Opening Day for the 2026 deer hunting season was successful and I am grateful to the Lord above for a generous harvest. As always, it was educational and I will provide you with what I learned or didn't learn.
This year's test rifle was the re-barreled AR-15 based on the "What-Would-Stoner-Do" concept. This rifle is several years old having been initially completed in 2021. Using a KP-15 lower receiver, I implemented a piecemealed upper receiver setup with mostly inexpensive, budget-friendly parts. The most expensive part (other than the suppressor) is the Lancer carbon fiber handguard. The original build was meant to replace my 1970's era Winchester 94 with a platform that was ballistically similar while being able to accommodate modern accessories such as a suppressor and scope. The semi-auto function is merely a bonus. The system's intrusive sound pollution is substantially reduced by a Dead Air Primal .46 caliber suppressor with Keymo quick detach features. At the time, all I had was a Primary Arms Classic 3-9x scope in a lightweight Monstrum mount from Amazon. Not what I call premium but it works for now.
Initially, the rifle was configured for 350 Legend but due to what were likely ammunition or magazine induced issues, the rifle was not mechanically reliable. I chose to bail on the 350 Legend barrel and switch to an Anderson Manufacturing .300 Blackout barrel. Eventually zeroed with the Barnes VOR-TX 120 grain solid copper factory loading at 50 yards, this configuration proved to be useful for providing food for my growing family.
The day of the hunt was very much a gift. The new 10 ft stand had been in the budget and on sale. The installation had been sweaty but worth the effort in the 94 degree F heat. The view is commanding.
The weather had swung from mid-80's to the 60's during the days with the evenings dropping into the 40's. A cold front had rolled in from the North just the evening before opening day. A great blessing.
With that front came higher winds; 14 to 15 mph gusts. Thankfully, the wind was blowing from Northwest to Southeast. That created a wonderful condition where I wouldn't be winded until the deer were well into the field I was hunting. While high 40's is not what I call cold, the wind will take warmth from you. Having heavy bibs and a warm Ridgecut jacket from Tractor Supply was very welcome. That, a neck gaiter and good gloves made my morning comfortable.
The morning started well too, having managed to be somewhat fed, appropriately caffeinated and read a chapter of Romans. I was in place around 6:30 AM and enjoying the first of this year's Deer Season Audiobook Club; The Hobbit.
Before the light had filled the open space, around the top of the hour, I noticed a dark blob moving silently. They had snuck in right in front of me. Right where the wind was blowing my scent. My elevation was a huge benefit but they could still see me. While I didn't move, what turned out to be 3 deer, opted to move along down the driveway heading into the wind. That never gets old and is always good fun.
I needed to keep an eye on the time as I had agreed to assist with a volunteer group called Square Foot Ministries. We were to assemble interior framing being laid out in our church's parking lot. Those frames were for a new house they were constructing for a family in Cordele. They were to get started around 09:00 AM.
As the sun crept up and my view becoming more illuminated, I was treated to the sound of another hunter's loud signature. Hopefully, they were doing better. At least I was enjoying Bilbo trying to ward off three trolls.
At just around 08:15 AM, I heard a crunch down to my left. I slowly panned to look. A doe was walking in. I waited until she was behind a bush to maneuver my rifle into position.
I took a moment to observe her and the two trailers coming in behind her. The lead doe was the largest. I began lining up my shot but she was warry of me having spotted me. Seems like I need a blind or to move my stand back into the tree line. She started to turn away toward the property line just some 60 yards away. That wouldn't do.
I opted to take a quartering-away shot. When I pressed the trigger, she took to a trot heading away. Remembering that I have an auto-loader, I opted to break a second shot. I was very grateful for the low recoil impulse and being able to stay in the glass to track. Thankfully, she dropped before making it to the property line.
I wouldn't call either shot exceptional. The placement of the first round entered too far left at the right rear leg. When I walked up, I found that she had not expired. I wasn't willing to force her to be patient for her end, so I placed an 200 grain Gold Dot loaded by Underwood from my 1911 into the vital zone to end her suffering. Not something I am happy about but was relieved to know that it was very effective. I did recover the Gold Dot (it expanded amazingly) but did not recover the Barne's bullets. I would have needed to process the critter down to do that.
I drug the deer to the edge of the field so that I could put her into the cargo carrier I use for our current small SUV. I had paused thinking over that I should at least gut the deer and see if I can locate either of the rifle bullets. Running out of time and wishing to keep my commitment, I left. Shortly after, I delivered her to a well-respected processor. This meat will now feed my wife, toddler and soon-to-be-born baby girl (via nursing of course).
I would love to spend more time trying for another deer, preferably with a broadside shot this time. However, our newborn should be here very soon and we have been meal prepping for a while now. Our freezers are packed.
Ultimately disheartened by the shot placement, my experience with this rifle and ammunition has so far been positive. I look forward to continued testing and a long term evaluation. I already have a few ideas on what can be improved during the off-season. Stay tuned for the post-season wrap up.
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