Dana,

I wouldn't quite go that far, but I do agree that the Democrats had a decided policy change in the '60s, almost a 180° turn when it came to gun control.  Perhaps it was the rise of the 'new generation' of Democrats...those who had been exposed to the tenets of socialism and/or Communism (remember that John Kerry used to pal around with the president of the American Communist Party and at one time was actually under surveillance by the CIA).  Don't want to sound like Eugene McCarthy or anything, but when you look at a number of today's leading democrats that influence is unmistakable. 

I would agree that today's average hunter would have much more in common with many of the old line democrats, of which I would put LBJ and perhaps JFK.  What happened to Teddy's political philosophy I haven't a clue. 

Dylan,

You might want to put a question like this under 'General Hunting' so you don't get questioned by someone.

Your question though is a good one, and among hunters is a pretty subjective topic.  The answers you get will depend on the hunting situation, the range, to some degree your skill, the rifle you're using, and often just a hunter's preference. 

Many hunters when they're hunting doe will shoot them in the neck to ruin as little meat as possible.  Sometimes a neck shot is the only one you have, especially if you're still hunting in heavy cover or rattling.  Most of the neck shooters I know are good shots that practice a lot, and several of those will limit their effective range to suit what they feel is their level of competentcy.  Some hunters will neck shoot when using small caliber rifles like a .220 Swift, .223, .22-250 or even a .243.  I sure don't recommend that, but I know several good hunters that do.

I've always been a heart/lungs shooter.  Its a quick, humane kill that leaves the most room for any shooter error.  And even in the best  of situations things can and do happen.  Lung shots also leave a great blood trail and when properly done don't ruin a lot of meat.  Sometimes I'll take a shoulder shot if a lung shot for some reason is not available, like when an animal is quartering towards you.  It'll  immobilize the shoulder, hit the upper lungs and, depending on the angle, keep away from the stomach/intestines.  If all other options are not available, and if I feel comfortable enough, I'll take a neck shot.

Dana,

I certainly understand that a lot of guys use a .243 to hunt whitetails, and like you they often swear by them.  Frankly, a lot of people hunt with even smaller rounds, like a .22-250 or a .220 Swift too.  Guess my opinions here are largely shaped by experience...along the way I've known of other deer besides that mulie, whitetails in particular, that have been hit by a .243 and have run off never to be found.  Unfortunately that's happened to me once (not with a .243) several years ago and I was about sick over it.  As well, I'd hate to encourage someone to get a smaller-cartridge rifle when they're just getting into hunting since rifles, ammunition, and optics are increasing in cost at a pretty good clip.  These days a lot of hunters can't afford more than one good rig.

And, like you, I'm hoping to get my crack at some bigger deer someday, whether they be Saskatchewan whitetails or New Mexico mulies or somewhere in between.  Right now its a dream, but if you're going to dream, dream BIG.

Keep your head down over there.