Ammo/scope for deer hunting.

[MichiganScott]

I had my aortic valve replaced in early October and missed Michigan's mid-November opener. I followed my daughter through two feet of snow when she drew for an elk permit in early December. The guide and his assistant got the elk out and to the butcher.

The additional three weeks made a big difference in my ability to get through the woods. The big worry was doing something that might have opened up the sternum. They do not heal quickly or easily. Although I probably could have hunted with a .223 in December, I chose not to push the issue six weeks post-op in November.

 

[Flash_80]

That 300 Blackout upper to me would be a viable option. Like they said, just a little under a 30-30 in ballistics, but also a better bullet selection as well. Nearly as many deer killed with a 30-30 as there have been with bows and arrows in the day of the buffalo. I still wouldn't hunt with a .223 unless it was the only thing I had.

 

[WR Moore]

Let's put the operation in perspective. They're going to cut your rib cage with what amounts to limb trimmers (watch NCIS reruns where Ducky is doing autopsies). Afterward, they'll put the ribs back and wire them into place so they can heal. They don't call thoracic surgeons "chest busters" without reason.

I got a fractured sternum in a traffic accident in 1994. I wore body armor with a steel trauma plate for well over six months every time I climbed in a car, 'cause I didn't want to think about another chest stressor. Recovery was not fun.

Alternatively, they might just cut the tissue between ribs and spread them with a fixture. My wife experienced this for lung surgery. Her ribs hurt longer than mine did.

As noted above, everyone heals differently. I'd go with planning on watching this year. With the right bullet and careful shot placement, .223 will work on deer. 75 gr has very good sectional density.

 

[Flash_80]

And when you hit it "back a little", in a compromised physical condition, are you going to want to attempt to track it all over creation?

 

[Flash_80]

Sorry, hunting Whitetail with a 22 caliber pill is just redneck stuff to me. And believe me, I live right in the middle of it. Poaching caliber, no more. It will kill a deer. So will a 22 magnum. There are better options when you're planning ahead.

 

[vipermd]

SCAR333: I would suggest a bushnell 3 X 9, about $ 70 and it will stand up to the recoil of 3" 12 ga mag, through a rifled barrel. Ammo: Barnes 70 gr TSX, 64 gr Win PP are two options. Using a 223 4-5 mo after surgery if OK'ed by your Doc, and as you stated, you have someone else to dress & Drag. Your sitting on the ground and you can be there for as long as you like and your conditioning will allow. My father & brother had valves replaced ( open procedure ) they used Tylenol for pain, 2 other friends had bypass and they could not get enough pain meds, very individual. Do the rehab to the max, most important. I would not want to miss Deer season, only missed one in 50 years because I could not swim the ocean!!! Do not do anything foolish, let your friend family do the work. Enjoy. Be Safe,