Shooting hours (light enough)

[AMR40509]

I always wonder how people start shooting so early/late.

Up in Michigan this past weekend for their deer opener I heard shots every morning/evening well after it would have been safe.

I understand how people get shot while out hunting -- I couldn't tell you the number of times I've been on a stand as it started to get light and had to spend a few seconds looking at a stump to figure out that it was not a deer. Your mind wants to see a deer, so when it can't identify what it is looking at, it can become a deer. I just can't believe that people would actually shoot when it's that dark.

I feel like I have good night vision compared to a lot of people, but when I can't see well enough to shoot (or see what is happening behind where I shoot) people are still banging away.

This seems to happen both here in Kentucky and everywhere I've hunted. I have to say, those boys up in Michigan can't seem to shoot worth a darned either though. I've never seen so many misses and guy shot deer. I am also amazed at how close together they hunt – like within sight of each other’s blinds/stands…but that’s another topic.

[raktrakr]

Field hunters can see a lot sooner/later than the woods hunters.Besides, How many times has someone been cited for shooting 5 min before/after legal shooting light

[CanisMajor]

A good quality scope with a large objective lens can make those first and last seconds plenty bright enough to shoot safely. I would not assume that all shots being taken within legal shooting times are unsafe simply because you think it is too dark.

[30WCF]

The other night I only had around 6 minutes of legal light left and I could only see well enough with my eyes to tell there were deer coming into the field and could see just a little better with the binos. They were very clear when I dropped down and looked through the VX-III. I doubt I could have made a safe shot if I were back in the woods.

[KYDEERCHASR]

i think everyone has heard questionable shots.

[keith meador]

shooting light isnt judged by the amount of light binoculars or a rifle scope will gather enabling you to see, it is governed by legal sunrise/sunset times. you can shoot one half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneYear.php check it out.

[notimlmit]

I know what he is saying though just like this morn I was walking in to hunt a field myself and heard a shot before legal hours. The person had to of had a light on it or stepped on it's tail.

[ptbrauch]

You guys are forgetting to mention the people who just like to make noise. When I've hunted in the DBNF, it seemed like each day there was a whole chorus of gunshots going off right at first light. It was like everyone was trying to get the first shot of the day off. Talked to people afterwards and no one saw anything or shot anything. I've found this to happen in 3 different counties.

Where I hunt now its not unusual for it to be 8:30 or later before you hear the first shot.

[150PandY]

The other night I only had around 6 minutes of legal light left and I could only see well enough with my eyes to tell there were deer coming into the field and could see just a little better with the binos. They were very clear when I dropped down and looked through the VX-III. I doubt I could have made a safe shot if I were back in the woods.

I know what you mean with the good scopes. I have looked at deer with a good scope and seen it quite well after legal shooting hours had passed.

[150PandY]

shooting light isnt judged by the amount of light binoculars or a rifle scope will gather enabling you to see, it is governed by legal sunrise/sunset times. you can shoot one half hour before sunrise and one half hour after sunset. http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/docs/RS_OneYear.php check it out.

If it were judged by the amount of lifht binos or scopes gathered you could hunt all night during a full moon!

[grouser68]

You guys are forgetting to mention the people who just like to make noise. When I've hunted in the DBNF, it seemed like each day there was a whole chorus of gunshots going off right at first light. It was like everyone was trying to get the first shot of the day off. Talked to people afterwards and no one saw anything or shot anything. I've found this to happen in 3 different counties.

Where I hunt now its not unusual for it to be 8:30 or later before you hear the first shot. This is true, I have heard many, many shots way before daylight or legal shooting hours,and at night, but I found out the reason why for most.I lived down Clear Creek, close to pioneer weapons, many muzzle loader hunters that camped there were unsure of their weapons, and wanted to make sure they would shoot, and then get a fresh reload in there.I am guessing here, but maybe even some modern gun hunters do the same?

[PhilpotHunter]

I have never looked at an actual table telling me when I need to stop, but I just at the link, and hunting in the field yesterday, I see that I would have stayed to long by 1 minute according to the times.

[keith meador]

If it were judged by the amount of lifht binos or scopes gathered you could hunt all night during a full moon!

:D:D:D one of the rare cases in life you actually get what you pay for. i am a huge fan of the Kahles and Leupold brands.

[OUTBACK]

If it were judged by the amount of lifht binos or scopes gathered you could hunt all night during a full moon!

Shoot have you ever looked through a ZEISS. . . you don't even need a full moon just stars in the sky. . . i guess thats why they cost bout $1000 at the least. . .

[barney]

Shoot have you ever looked through a ZEISS. . . you don't even need a full moon just stars in the sky. . . i guess thats why they cost bout $1000 at the least. . .
I once made a big mistake,I traded a VX-III 2.5 by 8 with a 36 mm obj. for a Redfield ultimate illuminator with a 56 mm obj.,was not near the scope for dusk and dawn as was the Leupold!

[slow-bow]

I don't believe that anyone has mentioned the trusty ol' flashlight/ batt. powered spotlight. Don't think for one second that they don't get used from the treestand, too.

[OUTBACK]

I don't believe that anyone has mentioned the trusty ol' flashlight/ batt. powered spotlight. Don't think for one second that they don't get used from the treestand, too.

Oh you know that they have too because I don;t think everyone can afford one of those fancy, smancy, scopes. . . .

Guys there will always be the cheaters out there and theres not much we can do about it except for reporting what we know are facts and helping promote the ethics and legal ways of hunting.

Everyone hunt on and be careful.