I was wondering if we had any hardcore hunters here, specifically any elk or big-game hunters. I am considering taking up bigger game, nailing varmints with .22s and ducks and other birds with shotguns is getting a bit boring.
I am looking to purchase a .30-06 or 7mm rifle and was wondering if I was going to go after bigger game, should I opt for a semiauto rifle along the lines of a Browning BAR MK II or should I go for a good ole’ fashion bolt action rifle. If I should go to Bolt Action, which is the best to get. Also any scope recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
I come from a big hunting family, so I would consider myself as a avid hunter. When comparing semiauto rifles to bolt actions, bolt actions are clearly the winner in accuracy. When it comes to selecting a brand and model of rifle it all depends on the shooter. What you want to do is go to a good hunting store and ask to tryout a couple of rifles. It’s all about which rifle feels best when you shoot it. When looking at scopes, Leupold in my opinion is a good brand.
Personally, I am against hunting. I think that the purposeless murder of innocent creatures is wrong. Now, I’m not a crazy hippie freak, I eat meat and all that, but the way I see it is this is a continuation of the species, but hunting is not necessary for natural survival.
I am a NRA sharpshooter - bar one, and competed in many indoor competitions while growing up. I have also considered trying Elk, with PA’s somewhat recent issuing of Elk liscences. I have yet to take up any VERY large game though, mostly turkey, bear, and deer are the popular kill of my days. I have done many different trails of many areas with my 243 bolt action and swear by it. With my smaller build, and its lack of kick-back we have been a wonderful pair.
…best wishes
Edit:
As far as scopes - I am not sure what my 243 has, however, I am most commonly seen without one, or just not bothering with the hassle of it when making a kill (a skill from my late Grandfather).
I agree, but this is for PEOPLE WHO LIKE HUNTING. If you have objectionable opinions, then start a ‘I don’t like Hunting’ thread! Ok, that’s my outburst for the day… takes deep breath
I’m not a hunter, but it’s an extremely popular sport on my mother’s side of the family. Even though I’ve never hunted before, but I would be up for trying it sometime. My step-uncle is big into the NRA thing and i’ve done a little shooting (pistols/skeet shooting) and found it quite enjoyable. Hunting is also a vital part in keeping down rapid growing animal populations in some states.
Some day I’ll try it, as long as it’s not with Bob Knight
A little humor: My dog thinks he’s a hunter too…(this deer has been hanging around my house since late February and it was there last weekend when i went home.)
Personally, I am against hunting. I think that the purposeless murder of innocent creatures is wrong. Now, I’m not a crazy hippie freak, I eat meat and all that, but the way I see it is this is a continuation of the species, but hunting is not necessary for natural survival.
Hunting actually helps in some areas where the animals are extremely overcrowded and dont have enough food.
interesting idea? did deer have any natural preditors in the NE of america? They were hunted by native americans, but what else? wolves?
I saw in the news today that koala bears in australia are running out of food in the wild and facing a crisis if they are not, ummmm thinned out somehow.
Cougers (or pumas, or mountin lions, depending on your prefrence) and wolves were the main preditors of deer in the north east. Both are more or less gone from the region now, although cougers may or may not be making a come back- it’s difficult to get an accurate count of them. Every now and then they are sited by hikers (who then turn tail and run away as fast as they can!). Wolf reintreduction programs are working well out west, although sheep and cow herders are once again calling for wolf hunting. After all this time people still don’t get it…
Coyotes have been known to take down deer in my area, although I don’t know nearly as much about them or their numbers now. I do hear them from time to time, so I have to assume they aren’t as bad off as the wolves.
Bears rarely take deer- they arn’t really subtle hunters. Most bear stick to fish, carrion and what ever plants they can find. Polar bears are the big exception- They go after seal and the like (not penguins!). Ever seen one of those things leap? It’s incredible how powerful they are.
Suffice to say, hunting in New England is a nessicary ‘evil’. Not only for deer, but for moose (wolves are the only real natural preditor of moose). I’m not a fan of it, but the alternitivs are worse. The long term solution is to reintroduce natural preditors and learn to live along side them. But, hunting is a big industry, and livestock owners arn’t usally happy to hear about wolves being let loose around their area.
I guess I just have to get used to never being able to walk in the woods during hunting season.
I would have to say that for hunting or anything similar that would require high accuracy (ultimately for the humanity to the animal), I would definately go with the bolt-action. This is, of course, if you are not interested in firing lots of rounds to poke holes in paper a the range…
Anyway, good luck on your quest and tell us about how big that delicious elk is
I thought this story fit very well with this topic.
SYDNEY, Australia (Reuters) – A koala population explosion on an Australian island has prompted calls for 20,000 of the furry, native marsupials to be shot to stop them destroying their island habitat and end a koala famine.](http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/04/30/australia.koalas.reut/index.html)
I am probably going to get a bolt action at this point, but I have a few more questions.
What is everybody’s general opinion of lever-actions, and break barrel rifles? I know their range is limited, but some people swear by them when hunting in dense woods.
!