Hello again, I have put down around 10-15 deer total this past year that I have been raising whitetails. I have noticed that the 1inch needle on the 2cc darts are pretty unforgiving when it comes to tissue damage and bruising.(compared to 3/4inch needle) Does anyone have a reccomendation on the size of the needle for adult deer? I use 1/2inch on fawns.
Size of the needle for Darting
- Thread starter metroman_digital
- Start date
Joined Apr 2009
702 Posts | 0+
Marquez, TX
Personally, I use 1/2 inch on everything, but Texas deer are going to have thinner hides, but I would think 3/4 should be plenty long. Your problem with tissue damage is more likely because your impact is too hard. I would turn your gun down some and try lobbing the darts a little bit more rather than slamming them in. For reference, I use the brown charges set on 1 for 10-20 yards and 2 for 20-35 yrds.
We have been darting deer since mid 90's and here's what works for us. Northern deer--- 3/4" unless late in season(heavy winter coat)then 1". Summer coats can get away with 1/2". Side port darts on everything. We use Pneu-dart gun, green charges with following gauge settings as guide (maximum distances) 1=10yds, 2-20yds, 3-30yds, 4-40yds, 5-50yds. 1.5cc darts will hit 2" high, 2cc dead on, 3cc 2-3" low. Use range finder...know exact distance. Hope this helps. Tony
You may also want to consider using the tri-port needle. This cannula allows for injections from three different holes on the same needle. I personally have seen increased induction times when tranquilizing, as well as better absorption of medications on a consistent basis.
Joined Apr 2009
2,617 Posts | 0+
Edgar, WI
Josh said:
This is the only way to go. Really I am not sure why we would want the old dart style any more.
As a side note we have noticed better effects using front shoulder or neck shots as well. I'm still not totally comfortable doing it all the time, but it does work better.
Joined Apr 2009
947 Posts | 0+
Annville, Pennsylvania
I sell darts for Pneu-Dart as a dealer for them and what I sell the most of is 2cc Type P & C both in 3/4" needle with Tri-Port. Josh is correct and very knowledgeable on these darts and his opinion in this area is second to none. In recent weeks I have noticed a trend now starting to shift towards 1.5cc and again 3/4" needles with tri-ports. I sell almost no 1" needles and about 1/2 as many 1/2" needles. Hope this helps.
