (bow or firearm) that the deer might run right into the road and cause an accident.  For this reason, I refuse to hunt near a road.  Opinions?

[vincy]

What do you consider near?

[oblivitar]

I have 1 stand I've shot plenty of deer out of and 87 is maybe 30 yards behind me. Never had one run out into the road.

[NFA-ADK]

You would be missing out, most urban hunting is done close to roads. 

[Elmo]

What do you consider near?

 

I was thinking maximum distance a well shot deer can still travel.  75 to 100 yards.

[Elmo]

I read an article this morning in Field and Stream on tactics for hunting deer near roads.  Starting to wonder if my fear in unfound.

[landtracdeerhunter]

Elmo, it sure better to be safe, then sorry.

[ants]

I could see it happening. I remember, a few years back, watching a huge buck dart across Rt 17. First he stopped a a 5 ft. wire fence and was looking behind him. He was obviously being pushed by hunters. He jumped the fence and ran like he was in an open field, straight across all 4 lanes of busy traffic. He made it to the other side but it was close.

[Elmo]

I was thinking maximum distance a well shot deer can still travel.  75 to 100 yards.

 

I shouldn't say maximum...I should rather say "a littler more than the typical" distance.

[vincy]

I was thinking maximum distance a well shot deer can still travel.  75 to 100 yards.

 

Yea, I think thats a safe distance to any major road.

[phade]

I wouldn't let it dictate your hunting completely. I think keeping an open mind and being aware of such a scenario is noble. You can do the best you can, and that's it.

 

I've hunted along interstate 95 at one point with a 7mm Rem mag....if you travel I90 or any major roadway in gun season, you can see the army along the roads. With as many that do, you hear very little reports of such instances. They do happen, let's not kid ourselves, but the odds are so low that it would seem impractical to let it dictate your decision to even hunt there to begin with.

Edited August 15, 2014 by phade

[beachpeaz]

The deer is going to cross the road whether you are hunting him or not!  You must not drive around our NYS roads very much during the rut.  It is a smorgesboard of carcassas. 

[A Sportsman]

I set up a stand about 20 yds off sunrise highway a few yrs ago. Hunted it once and took it down. Didn't see any deer and the noise from the highway drove me crazy.

[G-Man]

as long as the noise doesnt bother you and you do not shoot across them they can be very productive places to hunt, as the deer near them are usually left alone as most hunters advoid the area, same reason big bucks lay right behind a farmers barn or near the dog house...the noise doesnt bother them amd the hunters avoid those areas as too close to the house/animals... deer are quick learners and find that safe spot and will use it time and time again

[Culvercreek hunt club]

For years I had a stand in a tree that was about 5' off the ROW fence to 390. was a very productive stand because the fence acted just like a funnel. being that close made sure all my shots were away from the road. Noisy but it was a great stand to hop in quickly for an evening hunt. Plus the noise masked my approach and any of my movements.

[EspressoBuzz]

as long as I am between the road and the deer i'll take the shot.

[dbHunterNY]

Lots if times. The chance is slim I think.

[GreeneHunter]

I can see a major thoroughfare from one of my treestands and have taken plenty of deer from there with no problem .  I often use the traffic from that road to cover my movements in the woods , works out rather well !