Brad Quarnberg
Well-Known Member
I currently live in Germany and have passed the German license course, exam, and am now licensed to hunt over here.
The German Government require at least 6.5mm to hunt big game athough that is slowly changing in some of the states: they are now requiring at least 7mm. The reason is simple, to many wounded animals.
Unlike the US, German laws require hunters to have access to a dog for trailing/finding wounded game but that still doesn't keep wounded game from a slow and painful death - something we as hunters should take seriously.
I own a 6.5. Bought it mostly for long distance paper target and coyotes. Although I can use the 6.5 to hunt with, I use a 308 primarily because of Wild boar.
My primary target is usually Roe deer which are small and the 308 is a bit much, but the chance that I could encounter wild boar which will fall to the 6.5 and does frequently, makes me want a heavier bullet because seldom are the boar over here standing still.
Just because a caliber can kill an animal cleanly with a carefully placed shot, doesn't mean it should be used.
I believe there is too much hype around the 6.5 and too many think it's a miracle game getter: it isn't.
Use the right gun/caliber combo, practice hunting shots (meaning not always shooting off the bench when you aren't likely to have that option while hunting: practice like you'll hunt) and shoot often and you'll be better for it.
The German Government require at least 6.5mm to hunt big game athough that is slowly changing in some of the states: they are now requiring at least 7mm. The reason is simple, to many wounded animals.
Unlike the US, German laws require hunters to have access to a dog for trailing/finding wounded game but that still doesn't keep wounded game from a slow and painful death - something we as hunters should take seriously.
I own a 6.5. Bought it mostly for long distance paper target and coyotes. Although I can use the 6.5 to hunt with, I use a 308 primarily because of Wild boar.
My primary target is usually Roe deer which are small and the 308 is a bit much, but the chance that I could encounter wild boar which will fall to the 6.5 and does frequently, makes me want a heavier bullet because seldom are the boar over here standing still.
Just because a caliber can kill an animal cleanly with a carefully placed shot, doesn't mean it should be used.
I believe there is too much hype around the 6.5 and too many think it's a miracle game getter: it isn't.
Use the right gun/caliber combo, practice hunting shots (meaning not always shooting off the bench when you aren't likely to have that option while hunting: practice like you'll hunt) and shoot often and you'll be better for it.