Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

So the property I have permission to hunt is surrounded by liberals... ugh... and I have decided to try hunting from a treestand this year. Thing is, I know my scope will be off because I will be shooting from a different plane than the deer... I asked the property owner if I could do some very light target shooting and she said the last guy that did that the neighbors called the cops! (LOL) and has denied me permission to target shoot there...

This is where you come in! I need a spot I can hike up a tree and shoot a couple of targets. We are talking 25, 50, 75 and 100yrds, 20 shots MAX!

I have .380, .38, .40, and 9mm.... anyone interested in a trade>

I don't believe that your scope will be so far off that it wouldn't hit the target unless you zeroed it from the tree stand. I've always zeroed mine on flat terrain then used them in whatever stand I happened to be in, never a problem. With a bow it makes enough of a difference but with a gun I don't believe it does.

JacobDW,

I have hunted with scoped rifles from tree stands for more than 25 yrs and have always relied on sighting my guns in from a bench as I'd be willing to bet most hunters do also. IMO unless you're shooting a bow or maybe a crossbow you'll be still on target as I've always been esp. if your shots take place anywhere inside 200 yds or so. As a new perspective tree stand hunter I'd personally be more concerned with safety associated with elevated stands. Like for example-Get yourself accumulated with heights prior to the season, never climb with or pull up a loaded gun, use a safety harness, ensure you have a knife with you in case you have to cut yourself free of said harness. One more bit of advice the school of hard knocks taught me- Tie the cord directly to your guns stock and not the gun sling; I've had even quality sling swivels break while pulling up my rifle in the past. Go figure...?

Good luck and shoot straight; You don't want Bambi bleeding all over the liberal neighbors yards and driveways.

I'm not convinced it would matter either unless you're one of these guys that likes to get 25-30' up the tree...

I do think you have to consider shot placement though depending on the angle to make sure you hit the vitals.

OK thanks guys... I just have alot of time on my hands to think at work... and my college physics kicked in and I got to worryin!

But as far as safety and acclimation, tomorrow is scout day. Gonna tour the property and find good trees/lanes etc.. didnt think to keep the knife ON me, usually in my pack, but I will from now on! thanks! Ill post some pics tomorrow in the hunt forum!
-JW

I don't understand what the neighbors have to do with you being able to shoot on land you have permission to be on, shoot on and hunt on. Not unless it's a noise factor and the owner just wants to be neighborly. Otherwise, let them call the cops, you are not breaking any laws.

How many acres is the property?

Yeah the neighbors are just well to do busy bodies an she doesnt want to step on toes... Im not gonna complain tho... Im the only one to hunt this land in th elast 5 years, and the deer there are BIG