The .22LR round is one of the most popular calibers among hunters, target shooters and recreational shooters alike. It’s a small-caliber cartridge that packs a punch without much recoil or noise. But is shooting a deer with a 22 rifle feasible? We get the question all the time — can a 22 kill a deer? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
We’re going to discuss why you might want to use a .22LR for deer hunting and how to do it safely and responsibly. And yes, that will include a brief class on deer anatomy.
We’ll also look at other options instead using the .22LR on larger game like deer, as well as its uses in small game hunting.
Is the .22LR lethal?
Of course, the .22LR is a lethal round, but to what extent. If you send enough rounds into a deer, they will eventually succumb to the trauma and die. The .22LR round is not highly recommended for hunting large game as it is more likely to cause injury than a clean kill.
That doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
It just means if you’re going to take a lethal shot with a .22LR then you’re going to need some extremely careful shot placement.
The best shot for hunting deer.
Preferably, if you’re going to shoot a doe or buck with a .22 then you’re going to want to be close range (no more than 50 meters), and you’re going to want to get a head shot.
Even then, there’s no guarantee that it will kill a deer because the skull can deflect the round. There’s simply insufficient bullet weight, muzzle energy, or knock-down power to kill a deer.
But let’s say you have the deer in your sight, and you can pull off a brain shot. Hitting the brain or spinal cord would affect the central nervous system, leading to a much more humane death.
This is a bit different than other calibers where you go for body shots to get the lung shot or to hit vital organs. For these smaller bullets on larger game you have to go for the brain stem on adult deer.
Ideally, it’s best to use a larger caliber rifle with a heavier bullet weight and greater knock-down power when hunting deer. However, if you decide to try shooting a deer with a .22LR, then make sure your shot placement is as accurate as possible for the best results.
Why you might want to use a .22LR for deer hunting.
So why would you use a small round like the .22LR to kill a deer?
There are a few reasons why you might choose to use a .22LR for deer hunting.
First, it’s much quieter than other larger calibers and can be used without alerting nearby game. If you’re trying to kill a deer without spooking other big game, then a .22LR might be the best choice.
Another reason some deer hunters use the .22LR is that the recoil is minimal which makes for an easier shot and more accurate shooting over longer distances. As we mentioned, you’ll want to be as close as possible to the buck to get a clean shot, but you get the point.
Lastly, it’s also much cheaper than traditional hunting cartridges. Most .22LR rounds are a fraction of the cost of larger calibers which is great if you’re on a budget.
Smallest deer hunting caliber.
Maybe you don’t have the accuracy or the will to use a .22LR for deer hunting. In this case, there are other options like 6.5 Grendel or the .223 Remington which can be used for deer hunting as long as you’re comfortable with their recoil and the sound they produce.
We wouldn’t go much smaller than that, but if you do then remember that a well-placed shot will do wonders on large game.
.22 is best used for small game hunting.
Aside from target shooting, many hunters will use their .22LR for hunting small game.
This is because the .22LR has low recoil, is relatively quiet and produces minimal damage to the animal. This makes it ideal for hunting small game such as rabbits, squirrels, and other rodents.
If you have a coyote problem on your land, then you might also consider using the .22LR for hunting them. Coyotes are a bit tougher than small game, so you’ll need to make sure your shots are as accurate as possible.
Another reason many hunters use the .22 for small game is that it produces very little meat spoilage. It’s a small round that can hit a small target, and for small critters, it has enough power to do the trick without meat damage.
Deer hunting with a .22 FAQ.
Whether you’re getting ready for hunting season or looking for a cheaper way to hunt deer, there are some important questions you should ask yourself before deciding to use a .22LR for deer hunting.
Why can’t you shoot deer with a .22?
It’s not that you can’t because the possibility definitely exists, but in most states, it’s illegal to use a .22LR for deer hunting. This is because the .22LR has too low of impact energy to kill a deer humanely and quickly. Almost all states have caliber restrictions when it comes to deer season.
What happens if you shoot a deer with a .22?
If you don’t get a ticket from the game warden, then you’re probably going to just maim the animal. Generally, to kill deer, you need a round that has high velocity and a fair amount of weight to fully penetrate the heavy bone of a deer.
Where is the best place to shoot a deer with a .22 rifle?
The best place to kill a deer with a single shot .22 round is in the head.
Can you hunt with a .22 rifle?
Absolutely! The .22LR rifle is a fun and effective choice for hunting small game.
Can you shoot a deer with a .22 in Texas?
Yes, it is possible to shoot a deer with a .22 in Texas. The .22 is the smallest rifle cartridge allowed by law, yet a well-placed shot can still kill a deer.
The .22LR shouldn’t be used to hunt deer.
The .22LR is a great round for small game hunting and target shooting. However, you should avoid shooting a deer with a .22 rifle. It does not have the power or impact energy needed to kill them humanely, especially over long distances.
Sure, it’s great for self-defense or even a survival situation. However, many deer will run off and simply be injured from the shot. We want to avoid unnecessary suffering if at all possible.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to go deer hunting, then consider using larger caliber rounds. Rounds like 6.5 Grendel or .223 Remington are great for larger game. There are even other rounds that can be used for hunting deer. Just be sure to to do your research and choose wisely.
