Frequently Asked Questions about Whitetail Deer Hunting
October 28, 2025
The North American Whitetail Deer is the most commonly hunted big game animal in this country. It is widely known that if you took the number of licensed deer hunters in just a few of the major deer-hunting states and added the total, you’d have the largest “army” on the planet. We took at a look at the top questions we often see about deer and deer hunting.
Can I hunt whitetail with a suppressor in my state?
There are 42 states that you can legally own suppressors. Of those, there are 41 states where you can hunt with them. The only exception being Connecticut. You cannot hunt with suppressors in Connecticut.
In those states where it is legal to hunt with a suppressor. You should keep in mind that to avoid any confusion, it isn’t a bad idea to keep a copy of your tax stamp with you. However, do not take the original. Keep that one at home.
We get asked this question often. When I shoot with my suppressor for the first time, will my point of impact shift?
The answer is yes, you're going to have a point of impact shift due to the weight that you added on your barrel with the suppressor. The barrel harmonics are going to change. Also, the way the gasses from the round going off are going to change in how they exit your barrel.
It should be a consistent change. So, you're really just sighting in your rifle again. Most experience an increase in overall accuracy, with tighter groupings, but that is also dependent upon your shooting and the ammunition you use.
First-time suppressor buyers and shooters who are going to go hunting this season, pay attention. Make sure you go out and shoot with the suppressor on your rifle and make sure it is zeroed. You should do that anyway, but it is vitally important when you add a suppressor to check your zero.
What is a Boone & Crockett whitetail?
While it doesn't have anything to do with suppressors, we still get asked this often because of all the work we do with conservation groups. In fact, one of the most common questions you will find on the internet about deer hunting is what constitutes a B&C trophy buck?
A quick background is that Boone and Crockett is the oldest conservation organization in America starting in 1887 by Teddy Roosevelt himself. Boone & Crockett has a scoring system depending on male whitetail based on measurement of the rack in total. A typical Boone and Crockett whitetail scores 160 in and a non-typical whitetail scores on 195 in to enter the Boone & Crockett Club. These scores are based on total inches from a series of set measurements, but additional points awarded for width and spread. Anomalies in the rack cause deductions of points. The whole system is fascinating and somewhat complex.
While Silencer Central happily supports the mission of Boone & Crockett, we also support any legally taken game animal and remind our customers and hunters everywhere to enjoy the moment and be happy with the game you take.
What is your favorite Whitetail deer hunting cartridge?
The most common answers we get are .270 Win., .30.06, .308 Win., and two more modern cartridges, 6.5 PRC and 25 Creedmoor. Please let us know what your favorite whitetail deer hunting cartridge is.
The diversity of favorite hunting cartridges ranges from classics like the 270 Winchester and 30-06 to newer rounds such as the 6.5 PRC and 25 Creedmoor. This illustrates the evolving preferences in hunting ammunition. Traditional cartridges are favored for their proven reliability and effectiveness. Modern cartridges offer advantages like flatter trajectories and reduced recoil, catering to different hunting styles and conditions.
Think you want a suppressor?
Good! We think you'll find that shooting and hunting is more enjoyable when you protect your hearing.
Just a reminder, we are still running our stamp season promo where you can get the tax stamp fee covered by us on hundreds of suppressors. Be sure to visit silencer central.com to see the whole list.
While many suppressors can be used on several different caliber firearms, we have some specific models that can make your shooting more enjoyable. Pick the caliber that you have in mind. If you don’t see your caliber, pick one close to it to see our recommendations.
