Back Yard "Hunting"

[Hammer-52]

I live in an area with a large population of deer; infact on any given day I can usually see 6 or more deer (mostly does) in my unfenced backyard. I live outside the city limits in the county on about .5 acres. I'm thinking of taking up bow hunting to do my part to control the heard--my wife is even thinking of doing the same. We also get turkeys (6-10).
 
Now the question: Game & Fish says it is legal but what does the hunting community think of taking a deer or turkey from the back porch?
 
Looking forward to the replies.

[Daryl (deceased)]

Hammer,
 
I see nothing wrong with it at all.  I've never shot a deer from the back porch, mostly because I've never had the chance.  Several here hunt close to their own home, or around the homes of friends or family.
 
Deer are a renewable resource; make the best of it.  
 
Daryl

[davidlt89]

the biggest deer I ever shot I steadied my gun off of my friends garage!!! I see absolutely nothing wrong it and I think you will enjoy it. God Bless.

[Alboy]

We were just discussing that same thing 2 days ago. Hank felt it was an inconvienience but his wife makes him step off the porch and walk to the fence.

[bowhunter 51]

I'm cool with it.............I've taken deer from my back porch............BH51....

[Vermonster]

I just posted this in another forum yesterday.  My cousin just got a nice 4 pointer in Maine, from her laundry room....... :D
 
 
I only got 1 reply out of about 2 pages that made any sort of comment eluding to the "hunting" aspect.
 
If it's legal, and you make use of the deer, then I don't feel anyone has any right to criticize you at all.  I say shoot away.  In fact, if you need any help, let me know.....

[LvrLover]

It should fit in well with all the INTERNET shopping that is going on these days. It's convenient and delivered right to your door! BTW make sure you wear earplugs if you shoot from inside or the porch. Confined spaces really make the report loud.

[RatherBHuntin]

I don't have any problems with it all, though personally I wouldn't call it hunting.  Bringin home the groceries is bringin home the groceries, call it whatever you want.  If they are running amuck in your vegetable garden like they with some of the folks on here, they need shot.  If you planted the veggies and fruit trees, then the deer ate them, the deer just volunteered to replace the tomatoes and cauliflower on the plate....his choice.

[bowhunter 51]

Wouldn't call it huntin' either, Glenn..More like shot-placement practice
using an edible target....compensates for the rising costs of hunting and
food....after'all....ya gotta trim your back'yard herd or it will get out of
hand...I don't like to see a deer herd getting comfortable bedding down in
your backyard, as I have...protected by farm dogs.............................BH51.....

[Hammer-52]

Thanks All!!  No I wouldn't really call it "huntig" either--like the "bringing home the groceries" line.  
 
     Of couse the family will make use of the deer meat.  Now we just need to be "archery certified" a requirement here in Idaho to hunt with a bow.  This way I can focus my hunting on the elk and other game.
 
    Now I 'm approved :D  (by the finance chief) to buy some archery gear maybe even get her involved.

[Paul Hoskins]

Nothing wrong with shooting deer from the back porch. I've shot them from the family room window and the back door. Even shot one from a lady's bedroom window. Didn't even bother putting my pants on.   .............Paul H

[gitano]

I don't have any problems with it all, though personally I wouldn't call it hunting. Bringin home the groceries is bringin home the groceries, call it whatever you want.

Ditto.
 
That said, I shot this fella in my pajamas (how he got in my pajamas I'll never know:cheesy: ) this past season. I had one foot in the back door. It doesn't resemble hunting in any way shape or form other than I used a firearm to 'collect the groceries'.
 
Paul

[Daryl (deceased)]

gitano,
 
I bet the meat tastes just as good, and maybe better, since you can take care of it quicker.
 
Daryl

[Alboy]

I agree with Daryl and I see you had your trusty guide and skinner johnny on the spot to take care of such chores.

[davidlt89]

looks like you had a good moose season!!!! Nice looking animal!

[bowhunter 51]

If'n I see something like that in my backyard, ...I better be shooting
through an open window in my bathroom.... ............................BH51......

[gitano]

Thanks to all for the kind comments. I s'pose I should mention it was taken with the Martini .50 Alaskan and one of my home-made bullets. He went about 7 body lengths after being shot through the lungs.
 
Paul

[whacker1]

My only suggestion is talk to your neighbors in case you have an animal go very far on you.  .5 acres is smaller than what I am used to when we hunt on my Grandparents farm in Western WA.  Knowing that you are in North Idaho & I from Spokane.  this conversation has come up before in the Hayden area where neighbors don't understand that you have to thin the herd out to minimize the nuisance animals.  This is a heated issue for some in the area, because there was lots of development over a short period of time, and the deer stuck around and populations, because the area is no longer hunted due to the more residential feel.  
 
Good luck with your new "grocery getter"
Neil

[Daryl (deceased)]

Thanks to all for the kind comments. I s'pose I should mention it was taken with the Martini .50 Alaskan and one of my home-made bullets. He went about 7 body lengths after being shot through the lungs.
 
Paul

And I bet that makes the meat taste even better!
 
Congrat's Paul.
 
Daryl

[gitano]

And I bet that makes the meat taste even better!

It shore duzzent hurt the taste...
 
Paul

[locknloadnow]

Nothing wrong with shooting deer from the back porch. I've shot them from the family room window and the back door. Even shot one from a lady's bedroom window. Didn't even bother putting my pants on. .............Paul H

 
 
(laughter...)  now that's funny...:D