Georgia has many different deer hunting seasonsbased on the type of weapon used and age. These are split into Archery, Youth Firearms/Primitive Weapons, and finally Firearms. These dates change every year, but in most years, the firearm season opens in late October and closes around mid-January. Being prepared is the best way to ensure your hunting season is as fruitful as it can be.
At TC Outdoors, as your hunting headquarters, we’re here to help you prepare for the hunting season in style. Whether new to the hobby or an old hat, we’ve got your back to find a deer hunting gun that’ll last you through the season (and many more)!
We offer a rotating stock of guns and will fulfill requests if a gun you want isn’t in stock. Don’t hesitate to contact ustoday or stop by our store located at 1242 Northside Dr E, Statesboro, GA 30458.
Our Favorite Deer Hunting Brands
Ruger is a rugged, solid gun known for being inexpensive yet high-quality. A reliable firearm that can serve you no matter the terrain, Rugers are ideal for beginners and experienced marksmen alike.
Browning is known for its superior craftsmanship, which you’ll be paying for. Its famous Browning X-Bolt is often lauded as the best bolt-action hunting rifle.
Savage is the place to go for rifles with superior accuracy. A solid budget rifle that fits well in the hands, these guns suit newcomers seeking an enjoyable experience.
Bergara guns are powerful, quality guns known for their custom barrels, adjustable triggers, and ergonomic stocks.
Our Favorite Calibers
.308: A smokeless powder rimless bottlenecked rifle cartridge. Among the highest recommended hunting calibers, these are ideal for medium to large game. Due to their ubiquity, these are easy to find in most stores.
.30-06: Often compared to .308, these bullets have a long history and an ardent following. These are great for big-game hunting and long-range hunting.
.270: While often a more expensive option than the previously mentioned styles, these guns offer less recoil and a flatter trajectory. This makes them ideal for large game and wide, open-field hunting rather than dense forest.
7mm-06: Sometimes referred to as a .280, these are considered an alternative to the .30-06. It is a versatile cartridge that’s ideal for those favoring a balance of power, accuracy, and low recoil.
.300 Win Mag: With the power and range to take down large games such as black bears, these are usually ideal for big games and not recommended for smaller targets due to their power.
What to Consider When Choosing a Gun
There’s no one “perfect gun” for all hunters. Every hunter will have a different level of skill, body type, and preference in experience that makes wide-sweeping statements of the “perfect gun” simply incorrect. When choosing a gun for yourself, you’ll want to consider five different things and how much they matter to you.
Fit
The “fit” of a gun should be your top priority. You (or the one you gift it to) will be the primary user of the firearm. It should ideally be comfortable to hold, neither too long nor too short, nor should it have too much recoil for you to handle. Wielding a gun that’s not fit for you might lead to lousy hunting habits that could impact your performance on the field.
A “fitting” gun should feel comfortable in the hand. When you shoulder it, there should be no straining or bending to make it work.
Hunting Target & Grounds
Sometimes, bigger isn’t always better. While choosing a caliber that can take down your target is essential, going too high might just result in a less enjoyable hunting experience. Consider the size and weight of the deer within your area, as well as the area that you’re hunting in. If you’re hunting in a wide-open field, you’ll pick a different caliber and gun than if your usual grounds are dense woods. If you’re hunting for food versus hunting for sport, you’ll want a different caliber.
Action Type
Any action type can be used for hunting deer, but each has their drawbacks. If accuracy at a long distance is preferred, you might choose a bolt-action. If quick shooting is your goal, a lever action could suit you. Single shots might be quieter and more straightforward to load initially, but if you aren’t confident enough in your ability to down in one shot, then that’s a long time between your first shot and your follow-up. However, you might enjoy the challenge that brings.
Finish
Consider the climate and weather conditions of your usual hunting grounds. If you live in a humid, rainy environment, choose a finish that protects exposed metal or avoid wooden parts that could swell and affect the way your gun handles.
Bullet Availability
Some calibers simply aren’t widely available. The last thing you want during hunting season is to struggle to find ammunition, wasting precious days when you could be out in the field. When choosing a deer hunting gun, consider the availability of your ammunition and whether or not the scarcity of ammunition is a downside to you or a benefit, as it might make you much more precise with your shots.