Can you deer hunt with a shotgun?

In Ohio (where I live), your only options for hunting deer are archery, muzzle-loading firearms,and shotguns. Given that hunters killed something like 33,000 deer on the first day of shotgun season, I'd say a shotgun actually works quite well.Can you deer hunt with a shotgun?
Check your hunting regs, but in most states of US the answer is yes. In fact, some eastern and midwest states forbid use of rifles during firearms season for deer, forcing people to use shotgun, muzzleloaders, or handguns.





Usually a shotgun must use a 20 gauge or larger. Some places mandate slugs. Other places mandate buckshot. If the choice is yours, get a shotgun with rifled barrel and use sabot slugs, they're much more accurate than a foster style slug from a smooth bore.Can you deer hunt with a shotgun?
* Very effectively!! If you use a smooth bore (your bird gun), use rifled slugs. If you are able to switch barrels, get a rifled barrel and use saboted slugs.





Some states allow buckshot (4 buck or larger) for deer. 00 or 000 can be quite effective. Only use buck in smooth bores.





Buy a small box of several brands and try them. Different guns - even of the same make - digest slugs differently. Find the one yours likes and stick with it.
Legally? check your local state regulations. The South half of Michigan has a rifle ban; you can only use shotguns, muzzleloaders, or handguns.





Is it physically possible? I think a 12 gauge slug does as much, if not more, damage than a 30-06 springfield. It just has a shorter range.
Yes. And it it legal. Although you'd probably be using slugs and a rifled barrel. Buckshot won't work unless your really close. Shotguns are a close range weapon. Although I have watched someone hit a gallon jug at 200 yards with a slug from a rifled barrel that was still a good shot.
Yes, were I live in NJ a shotgun and a muzzle loader are the only guns you can use.A shotgun using buckshot is affective to about 40 yards. Rifle slugs depending on the gun can be good for somewhat over 100 yards.
yep been hunting with one for years, you don't have to use slugs either, buckshot has worked very well for me, i now have a benelli nova, shooting 3.5 inch 00buck and so far this year everything i've shot at i killed
Absolutely. Here in western New York you can only use bow or shotgun. Get a 20 gauge or better, a fully rifled barrel, and sabot slugs. You'll do just fine.
Why not ?My dad hunted deer with a 22 during the depression and killed tons of deer. Im certain a shotgun of 16gauge or better will do the trick ! Fact is I know it .
Yes, and use Rifled Slugs, but Only shoot them out of a smooth bore shotgun with an Improved Cylinder Choke Only, for Best Performance and Accuracy.*
Yes but I did prefer a WW2 Swedish Mauser that has ben customized.My health has deteriorated to where I can't stand the recoil any more.
In southern minnesota and some other states that is all you can use.
we need much more info.....in most states, the answer is yes.
yeah but get a .243 or .223 or even a 7mm
Yes, but you need to use slugs
yes
You won't kill the dear if you shoot it.