Last fall I was set up just off a cornfield in southern Wisconsin when a nice buck stepped out about 180 yards. I was running my .30-06 that morning, and it dropped him clean with one well-placed shot. Most of my hunts here stay under 200 yards, so that caliber fits perfectly. Sometimes I switch to 6.5 Creedmoor for flatter shots, but the old .30-06 still feels like home. What’s your go-to round?
Wisconsin Whitetail picks
- Thread starter Donnie
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2025
- Messages
- 40
My go to is the .308. Loaded with a 165 Sierria Game King at 2800 FPS. I have a 7-08 and a .260 . Love the 7-08 ,but it's a fair weather gun,and Wisconsin seasons always have at least 1 day it rains all day and a couple with snow and wind. The .308 is stainless composit. Just run it through the car wash and go back out.
I hunt Wisconsin whitetails with a soft spot for the .30 06 because it’s versatile and forgiving at under two hundred yards. I also run 6.5 Creedmoor for flatter shots and less recoil. What matters most is bullet selection, steady shooting practice, and knowing your effective range. Tune your loads, practice at hunting distances and trust shot placement over caliber choice.
