Good Morning,
Here in Virginia some counties require buckshot for deer. Fortunately, all of our counties allow muzzleloading rifles throughout the season, but buckshot is still prevalent because the hunt clubs usually require it.

Just Wednesday I had several guests on my boat for a fishing trip, and the subject of buckshot came up! One fellow claims he can consistently kill deer at 100 yards with #4 buckshot. In the interest of politeness, I let the conversation die.

It has been my experience that buckshot wounds as often as it kills. In most cases this is probably because the hunter tried to reach beyond its limits (as my guest apparently does). Every year I see deer that died of multiple gunshot wounds, probably buckshot. Vultures and eagles consume them, but still (in my opinion), the suffering is unacceptable in the name of "sport."

Buckshot is appropriate to self-defense and war. If used within its limits (35 yards?) it is effective on game.

Take care, Tom