An August afternoon harvest

Talk about North American big game hunting.
Drew Jaeger
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An August afternoon harvest

Post by Drew Jaeger »

Yesterday afternoon, I was fortunate enough to have time and go hunting Fallow for a bit of venison. It was a mongrel day with the darn wind blowing a gale, however where I was hunting there were pockets of relative calm.

I came over a ridge and saw a Buck grazing at distance out in the open. Unfortunately, other than a few old fence posts there was no other ground cover which made stalking rather difficult. Fortunately, I had my small sand bag with me. I ranged the Buck at 328yds, estimated the crosswind at ~40km/h and knew the 85gr HPBT bullet drop was around 10". The crosshairs were placed on his backline, at mid length between the legs – the projectile struck the Buck in left shoulder dropping him instantly!!!!

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The Buck

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RX-III ranging

I was chuffed, this was the longest shot I have ever taken on any deer, and it was done with a 243!!!!! As I was taking the meat, an autopsy was carried out – the bullet made a mess of the shoulder and heart with the remnants found in the far lung. Although there wasn't much left of the projectile, which I was disappointed with, it did the intended job. The retained mass (including meaty bits) is only 26.8grs or 31.5%.

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Taken with a single 85gr HPBT at 328yds

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The recovered 85gr HPBT

The rack wasn't much, but that didn't matter as I was after meat.

I watched another six Fallow in an adjoining gully; three big Bucks with worn antlers and three smaller animals. I opted to leave them alone and harvested a Spiker at ~120yds.

On the way home I called into the Out-Laws, hung up half the meat, had celebratory ale with the Father-In-Law while reminiscing the shot.

BBQ Bambi next week!

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Cheers

Drew


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Verminator2
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Verminator2 »

Nice shot!
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NHS
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by NHS »

Excellent shot! I can't wait for my mule deer hunt in 6 weeks!
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Lee C.
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Lee C. »

That's some pretty good shooting Drew.It looks like your going to get a few good meals out of that deer. I've been useing the 100gr. nosler partition spt bullets in my 243. For a few years now and they hold together pretty good. Any ways nice shooting.
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Vartarg
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Vartarg »

Good work, Drew!! Many thanks for the report and especially the photos...it's good to see areas other than what we're used to here in the US of A. George
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Guy M
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Guy M »

Nice shooting and good photos. Thanks! The little 85 gr Sierra performed about as I'd expect: dead deer and little bullet left. Works out just fine!

Quite a few of those deer there?

Regards, Guy
Drew Jaeger
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Drew Jaeger »

Guy M wrote:Quite a few of those deer there?
G'day Guy, in some places the numbers are in epidemic proportions.
Cheers

Drew


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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by skipper »

I noticed in your signature line it mentions a 577. Is that a .577 Tyrannosaurus? If so please post some pictures. I'm drooling already. Now if it's a double rifle you get bonus points.

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Drew Jaeger
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Drew Jaeger »

Alas, it's only a Parker-Hale Enfield 1858 Naval pattern rifle. It doesn't shoot too bad at 100m either!!!!

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Cheers

Drew


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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by skipper »

Wow, that thing does hold 'em in the bulls, doesn't it? Nice!
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glenn asher
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Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by glenn asher »

You guys have been snookered! Drew is a ringer! He makes great shots all the time, I read his posts on ausvarmints, that kind of shot is nothing for him. What's with the pope gun :huh: (for some reason, that's what they call a .243 in Aus, I haven't gotten THAT translation figured out yet :D ) BTW, good shooting!
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Drew Jaeger
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.204 Ruger Guns: Remington 700 VSSF II
Location: Southern Tablelands, NSW, Australia

Re: An August afternoon harvest

Post by Drew Jaeger »

glenn asher wrote:You guys have been snookered! Drew is a ringer! He makes great shots all the time, I read his posts on ausvarmints, that kind of shot is nothing for him. What's with the pope gun :huh: (for some reason, that's what they call a .243 in Aus, I haven't gotten THAT translation figured out yet :D ) BTW, good shooting!
Thanks for the accolades Glenn. Seriously, up until last Saturday I have never attempted a long shot at deer over 200yds, even with the 30-06. The terrain and lack of cover forced me to take the shot.

The 243 is Australia's No.1 selling calibre - accurate, low recoiling, multi-tasking and well suited to majority of Australian game (minus big deer and buffalo). Why is it called "the Pope"? From what I can gather,... if the Pope himself hunted, the 243 would be his calibre of choice because of its divine and blessed performance. :D
Cheers

Drew


"Never argue with an idiot. They bring you down to their level and beat you with experience."
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