Deer hunting for the firepower enthusiast

Since Pennsylvania is setting up an atlatl deer season for those who prefer primitive hunting techniques, it seems only fair that allowances be made for the hunting preferences of technofreaks. If those .50 caliber megarifles just don’t do enough for you, this may be your answer.

How to Hunt Wisconsin Whitetail Deer with a 12 pound Mountain Howitzer Cannon













Since it would be rather difficult to hit a deer with a Mountain Howitzer Cannon that used a single 12 pound cast iron ball, (even an exploding one) and because down range fall-out ( from 1000 to 1500 yards ) would be a factor with that single 4-1/2" diameter ball, it would be more practical to use a standard load of what was called "Canister Shot". Using Canister Shot turns the Mountain Howitzer into rather large shotgun.

A standard load of canister shot for the 12 pound Mountain Howitzer Cannon is 148 individual lead balls, specifically, .69 caliber ( dia ) lead "musket balls".

All 148 lead balls are packed into a 4-1/2" diameter tin can with the spaces between the balls, filled with saw dust. Total weight of this load is about 10-1/4 pounds. Velocity of the load is approximately 1000 feet per second, being lethal to about 250 yards. Down range fall-out is limited to only approximately 400 yards. (individual results may vary)

[…] When an unsuspecting deer happens to wander in front of your Mountain Howitzer Cannon, PULL THE CORD! Make sure that the deer is within 250 yards range and directly in-line with the howitzer's bore. Also be sure the deer is no closer than 100 yards. A minimum distance of 100 yards is a "must" for reasonable meat recovery. (less damage) You don't want to hit the deer with all 148 musket balls. (your goal is to shoot the deer with your mountain howitzer, not "pulverize" him) Also, at extended distances, it will be less likely that you will shoot off the horns if the deer is a really nice Buck.

Also included are instructions for making a 12 Pound Mountain Howitzer, and suggestions on how to avoid collateral damage, fines, and imprisonment. In addition to hunting, I suspect the 12-pounder would make a fine home defense system. Operating on the principle that it is always best to defend the home from the longest range possible, this should extend your perimeter out to about a thousand yards.