GEAR

There are so many different brands of hunting equipment to choose from today. Most of it is good, some not so good, and some better than others. Since there is so much out there to choose from, I thought from time to time I would discuss the products I use and offer my input on the performance of the product. Please feel free to let me know what you use. With so much out there, sharing information is a way to separate the good from the not so good.

Today’s agenda will be the current weapons I use for hunting deer. First up is my slug gun. Since I live in Ohio, your choice for the deer gun season is slug gun, muzzleloader, or handgun. I use a slug gun. In 2004, my nephew told me about someone he new that purchased an H & R Ultra Slug Hunter Deluxe. I always liked the idea of using a single shot gun. I drove to Cabelas in Wheeling, WV where they had a new one on display. The gun fit me perfect, much better than my Winchester Model 1300. After comparing ballistics between 20 gauge ammo and 12 gauge ammo, I discovered the 20 gauge ammo provided enough knock down energy out to 125 yards. I decided to purchase the 20 gauge model. I topped the gun with a Leupold VX-I 2-7x33mm shotgun scope. I use Hornady SST Sabot Slugs. The drawback to the gun is the weight. With the scope, sling, and a round of ammo, your talking 10 pounds. It’s a lot of weight to carry around especially if you like to still hunt like me. But the weight reduces recoil and the heavy rifled barrel provides accuracy. This by far is the best of the three slug guns I have owned. If you like the idea of hunting with a single shot gun, I would recommend you take a look at an H&R Slug Gun. I do not think you will find a better gun at such an affordable price.

Next up is my deer rifle. Since I also hunt whitetails in West Virginia, for years I used a Marlin Lever Action 30-30. In 2001 I was scheduled to make a trip to Montana to hunt mule deer, so I needed a rifle that could reach out a little further. I wanted to invest in a rifle I would feel comfortable using in the West Virginia hills/mountains in dense woods and heavy cover. I decided on a Remington Model Seven, bolt action in .308 caliber. Being 5’ 8” tall, the gun is sized very well for me. I like the compactness of the gun with its 20 inch barrel and ease of handling in thick cover. I topped it with a Leupold VX-II 3-9x40mm scope and I use Hornady 150 GR SST ammo. The gun is an ease to carry all day.

Last is my bow. Back in the 90’s I was reading a lot about single cam technology. In 1996 I decided to replace my bow with a new Mathews Solo Cam Featherlight. I still use the same bow today. Enough said.