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I’m about to get my hunting license, already have my PAL, just wondering in Kitchener Ontario what would be a good calibre where ammo is somewhat reasonable but could take down a deer? Sorta decided I’ll get the Savage Axis XP but wanna know what calibre would be best? Also how do I get in touch with some other more experienced hunters? None of my friends do it and don’t wanna do it alone when I have no clue what I’m doing yet haha!
Welcome to the forum. I would look up the local Fish and Game clubs for info on getting started. Local gun shops can be a big help,too. For a centerfire rifle as a starter,Savage is an excellent choice,but,before you get into hunting big game,I would start out with small game with a .22 rimfire first. If in the budget,buy a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun at the same time. It's important that you learn to walk before you run. Good luck.
Welcome to the forum Ethan.
I have been involved in hunting for a very long time. Unfortunately I live in Northern Ontario but if you have any questions about hunting please feel free to pm me.
It is nice to see young folks getting into the sport.
Cheers.
You will need to look up the calibre restrictions for the game animal and location you want to hunt. For example, if you want to hunt deer in the controled hunt near Kitchener you will be restricted to bow, shotgun, or black powder.
A shotgun will give you the most hunting options, you can use a shotgun where rifles are allowed in the North.
As stated above, a rifle might not be a smart choice for deer, as it may limit what WMUs you can hunt.
If you buy a shotgun instead that comes with 2-3 barrels, including a rifled slug barrel, you can hunt ANY game in Ontario wherever gun hunting is allowed, except for muzzle-only deer WMUs.
If I read your post correctly you're looking to hunt deer around Kitchener? Don't think a rifle is what you need as pretty sure caliber/firearm restrictions eliminate that option. A 12g combo will suit all your southern Ontario hunting options and a good "starter" option until you really know what you're into. If you're really into deer only around Kitchener a cross bow may be the way to go. Might check into the local gun shop and chat with them they may be able to hook you up with someone/group.Quote:
Originally Posted by ethan.r
I'm a few hours south of you and don't believe rifle anywhere near you. there is rifle couple hours away. if determined on a rifle that can shoot locally for small game or up north I would think a 243 be best. with your hunting course you should be aware that 275 is the largest caliber in the south. But I agree with others, first gun probably should be a shotgun. I'd recommend a 20ga with 2 barrels, rifled so can shoot deer after applying for controlled hunt, smooth for everything else. 20ga good for smaller game and waterfowl if you keep it close.
If you are in Kitchener and want to hunt deer, then I would advise you not to spend your money on either a centerfire rifle or a slug gun. You'll be SOL with a centerfire rifle, and the slug shotgun will limit your season for deer. Get yourself an inline muzzleloader. You can get a pristine 50 cal inline used for around $350 max (I just picked up a brand new, never fired Thompson last week for $275 on the GunNutz EE). You will double, or even triple your hunt opportunities by having a ML instead of a shotgun. eg. Controlled hunt in WMU 80 - you get one week with the shotgun and two weeks with the ML. WMU 91B - you only get one week with a shotgun and three with the ML. ML is cheaper to shoot than a slug gun. Accuracy is outstanding (even a cheap $300 TC Omega or Impact will shoot very close to MOA ). Get yourself a ML for deer and get a pump or semi 12 ga shotgun for waterfowl and small game. Make sure it has screw-in chokes for all shooting situations. A magnum receiver that will take 3" shells is a bonus for waterfowl, esp. if you'll be goose hunting). I wouldn't waste your money on a combo slug gun.
Re: Savage Axis rifles. I personally wouldn't buy an XP as it doesn't come with the adjustable Accutrigger system. You need to get an Axis II XP to get the better trigger. There is no comparison IMO having shot both. Even in their rimfires, the Accutrigger is far superior for accuracy. I'd buy a used IIXP before I bought a new XP. You're into the $850 mark for a rifle in IIxp. They shoot well as far as accuracy but the bolts are pretty crude (grind like metal on metal) on them and the plastic stocks are pretty chinzy. I'd personally kick in another $300 and get a Tikka T3 if you're wanting a centerfire.
Good advise Fenelon-only caveat is : as far as Controlled hunt concerns-there is either Nov shotgun(and ML/Bow )hunt or Dec ML (or Bow )Controlled hunt in WMU 80. Both only 1 week ! Unfortunately you must pick your week-as no one can participate in both hunts.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fenelon