It’s not uncommon to find gold in the mountain streams and rivers of the Appalachian mountains, but many anglers venture into these hills in search of a different kind of gold.

The golden rainbow trout is one of the most unique fish in North America and has captured the attention of anglers for more than half a century.

These fish are also known as “bananas” or “lightning trout”, and they are known for their distinctive bright yellow coloration. This golden coloring comes from breeding a West Virginia rainbow trout with a classically colored rainbow trout to create this striking hybrid.

Palomino Trout or Golden Rainbow Trout

Their origins can be traced back to the Mountain State of West Virginia, and they are vastly different in appearance from any other fish you’ll find in the state. The emergence of the golden rainbow trout began in 1955 when workers at a fish hatchery noticed a unique fish that stood out from the rest.

The hatchery-raised rainbow trout, but this one bright fish appeared quite different. Instead of having the same pigmentation as a regular rainbow trout, the trout’s body color was bright yellow. This was due to an extremely rare genetic mutation that normally pigmented rainbow trout do not possess.

Palomino Trout vs Rainbow Trout

This one fish was taken and studied by scientists who worked to produce a new species of golden trout through selective breeding with typical rainbow trout. By selectively breeding this single rainbow trout, the golden rainbow trout originated and has since become one of the most sought-after trout species in fly fishing.

Through these cross breed species of such bright fish, biologists have gone on to produce vast numbers of self-sustaining populations in small creeks throughout North America. The golden rainbow trout or palomino trout has now become one of the most popular trophy fish in the country.

It’s one of the most famous trout species in sport fishing or fly fishing and is sought by nearly every avid angler with a fly rod. From one single fish in West Virginia, an entirely new cross breed has emerged and is bred and sold from fish hatcheries all throughout the United States.

The golden rainbow trout is a beautiful fish that’s known by a number of different names, such as the palomino trout, palomino rainbow trout, golden rainbow, banana trout, golden trout, golden rainbows, and lightning trout. They are also sometimes even called swimming bananas.

Palomino Trout Facts

This article covers all the facts and information you need when it comes to fishing for golden rainbow or palomino trout.

Where to Find Palomino Trout

Palomino trouts have been stocked from various fish hatcheries throughout West Virginia and other states in the eastern part of the country. They are now commonly found in West Virginia and have self-sustaining populations of palomino trout all throughout the Great Lakes region and even the Pacific Northwest.

Golden rainbow trout can usually be caught in most areas where you might expect to find other trout, especially brown trout, brook trout, lake trout, and even salmon species like cutthroat trout. Palomino trout are capable of living their entire life in the wild and can reproduce, unlike other hybrid species like tiger trout.

Palomino Trout Characteristics

Palomino trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss aguabonita) are very similar in their physical appearance to other trout species. Despite being such bright fish, their physical traits – skin color aside – look almost indistinguishable from that of brook trout and regular rainbow trout, as well as brown trout.

Golden rainbow trout, much like rainbow trout and brown trout, will develop a large hooked jaw as they mature. Like other trout, palomino trout have a similar adipose fin, which is found between the dorsal fin and the caudal fin, or tail.

Golden trout are known for having white-colored edges around their dorsal fin, lateral fin, and anal fins. Like rainbow trout, palomino trout also have dark green coloring along the top of their backs. Palomino trout are known to have intersecting horizontally-aligned ovals that are known as parr marks. These fish also sport dark spots along their backs and sides as well.

The palomino trout is known to have red horizontal marks along their lateral line, which is very similar to rainbow trout, which they are closely related to, and also have a purple or reddish lateral line. The belly of golden trout can be a pink or orange color, which becomes more vibrant in spawning males.

Palomino trout are known to grow much larger and faster than regular rainbow trout due to hybrid vigor, which is also known as heterosis. Hybrid vigor is an enhanced function of the palomino trouts’ biological systems as a result of hybrid breeding.

The world record palomino trout is a Pennsylvania fish that weighed 13 lbs, 8 ounces. The fish was caught in Mahoning Creek, Pennsylvania. The population of golden trout in Mahoning Creek is higher in concentration than in any other stream in the world.

How to Catch Palomino Trout

The best method of catching palomino trout is virtually the same techniques you might employ for targeting rainbow trout or brook trout, and even lake trout. They are known to feed voraciously on salmon eggs and, like other species of trout, will strike at many different types of flies and spinner lures.

Palomino trout are known to be much harder to catch than rainbow trout, brook trout or brown trout, but this is mainly thought to be due to the fact that they get more pressure. Like tiger trout, golden rainbow trout are easily spotted in any stream, which means anglers will be able to see them (particularly if using polarized fishing sunglasses) and cast to them effectively.

Catching Palomino Trout on the Fly

The techniques and presentations you might use to catch palomino trout are virtually the same as what you might use for rainbow trout or other species. Some anglers in states like West Virginia have learned that these fish are so highly targeted by other anglers that they have to resort to using flies or nymphs that are very different than what they might normally cast at native brook trout or rainbows.

You’ll want to use dry flies for palomino trout much like you would any other species. It’s also a good idea to fish with streamers that are different than what other anglers are throwing, as the palomino trout in any stream might take an interest in different colors that they are not so used to seeing.

This is a great strategy for states such as West Virginia, where palomino trout are very highly-pressured. The only way to guarantee that you’ll have a greater chance of catching palomino trout when fishing in a popular area is to get to the best locations as early as possible, right before the fish are stocked.

Catching Palomino Trout on Lure

Many anglers that fish for lake trout often use various lures to catch them. Although there are not any known palomino trout in the Great Lakes, you can catch them in some lakes throughout this area. It’s best to use lures like worms or insects to catch palomino trout in lakes as well as streams.

Question: I read Dr. Dave Samuel’s explanation of why “Slingshot,” the buck in Curt Wells’ October 2022 article had an extra antler sticking out of his forehead. Could Dave explain how droptines and double main beams occur in whitetails? Craig S., via e-mail

Answer: There is no question that older bucks tend to develop droptines more readily than young bucks, and usually genetics is involved. The genes for droptines (and sticker points and extra points) tend to be expressed when bucks get older. The fact that we don’t see many bucks with droptines in the wild is because we kill lots of younger bucks before they can manifest their full potential. Some biologists believe that almost half of all bucks have some genes for nontypical points that would become visible if the bucks lived long enough. Proving this would be difficult, but it sure appears to be true.

Another factor that complicates the impact of genetics on droptines is the doe. Her genes most certainly play a role here, and some have suggested that her role is even more important than that of the buck. Again, that would be hard to prove, but deer-game farmers keep track of all their breeders — bucks and does. And they can and do breed for big, older nontypical bucks because such bucks bring in more money.

The cause for double main beams is something totally different, because genetics is not involved. Almost certainly, a double main beam is caused by an injury to the pedicle. Let me review what Curt wrote in his article in our October issue. The pedicle is the bony projection of the frontal bone where the antler develops. It has a special cell layer on it where the new antler grows. Research has shown that if you take some of those special cells and move them, a new antler tine often develops. In fact, years ago a researcher in Canada grafted some of these cells on the leg bone of a deer, and an antler tine grew there. In the case of “Slingshot,” those cells moved to the center of the frontal bone — yielding a “unicorn” buck.

But for double antlers, the cells move just as a new antler is starting to grow. At that time, if the buck bumps that area of his head, he may displace some of those cells right beside the base of the pedicle. When that happens, a second antler may start to grow there. If you look at photos of bucks with a double main beam, that second antler’s base is right beside or against the pedicle. When these special cells end up at the base of the pedicle, you may not get a second antler. There are times when the pedicle is bumped just as the antler starts to grow, in which case you just get a jumble of smaller tines around the base of the original antler. But on rare occasions, you’ll get a whole new antler.

Such bucks are not genetically inferior; they just have an extra antler. It will shed when the normal antlers shed. And it will most likely grow there the next year because the specialized cells that form the spot where the antler grows are still there.

The trauma to the pedicle, just as the antler starts to grow, can be caused by most anything. The buck may just bump his head on a tree limb or by sparring with another buck. Growing antlers are subject to damage that affects the resulting antler, and double main beams is one such outcome.

Tracy Schmidt | Originally published in GameKeepers: Farming for Wildlife Magazine. To subscribe, click here.

Health foods are all the rage these days, and none comes healthier than the pure-protein provided by white-tailed deer venison. Venison is low in fat, high in nutrients and packed with a whopping 44 grams of protein in one man-sized serving (six ounces). That’s more than half the daily recommended amount of protein for a healthy person.

Although pure, clean venison is the poster food for good health, it does come with some precautions. As with any meat, special care must be taken after your deer is down; during the butchering process; and, of course, in the kitchen. I’ll share my family’s best practices here.

A Few Words on CWD

No discussion on venison can occur in these modern times without first addressing the “Boone-and-Crockett class elephant” in the room: chronic wasting disease. CWD became a hot-button topic among Eastern deer hunters 14 years ago when the disease was discovered in free-ranging deer east of the Mississippi for the first time. It had been previously considered a Western deer disease (and elk and moose) confined to states like Wyoming and Colorado (where it was first identified in 1967).

The disease (transmissible spongiform encephalopathy – TSE) centers on abnormal brain proteins in deer which, when infected, always kill the animal. Human concern heightened when some scientists characterized the disease in the same category as Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle (Mad Cow disease) and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans.

Although BSE has been linked to increases in CJD, there are no known links between CWD and any increased cases of TSEs in humans. In fact, several scientific studies have concluded that there is most likely a species barrier between CWD in deer and TSEs in humans.

Should we worry about CWD in our venison? If you hunt in an area with known CWD infection rates, common sense only dictates that you would want to have your deer tested, which is fairly simple and cost effective. More importantly, you should follow some basic handling precautions after your deer is down:

1. Field-Dressing Know-How

There are two important parts of the field dressing process: keeping the deer from becoming contaminated from its own waste and keeping external contaminants from entering the body cavity of the deer while you are working with it. Make sure to use a sharp, clean blade and to wear elbow length gloves when field dressing your deer.

Just behind the breast bone, make an opening through the skin and muscles of the upper abdomen. Insert two fingers of your gloved hand into the body cavity and keep the knife up and slice the skin apart down to and around the anus, making sure not to puncture the stomach and intestines.

Contamination from contact with digestive tract contents not only will taste bad, but it can be contaminated with bacteria which can cause food-borne illness at the point of consumption if the meat is not properly handled or prepared. Remove the genitals of a male deer and discard them. Cut around the anus and tie it off then draw the intestine back through the canal between the rounds, into the body cavity and out and remove through the body cavity. Be mindful about keeping your knife clean while you work. Keep all removed internal organs from introducing contamination to the meat. Try to avoid contact with the brain, spinal cord, spleen and lymph nodes while field dressing your deer. Make sure you remove all the internal organs.

Roll the deer over to drain any excess blood before you drag it, but be careful what you roll it over onto. If you are removing the head, use a separate knife for that than you used for working with meat areas. This will help you avoid cross-contamination. Another thing to avoid is getting dirt and debris from the ground into your deer and a personal dislike of mine, hair.

When you are done working, clean your knives and equipment with a 50/50 solution of chlorine bleach and water. Soak your knife for an hour to make sure it is sterile.

2. Cool Your Deer

Hang your deer and prop open the body cavity with a stick. My husband and I believe that using a head-down position is better because it allows heat to rise from the chest cavity more quickly. Some old-timers have chastised us for doing so, claiming that blood will pool up in the upper thorax. We ignore such criticism because the majority of the prime venison comes from the hind quarters. The few scrap-pounds of venison that could potentially be spoiled in the neck/shoulder area is a risk were willing to take if given the choice, but you know what? We’ve never lost an ounce of meat by hanging our deer from the hind legs.

During the early archery season, we also pack our deer with bags of ice to help cool it down. To hang a deer head down, simply insert a stout stick or meat-hanging gambrel between the hock and the tendons. Make sure to skin the hock before you hang the deer if you are going to do so yourself. It is very easy to accidentally cut the tendon when making the first cuts around the hock. Doing so would cause the deer to fall down.

A shady spot where temperatures stay at or below forty to fifty degrees is best for storing for two to three days. If it is cooler than your refrigerator, your deer may hang for a bit longer. Hanging the deer in a walk-in cooler is ideal, but you may quarter the deer and put it into a chest freezer.

Thawing and refreezing fresh meat once will not affect meat quality. If you are taking your meat to a professional processor you are ready to load your deer and go. Just make sure not to tie the deer to your vehicle’s hood since the engine heat will hasten spoilage. Some will pull the carcass in a trailer or in a pick-up bed without covering the meat. This just serves to introduce road-grit to your meat.

3. Choose the Right Processor

When we don’t have time to cut up our own deer we take them to a professional butcher. We are lucky to have a local grocery store that processes deer. We know that the deer are kept in a walk-in cooler and that we will be getting our own deer back to eat. We like that it is processed in a commercial kitchen with its clean equipment and health inspections.

It is important to get your own deer back when you try to be so careful while field dressing. Not everyone is as careful, so if you don’t know that you’re getting your own venison back you are taking some big chances. Make sure to ask about that before you drop off your deer.

We are also very selective of when we take our deer to the processor. We usually drive the deer to the processor during non-peak hours like weekday mornings. This allows us to personally drag the deer into the cooler and talk one-on-one with the butcher. It’s just like anything else: If you get to know the person, they’re more likely to look out for you the next time you show up.

When you don’t have time to do your own butchering, look for a professional setup. You want a butcher who will make sure you get your own venison back.

When you go to a butcher shop, look for cleanliness in the work area. Tables should be stainless and the floor should be clean. Look for working sinks and clean equipment. Talk to the people who work in the butchering area if you are able to have access to them to find out how long they have been processing deer. Don’t be afraid to walk away. After all, this is the food you’ll be serving to your family. If you’re going to pay to have your deer butchered, it only makes sense to find the very best butcher in your local area.

4. Skinning Techniques

During clear, cold weather, you can let your deer hang for several days on the meat pole or from a tree limb. Just be sure to hang it high and keep the chest cavity protected from the elements (and critters). During warmer weather, you’ll want to get the skin off as quickly as possible to assist with the meat-cooling process. Deer can be skinned while hanging head up or head down. There are plenty of quality videos online that show proper techniques. We prefer the head-down (back feet first) method because it allows for the hide to come off cleaner and more quickly.

With a razor-sharp skinning knife, start by cutting circles through the hair and hide just below the dew claws on the back legs. Next, make incisions along the inside of each back leg, running them through the hide along the leg bone all the way to the deer’s anus. Peel back the hide on each legs and pull the hide down (almost like removing a stocking) until both sides are skinned all the way down to the deer’s rump.

From there, work the knife around the tail to free up the hide from the hind quarters. This will now allow you to pull the hide down the deer’s stomach and thoracic cavities in one motion (when the deer is still warm). It’s almost as easy as pulling off a sweatshirt if you’re working on a freshly killed deer. If the deer is cold and stiff, you’ll need to use your knife a bit to help loosen the tallow from the hide.

Keep working your knife and pulling the hide until you get all the way past the front shoulders and past the deer’s neck. Don’t stop short. Pull the hide all the way to the head if you can. A lot of people make the mistake of stopping short once they get past the front shoulders. Don’t do that, because there’s plenty of good grinding venison in the deer’s neck.

5: Butchering Tips

I admittedly was intimidated when I helped my husband butcher a deer for the first time. It’s certainly something I wasn’t exposed to while growing up in Natick, Massachusetts. But after those first few deer, I soon learned to enthusiastically embrace the job because this is where we ensure our final food product. The quality of the meat is totally dependent upon what we do during the butchering process.

Making meat from a carcass is really quite simple. Just break it down into working-sized pieces and then take your time processing it from there. For example, we start by reducing the deer to seven main pieces: two hindquarters, two back-straps, two shoulders and the neck. True, there can be meat in the ribs but this section of the deer is best utilized when you a) are working on a large buck, and b) the deer was in pristine shape when you field-dressed it. Translation: Don’t mess around with the ribs if there’s any chance stomach contents leaked out during the field-dressing process. It’s just not worth the health risks of possible cross-contamination.

The back-straps are easy to remove. Just fillet them off the backbone of the deer as you would fillet a fish. Use the knife to feel your way around the spine. Once you have worked the knife halfway down the back-strap, you can oftentimes pull it the rest of the way. You’ll get two forearm-sized “logs” of meat from the back-strap of an adult deer.

For the hindquarters, you needn’t use anything but a stout, sharp knife. No bone- saws are necessary. Just use your knife to separate the muscle groups. It’s easy if you take your time. You’ll end up with three nice muscle groups plus a few handfuls of shank meat. Use that for stew or stir fry. The bigger chunks can be divided into roasts or sliced (always against the grain) into steaks.

Front shoulder and neck meat is almost always used for venison stew, chili and grinding meat in our home. When given the time, I’ll tie a shoulder roast or two for the freezer. These are ideal for weekend dinners in late winter. (Shoulder roasts need to be slow-cooked on low heat.)

Conclusion

Field-dressing, skinning and butchering a deer for the first time is about as intimidating as changing your car’s oil for the first time. However, once you get over those irrational fears, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to roll up your sleeves, because there’s nothing more satisfying than providing your family with an entire dinner plate of food you’ve grown, hunted and prepared all by yourself. Venison provides that satisfaction…in spades.

Binocular Reviews Home > Thermal > Best Thermal Imaging Binoculars

It was not that long ago that you had to join the military or an elite police force in order to use any sort of thermal imaging device.

Thankfully for us, this relatively new night vision technology is now readily available to the general public and whilst for most people the prices cannot be regarded as cheap, but they continue to come down as the level of competition between the increasing number of brands who enter the NV market increases.

So only a few years ago your choice of thermal imaging binoculars and bi-oculars was extremely limited, but now there is a good selection to choose from and so I decided that it was high time to take a look at what is out there and compare some of the best.

Please note that in this guide I will be recommending both binoculars and bi-oculars and whilst technically different, I have grouped them together for convenience and to make it easier to compare:

Bi-ocular vs Binocular – What’s the difference?

One of the fist things you will notice when you start researching thermal optics where you can look through them with both eyes is that you are presented with both thermal bi-oculars and binoculars.

So what is the difference? Well a true thermal binocular has two objective lenses, that collect information from each of them, whilst a bi-ocular only has one objective lens, but has an eye-piece arrangement that allows you to look at the image it generates with both eyes.

These obviously both differ from thermal monoculars which only have one lens and you can only view the image with one eye.

The advantage of a true binocular is that with the same size lenses, it collects double the amount of information as a single lens this can lead to a higher quality image and better night vision. On top of this you get a better stereo effect for improve distance perception.

On the down side it costs more to make two lenses, which can in turn, but not always lead to a more expensive product. Binoculars are also often a little heavier as well.

The advantage of a bi-ocular over a monocular is that like a true binocular, it is much easier to see and use with both eyes and you get a much better, more immersive experience.

Ok, so now that we have that out of the way, lets get down to the selections:

The Best? My choices as to what I believe are the top thermal vision binoculars for 2024 are based not only on the specifications and features, but I also took into consideration how much the unit costs.

It would be easy to say that a product with all the top features and latest components is the best and you maybe right. But they won’t necessarily be affordable or good value.

So I guess strictly speaking these are actually my pics of the best thermal binoculars for the money:

First up is the very impressive and only true thermal vision binoculars on the list, the ATN BinoX-THD series:

Next is the BHS-X Command Thermal Bi-ocular from FLIR.

Initially I was going to select their more popular model within this price range, the FLIR Scout BTS-X Pro, however I noticed that the BHS-X has number of better features, including a higher frame rate (30 Hz / 8 Hz vs 7Hz):

Third on my list of contenders to the best value thermal binoculars is another bi-ocular, the Armasight Helios 336 3-12×42:

Conclusion

At the moment and at the current price levels, I find it hard to look at anything past the ATN BinoX-THD.

A true binocular with more and better features and at a price that matches or beats all of the competition and which is why it is my choice as the best thermal binoculars for the money no question.

I would love to know your thoughts and which other devices I should take a look at and consider adding to this list. You can contact me via the link at the foot of this page.

Alternative Options

If your available budget does not quite extend out to affording a thermal binocular, you do still have a number of excellent options to explore:

• Best Thermal Monoculars under $600

At some point in your deer hunting your career you’ve probably heard these marque words…Deer must be on acorns! But what does that really mean to you as a deer hunter and how can you capitalize? The answers to those two simple questions can and will change the way you hunt, hopefully for the better. So let’s dive in and look at how to identify oaks, what acorns deer prefer, and when….from a deer hunter’s prospective.

How to Identify White and Red Oaks

All Oaks can be categorized into 2 different major families or classifications, White or Red, and then further identified into subspecies. Identifying specific oaks into intermediate classifications or subspecies can get to be fairly tricky and honestly quite confusing with over 200 subscpecies across North America. Oak trees will vary from region to region and there’s numerous variables that will impact how a tree, it’s leaves, and acorns look. Anything from soil type, weather events, disease, maturity, etc can alter a tree’s or acorn’s appearance. So we’re going to keep it simple and establish a solid foundation by simply learning the difference between the two major classifications…. White or Red?

White or Red By Leaf – First Priority

Using an Oaks leaf to identify which family it belongs to is always first priority for me. Since 9th grade biology class, telling White Oaks from Red Oaks has always been the easiest by looking at the leaves. While there are a few differentiations between leaf types we’re keeping it simple…K.I.S.S. White Oak leaves have rounded lobes, Red Oak leaves have pointed lobes with a needle or bristle at the end. There are subspecies of oaks, for example a shingle oak member of the Red Oak family, that carry leaves without lobes but generally speaking you can determine which family it belongs to by whether or not the leaf carries a bristle at the tip of the leaf.

As seen in the photo above, this leaf has rounded lobes or edges which is the telling sign of a White Oak. This specific leaf is from a Swamp White Oak found in Northeast Ohio.

In the photo below, you can see sharp or pointed lobes/edges signifying a tree from the Red Oak family. Also note the bristle on each lobe.

White or Red by Acorns – Second Priority

Boots on the ground scouting throughout the season will often lead you into oak stands and acorns on the forest floor. As a general rule of thumb, if you were to compare White Oak acorns vs Red Oak acorns, acorns from White Oaks are going to be longer in length but smaller in diameter. Red Oak acorns will be the exact opposite shorter in length but be larger in diameter. So think Red for girth and White for length. There are a few other characteristics that differentiate the two but again K.I.S.S.

White or Red by Bark – Third Priority

Bark identification can be a lot more confusing, thus we turn to this last and only if needed. Things like soil types, tree maturity, even the height at which you are referencing the bark can give you different visual appearances. Keeping it simple, Red Oaks will generally have a smoother and a darker colored bark. While White Oak bark will have deeper grooved bark with a lighter grey color.

The Acorn – Find Them and Find the Deer

So know we have a basic understanding of a few ways to identify the two oak family groups. Let’s talk about about how each relates to a whitetail’s diet through out the year and why.

This might be hard to imagine or believe, but give deer a choice between acorns or corn/ag and acorns are the preferred food source. Not exactly what the industry preaches. Generally speaking, acorns are low in protein (6%) but high in carbs (42%) and fats (52%). Because acorns are easily digestible and readily available deer can consume a large quantity relatively easy. I believe this contributes to the October “Lull” theories (which I believe to be a total myth). Deer just don’t have to travel far to food while the forest floor is serving an ample buffet. Find that food during hunting season and you’ll be in business.

What Acorn Deer Prefer In The Early Season

Generally speaking, White Oak acorns have the lowest tannic acid levels which provide them with a sweeter flavor over Red Oak acorns. Thus this nut is what deer prefer when available and will continue to consume them throughout the year while they are still edible. Mast drops will vary across the United States but as a general rule of thumb White Oak acorns will start falling late August/early September and lose their acorns relatively quick. Typically, by mid winter any White Oak acorns still laying on the forest floor have either rotted or started the germination process. White oaks produce acorns every year and it’s common for every 3rd year to be a heavier crop for the specific tree.

What Acorn Deer Prefer In The Late Season

With Red Oak acorns having a higher level in tannic acid they have a more bitter taste making them less preferred by deer. Red Oaks will start dropping acorns a few weeks after White Oaks and the falling is much more prolonged. So with White Oak acorns being preferred, Red Oak acorns falling later and slower they become a solid food source for whitetail deer in the late season. Red Oak acorns take 24 months to mature, so there will only be a crop every other year.

A big shout out to Chris Creed, from Afflictor broadheads, for helping us put this Youtube video all about identifying oaks. If you watch and have any feedback be sure to leave a comment!

Scroll through any social media group or internet forum and it’s almost a guarantee you’ll see some thread or comment about the lost art of woodsmanship. Having a basic understanding how to identify the two major Oak families definitely aids in woodsmanship and goes a long way in the whitetail woods. We put great effort in all of our content here in hopes it provides value to you as a whitetail hunter, all we ask in return is that you pass it on!

1. Review the Legal Terms

Most importantly, you must have the legal right to go squirrel hunting. Before you head off to the woods, get a small game license (you need licenses for almost all types of game) for the place you are going to hunt.

The terms for attaining a license vary by state or province. So, review the regulations for hunting squirrels in your specific area.

You might only be able to go hunting during specific times of the year when it is squirrel season. This season takes place in most regions during the fall and winter months. The dates vary by each place. There are also rules on where you can hunt.

You may be allowed to hunt on a certain state or provincial park grounds. Some places require you ask for direct permission from the property owner before you start hunting.

Check the bag limits, too. There may be a limit to how many squirrels you can hunt in one day, as well as during an entire season.

2. Choose the Right Time

Look for squirrels during the early morning or late afternoon hours because squirrels are most active at these times. Morning is when squirrels go out to look for food.

It is easy and necessary for them to find food early in the day when they are at their hungriest. Avoid hunting squirrels in inclement weather, as like deer, they move around and can be harder to track.

Late afternoon to early evening is when squirrels bring food back to their habitats. This is when most squirrels are busy foraging, so you should be able to spot them moving around.

3. Look in the Right Places

Plan your hunts in areas where you are the most likely to find squirrels. Check areas where there are lots of trees. These include trees that produce nuts and other items squirrels commonly consume. An oak tree is one of the most popular places to see squirrels.

Any tree that produces the types of nuts or fruit that squirrels enjoy is the place to locate squirrels. Be aware of the type of trees in the area, so you can determine if they are places squirrels may be searching for food.

4. Find the Best Weapon for Squirrel Hunting

Shop around to get the right squirrel hunting weapon before leaving on a hunting trip. Do some target practice using a small game weapon that works best for squirrels.

In the end, choosing the right squirrel hunting weapon boils down to personal choice. Here are the best weapons for squirrel hunting in my opinion:

The Shotgun

Use a shotgun to cover a larger amount of space during your hunt. The spread of a shotgun shell can cover much of a squirrel’s body at once, thus ensuring a better chance of a kill without damaging too much meat.

Be sure to aim the shotgun carefully so it targets the precise area you want to shoot.

Look for a six-shot because it is large enough to target a squirrel without ruining the flesh. Also, choose a barrel 26 inches in length or greater so the shell will move precisely.

Remember, a shotgun will make a loud sound with each round. The noise will most likely scare the other squirrels away. Focus on being precise and cautious when shooting at squirrels or any other small game, for that matter.

When you take aim, remember that the spread on the shotgun shell will move outward a few centimeters after you shoot.

The .22 Caliber Rifle

The second option for a weapon to use is a .22 caliber rifle (my favorite). This rifle uses a smaller ammunition that targets the squirrel and other smaller game with precision.

The ammo will not damage much of the squirrel meat, either. A .22 caliber rifle produces a longer range than a shotgun. The rifle also lets you go after just one part of the squirrel’s body.

Aim to be accurate and hold your firearm steady. Fortunately, most .22 caliber rifles come with an automatic reloading feature. This feature lets you add multiple rounds into the rifle before you start shooting and release one of the rounds every time you fire the trigger.

Be sure to regularly clean the muzzle and barrel to get a more accurate shot.

This rifle works best when you attach a scope to it. A scope gives you a clearer view of your target. It is also important to take wind, elevation, and distance into account when using a scope.

Bow and Arrow

Another option for hunting squirrels is with a bow and arrow. But take note that most squirrels are small and less than a foot in length.

Because they are so small, it could be difficult to hunt squirrels with a large bow and arrow. In other words, leave your deer hunting bows at home.

You should sharpen any arrow you use so it can pierce the squirrel’s body with ease. Even so, any arrow you aim incorrectly could cut through too much of the squirrel’s body, leaving little meat or fur to use.

The Air Rifle

While this might not look daunting, an air gun can be deadly to squirrels, and it is the cheaper option of the bunch. Air rifles are best suited for small game like fowl, rabbits and squirrels.

The only major downside is that it requires a lot of practice for a humane kill, as the area that you must hit is very small for an instant kill.

If you want the animal to die instantly and avoid needless pain or tons of frustration, aim for a head shot, which is also difficult to pull off on such small targets. Plus, larger squirrels can absorb multiple hits and evade if you miss the head.

Here’s some smooth action with an air rifle:

Timing is often critical to getting a shot while bowhunting. Whether hunting with a crossbow or a compound, preparing to shoot typically takes longer than when hunting with firearm.

With a compound, it also requires more movement. These are challenges that bowhunters readily accept and that bow manufacturers seek to help them overcome.

Being able to deftly maneuver a bow is key to capitalizing on a shot opportunity. No matter if the hunt occurs in a treestand or a ground blind, or even in the form of spot-and-stalk, crossbows with narrow widths and compounds with short axle-to-axle lengths shine in tight quarters.

They are easier to carry off the beaten path and guide around brush, branches and vegetation without hang-ups. New technology allows manufacturers to build easy-handling bows that are not only fast, but also accurate and comfortable to shoot.

Here are seven new models that are among the most compact on the market. They might buy you those extra few moments you need to make a shot.

Ravin R500E

Ravin promises the R500E will deliver 500 fps with the 400-grain arrows that come with the bow. Unprecedented speed is exciting, but the cocking system is just as impressive. The battery-powered Ravin Electric Drive System allows shooters to cock and decock the crossbow with just a push of a button. This cocking system is detachable and includes a charger, and the R500E can still be cocked manually with Ravin’s VersaDrive System. The R500E has an axle-to-axle spec of just 3.6 inches when cocked. While the overall width of the crossbow is certainly wider than the axle-to-axle figure, it’s still ultra-narrow. The R500E’s 28-inch length also contributes to the compact nature of this crossbow.

• Axle-to-Axle, Cocked: 3.6″
• Axle-to-Axle, Uncocked: 7.6″
• Power Stroke: 15″
• Length: 28″
• Weight: 9.9 lbs
• Speed: 500 fps
• MSRP: $3,349
• ravincrossbows.com

Wicked Ridge NXT 400

At just six inches wide axle-to-axle when cocked, the NXT 400 is Wicked Ridge’s narrowest crossbow ever. Its XR6 Cams and Vector-Quad cable technology uses four cables instead of two to power 200-pound limbs. The result is a speed of up to 400 fps with 400-grain arrows. Without the foot stirrup, the NXT 400 is 33 inches long and weighs less than 7 1/2 pounds. The NXT 400 package includes an ACUdraw cocking device, TenPoint 3X Pro-View scope, three-arrow quiver, and three Pro Elite 400 carbon arrows with practice points.

• Axle-to-Axle, Cocked: 6″
• Axle-to-Axle, Uncocked: 11.3″
• Power Stroke: 15 1/2″
• Length: 33″
• Weight: 7.4 lbs
• Speed: 400 fps
• MSRP: $1,099.99
• wickedridgecrossbows.com

TenPoint Havoc RS440 Xero

The TenPoint Havoc RS440 Xero is a top-quality crossbow, but it’s what’s on top of the Havoc that sets it apart. This crossbow ships with the Garmin Xero X1i rangefinding scope. Press a button, and the scope determines the distance to the target then automatically provides an illuminated aiming point based on the range (see “Gear: How It Works,” page 100). The Havoc RS440 includes TenPoint’s ACUslide System, which makes cocking and decocking quiet, safe and nearly effortless. Easy to handle, the Havoc measures less than 27 inches long without the foot stirrup and 28 3/4 inches with the stirrup. The two-stage S1 trigger is silky smooth, and pull weight is a smidge under 3 pounds. The Havoc RS440 is also available with a more conventional EVO-X scope that features a holdover reticle.

• Axle-to-Axle, Cocked: 7 1/2″
• Axle-to-Axle, Uncocked: 12.3″
• Power Stroke: 13 1/2″
• Length: 26 1/2″
• Weight: 7 1/2 lbs
• Speed: 440 fps
• MSRP: $3,649.99
• tenpointcrossbows.com

Mission Sub-1 XR

When cocked, the Mission Sub-1 XR measures 9.1 inches axle-to-axle and 13 inches at its widest point. It produces arrow speeds of up to 410 fps. The Sub-1 XR is easy to cock without a cranking device, but a silent Mission RSD Crank is an optional add-on. A speed-compensating Hawke scope is included in the package, along with a quiver and soft case. (The Sub-1 XR can also be purchased without the scope, quiver and arrows for $200 less.) This crossbow is incredibly accurate, thanks in part to a match-grade trigger that breaks crisply at about 3 pounds of pull weight. And if the hunt doesn’t end with a shot, the Sub-1 XR can be decocked easily. It is arguably the safest and easiest crossbow to decock without a crank system.

• Axle-to-Axle, Cocked: 9.1″
• Axle-to-Axle, Uncocked: 12 1/2″
• Power Stroke: 14 5/8″
• Length: 30 1/2″
• Weight: 7.6 lbs
• Speed: 410 fps
• MSRP: $1,899
• missioncrossbows.com

Mathews V3 27

It’s not often you find a pair of flagship bows, especially with different axle-to-axle lengths, that mirror each other in almost every way. Mathews’ V3 27 and 31 models, however, are the exception to this rule. Both have a brace height of 6 inches and an IBO speed rating of 342 fps. The main difference is the length between the axles. The V3 27 is the company’s most compact bow to date. It, like the V3 31, makes use of Mathews’ Crosscentric cam to permit easy draw-length and draw-weight changes, the new Nano 740 damping system, and redesigned limbs and limb cups to reduce weight.

• Axle-to-Axle: 27″
• Brace Height: 6″
• Let-Off: 80, 85%
• Draw Weight: 60, 65, 70, 75 lbs
• Draw Length: 25 to 29.5″
• Weight: 4.29 lbs
• Speed: 342 fps
• MSRP: $1,199
• mathewsinc.com

Hoyt Carbon RX-5

Hoyt heralds its latest carbon incarnation, the RX-5, as its best carbon model to date. The bow is fitted with an all-new HBX Cam that promises smoothness and speed, plus redesigned Limb Shox to minimize vibration and noise. Measuring 30 inches between the axles and having a 6 1/4-inch brace height, the RX-5 can hit speeds up to 342 fps. Other notable features of this 4.4-pound compound include the Integrate Rest Mount, which puts QAD’s Integrate MX drop-away in line with the riser, and a lower stabilizer position. The bow is also offered in an Ultra model with a 34-inch axle-to-axle length and 7-inch brace height.

• Axle-to-Axle: 30″
• Brace Height: 6 1/4″
• Let-Off: 80, 85%
• Draw Weight: 30 to 80 lbs
• Draw Length: 25 to 30″
• Weight: 4.4 lbs
• Speed: 342 fps
• MSRP: $1,699
• hoyt.com

Bowtech Solution SD

Optimized for bowhunters with draw lengths of 23 1/2 to 28 1/2 inches, the new Solution SD offers speed and performance in a short-draw compound. Bowtech reports arrow speeds up to 323 fps, and the company builds the Solution SD with its DeadLock Cam System. The Deadlock cams can be moved left or right on the axles by just turning a screw for easy tuning to achieve perfect arrow flight. Deadlock cable containment reduces torque, and Orbit dampeners can be strategically placed on the riser to offset accessory weight while minimizing vibration.

• Axle-to-Axle: 30″
• Brace Height: 7″
• Let-Off: 85, 87%
• Draw Weight: 50 to 70 lbs
• Draw Length: 23 1/2 to 28 1/2″
• Weight: 3.9 lbs
• Speed: 323 fps
• MSRP: $1,199
• bowtecharchery.com

When it comes to the art of long-range shooting, snipers reign supreme.

Operating as a sniper is one of the most challenging and rewarding roles in any field or sport involving firearms.

The primary objective of this profession is to shoot accurately at a distance while maintaining safety and control.

To that end, sniper rifles are built for this purpose — to shoot from a distance with precision and accuracy, making them an ideal weapon for anyone interested in taking down distant targets.

This article will list some of the best models on the market today and what are some of the key features that make them so great.

Below are the 10 best sniper rifles for 2024.

Note: There is STRONG evidence that the Biden administration is steadily working towards the banning of ALL long rifles. These include ALL rifles that they deem an ‘assault weapon‘, many of which are listed below.

It is STRONGLY recommended that, if you’ve been on the fence on buying a long gun, you get off that fence and buy one ASAP.

#1. Ruger Precision 6.5 Creedmoor 24” M-LOK Bolt Action Rifle

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 24”
• Overall Length: 42.45” – 45.75”
• Capacity: 10-Round
• Weight: 10.7 lbs.

The Ruger Precision .6.5 Creedmoor 24” M-LOK Bolt Action Rifle offers premium features that will enhance your accuracy and precision down range.

This rifle is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor making it perfect for taking down any target, including elk, boars, and deer.

It also features several features to provide you with consistent shooting down range, including a 24” cold hammer forged Chrome Moly Steel barrel, a hybrid muzzle break, and a Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger.

Its hybrid muzzle provides enhanced recoil mitigation and reduced noise.

The Ruger Marksman Adjustable trigger provides you with a customizable trigger pull between 2.25 and 5 pounds for smooth pulls and improved control.

Another prominent feature is the Ruger Precision MSR stock with an assault rifle-style grip, an adjustable length of pull, and an adjustable cheek comb to get a customized fit for any shooter.

It also includes a 15” M-Lok handguard and a Picatinny rail up top for your favorite accessories and optics for the perfect loadout.

If you are looking for a premium sniper rifle that can easily take down your target at any range, the Ruger Precision .6.5 Creedmoor 24” M-LOK Bolt Action Rifle is an excellent choice.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#2. Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint .308 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle, Evergreen Camouflage

• Caliber: .308 Win
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Overall Length: 41.5”
• Capacity: 5-Round
• Weight: 6.56 lbs.

The Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint .308 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle is the perfect rifle for those who want a lightweight yet rugged rifle that has guaranteed accuracy.

Springfield Armory guarantees a .75 MOA because of its precision craftsmanship.

Weighing just 6.56 pounds, it is perfect for going deep in the backcountry.

Also, the hybrid profile stock and 20” barrel are crafted from durable carbon fiber and can withstand the harshest environments.

It features a Cerakote finish on the barrel and the stainless steel receiver for even more durability and longevity.

To provide over-the-top precision, it also features Springfield’s TriggerTech adjustable trigger.

The Springfield Armory 2020 Waypoint .308 WIN Bolt-Action Rifle is your best bet if you want a lightweight rifle that can handle any environment.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#3. Springfield Armory M1A Loaded National Match

• Caliber: .308 Win
• Action: Semi-Automatic
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 44”
• Capacity: 10-Round
• Weight: 9.3 lbs.

Springfield Armory’s M1A Loaded National Match has the legendary M1A platform with modern features that will give you a competitive edge over your competition.

Winning competitions is all about consistency and reliability, and the Loaded National Match has everything you need to get a tight shot group.

It features a 22” National Match air-gauged premium barrel with a 1:11 twist ratio with a six-groove rifling.

The barrel also features a classic M1A Loaded long-slotted flash suppressor.

You will have precision shooting out of the box by combining the National Match .62” front sight post and a non-hooded aperture rear sight.

It also features a 2 stage Military Trigger that is fine-tuned for a consistent 4.5 to 5-pound trigger pull.

If you are looking for a sniper rifle that is custom designed to provide you with match-grade performance at a reasonable price, the Springfield Armory M1A Loaded National Match is an excellent choice.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#4. Bergara Premier HMR PRO 308 5 Round Bolt Action Rifle, Mini-Chassis With Adjustable Cheekpiece

• Caliber: .308 Win
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 20”
• Overall Length: 40”
• Capacity: 5-Round
• Weight: 9.3 lbs.

The Bergara Premier HMR PRO 308 5 Round Bolt Action Rifle is an excellent rifle for those who want a premium shooting experience for hunting and matches chambered in .308 Winchester.

It features a Synthetic stock with an adjustable pull length and cheekpiece to get the perfect fit for any shooter.

With a 20” free-floating barrel, you will have consistently accurate shots down range.

With an upgraded bolt and feeding system, it has a premium 2-lug system that separates the floating bolt head for smooth action.

The bolt has a one-piece design and comes with a full nitride finish for enhanced durability.

The rifle also features a premium TriggerTech trigger that offers a consistently smooth pull.

It also comes with a 5-round capacity AICS-style magazine.

If you are looking for a high-performance rifle designed for hunting and matches, the Bergara Premier HMR PRO 308 5-Round Bolt Action Rifle is an excellent choice.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#5. Ruger Predator 6.5 Creedmoor Moss Green 22” Rifle

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 42”
• Capacity: 3-Round
• Weight: 6.6 lbs.

Ruger Predator 6.5 Creedmoor Moss Green 22” Rifle is the perfect rifle for those wanting premium features without a premium price tag.

It features a one-piece three-lug full-diameter bolt with dual cocking arms for smooth cycling.

The rifle also features a soft rubber butt pad, providing better control and recoil mitigation.

For accurate shots down range, it features a trigger with an adjustable pull between 3 and 5 pounds and a 22” threaded cold hammer forged steel barrel.

The Ruger Predator’s synthetic stock and alloy steel hardware can withstand the harshest environments.

Also, it only weighs 6.6 lbs making it perfect for long trips in the backcountry.

The Ruger Predator 6.5 Creedmoor Moss Green 22” Rifle is your best choice for a budget-friendly sniper rifle that can deliver consistent performance.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#6. Sauer 100 Silver XT 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 42”
• Capacity: 5-Round
• Weight: 6.68 lbs.

The Sauer 100 Silver XT 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle is an excellent entry-level rifle that is perfect for taking your targets down at a distance.

It is chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor and has several features to provide an excellent shooting experience.

With a synthetic fixed Ergo Max stock, it will provide enhanced comfort and control.

It also features a 22” cold hammer forged steel barrel with a Cerakote finish for improved longevity and durability.

Other features include a three-position safety, an adjustable single-stage trigger, and steel hardware.

The Sauer 100 Silver XT 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle is a top choice if you are looking for a solid-performing entry-level bolt action sniper rifle.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#7. Savage Arms Axis II Precision 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle, Matte OD Green/Black

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 22”
• Overall Length: 42.5” – 43.5”
• Capacity: 8-Round
• Weight: 9.88 lbs.

Savage Arms partnered with Modular Driven Technologies to introduce the Savage Arms Axis II Precision 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle.

It includes an exclusive MDT chassis and many other features to provide precision shooting without destroying your bank account.

It features an aluminum stock with a beautiful matte olive drab green/black finish.

The stock features an adjustable comb height and length of pull spacers to get an excellent fit for enhanced control and comfort.

It also comes with a 22” carbon steel barrel that is button rifled for improved durability and accuracy.

An excellent feature is the M-Lok forend that allows you to customize your loadout.

With a 2.5 to 6 lb adjustable AccuTrigger, you will have smooth and consistent trigger pulls that ensure you will take down your target.

With its many features at an excellent price point, the Savage Arms Axis II Precision 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle is a top pick.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#8. Howa M1500 Australian Precision Chassis 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 24”
• Overall Length: 44.5” – 47.5”
• Capacity: 10-Round
• Weight: 10.8 lbs.

The Howa M1500 Australian Precision Chassis 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle specializes in modularity and accuracy with its fine-tuned components.

It comes with a LUTH-AR MBA-4 fully adjustable stock with a variable length of pull of 12” to 15” for a precise fit.

With a 24” threaded precision barrel, ten-round capacity, and an M-Lok free float handguard, you can have the perfect loadout to keep a target engaged no matter the distance.

Howa backs its product with a lifetime warranty and a sub-MOA guarantee.

If you want guaranteed performance with tons of customization, the Howa M1500 Australian Precision Chassis 6.5 Crd Bolt Action Rifle is a perfect fit for you.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#9. Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle 24”

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Action: Bolt
• Barrel Length: 24”
• Overall Length: 40.25”
• Capacity: 10-Round
• Weight: 11.4 lbs.

The Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle 24” has custom enhancements that you will not find in your average long gun.

It features an interchangeable 24” proprietary steel blend barrier with a Cerakote finish and an Area 419 Hellfire Muzzle Brake.

The Area 419 Hellfire Muzzle Brake provides reduced recoil and muzzle rise, allowing you to reengage your target quickly.

It also comes with an adjustable Timney Elite Hunter single-stage trigger, an M-Lok handguard, an AR-15 grip attachment, and an ergonomic thumb rest.

The synthetic stock also has an adjustable length of pull, butt pad height, and cheek riser for a fantastic fit.

Pair all that with an included ten-round PMAG, and you get an excellent package.

A downside to the Delta 5 Pro is its price, but every inch of it is well worth the price tag.

If you want a feature-rich sniper rifle perfect for newcomers or professionals, the Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle 24” is an excellent choice.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

#10. Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM-16 .308

• Caliber: .308 Win
• Action: Semi-Automatic
• Barrel Length: 16.25”
• Overall Length: 37.25”
• Capacity: 10-Round
• Weight: 8.8 lbs

The Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM-16 .308 brings everything shooters love about the standard M1A and makes it compact.

This version has a shorter 16.25” barrel and gas system with an overall length of 37.25”, making it perfect for maneuvering in tight spaces.

Its black composite stock is impervious to harsh weather and is comfortable to fit in the pocket of your shoulder.

The iron sights on the M1A SOCOM-16 are top-notch, with an XS Tritium front sight and a classic M1A rear sight.

One of the best things about this rifle is that it is semi-automatic with a ten-round capacity that enables you to continually engage your target without interruptions.

A unique feature of the M1A SOCOM-16 is that it comes with a forward scout-style Picatinny rail to accommodate close-quarters optics.

It also features a two-stage match-grade tuned trigger for crisp trigger pulls.

If you are looking for a premium rifle that will deliver at short or long distances with a semi-automatic action, the Springfield Armory M1A SOCOM-16 .308 is a clear winner.

It is available from Palmetto State Armory. Here’s where to buy it: www.PalmettoStateArmory.com

Semi-Automatic Vs. Bolt Action

Based on the shooter’s preference, they may desire a bolt action or semi-automatic rifle, but what is the difference?

Fire Rate

The most significant difference is that semi-automatic rifles can fire follow-on shots much faster.

In the long run, you can engage a target more effectively with a Semi-automatic sniper rifle.

Recoil

Bolt action rifles will tend to provide more accurate follow-on shots because of the way gas is expelled differently between the two.

Semi-Automatic rifles use some of the gas for expelled rounds to charge the weapon for another shot.

While doing this, the gas is pushed back towards the rear, and the bolt slams into the buffer spring.

Bolt action rifles only have one stage of recoil, where the recoil is pushed directly into the shooter’s shoulder pocket.

Moving Parts

While a high-quality semi-automatic rifle will have consistent performance, it is still more likely to malfunction due to having more moving parts.

.308 Winchester Vs. 6.5 Creedmoor

.308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor are two of the most common rounds fired by snipers and for a good reason.

They offer plenty of power to take down your target at any range.

What Is The Difference?

Round Variety

The .308 has been around for decades with plenty of different variations in weight and complexity from lightweight 125-grain to heavier 180-grain rounds.

With the 6.5 Creedmoor, the heavier rounds are typically 1437-grain.

The .308 Winchester will generally be easier to get and is cheaper.

Recoil

The 6.5 Creedmoor has slightly less recoil than the .308 Winchester.

Ballistics

Both .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor do an excellent job at providing the ballistics you need to take down your target.

However, the 6.5 Creedmoor has better ballistics, allowing the round to have a flatter trajectory for long distances.

Final Verdict

For long-range precision shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the way to go.

However, if you are the average hunter who will engage their target at less than 300 yards, the .308 Winchester is a better choice.

References

Bolt Action or Semi-Automatic for Long-Range Competition?

6.5 Creedmoor vs. .308 Winchester

See Also

12 Best Long Range Rifles

9 Best AR-10 Rifles

12 Best 308 Rifles

10 Best .22 Caliber Rifles

9 Best Rifles For Home Defense

Featured Image: GetArchive.net

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So you’re going on a safari to see the open plains and incredible wildlife of Africa? One of the most important details to check, before booking your trip, is what types of African safari vehicles, overlanding trucks, and other forms of transportation are used.

The range of safari vehicles is enormous. From walking safaris with enclosed transfer vehicles to pop-top 4X4 safari vehicles, and from 4-seater to 44-seater overland trucks. You can go bare-bones or air-conditioned high-luxury, local dugout mokoro, horseback, or air safaris for a bird’s eye view. The important thing is to choose the type of African safari vehicle or overlanding truck, and other means of exploring (or combination) that suits you, for the ultimate African safari experience.

We’ll start with the biggest African safari vehicles and end with the ‘on foot’ transportation mode.

Safari Vehicles, Overland Trucks & Ways to Explore Africa – Quick Links

1. Overlanding Vehicles (Overland Trucks)
2. Minibus or Microbus Safari Vehicles
3. Land Rover & Cruiser Safari Vehicles
4. Open Game Viewing Safari Vehicles
5. Flying African Safaris
6. Hot Air Balloon Trips
7. Shark Cage Diving Boats
8. Rubber Ducks
9. Dhow Sailing Boats
10. Game Viewing Boat Cruises
11. Mokoro Dug-out Canoes
12. Kayak & Canoe Safaris
13. Horseback & Camel Safaris
14. Walking Safaris (on foot & by vehicle)

1. Africa Overlanding Vehicles (Overland Trucks)

Africa Overland Truck

These expedition trucks are specially built to deal with the rough roads of Africa, where potholes, deep ruts, and river crossings are pretty ‘every day.’ They are normally used for longer and larger (12 to 44 people) overland Africa tours, so need to be able to carry a fair amount of equipment while still offering the budget traveler a relatively comfortable trip and good views of the passing scenery and wildlife.

African tour operators choose the best overland truck for each trip, according to the area being visited and the anticipated terrain that will be covered.

Overland Vehicle Seating Arrangements

Overland trucks may differ in their seating formation and size. Some have all forward-facing seats, while others may have some backward- or side-facing seats. The seats are generally raised, allowing for good views over the African landscapes, especially in grassy areas, where you want to be able to spot animals in the grass. Ask your tour operator about seating formation and how many are seated in a row – some overland trucks seat up to three per row, which makes seeing out a bit more difficult if you’re in the middle – before booking your overland tour.

Luxury Overland Truck

Windows, Pop-up Roofs, and Taking Photos on Overland Trucks

The overland trucks generally have large windows, some which open vertically, others horizontally – allowing for good views. Many of them also have a pop-up roof. This allows you to stand up and get 360-degree views and photos.

Luggage Space on Overlanding Trucks

All overland trucks are equipped with storage space (some lockable) for luggage and equipment – some under the seating section, others at the back of the truck, and some with a detachable trailer. Obviously, space is at a premium, so be sure to pack only the absolute essentials. Also, when packing, use soft luggage rather than hard (e.g. samsonite), as it is much easier to fit into lockers and overhead compartments.

Most overland trucks have a safe onboard for the storage of valuables.

Mobile Kitchen & Diner

Many meals while on safari are prepared and eaten out in the bush, far from civilization. The overland trucks are fully equipped for this. Most safari trucks have a ‘kitchen’ section (often fold-out, beneath the seating area) with a stove and hand dish-washing area. They also have a fridge/freezer/cooler boxes to keep supplies and drinks fresh in the African heat. Africa Overland Tours are thirsty work!

Safety First on Safari!

Safety is non-negotiable. Check with your tour operator that there is a fully-stocked First Aid kit onboard, safety belts on all seats, and some means of communication (radio, etc.), in case of emergencies while on safari. All legitimate tour operators have their client’s safety first in mind and ensure that their overland trucks are kept in a good condition and are reliable for long trips – larger fuel and water tanks, spare tires, knowledgeable and well-trained drivers, etc.

Overland Truck Gadgets

Modern Overlanding trucks come fully equipped with the modern gadgets that we’ve all got used to. With iPod/MP3 points, you can listen to your own soundtrack as you watch the African landscape slide by. They also have onboard charging facilities so ensure that your camera remains fully charged and you don’t lose that once-in-a-lifetime shot of a lion hunting his prey!

Luxury safari truck for small group overland tours

Some smaller tours use smaller overland trucks – seven to nine-seaters – which provide window seats only, so nobody has to be in a middle seat.

Luxury Overlanding Trucks

These are state-of-the-art 4×4 overland vehicles used on small-group overland tours. A custom-built luxury overland truck comfortably accommodates up to 12 guests. They are specially designed to provide extra space and amenities. This is the overland vehicle of choice for a more luxurious Overlanding Africa experience with all the adventure in added style and comfort.

Features include an onboard toilet and a water filtration system for purified drinking water on the road. The luxury overland trucks have reclining leather seats that rotate 180 degrees and lock into your preferred position (for example, window or front-facing).

Luxury Safari Truck for Overlanding Africa

Each seat has overhead air-conditioning vents that can be independently operated for individual control of airflow and temperature. Every seat also features a USB port panel for charging your electronic devices and there is a reading light above each seat. Each seat has a safety deposit unit with individual key code access, for storing your passports, phones, and smaller valuables.

Recommended Africa Overland Tours

• 20-Day East African Overland Tour – South or 20-Day Cape Town to Victoria Falls Overland Tour – Camping Safari

• Best of Namibia Safari Adventure – Overland Camping Tour

• Small Group Tours in Luxury Overland Trucks: South Africa Safari Adventure, Delta & Chobe Safari Adventure & Explore Namibia Safari Adventure

• More Overland Africa Tours

2. Minibus or Microbus Safari Vehicles

For smaller safari groups and shorter tours that don’t go through hugely rugged areas, adapted microbuses (or minibusses) are used. As safari vehicles, Toyota Quantums and Mercedes Sprinters are most commonly used. The optimal number in most of these safari vehicles is six to ten people, forward-facing.

Sprinter Safari Minibus

When booking a safari, find out from the tour operator which safari vehicle is used, and how many window seats there are, to ensure that everybody gets a window seat and has a good view of the spectacular scenery and amazing animals of Africa.

These safari microbuses are specially adapted for safari travel and are generally equipped with GPS tracking, sliding windows, cooler boxes, fire extinguishers, and First Aid kits. They generally have a softer suspension than other safari vehicles, giving a slightly more comfortable trip. Many of them – especially on Kenya Safaris – also feature pop-up tops, allowing travelers to stand and view/photograph the countryside and animals from the minibus.

Some minibusses are fitted with air-conditioning. This is a welcome relief from the sweltering African heat but may detract from the whole experience of Africa, as the windows will be closed, blocking out the sounds of the bush.

Recommended small group trips using minibus safari vehicles

• 5 Days Budget Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru Camping Safari

• South Africa’s Garden Route Adventure Tour

3. Land Cruising Safari Vehicles

Pop-top 4×4 safari vehicle by William Warby

Land Cruisers and Land Rovers are used on many safari tours. They range from ‘bare-bones’ models i.e. no added ‘mod-cons’, to highly specialized vehicles that may include air-conditioning, MP3 players, and slightly tinted windows for protection from the sun. Some of the newer safari vehicle models also have pop-up roofs, for added viewing potential, especially in Tanzania.

Safari Vehicle Seating Arrangements

These safari vehicles, in general, can carry four to six (extended version) passengers, all forward-facing. Check the seating configuration with your tour operator before booking. While extended safari vehicles can carry more people, they tend to be slightly more difficult to handle on the road. Most of the Land Cruisers are 4X4s, allowing travel over the rough terrain that Africa is known for… Have a look at images of the road into the Ngorongoro Crater if you want an idea!

While self-hire safari vehicle options are available, tour operators all have experienced drivers who, more often than not have extensive knowledge not only of handling the rough terrain but of the areas through which we travel.

Safety First on Safaris!

Most Land Cruisers are equipped with all possible safety features – fire extinguishers, First Aid kits, seat belts and many have airbags. They have specially designed fuel tanks to allow the economical use of diesel during long journeys and snorkels for travel through rivers.

Luggage Space & How to Pack (light)

In general, luggage is taken either in a trailer or packed on the roof, to keep the safari vehicle as uncluttered as possible inside, for your comfort. Remember to pack lightly!

Recommended 4×4 Trips in Land Cruiser Safari Vehicles

• Tanzania Lodge Safari to Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

• Masai Mara, Samburu, Nakuru 4×4 Kenya Lodge Safari

• 4×4 Ethiopia Tour – Danakil Depression & Awash National Park

4. Open Game-Viewing Safari Vehicles

Open African safari vehicle on game drive

Within many of the game parks, smaller, open-sided, or completely open safari vehicles are used for game drives. While these are not suitable for long distances – wind, dust, sun, and Africa’s elements can be harsh! – they are great for game drives as they allow you to get up close and personal with the sights, sounds, and smells of the African bush.

These safari vehicles are most often adapted Land Cruisers which seat between six and nine passengers. Some are designed with tiered seating so that nobody’s view is blocked by the person in front of them’s head!

Open African safari vehicle

Protection from The Elements

Due to their being open to the elements, it is vital to protect yourself against the African sun. Hats, scarves, and windbreakers are all excellent shields from fiery hot UV rays. Many of these open safari vehicles do have canvas/plastic canopies that can be closed if the weather becomes uncooperative. Thunderstorms in Africa can be wild, and come on within minutes!

Safari Drivers & Trackers

Most often when going on game drives, there will be a driver and a tracker (often sits on the front of the car, allowing him to track spoor and dung.) The trackers are highly experienced, and allow one to see the best Africa has to offer in wildlife.

Recommended trips with open game-viewing

• Chobe, Moremi & Delta Botswana Camping Safari

• 6-Day Kruger Park & Private Game Reserves Safari (Lodge)

5. Bird’s-Eye View Flying Safaris

Plane view of the Okavango Delta by Justin Hall

‘Air safaris’ are offered at various places in Africa, like Victoria Falls and the Okavango Delta. A flight over the delta in a small plane gives you an idea of the vastness of the area. A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls will make you feel like an eagle soaring above this spectacular area!

Helicopters on Safari

The ‘vehicles’ used differ from operator to operator. The helicopters used at Victoria Falls are generally 4- or 6-seaters and many have bubble windows, allowing for good viewing. Do remember that, in the 6-seater, you may land up in the middle seat, making seeing out slightly more difficult.

Light Planes on Safari

In the Okavango Delta, many of the lodges are only reachable by air, especially during the wet season. Many small plane charters are available both as a means to get to the lodges and for a birds-eye view of the delta and spectacular photographic opportunities – a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Small plane flights on safari

Recommended safaris with flying components

• Victoria Falls Budget Tour Package (Zimbabwe)

• Okavango Delta & Chobe Accommodated Safari (North)

6. Hot Air Balloon Rides

Hot air ballooning over Serengeti Park by Wajahat Mahmood

What could be better than watching the sun rise over the Serengeti while floating gently above its vast plains in a hot air balloon? Nothing, really. Hot air balloon rides are offered at various places in Africa (like Masai Mara and Serengeti) and provide an incredible, thrilling, bird’s-eye view of the vastness of Africa, dotted with wildlife.

Recommended trips with balloon safaris

• 4-Day Masai Mara Luxury Camping Safari – optional hot-air balloon trip over Masai Mara, Kenya

• 12-Day Kenya & Tanzania Budget Lodge Safari – optional hot-air balloon trip over Serengeti, Tanzania

7. Boat to the Great White Sharks

Shark diving safari by Kim Nowacki

The boat used for our Great White Shark Cage Diving trips in South Africa is a custom-built catamaran. Combining comfort, stability, speed, and safety, this boat ensures not only a good trip for you but also promises minimal interference in the shark’s natural habitat.

The custom-built shark cage diving boat is typically a 46-foot (14m) long catamaran with a spacious upper deck for surface views of the sharks and other marine animals and platforms for the bait and decoy handlers to ensure the best possible shark viewing. It is a lightweight aluminum vessel powered by four big four-stroke 300-hp outboard engines and is equipped with the most advanced electronic navigation equipment.

Great white shark cage diving boat

Staying dry and comfortable

Featuring a spacious indoor cabin, as well as separate wet and dry outdoor decks, the design ensures that when you’re wet, you’re wet, but once you’re out and want to be dry and comfortable, you can be. The boat usually features a central dining area, storage facilities for personal items, and both male and female toilets.

Gadgets

Electronically, the boat is fully equipped with a tracking device, radios, GPS, radar and navigation equipment, depth finder and echo sounder, and even a 12V charging facility for cameras, cell phones, and laptops.

Safety – yours and the shark’s

Safety is of utmost importance and there are life vests for all passengers, fire extinguishers, a life raft, and capsize bottles on the boat. In case of medical emergencies, there are two onboard First Aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and fluid replacement.

Not only is your safety cared for, but that of the sharks too. The cage has no sharp points or edges that could hurt the animals. The cage itself is specially constructed of reinforced steel and can take five people comfortably. It is lowered and winched back up using a winch from a sturdy gantry. Oxygen is supplied from the boat to divers via a ‘hookah’ system with hoses running into the cage.

This, too, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There’s not much more exhilarating than coming face-to-face with a Great White in its own habitat!

Recommended shark diving tours

• 2-Day Great White Shark Dive Package

• Great White Shark Cage Diving Day Tour

8. Rubber-Ducking the Gorges

Rafting the Zambezi on safari by Martijn Munneke

Jinja, in Uganda – where the longest river in Africa, The Nile, begins at its source, Lake Victoria – is one of the top whitewater rafting destinations in the world. Add in Victoria Falls, the Fish River Canyon, and the Orange (Gariep) River, where various boat options are offered, from boogie-boarding the rapids through canoeing to rubber ducking both flat water and white water, and it’s an adrenaline junkie’s dream. Your trip choice depends completely on your adrenaline requirements/limits!

Whichever you choose, be sure to check that the tour operator follows all safety regulations, ensuring that you have a safe, enjoyable trip through the gorge. Life jackets and helmets are non-negotiable, these waters can get wild, and a knowledgeable, trained guide will ensure you get the most out of your trip.

Recommended trips with rubber ducking

• Victoria Falls Adventure Tour Package (Zambia)

• Masai Mara & Gorilla Trekking Overland Tour or Uganda Safari & Gorilla Trekking Tour

9. East African Dhows (sailing boats)

East African Dhow sailing boat by Cesar Gonzalez Palomo

There is nothing quite so beautiful as seeing a traditional dhow gliding through the warm, azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Originally used for trading, these long, narrow boats with triangular sails, expertly sailed by locals, are used along the east coast of Africa.

So whether you’re heading off to the Bazaruto Archipelago or exploring the coastline of Zanzibar, do yourself a favor and catch a ride on one of these graceful sailing vessels.

Recommended trips with dhow safaris

• 22-Day Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique & Kruger Safari

• 5-Day Zanzibar Holiday Package – Adventure Tour

10. Game Viewing Boat Cruises

One of the best ways to watch wildlife and birds on safari in Africa is without a doubt by boat. It’s hard to compete with a laid-back sunset cruise. Exceptional wildlife and bird sightings along the rivers and estuaries in top game reserves of Africa. Stunning scenery. Chilled sundowners and snacks or dinner onboard. Easy-paced, yet exciting and novel.

The boats used on boat cruises vary but they are typically open-sided motorboats. The larger boats offer standing and sitting room and are sometimes double-deckers.

Chobe boat cruise in Botswana

Chobe National Park in Botswana is one of the best places for boat-based game viewing in Africa. Another favorite spot for scenic boat cruises is the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls. There are plenty of other great destinations for game-viewing boat cruises, from Uganda to South Africa.

Recommended Safaris with Game-Viewing Boat Cruises

• Botswana: 5-Day Chobe & Okavango Delta Lodge Tour or Botswana Exclusive Camping Safari to Chobe & Okavango – include Chobe River boat cruises (as with most Chobe Safaris)
• Uganda: Gorilla Trekking & Queen Elizabeth Park Safari – includes boat cruises on Kazinga Channel (Queen Elizabeth Park) & in Murchison Falls National Park

11. Winding Through the Waterways in Mekoro

Mokoro in Okavango Delta, Botswana

If your safari includes a trip into the Okavango Delta, you will more-than-likely experience the gentle pleasure of a trip in a mokoro canoe. Check with your tour operator that this is included as part of the package, or offered as an optional activity. You don’t want to miss out on this opportunity to get up close and personal with the prolific birds and wildlife – including elephants, hippos, and crocs – of the Okavango Delta.

Mokoro History

These traditional dug-out canoes are made of wood and guided by a ‘poler’, who stands at the helm. While originally made from indigenous trees, such as the Kingella or ‘Sausage Tree’, they are increasingly made of fiberglass these days. While not as ‘authentic’, this is preserving the indigenous trees of the area and provides just-as-good a means of transport through the spectacular waterways of the delta.

Experienced polers

Many people are afraid of hippos overturning a mokoro. While this is not an impossibility – this is Africa, after all, and you’re in their habitat – the polers are experienced in the area and are very aware that hippos are territorial creatures. They are sure to avoid dangerous situations.

A trip on a mokoro allows you to get as close to the sights and sounds of Africa as is physically possible. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Recommended safaris with Mokoro canoe trips

• Botswana Parks & Okavango Delta Budget Lodge Safari

• Budget Delta Mokoro Trail & Savuti Safari

12. Kayak & Canoe Safaris

If you’re a kayaking or canoeing enthusiast this is the ultimate game-viewing safari vehicle for you. Watch the wilderness glide by as you paddle quietly along the rivers and waterways of Africa. A canoeing or kayaking safari gives you more independence than a mokoro trip where a guide poles you along.

The canoes and kayaks used on safaris vary widely, ranging from inflatable canoes to rugged old-school kayaks.

Zambezi canoeing in Zambia

Some canoe safaris offer game viewing opportunities along the riverbanks and even in the waters whilst most are more about taking in the wild scenery and spotting birds.

Recommended safaris with canoe or kayak trips

• 16-Day Zambia & Malawi Small Group Safari or 4-Day Victoria Falls Tour in Zambia – include Zambezi River Canoe Trips

• 4-Day South Africa Garden Route Tour – includes Canoeing in Wilderness National Park

• 15-Day Zambia & Malawi Small Group Budget Safari – includes kayaking on Lake Malawi

13. Explore the African Bush on Horseback or Camelback

An incredible way to experience the bush up close! Horseback safaris are allowed in certain game reserves so if you want to experience the bush on horseback you’ll need to pick your destinations accordingly. Two of the most popular African safari destinations that offer horseback safaris are Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe) and Big 5 game reserves near Cape Town in South Africa.

Horseback safaris Cape Town

For a whole new experience, you can explore Africa by camel. An entirely unique and exotic mode of transport indeed. Camelback safaris are far rarer than horseback safaris. You can only embark on a camelback adventure in a few places, including parts of East Africa.

Recommended trips with optional horseback safaris & camelback safaris

• Experience Southern Africa Exclusive Budget Safari & Zimbabwe & Botswana Safari (Lodge Tour) – optional horseback safaris at Victoria Falls

• 3 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari & 2 Day Big 5 Cape Town Safari – optional horseback safaris at Aquila Game Reserve

• Lake Turkana & Northern Kenya Camping Safari – includes an overnight camelback safari in Tuum (Samburu District of Kenya)

14. Walking Safaris in Africa

Walking safaris in Africa

This is (obviously) only an option once you are in the game reserve. Depending on the safety i.e. the presence of dangerous predators, many game reserves offer guided walking tours. This is the ideal way to get a true, African, wildlife experience. By walking through the bush all your senses experience Africa – sight, smell, sounds, touch – unadulterated by the sound of motors and really off the beaten track.

Guides and trackers

Most reserves have highly experienced guides who are a fountain of knowledge regarding the fauna and flora of the area and are excellent trackers. This allows you to not only experience the bush but also learn all sorts of fascinating facts while seeing the birds, insects, and animals that call Africa ‘home.’

Walking safari guide in Kenya

If you have the opportunity, do not miss out on a walking safari. You can’t get closer to nature than this.

Recommended walking safari trips

• 4-Day Kruger Park Walking Safari or 5-Day Kruger Safari – Hiking Tour

• South Africa Walking Safari to Kruger & Zululand

• 7-Day South Luangwa Tented Camps Walking Safari

Talk to an Africa travel expert to find the ideal types of safari vehicles and other transport modes for your trip to Africa.

African safari vehicle in Kruger

[Updated in 2022: originally posted in 2014]

I will teach you how to legally and safely refill 1 lb propane bottles for the best savings available. If you don’t already know: Coleman 1 lb propane bottles are extremely expensive (Later I will explain why it is dangerous and illegal to refill disposable propane cylinders with a refill kit). You will end up paying around $13.99 for a 4-pack at a big box store or up to $6.99 for a single 1lb cylinder at a convenience store.

Costs of Refilling Your Propane

Compare that to refilling a 5-gallon cylinder. You can get propane by the gallon (not by the pound) for $2.59-$3.50. You get about 8.35 pounds PER gallon. Let’s assume you purchased the Coleman 4-pack which comes to a price of $15.00 after tax (7.25% in CA) and is, therefore, $3.75 per pound. If you get your fuel from a filling station, you only pay $0.332 per pound. You can already see the savings without doing the math.

You will need a refillable 20 lb tank propane tank and the Flame King refill kit $45-$50, which you can find online at FlameKing.com or Sportsmans Warehouse. The kit comes complete with a stand, adapter and a 1lb tank. You can purchase more tanks for about $15.00 each.

Have your own way to mount your tank? You can purchase the adapter here for about $23.00. If you don’t already own a 20 lb tank, you can find one at your local hardware store. I purchased mine at Tractor Supply for about $35.00 (yes, these are some upfront costs, but look at the long-term savings). You can check 20lb tank prices online here. I recommend getting a digital scale for precise measurements but this is optional. I use an AWS digital scale which I purchased on Amazon for around $12.

Once you have all of your equipment, you’re ready to start filling!

How To Refill a 1lb Propane Tank

Place your 20 lb tank upside down on the stand, hook up the adapter and attach your refillable 1 lb propane canister. Use the provided hex key wrench to open the bleed valve on the 1lb tank. Press the valve lever on the adapter and let the process begin. You will start to hear liquid propane enter into the cylinder. The large tank needs to be upside down because you want the liquid propane to fill the small cylinder, not propane in its gaseous state. Otherwise, you’ll only get a fraction of the fuel!

The stand allows you to hold your 20lb tank upside down and hook up the 1lb tank below it without touching the ground. The filling process is pressure equalization in both tanks. Once you see the propane gas start shooting out of the bleeder hole, you know you’re done. This took me a better part of 1 minute to fill.

If you purchased the optional digital scale then you can make precise measurements.

I start by weighing the empty cylinder (make sure your weight setting is in the “oz” mode), press the ‘tear’ button and this will zero the measurement. Then fill the cylinder, place it on the scale, and repeat the process until you reach 16oz (1 pound). You can also weigh the cylinder without tearing the empty weight, write down the weight and add 16oz to the total weight. Once it’s full, you can write down the weight on the cylinder for future use.

That’s it! You’re done and ready to enjoy the savings by never having to purchase another disposable propane tank again! Additionally, you can take a little pride that you’re not dumping precious resources into landfills.

Here is a detailed version of how I did it and the equipment I used.

The stand is designed to support the 20-pound bottle but not to leave it on the stand if you’re not using it. There is no support feature from accidentally knocking the bottle off the stand. It is easy to assemble with a pad, 2 U-shaped support bars, wing nuts, screws, and washers. You don’t need any equipment except your hands to assemble.

The attached propane refill tap station ready-to-use.

The refillable 1 lb tanks each come with a hex key as well as a plastic tank valve cap. I purchased 3 additional one-pound tanks and each came with a hex key.

The propane cylinder cap is threaded and has four rings to easily carry with your fingers or for whatever you wish to use them for. My only complaint is that I was it was a little more sturdy, but they’re a lot better than the disposable caps.

The relief valve is shown just above the main valve.

Pictured is the propane bottle and refill adapter together. You will notice there is a U-shaped protrusion that will fit into the tank valve. This is to prevent the filling of propane cylinders not approved by Flame King (or the Department of Transportation).

The complete set-up with both propane bottles is ready to go. I like how the 1 lb propane tank sits off the ground for easy attachment. The relief valve is easy to access should your propane refill begin to overflow.

Here is where the hex key attaches to the relief valve. Flame King suggests opening the relief valve slightly to allow liquid propane to occupy the space inside the 1 lb propane cylinder.

Once you have everything securely attached, you are ready to operate your refill station. Begin by opening the main valve on your 20 lb propane tank.

Press and hold down on the lever to begin the propane refill process. I personally like how you can start and stop the process by just letting go. As you press down, you will hear the liquid propane start to flow into the smaller propane tank. While you’re filling the propane tank, open the relief valve just a hair. You will hear and smell escaping gas.

This is ok because it’s just the oxygen and gas coming out. The liquid propane is filling from the bottom up and pushing out the oxygen. Once you begin to see a white mist of propane, close the valve on your 1 lb propane cylinder and depress the valve on the propane refill adapter.

That is it! According to Flame King, you have filled the tank to approximately 80% (around 1 lb of fuel).

Once you are finished, it is now time to detach your 1 pound propane cylinder from the tap. This is where gloves will come in handy. First, close the main valve to your 20 lb cylinder.

When removing the 1 lb content from the propane refill station, there is a high chance propane will vent out from the tap. This is extremely cold and could cause a burn to some degree (no pun intended). There is also residual in the tap system and that can spray out cold fuel.

I found that as long as the main valve is closed, you can press the fill lever and release the pressure from the tap. Remove the refill kit from the 20 lb tank and finally take the main propane tank off and flip right side up. Store all your propane tanks in a well-ventilated area. Do not store where any escaping fumes could be collected next to an ignition source (water heater, gas dryer, etc).

As an added measure of safety, I spray soapy water on the end of the 1lb propane tank. If you see small bubbles forming, then you have a leak. Try depressing the main valve and let it snap shut. This usually does the trick. If nothing, then wipe off and you’re ready to store or use. Cheers!

Dangers of Refilling Disposable Propane Cylinders

Now I explain why it is dangerous and illegal to refill those disposable cylinders. Disposable 1 lb propane tanks are convenient for their intended applications and looks like an easy job. Unfortunately, they are not supposed to be refilled and according to federal law, it is illegal to transport refilled disposable cylinders. Getting caught and having it proven that you refilled the tanks seems very unlikely, but it’s still not worth the risk.

Technically, you can refill them so long as you do not transport them and keep them on-site. The valve design has an overflow safety feature that is supposed to release propane if the pressure is too great. I have refilled several containers with a standard refill adapter (which some believe is a great accessory to their camping gear) with no issue and many other people have done this too.

Chances of a critical failure may be low, but I ask you this question: How much is your life, your loved one’s life, or your body worth to you? Is it worth the risk to save a few dollars to refill disposable tanks? I’m one to spend a few extra dollars for better quality material and peace of mind.

Weight Difference Between Propane Tanks

The disposable Coleman DOT 39 propane tanks are much lighter than the Flame King tanks. The disposable tanks have an empty weight of 13.37oz while Flame King is 22.46 oz. A difference of 9.09 oz or over a half pound! That is more metal on the cylinder. Simply holding both empty tanks in hand, you can easily feel the difference in weight.

By comparing both cylinders, one can see the difference in the welding between the 1lb propane tanks. The flame king simply looks more durable while the disposable Coleman propane cylinder is seam welded.

The reason is metal fatigue (learn more about metal fatigue here). Every time you deplete the propane out of the Coleman bottle, the pressure naturally decreases. Refilling the tank quickly introduces pressure back into it. Even with the pressure relief valve, repeating this process a lot of times begins to wear on the structural integrity of the cylinder and it can increase the likelihood of a catastrophic failure. This is especially true around the seam weld.

If you reload ammunition, you know that you can only reload the brass x-amount of times before you have to retire it. Refillable tanks are DESIGNED to be depleted and refilled over many uses, and they’re DOT approved for transport.

If you are dead set on refilling disposable 1 lb propane tanks, customers can purchase a refill kit on Amazon for a price of around $6. Those things are a pretty cheap accessory to your camping gear. I found a high-quality brass adapter at Harbor Freight for $20.00.

Even with that, you need to find a way to support the 20lb tank upside down. Then, you will need to repeat the process of attaching the 1lb propane tank to the adapter, open the valve, fill until you hear the propane stop, bleed the Schrader valve (which reportedly tends to leak after repeated bleeding) or unscrew it, re-attach and repeat until it is full. With the

Flame King, you get the stand, fill valve adapter, and a hex key which allows you to fill a tank in about 1 minute. If you value your time, this is another way to save money.