[mad_as_he$$]

As noted by others, tough question. My 19 year old daughter has broght down several large Mule Deer with her 243 -typically 150-200 yards shots. Very good flat shooting caliber. I use a 7mm Mag Sako and it also has never failed me. But in woody areas I would go with other recommendations such as 308. I would pass on any 30-30 for anything. It was my first gun and I chased more deer shot with that POS than any other round I have had. Of course there is nothing wrong with the old deer slayer 30-06. Many guns and factory ammo is still budget priced. FWIW if you qualed on M-16 then any lighter "deer" caliber will be a piece of cake. My hunting buddy uses a 6mm Sweedish and gets excellent results.

Find a gun you like and try it if it doesn't feel good you will never shot good.

Good luck and when you need venison recipes I am sure there are many available on FR.

[dogbyte12]

Another question, kinda related.

What is the cost/benefit ratio to hunting, if you are being frugal, and you harvest the carcass very well. Do you actually save money when substituting venison for beef? Or are you spending more money in the long run?

[mad_as_he$$]

sorry "SHOOT GOOD" -fingers not up to speed yet today

[ExSoldier]

" Good luck and when you need venison recipes I am sure there are many available on FR."

Ted Nugent has a great game recipe book out: "Gotta KILL IT to GRILL IT" or something like that. Made a big stir among the antis when it came out. I believe anybody who does THAT must be rewarded! LOL

[ExSoldier]

We oughta get your 19 yr old girl together with my 22 year old girl. My little girl (she'll ALWAYS be "my little girl") likes to shoot her DAO SP 101 .357 maggie. Now I've gotta bring her fiance up to her skill levels so he won't be the embarrased husband after they're married in July 2004.