I'm returning to deer hunting this year after not having gone for 15 years or so. I used to go when I lived in PA but I've never hunted in IN before. Moved here a few years ago and haven't gotten around to hunting yet.
--I've always used shotguns for deer but since IN allows handgun calibers in rifles, I'm contemplating picking up a lever action .44. What are your thoughts on a Winchester or Marlin .44 vs my old 870 rifled slug?
--I don't really have a spot picked out and obviously it's late in the season to not have a place already scouted but I'm heading down to Hoosier National Forest Area. I've hiked that area quite a bit so I'm somewhat familiar with it. Anyone hunt that area? Is it a waste of time? By next season, I plan on hooking up with someone who has access to a good area.
--I've read the DNR guideline booklet, but I'm not 100% clear on the checkpoint system in IN. As I understand it, I can field dress the deer on site, but nothing else can be done to it until it's been taken to a checkpoint? What exactly does the checkpoint do and how long does that take? (In PA, we just shot it and took it home.) And also, once I load up the deer, it has to have a tag attached to it? What is the purpose of this?
I've read through the other posts here about deer hunting and learned alot but I didn't see my particular questions addressed so I appreciate anything you guys have to offer on these or anything else. I'm not really a newbie but it's been so long, it sort of feels that way in some respects.
Thanks!
--I've always used shotguns for deer but since IN allows handgun calibers in rifles, I'm contemplating picking up a lever action .44. What are your thoughts on a Winchester or Marlin .44 vs my old 870 rifled slug?
--I don't really have a spot picked out and obviously it's late in the season to not have a place already scouted but I'm heading down to Hoosier National Forest Area. I've hiked that area quite a bit so I'm somewhat familiar with it. Anyone hunt that area? Is it a waste of time? By next season, I plan on hooking up with someone who has access to a good area.
--I've read the DNR guideline booklet, but I'm not 100% clear on the checkpoint system in IN. As I understand it, I can field dress the deer on site, but nothing else can be done to it until it's been taken to a checkpoint? What exactly does the checkpoint do and how long does that take? (In PA, we just shot it and took it home.) And also, once I load up the deer, it has to have a tag attached to it? What is the purpose of this?
I've read through the other posts here about deer hunting and learned alot but I didn't see my particular questions addressed so I appreciate anything you guys have to offer on these or anything else. I'm not really a newbie but it's been so long, it sort of feels that way in some respects.
Thanks!