Handgun hunting is a difficult path. Like many of you, I began hunting with a long gun. I had several successful seasons with both a rifle and a muzzleloader, but as time went on, I wanted more. I bow hunted some over the years, but it never really tripped my trigger. Then I stumbled upon handgun hunting. It forced me to shorten the shot, lengthen the stalk, and place the bullet precisely where it needed to go. And the hook was set!
Where my handgun hunting passion began
My passion for handguns really blossomed post my USMC days. I was competing with them, attended the law enforcement academy with them, and just thoroughly enjoyed shooting them.
Following the USMC, rifles felt like work since they were directly work-related for me. Handguns were not a primary there, which allowed me to enjoy them more since they were separated from work.
The practice that is required with a handgun to build the necessary skill set is a constant challenge. That challenge increases as you increase the maximum range that you practice and ultimately are comfortable hunting at.
Systems Approach to Handgun Hunting
Handgun hunting requires a complete systems approach to operate at the top of your game. You need the skill set to place the shots, a firearm capable of the accuracy, quality ammunition, and your chosen accessories to be fully successful. Skipping out on any one part of these previously mentioned areas will lead to lackluster results in the field.
In most states, there is no dedicated handgun season. You are stepping into the field with the rifle hunters. You have only a fraction of the distance shooting capabilities some rifle hunters have.
Hunting here in my home state of Wyoming, this is far more apparent. When I lived on the East Coast, hunting the forests and swamps, a handgun was less of a disadvantage. But this just increases the challenge. For me, the challenge is what makes me strive to continue to handgun hunt year after year.
Getting closer to the animal increases the excitement
If you are a hunter, you know that little extra adrenaline dump when the animals are closer to you. So close that you can pick out individual hairs on the side of the deer. Or when you are surrounded by a herd of elk. This excitement is worth lengthening the stalk and crawling right in amongst the animals.
If I were packing a rifle, I might be tempted to take the shot long before I get into such a situation. The handgun makes it commonplace on a hunt, and completely worth the firearms limitations.
I thoroughly enjoy packing into the backcountry with only a wheelgun and, on occasion, a single shot handgun stuffed into my pack. With more compact gear, I am quieter and lighter moving around, and I need that advantage when trying to stalk in close. There are always fond memories made with a good six-gun on the hip as you cross into the wilderness where few go, even with a rifle.
CAMARADERIE amongst Hunters
Like all other forms of hunting, getting a group of like-minded hunters together furthers the experience. Getting a group together that enjoys handgun hunting is quite literally a blast.
Being a smaller niche in the hunting world, I founded Handgun Hunter’s Competition to do just that. Every June we gather in Wyoming and ring some steel together. This match has led to several group hunts, lifelong friends, and connections with the industry that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
getting started
How do you get started handgun hunting? Well, that’s quite simple. First, you have to decide to leave the rifle at home. This is a tough one for most as they decide to carry a handgun for “just in case one comes in close.” That’s more akin to stunt shooting than handgun hunting.
Next, you will need to select a firearm that is capable of the task and set out to practice. The practice is going to be time-consuming, difficult, and not always fruitful.
Naturally, you’re going to want to extend the distance, but that will take time. It took me years to feel confident shooting to 100 yards on game with a handgun. Just two years ago, after almost 20 years of practice, I took my longest range big game animal to date with a revolver, a 220-yard cow elk with a 460 Smith & Wesson and an Ultradot Red Dot.
Keep your expectations reasonable. The first year or two, you may be greatly limited on the range you can take an animal at. A simple method to measure your skill is with a standard paper plate. When you can place your rounds all within that 8” paper plate at a given distance from a field shooting position (not from the bench), you are then ready at that distance.
Handgun Hunting is my chosen path
Handgun hunting is a more difficult path to take in the pursuit of game. It is the method of hunting I have chosen. Heck, I don’t even own a hunting rifle anymore.
It’s the challenge of getting close, being surrounded by the elk, and placing that shot that draws me back every season. I look forward to stepping off into the wilderness this season with a pocket full of tags.
