Will a semi-auto get you more game than a bolt-action?

[JumboJVT]

With the thick woods and low deer densities of the Northeast, if your not going to shoot at a running deer, your not going to eat much venison. I missed one this past fall. Third time I'd jumped him, 85 yds in the woods going flat out, 90 degree crossing shot. Had a good look and a good opening...the only opening. I missed clean, but the idea of not taking the shot never crossed my mind. Made a similar shot the year before, a little further, but quartering. 200# of buck on the ground. Someone should tell the Benoit's and the Bernier's (the best deer hunting families there probably will ever be - trackers, not beanfield stand shooters) that they can't shoot at a running deer. But of course those boys can shoot, and have trunks full of wingshooting trophy's to prove it.

 

[earlthegoat2]

With the thick woods and low deer densities of the Northeast, if your not going to shoot at a running deer, your not going to eat much venison. I missed one this past fall. Third time I'd jumped him, 85 yds in the woods going flat out, 90 degree crossing shot. Had a good look and a good opening...the only opening. I missed clean, but the idea of not taking the shot never crossed my mind. Made a similar shot the year before, a little further, but quartering. 200# of buck on the ground. Someone should tell the Benoit's and the Bernier's (the best deer hunting families there probably will ever be - trackers, not beanfield stand shooters) that they can't shoot at a running deer. But of course those boys can shoot, and have trunks full of wingshooting trophy's to prove it.

Benoit’s didn’t use too many bolt actions either. Not they never did, just that is not what their reputation was built on.

 

[d2wing]

With the thick woods and low deer densities of the Northeast, if your not going to shoot at a running deer, your not going to eat much venison. I missed one this past fall. Third time I'd jumped him, 85 yds in the woods going flat out, 90 degree crossing shot. Had a good look and a good opening...the only opening. I missed clean, but the idea of not taking the shot never crossed my mind. Made a similar shot the year before, a little further, but quartering. 200# of buck on the ground. Someone should tell the Benoit's and the Bernier's (the best deer hunting families there probably will ever be - trackers, not beanfield stand shooters) that they can't shoot at a running deer. But of course those boys can shoot, and have trunks full of wingshooting trophy's to prove it.

They liked to use Remington Pumps. 760 and 7600 according to several articles. I rarely shoot running deer but had a friend who shot a running deer at 400 yards and it was a one shot kill. There were several witnesses including myself. I had raised my gun but didn't dare take a shot. That guy was really good.

 

[JumboJVT]

They liked to use Remington Pumps. 760 and 7600 according to several articles. I rarely shoot running deer but had a friend who shot a running deer at 400 yards and it was a one shot kill. There were several witnesses including myself. I had raised my gun but didn't dare take a shot. That guy was really good.

Yep, bobbed 760 and 7600's. Short LOP's as well. I'm lucky to be acquainted with the Benoit's. They don't think much of my choice of a bolt action as my primary rifle, but after 40 years of toting the same weapon, no time to change now. Then again, they were trying to get me to see the error of my ways 25 years ago. But what do they know! LOL.