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The Hatsan 95 air rifle has been at the top of my review list for quite some time now. I’ve heard great things about it, and until I tried it for myself, I assumed that most people were exaggerating. To say I was blown away, is an understatement.

Technical Specs

Let’s start by talking about the technical stuff first. This gun comes in three calibers: .177, .22 and .25. It’s a spring-piston break barrel single-shot air rifle with adjustable rear sight and a 3-9×32 scope. With a Turkish walnut stock and gold plated trigger, this is a beautiful air rifle.

Click here to buy now and get discounted price on the Hatsan 95 .177, .22 and .25 Caliber Air Rifle. Plus, get FREE shipping too!

Powerful Shot

Because we have three calibers with the Hatsan 95, power will depend on which rifle you choose.

• The .177 has a velocity of 1,000fps
• The .22 has a velocity of 800fps
• The .25 has a velocity of 650fps

The .177 shoots faster than the other two calibers, but the .22 and the .25 will have a greater impact.

With that much power, this is a rifle that can easily be used for hunting or just plain fun plinking. At 50 yards, I had no problem taking out a squirrel with the .22. I’m still amazed by how powerful and accurate this rifle is.

Accurate and Durable

Even without the scope, this rifle is consistently accurate. At 40 yards, I was shooting with dime size accuracy.

Once the scope is sighted in, the accuracy gets even better. Fixed TruGlo fiber optics in the front and adjustable TruGlo rear sight help to further improve your accuracy.

I like the two-stage trigger on this rifle. It allows for pull weight, length of travel, first stage and second stage adjustments. The stock is ambidextrous, so any shooter can use this gun comfortably. The grip is checkered, so it won’t slip. The rubber pad on the forearm absorbs shock and reduces recoil. Just about every aspect of this gun is designed to improve accuracy.

But what about the quality of the build? A rifle can be deadly accurate, but it’s not worth buying if it only lasts a few months. The Hatsan 95 is a rifle you’ll have around for quite some time. The stock is made of Turkish walnut, the trigger is gold plated, and the barrel is made from German steel. It’s a bit on the heavy side at 7.8lbs (without the scope), but I’ve shot heavier air rifles.

Check out the beautiful detail in the walnut stock and also the trigger! (Click to enlarge pictures below)

Pros

The Hatsan 95 really surprised me. It’s an underrated gun that’s powerful, accurate and well-made. You have three calibers to choose from and it comes with a decent 3-9×32 scope and mount. It’s hard to find an air rifle that’s as well built and powerful as the 95 in the under $200 price range.

Cons

Like other air rifles, this one is loud. It’s a little heavy even without the scope at 7.8lbs. And it also takes quite a bit of force to cock it. Hatsan puts the cocking force at 35-40lbs.

I’m not really sure I would consider these cons, but they’re things you should be aware of. Most air rifles are about the same weight (or heavier even) and just as loud. Sure, it takes some force to cock this rifle, but it’s not something a typical adult couldn’t handle. And you probably don’t want kids shooting this gun anyway.

The Final Verdict

The Hatsan 95 is an accurate, powerful and well-built air rifle that looks just as good as it shoots. For under $200, this is one of my best air rifle and is easily worth double its price and is right on par with the big name rifles on the market today. I’ve had people unfamiliar with the brand think the rifle was worth well north of $400!

Click here to buy now and get discounted price on the Hatsan 95 .177, .22 and .25 Caliber Air Rifle. Plus, get FREE shipping too!

Whether you’re looking for faster target acquisition on your pistol or more range on your turkey gun, red dot sights can increase your efficacy and range.

While red dots vary in size, they seem to largely inhabit three categories: micro, small to mid-size, and large, closed emitters. Each category serves a function, depending on a shooter’s needs, but quality can also determine this as well (a lot of early, cheap red dots were unnecessarily bulky).

The Vortex Venom delicately walks the line between micro and mid-size red dots. While it’s not a micro dot by recent standards (such as the Vortex Defender or Holosun’s line of microdots), the Vortex Venom is an unobtrusive optic for your turkey gun, but it also won’t feel like a brick if you decide to mount it on your pistol.

In short: The Vortex Venom is an affordable and streamlined red dot with a large sight window that makes it ideal for a variety of shooting situations.

Vortex Venom Red Dot: Review

Testing the Vortex Venom

This turkey season, I mounted the Vortex Venom on one of my Remington 870s. It comes with a Weaver/Picatinny mount and mounting screws. Sighting in the Venom required a learning curve. I spent several shells before noticing that the red dot wasn’t moving when I adjusted the elevation.

With the shotgun in a rest, I observed the red dot and made a full rotation and back before it finally moved, and I had it dialed in a few shells later. I’ve had zero issues out of it since, but it’s worth noting.

Dot Brightness and Clarity

Vortex offers the Venom in 6 MOA and 3 MOA configurations. With shots inside 40 yards, I’m running the 6 MOA on my turkey gun. Within that distance, you won’t have to worry about it covering up a turkey head, and the dot is plenty bright for low light conditions or extremely sunny days.

The Venom includes two brightness modes, Auto and Manual. Dot brightness in Auto mode adjusts to the ambient lighting conditions and power down after 14 hours of inactivity. You can engage Auto mode by holding the up arrow until the dot flashes three times, while Manual mode engages after the dot flashes twice.

The dot exhibits a small bloom and a significant starburst effect on higher settings, but I didn’t notice any parallax within 100 yards. On lower settings, the Venom produces a bright, crisp dot.

Durability

I haven’t had any issues with the Venom holding its zero. After running through various target loads and a box of Winchester Longbeard XRs, and burying the Venom in mud to brace a fall, the dot hasn’t moved. Considering that my gun takes a beating throughout turkey season, I’ve been pleased with the lack of adjustments I’ve had to make since the initial sight in.

Where the Vortex Venom Shines

The streamlined design makes the Vortex Venom ideal when you need to shave weight or space. Recessed windage and elevation adjustments mean you don’t have to worry about large dials getting bumped or snagged on brush. The large sight window, which has a blue tint, makes target acquisition (like picking out a turkey head through the timber) a breeze.

For less than $250, this red dot is hard to beat, especially since it’s covered by Vortex’s VIP warranty.

Where the Vortex Venom Can Improve

You can’t feel any clicks when you make adjustments to the windage and elevation, so a clear, tactile response would be nice.

The adjustment mishap I had while sighting in the red dot was a bit unsettling, but I haven’t had any issues with it since. It’s possible an obstruction, like an epoxy, was blocking the housing and eventually broke free once I cranked down on the turret. For what it’s worth, I’ve been running this setup since it happened, and I’ve even checked the zero a couple of times just to be safe.

Vortex Venom Red Dot: Final Thoughts

The Vortex Venom inhabits that class of red dots that offers intuitive and rugged features at a budget price. Whether you’re chasing turkeys or adding an optic to your bear gun, you should consider the Venom as an affordable and capable option.

The new 300 PRC is getting rave reviews with the long range shooting crowd, but is it really a good choice for hunters?

If they’re not plugged into the long range shooting community, most hunters and shooters probably haven’t heard about the new 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge (300 PRC) Hornady officially released in 2018.

Hornady advertises that the cartridge was designed from the start to use heavy for caliber, extremely aerodynamic bullets that deliver excellent performance at long range. The cartridge has received a lot of hype recently, but do you really need one?

Ever since the .30-06 Springfield took the hunting world by storm at the beginning of the 20th Century, .30 caliber cartridges have been extremely popular among hunters and shooters in North America. Though the .30-06 was and is a great option for many uses, hunters and shooters looking for more power or better long range performance have flocked towards the various .30 caliber magnum cartridges for many decades.

The big gun and ammunition companies have responded to that demand in kind. Hunters these days now have a dizzying array of .30 caliber magnum cartridges to choose from like the .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum, .30 Nosler, 300 WSM, .300 Norma Magnum, and the .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (among others).

For that reason, you can be forgiven for wondering why we need another .30 caliber magnum cartridge and what advantages the 300 PRC offers compared to those older cartridges.

Is the 300 PRC just a fad that people will forget about in a few years when the next big thing comes along? Does the 300 PRC provide enough benefits for hunters and shooters to justify making the switch over to the new cartridge?

In this article, I’m going to discuss the history as well as the strengths and weaknesses of the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge in detail. I’ll also provide some information on how the 300 PRC stacks up next to the .300 Winchester Magnum so you can decide if it fits your needs as a hunter.

Before we get started, I have two administrative notes:

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Additionally, I recorded an entire podcast episode on this exact subject. If you’d rather listen than read, click the appropriate link below to listen to this episode on your preferred podcasting service.

Be sure to hit that “Subscribe” button in your podcast player!

300 PRC Podcast

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300 Precision Rifle Cartridge History

With the rise in popularity of extra long range shooting during the 21st Century, ballisticians at Hornady identified the need for a .30 caliber cartridge designed specifically for that sort of work. Existing cartridges like the .300 Win Mag were certainly capable of excellent long range performance, but there wasn’t a .30 caliber cartridge purpose built for that task.

In particular, the existing .30 caliber cartridges were not well suited for using extremely long, high BC bullets.

To accomplish that mission, designers at Hornady decided to think outside the box.

Instead of building a cartridge based on existing design constraints imposed by the various common action lengths (short action, standard/long action, etc.), they elected to just build a cartridge designed specifically to do what they wanted, then build the rifle around it.

So, they took a necked down .375 Ruger cartridge case and built the cartridge with a very long head height.

Head height is the amount of space available for the bullet outside the case while staying within SAAMI specifications for the cartridge. Put simply, more head height facilitates the use of very long, aerodynamic bullets.

We’ll discuss this more later, but to calculate head height, subtract the case length of the cartridge from the maximum overall length.

In fact, due in part to the fact that it has a long head height, the 300 PRC has a pretty long overall length. At 3.7″ long, it’s actually too big to fit in a standard length action rifle.

At the same time, the .375 Ruger was designed with the same .532″ case head diameter as the .375 H&H. However, unlike the .375 H&H (and cartridges like the 7mm Rem Mag and .300 Win Mag descended from it) the .375 Ruger is a beltless cartridge, so the actual body of the .375 Ruger case is larger in diameter than the .375 H&H.

This results in increased case capacity for the 300 PRC (and the 375 Ruger) cartridge while still working with a standard magnum bolt face.

Hornady formally rolled out their new 300 Precision Rile Cartridge in late 2018 and it made a big splash at the 2019 SHOT Show. The cartridge, along with 6.5 PRC (also descended from the .375 Ruger), received formal SAAMI approval in August of 2018.

300 PRC Ballistics

Typical 300 PRC ballistics are a 212gr bullet at 2,860fps (3,850 ft-lbs) or a 225gr bullet at 2,810fps (3,945 ft-lbs). Both loads use long, aerodynamic, heavy for caliber bullets that minimize bullet drop and wind drift at extended range. 300 PRC factory loads generally have a muzzle velocity similar to the .300 Win Mag, but with a heavier bullet with a higher BC.

With careful handloading, it’s possible achieve slightly higher velocities with the cartridge and/or utilize even heavier and more aerodynamic bullets.

Specifically, maximum handloads published by Hornady show a velocity of 2,875fps with a 220 grain ELD-X bullet and a velocity of 2,700fps with a 250 grain A-Tip Match bullet. Both of those loads were obtained using a 24″ barrel, so your mileage may vary.

300 PRC vs 300 Win Mag

300 PRC and .300 Win Mag factory loads generally have similar muzzle velocities, but the 300 PRC shoots a heavier bullet with a higher BC. Therefore, 300 PRC has a slightly flatter trajectory, a little more retained energy, less wind drift, and somewhat more recoil than the 300 Win Mag.

That’s how the two cartridges compare to each other in a nutshell. As we drill down into the details of their similarities and differences though, several especially important factors emerge.

First off, the cartridges have different roots and were built with different goals in mind.

While the 300 PRC was purpose built for long range shooting, the .300 Win Mag was primarily designed for hunters. The Winchester cartridge was also originally designed in the early 1960s, well before hunters and shooters fully appreciated the need for longer and more aerodynamic bullets.

That’s not a knock against the .300 Win Mag at all, but the cartridge is a product of those times. It works great for many tasks (which we’ll get into in a minute), but the cartridge design simply has certain limitations.

The .300 Win Mag and the 300 PRC both fire the same .308″ diameter bullets. There is some overlap in the common bullet weights they use, but the 300 PRC generally works better with longer and heavier bullets.

For instance, the 300 Win Mag commonly uses bullets in the 150-210 grain range with 150gr, 165gr, 180gr, 190gr, and 200gr bullets being most common. The .300 Win Mag normally uses a 1:10″ rifling twist, which is optimal for stabilizing bullets in that weight range.

While the 300 PRC can use those lighter bullets, it’s most commonly available with either 212gr or 225gr bullets in factory loads. Handloaders have utilized bullets weighing up to 250gr with the cartridge with great success.

For this reason, most 300 PRC rifles usually have a relatively fast rifling twist rate (usually 1:8″) in order to stabilize those long, heavy, high BC bullets.

So, why is the 300 PRC better suited for using those heavier bullets than the .300 Win Mag?

As I mentioned earlier, the 300 PRC has more head height than the .300 Win Mag. You can calculate head height by subtracting case length from the overall length of the cartridge.

The folks at Winchester opted to build the .300 Win Mag to fit in a standard length rifle action. This meant a maximum overall length of 3.34″.

On the other hand, the designers at Hornady didn’t operate under those constraints. With an overall length of 3.7″, the 300 PRC requires a magnum length rifle action. At the same time, the .300 PRC actually has a tiny bit shorter case length than the .300 Win Mag (2.62″ vs 2.58″).

This results in a relatively short .72” head height for the .300 Win Mag vs a much longer 1.12″ head height for the .300 PRC.

Basically, having more head height means the 300 PRC offers more room outside the case for bullets than the .300 Win Mag. As you can see in the photo below, the 300 PRC can use long, sleek bullets without seating them so deep they intrude into the powder column or contacting the rifling upon chambering.

Why can’t handloaders just use those same long, sleek bullets with the .300 Win Mag and not seat them so deep in the case?

Well, that would result in an overall length in excess of the SAAMI specifications for the cartridge. Since gun manufacturers build their rifles to those same specifications, there simply isn’t enough space in a standard length rifle action (or magazine) for those longer bullets.

That said, some custom rifle manufacturers will build a .300 Win Mag using a longer magnum length rifle action to get around those constraints, which does give handloaders a bit more wiggle room when using longer bullets. However, this article is primarily focused on using rifles in common production, not custom builds.

At the same time, the 300 PRC has a longer case neck than the .300 Win Mag (.3076″ vs .264″). In general, a longer neck helps hold a projectile (especially a very long one) securely and concentrically, both of which help with accuracy.

The 300 PRC also has a smaller throat diameter than the .300 Win Mag.

The throat is the smooth portion of a rifle barrel closest to the cartridge. Having a more snug throat diameter means there’s less room for the bullet to yaw upon firing before engaging the rifling. This can also help enhance accuracy.

Well, the 300 PRC has a throat diameter just .0008″ larger than the bullet diameter while the 300 Win Mag throat has a whopping .007″ of clearance around the bullet.

Additionally, the 300 PRC has a minimally tapered beltless case with a 30 degree shoulder. The .300 Win Mag uses a belted case with a 25 degree shoulder.

While the .300 Win Mag is certainly capable of excellent accuracy in the right hands, the 300 PRC was specifically designed for exceptional accuracy and outstanding performance at long range. As you can see, it incorporates a number of features to help accomplish that goal. Not surprisingly, the 300 PRC is extremely highly regarded for being a very inherently accurate cartridge.

In addition to the advantages the 300 PRC has in terms of accuracy and bullet selection, it also has a slightly greater powder capacity.

As previously stated, both cartridges have the same .532″ case head diameter. However, the actual body diameter of the 300 PRC is the same diameter as the belt on the .300 Win Mag. Since the cases are almost identical in length, the 300 PRC can hold a little more powder (the 300 Win Mag has about 90-91gr of case capacity vs 97-99gr for the 300 PRC).

For example, the Hornady reloading handbook lists a maximum load of 77.0gr of powder for the 300 PRC when using a 225gr ELD Match bullet, but just 72.7gr of powder when loading that same bullet in the 300 Winchester Magnum (p585 of the Hornady 10th Edition Reloading Manual).

Finally, the 300 PRC also has a higher SAAMI maximum pressure of 65,000psi vs 64,000psi for the .300 Win Mag.

Note: while the powder capacity figures listed above do give a good indication of the differences between the two cartridges, exact case capacities vary slightly according to the brand of brass used.

The table below compares a 200gr Hornady ELD-X (.597 BC) load in .300 Winchester Magnum to a load shooting a 212gr Hornady ELD-X bullet in 300 PRC (.673 BC). This data is for Hornady Precision Hunter factory ammo using a 200 yard zero and a 24 inch barrel.

As you can see, the two cartridges have virtually the same muzzle velocity, but the 300 PRC shoots a heavier and more aerodynamic bullet. This results in the 300 PRC having a tiny bit flatter trajectory with just 1.6″ (4%) less bullet drop at 500 yards. The 300 PRC also has about 7% more energy at the muzzle and about 15% more energy remaining at 500 yards than the .300 Win Mag.

Since this article is focused on the performance of these cartridges for hunting, I didn’t include any ballistic data past 500 yards in the table above. However, just to give you an idea of the benefits of the 300 PRC over the .300 Win Mag at long range, consider this: the .300 Win Mag has 20″ (~8%) more bullet drop at 1,000 yards and 96″ (12%) more bullet drop at 1,500 yards with a 200 yard zero.

To further illustrate that same point, consider the supersonic ranges of the two cartridges. This particular .300 Win Mag load drops below the speed of sound around 1,500 yards, but the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge stays supersonic out until around 1,700 yards.

That’s not nothing, but there’s also not a gigantic difference between them either.

The chart below compares how much a 10 mile per hour crosswind impacts those same loads for each cartridge out to 500 yards.

At 500 yards, there’s just 2″ separating them. Even at 1,000 yards, the .300 Win Mag has about 10″ (~18%) more wind drift than the 300 PRC. So, the 300 PRC does have an advantage in this area, but once again, there’s not a gigantic difference between them.

Now let’s talk about recoil.

The table below compares a couple of handloads that approximate the performance of the factory loads given above when fired from identical Christensen Arms Mesa rifles.

Felt recoil will vary from shooter to shooter and rifle to rifle, but free recoil energy is still a useful way to compare cartridges.

Not surprisingly, the 300 PRC delivers those ballistic advantages over the .300 Win Mag at the expense of about 13% more free recoil energy. That’s saying something too because the .300 Win Mag is known for having a relatively stout recoil itself.

Even so, the 300 PRC is still a very shootable cartridge, especially in a heavier rifle. So, it’s not like you’re dealing with .338 Lapua levels of recoil with it.

In fact, that is one of the other selling points of the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge: it delivers a definite advantage over other .30 caliber cartridges at long range, but without the punishing recoil of higher tier long range cartridges like the .338 Norma or .338 Lapua.

That’s also one of the reasons why the United States Department of Defense recently bought some Barrett MRAD rifles chambered in 300 PRC to supplement the other cartridges the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) uses in their sniper rifles.

Take all that for what you will.

So where do we stand overall with the 300 PRC vs 300 Win Mag?

Basically, the 300 PRC is capable of firing a heavier, more aerodynamic bullet at virtually the same velocity attained by the .300 Win Mag when using lighter bullets. That translates into a slightly flatter trajectory, a little more resistance to wind drift, and a little more kinetic energy at typical hunting ranges.

If you want to use the 300 PRC for elk hunting, the additional couple hundred ft-lbs of kinetic energy the cartridge provides might come in handy, but then again, the .300 Win Mag is plenty powerful for that work and I doubt any elk will be able to tell the difference.

The flatter trajectory and more resistance to wind drift of the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge can also help with shot placement. This does make the cartridge a little bit more forgiving of range or wind estimation errors than the 300 Win Mag, but once again, it’s not a tremendous difference.

While this is probably not an issue for most hunters, typical 300 PRC barrel life is very likely a little shorter than typical .300 Win Mag barrel life.

Since the two cartridges use the same diameter barrel, throat erosion occurs a little faster with the 300 PRC because it has a little bit more case capacity. Simply put, burning more powder in an equally sized space will result in shorter barrel life.

This means that, in general, the 300 PRC will wear out barrels a little faster than the .300 Win Mag will (which can be a bit of a barrel burner itself). Exactly how fast that occurs depends on a number of factors like the quality of the barrel, the exact ammunition used, etc.

For serious target shooters, this is a concern. However, the good news for hunters is that typical 300 PRC barrel life is more than enough to last for many years of hunting with no issues at all.

So, while there is a difference in .300 Win Mag vs 300 PRC barrel life, it probably isn’t going to be a big issue for most hunters.

Unfortunately, the 300 PRC does have more recoil than the .300 Win Mag though.

While many hunters should be able to handle the recoil of both cartridges without too much trouble, don’t underestimate the impact that recoil has on the ability of a person to shoot accurately either. Regardless of how well a given person handles recoil, all other things being equal, they will absolutely shoot better with a milder recoil.

All things considered though, both cartridges are very accurate, flat shooting, and hit hard enough for use on a wide variety of game at practical hunting ranges. Regardless of whether you’re using a .300 Winchester Magnum or a 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge, no pronghorn, mule deer, or elk will go far if you put a well constructed bullet into the vitals.

Of the two cartridges though, the .300 Win Mag is still by far the most popular with hunters. This is reflected in the prices, availability, and variety of factory ammunition and hunting rifles currently in production for each cartridge.

So, even though the 300 PRC does have some advantages on paper, those small advantages don’t make much difference for the vast majority of hunters. The .300 Win Mag is still a fantastic hunting round and it’s a whole lot easier to find .300 Win Mag rifles and loaded ammunition.

If you already have a .300 Win Mag, there’s really not a big reason to upgrade to the 300 PRC unless you just want to.

In fact, the .300 Winchester Magnum is probably the better all around choice for most hunters.

That said, the 300 PRC gives hunters the ability to wring a little bit more performance out of a .30 caliber magnum cartridge. If you really enjoy shooting at longer range, then the inherent accuracy of the cartridge and the fact that it’s designed to use very heavy, high BC bullets are both compelling arguments in favor of the 300 PRC.

It’s a wonderful cartridge for long range precision shooting and I can certainly understand why somebody who used the cartridge for that sort of work would also want to take a 300 PRC afield.

300 PRC Ammo

The 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge does have a pretty dedicated following, but it’s not extremely popular in absolute terms and can’t certainly hold a candle to more established cartridges like the .270 Winchester or .30-06.

This will likely change in the future, but Hornady is the only major ammunition company currently producing 300 PRC ammo. The cartridge is available in both the Hornady Precision Hunter and Hornady Match lines with 212 grain ELD-X and 225 grain ELD Match bullets respectively.

Some people do hunt with the Match loads, but the Precision Hunter line is purpose built for long range hunting and is generally the better choice for most game.

Just as you’d probably expect, 300 PRC ammo is usually more expensive and not as easy to find as more popular cartridges. Since it’s used by a relatively small segment of the hunting world, not every sporting goods store keeps 300 PRC ammo in stock, but most of the big retailers in the USA usually have a couple of boxes of ammo on hand for the cartridge.

That said, I wouldn’t count on finding 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge ammunition in smaller gun store. Availability of ammunition is usually pretty good online though and most of the bigger retailers typically have a good selection of quality factory 300 PRC ammo in stock.

BUY SOME EXCELLENT 300 PRECISION RIFLE CARTRIDGE AMMO HERE

Reloading components for the cartridge (like 300 PRC brass) are available though. The high price of factory ammo and the difficulty involved with obtaining a reliable supply of ammo at times makes it a good choice for handloaders.

One other good point about the cartridge is that even though it’s not nearly as common as other .30 caliber cartridges, the fact that it satisfies a niche market does make it less susceptible to panic buying (unlike the .223 Remington or .308 Winchester for example). So, you’ll probably still be able to find 300 PRC ammo on shelves when people are buying everything else.

Since it uses the same .308″ bullet size that’s also used by the .308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, .300 Win Mag, and .300 Remington Ultra Magnum (among others), reloaders have access to a good number of outstanding quality bullets in the 180-200 grain range suitable for use on a wide variety of game to choose from.

However, there’s not quite a big of a selection of really heavy, high BC .30 caliber bullets. Aside from the aforementioned Hornady bullets, 190gr and 200gr Barnes LRX will work well with the 300 PRC (it’s a pure copper bullet, so the LRX is longer for a given weight than a lead core bullet) . The same goes for a couple of different options from Berger, so reloaders should be able to make a custom hunting load that works well for their needs.

300 PRC Rifles

The increasing popularity of long range precision shooting has resulted in a good selection of high quality rifles available for the 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge.

Among other companies, Barrett, Bergara, Browning, Christensen Arms, Fierce Firearms, GA Precision, Gunwerks, Hill Country Rifles, Howa, Ruger, and Seekins Precision all manufacture bolt action 300 PRC rifles.

So, while the selection of ammunition available for the cartridge is relatively small, hunters actually have some really nice rifles to choose from.

BUY A CHRISTENSEN ARMS 300 PRC HUNTING RIFLE HERE

BUY A BROWNING 300 PRC HUNTING RIFLE HERE

BUY A RUGER 300 PRC HUNTING RIFLE HERE

Best 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge Ammo For Hunting

Unlike the .300 Win Mag, there aren’t many options for factory 300 PRC hunting ammo right now. That’s slowly changing though.

If you’d like to learn more about some of the various hunting ammunition choices for the 300 PRC read this article:

Best 300 PRC Ammo For Hunting Elk, Deer, & Bear

Final Thoughts On The 300 PRC

The 300 PRC is a very well designed cartridge that offers some real advantages to long range shooters and fills an important niche among the various .30 caliber magnum cartridges. I’m actually a little surprised it took this long for a cartridge that fills that void to come along, but better late than never and Hornady did an excellent job when they designed the 300 PRC.

While a surprisingly large number of shooters and hunters have adopted the new cartridge, the small benefits it offers over more established calibers like the .300 Win Mag and .300 Remington Ultra Magnum probably aren’t big enough for most hunters to justify making the switch.

This is especially true considering the lack of 300 Precision Rifle Cartridge ammo choices at this point. Even so, the ammo selection for the cartridge will almost certainly improve in the future if the cartridge continues to grow in popularity. So, if you’re the type of person who wants to wring out all the performance you can from a certain caliber, by all means get a 300 PRC.

It’s a fantastic cartridge and I’m sure it will serve you well, particularly if you enjoy shooting at longer range.

Do you have a rifle chambered in 300 PRC that you’re itching to take on a hunt?

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J Scott Olmstead’s article for The American Hunter was used as references for the history of the 300 PRC. The Hornady 10th Edition (p574-585) reloading manual (and their online supplement) provided data to compare their size and recoil of the .300 Win Mag and 300 PRC. The data used to compare the trajectory of the cartridges was obtained from Hornady (here, and here). Maximum pressure for the .300 Win Mag and maximum pressure and cartridge dimensions for the 300 PRC were obtained from SAAMI (p172 for the .300 Win Mag) and here for the 300 PRC. Case capacity information for the 300 Win Mag and 300 PRC were obtained from Chuck Hawks (here) and from Hornady. I used Shooters Calculator to compare trajectories, wind drift, and recoil for the cartridges.

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NEXT: BEST 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO FOR HUNTING ELK, DEER, AND OTHER BIG GAME

NEXT: BEST GIFTS FOR HUNTERS

CZ has hit the big time in the IPSC Production and Production Optics divisions: the Shadow 2/Shadow 2 OR models clearly dominate these two divisions of dynamic pistol shooting. This is not surprising, since successful ergonomics and high reliability coupled with an unbeatable price-performance ratio are compelling arguments.

In addition, there are the countless successes that have been achieved with the Czech all-steel pistol in recent years. The Czech manufacturer has long been committed to the dynamic IPSC discipline, as Tactical Sports has been part of the product range since 1996. So it looks as if CZ is once again on the attack with the brand-new single-action all-steel TS 2 pistol that should stand up for itself against the 2011 models that have dominated the standard class to date.

Czech triumvirate: CZ Tactical Sports 2 in three versions

Three different models were presented for the future at the online press conference, which also featured CZ team shooter and multiple world champion Eric Grauffel. In addition to the entry-level model for €1750, which was introduced and tested here for the first time, there will also be the TS 2 Racing Green for €2049, which is better equipped in detail, and the top model TS 2 Deep Bronze for €2649 (see also our original news article).Whether the new TS 2 models, like the Shadow 2, will be available in the young CZ online configurator, so that they can be customized according to individual wishes, is unfortunately not exactly known at the moment. The trio is of course not only available in 9mm Luger, but also in the “IPSC Major Power Factor” .40 S&W caliber.

You can discover the CZ configurator here.Time will tell if the previous flagship in the form of the TS Orange will continue to be available for around 2400 euros. At the very least, the first generation Shadow will continue to be in the lineup.

Features of the CZ Tactical Sports 2 pistol in detail

A typical feature is the muzzle-length dust cover, which is now angular in profile compared to its TS predecessor. The undercut at the transition area between the front strap and the trigger guard, as well as under the beavertail, are now a bit more pronounced to allow the gun to sink even deeper into the hand for maximum control when firing.Also new are the recesses on both sides above the trigger, which give the elongated trigger finger better access to the trigger blade. Unfortunately, the trigger blade is made of cheap and elastic plastic, which also applies to the magazine floors. Trigger pull is a low 730 grams with minimal creep before break, but this should go unnoticed, especially in dynamic disciplines. Of course, the trigger is equipped with an adjustable trigger stop. The reset travel of around 1.7 millimeters is short and easily manageable.

As with the Shadow 2, the slide contour of the CZ TS 2 tapers upward, which incidentally means 14 grams less mass to move when firing. The total weight is 48.67 oz/1380 grams, a good 1.05 oz/30 grams more than the TS Orange. The moving mass has thus been further reduced, but the overall weight has increased somewhat, which again contributes to a better shooting feel.To change the point of impact laterally, the rear sight can only be drifted and then fixed with two Torx screws. A point of impact shift in elevation can only be achieved by replacing the fiber optic front sight. In our opinion, this is a bit of a shame, as the less expensive Shadow 2 at least has a height-adjustable rear sight. However, the “Racing Green” and “Deep Bronze” models seem to have a height-adjustable version. Likewise, a left hand thumb rest will be available here, with which many a shooter will achieve greater gun control.

The safety on the entry-level model has a large thumb lever on the left side only. However, an enlarged safety lever for the right side is also available in the CZ accessories store. In our experience, however, this is not absolutely necessary, since the CZ Tactical Sports 2 can be operated perfectly well even in the standard configuration.

The magazine button sticks out far, so that it already pressed a bit into the author’s support hand. Nevertheless, at no time was the magazine accidentally released, although the release resistance was not very high. However, this is also very dependent on the shooter’s grip technique and hand size, so other shooters will not even notice this possible, marginal ergonomics problem.

Even if some aesthetes and material lovers may turn up their noses at the rational production of the frame and slide by means of investment casting, it must be acknowledged without envy that CZ seems to have this process perfectly under control. For one looks in vain for obvious blowholes or exposed seams. The frame/slide tolerances were quite tight.

The 5.25″/131 mm long barrel is formed by rational swaging – better known as hammering – and has the typical European twist of 1-10″/1-250 mm. The barrel is guided at the front by a pressed-in bushing. Under the barrel sits the one-piece spring guide rod with plastic buffer. A 13-lb spring has also been fitted here, which represents a good compromise in terms of reliability and good shooting behavior.If you want, you can also get springs with a lower power in the aftermarket, which promise an even more pleasant shooting behavior. However, based on practical experience, Eric Grauffel recommends not going below 10 lb, otherwise the gun could be too heavily stressed. At least two spare magazines can be found in the hard case.

What does a raccoon taste like? If you’re a meat lover, especially exotic ones, this question would be in your mind.

Like any exotic meat, raccoon meat is not found on the open market.

So, many people don’t know what this meat tastes like.

Some may even wonder if it’s edible- to which we say yes.

This post serves as a guide to what raccoons taste like.

We will also provide tips on how to cook this meat and if there is any risk to having this raccoon meat.

What is Raccoon?

A raccoon is a nocturnal animal known for its intelligence. It’s a mammal found mainly in North America.

This little furry animal is known for its distinctive features, especially its tail and masked face.

Another fascinating aspect of this animal is that it’s been around for decades.

Raccoons are omnivorous animals and are surprisingly seen during the day.

It eats fish, snails, fruits, and vegetables.

You can also see them feasting on garbage in the city if there is food scarcity.

Hence, cleaning and cooking raccoon meat thoroughly is necessary before consuming it.

Raccoons are also scavengers, which make them likely to carry parasite or diseases.

Their meat might be nutritional, but proper cleaning and cooking are required.

It also applies to any exotic or bush meats since they are prone to carry diseases.

What Does Raccoon Taste Like?

The taste of raccoon meat may vary depending on what it eats.

If it feeds on dead animals or garbage, it is likely to have an unpleasant smell.

Raccoon meat tastes like chicken or turkey but greasier.

Some even say it tastes like beef, but that’s debatable.

Everyone has different taste buds, so you may not get the same feedback.

But one thing we can say is that- raccoon meat is tender and buttery.

It’s rich-flavored meat that tastes best when it’s roasted or barbecued.

This meat’s texture is tender, making it delightful to eat.

However, its strong smell might be offsetting.

We’d suggest using herbs or spices to eliminate the smell.

It might be smelly when raw, but once you cook correctly, the smell goes away.

Those who have tasted the meat also compare it to fried lamb.

It shares the same tender texture and flavor.

Unlike other exotic meat, raccoon meat is tastier, mainly because of its buttery texture.

It’s not chewy or strenuous, mixed with enriching flavor.

Eventually, it depends on how you cook the meat.

Correctly cooked raccoon meat shouldn’t be tough or chewy.

That way, you can enjoy its soft texture and the aroma of herbs.

Getting your hands on good quality raccoon meat would be an excellent way to enjoy this exotic meat.

It’s tastier, healthy, and safe for your health.

However, that seems challenging as this meat is not found mainly in the open market.

How to Cook Raccoon?

Raccoons are scavengers and filthy animals.

If you get your hands on this exotic meat, ensure that you clean it properly.

Wash the meat with clean water twice or thrice to get rid of dirt.

Once the meat is cleaned, set it aside and wash your hand before you proceed with cooking.

Slice the meat according to your preference and season it with salt and herbs.

This will help eliminate strong odor and make it more flavorful.

Since the meat is tender, you don’t have to marinate it overnight.

You can cook this exotic meat differently, but our recommendation is roasted.

Also, to have a better taste, remove fats from the meat.

Check the steps below to make a roasted raccoon.

But before that, these are required ingredients that you should have:

• ½ cup flour.
• Black pepper.
• Bay leaves.
• Onions.
• Cooking oil.
• Salt.

Season the meat pieces with pepper and salt; bread them with flour.

Take a frying pan and sprinkle cooking oil over it.

Put the pieces and then brown for some minutes.

Once the pieces are brown, transfer them to a roasting pan.

Add bay leaves and slice onion for more flavor.

Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake at 375F for two hours.

And there you go. The roasted raccoon is cooked and ready to eat.

What is the Risk of Eating Raccoon Meat?

Racoon meat is edible, and there is no risk attached to it unless it’s undercooked.

Since this animal is filthy, it might carry diseases or bacteria.

Hence, it’s crucial to cook thoroughly to eliminate these.

You’d be surprised to know that this exotic meat is packed with nutrients.

It’s healthier than beef and is a rich source of protein and potassium.

But be wary when purchasing raccoon meat.

Some people might sell infected ones, which we’ll not know, especially if you’re new.

Ensure that the meat doesn’t have too much odor.

Admittedly, it has a strong smell, but poor-quality ones might smell worse.

Avoid eating raw raccoon meat which might be dangerous.

Additionally, if you have health issues like a weak immune system, then it would be better not to have it.

We also advise pregnant women to avoid eating this exotic meat.

It might not be suitable for your newborn as this meat might carry diseases that would be harmful to your baby.

Compared to other exotic meat, raccoon meat is tastier because of its tender texture.

Eventually, it all depends on how you prepare and cook the meat.

Final Thought

As we conclude the article, we hope it was helpful and has answered your question regarding raccoon meat and its taste.

This tiny animal is popularly known for its distinct features and intelligence.

Its meat is tender and not chewy compared to other exotic meats. It’s edible and nutritional too.

However, avoid having undercooked raccoon meat as it may carry parasites or other diseases.

It might be harmful to your health, leading to various health implications.

So, clean the meat well before you cook it.

If you’re new, refer to the guide above on cooking and preparing raccoon meat.

About The Author

Introduction

This best-of list isn’t your typical top ten. It lists fifteen OTF knives that are the best in their respective categories. I’ll cover more than just our choice for the Best EDC OTF and Best Tactical OTF. Have you ever wondered what the Best OTF for Fidgeting is? Or the Best Weird OTF? What about an OTF hidden gem?

In addition to stating why each knife was chosen, they will be rated on a scale from 1-10 on the six points below.

• Blade Steel: The quality of the blade steel.
• Ergonomics: How comfortable the knife is to hold and use.
• Fit & Finish: The quality of the build and the parts.
• Operation: How practical, comfortable, and easy it is to open and close the knife.
• Lockup: How tight the blade lockup is when the knife is open.
• Affordability: How accessible the item’s price is.

The higher the rating, the better! Each knife will be given a total score to help you compare these models.

Without further ado, in no particular order, the 15 best OTF knives by category:

1: Best OTF for EDC: Guardian Tactical RECON-035Score: 48/60

Fit & Finish: 9 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 8Operation: 9 Lockup: 8 Affordability: 4

The RECON-035 was the first knife to feature Guardian Tactical’s patented ultra-smooth slide mechanism. The mechanism consists of a thumb-friendly steel slide that moves up and down a polished steel plate on ceramic bearings. The result? The smoothest and most comfortable thumb slide operation on the market. Couple that with the 035’s fantastic blade-to-handle ratio, edge geometry, and premium American craftsmanship, and you have the perfect OTF for EDC. It’s user-friendly, the ideal medium size, and has reliable, satisfying action.

2: Most Accessible OTF: Kershaw LivewireScore: 48/60

Fit & Finish: 9 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 7 Operation: 10 Lockup: 7 Affordability: 5

The Livewire, designed by Matt Diskin, is a hot pick for both longtime knife users and those new to OTF automatics. Not only is it extremely accessible, boasting a mechanism that anyone can comfortably use, but it comes with premium materials and premium craftsmanship at a very reasonable price! It makes a unique statement with its styling and angled pocket clip but doesn’t do so at the expense of user comfort. Kershaw’s USA team has been positively electric lately, and the Livewire is taking things to the next level.

3: Best Selling OTF: Microtech UltratechScore: 47/60

Fit & Finish: 10 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 8 Operation: 7 Lockup: 9 Affordability: 3

The Ultratech is an OTF so iconic you could call it the OTF. Microtech has a reputation for excellence and constant improvement. Since the Ultratech’s release in 1999, it has undergone iterative upgrades, turning it into the precise, reliable cutting tool it is today. It’s great for EDC and tactical situations, with Microtech’s signature X-Button ensuring your thumb always gets enough purchase when deploying and retracting the blade. The Ultratech’s premium quality and unparalleled fit and finish are two of the many reasons it’s the best-selling OTF knife ever. Pick from a vast array of colors and blade shapes to get the Ultratech configuration that’s perfect for you.

4: Best Tactical OTF: Benchmade InfidelScore: 42/60

Fit & Finish: 9 Blade Steel: 6 Ergonomics: 9 Operation: 7 Lockup: 9 Affordability: 2

The Benchmade 3300 Infidel is a Bill McHenry design-the guy who designed the AXIS Lock with Jason Williams. The knife has reliable double-action, a grippy thumb slide, and solid lockup. Its double-edge blade is perfect for self-defense and can be perfectly controlled with its anodized aluminum handle. A pocket clip keeps the knife securely by your side until it’s time to deploy. The Benchmade reputation is one of enduring American quality and lifelong satisfaction, and the Infidel lives up to it completely.

5: Best Budget OTF: AKC F-16Score: 42/60

Fit & Finish: 6 Blade Steel: 5 Ergonomics: 7 Operation: 8 Lockup: 7 Affordability: 9

The F-16 by AKC is a Taiwanese double-action OTF knife that brings a load of value to your EDC lineup. It boasts the unique design feature of having the thumb slide double as the Italian stiletto-style guard. If you want some awesome OTF action in your life and aren’t worried about getting the best of the best, look no further.

6: Best Premium OTF: Hawk Knife Designs Deadlock (Model C)Score 51/60

Fit & Finish: 10 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 10 Operation: 10 Lockup: 10 Affordability: 1

The Deadlock, engineered by father and son duo Grant and Gavin Hawk, is a double-action OTF automatic knife with no blade play. That’s right: the blade doesn’t move at all when it’s deployed. Aside from that, it has an ergonomic handle, superb action, and a unique hinged pocket clip. If you need the best of the best and price isn’t an issue, this is the OTF for you—if you can get your hands on one.

7: Best Mini OTF: Microtech UTX-70Score: 46/60

Fit & Finish: 10 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 7 Operation: 7 Lockup: 9 Affordability:3

Why is this the Best Mini OTF knife? Because it’s literally a scaled-down version of the best-selling OTF of all time-it’s a mini Ultratech! The UTX-70 gets its name for being 70% the size of the Ultratech. The two knives are congruent, apart from the lanyard hole that appears on the pocket clip of the Ultratech. It’s a super fun, cute, even novel knife, but it’s built like a tank and features all the positive traits of Microtech’s other OTF automatic knives. Without a doubt, it’s the best choice if you want a premium, fun-sized OTF knife.

8: Best Large OTF: Guardian Tactical RECON-040/Heretic Cleric II/Microtech Combat Troodon

It’s a three-way tie for the Best Large OTF knife: The Guardian Tactical RECON-040 is the biggest and most user-friendly, featuring Guardian Tactical’s patented thumb slide system; the Heretic Cleric II is the best long OTF, featuring a slender profile and a blade stretching over four inches long; and the Microtech Combat Troodon is the OG big-boy OTF. All three are excellent options. Pick the one that suits your style. Are you looking for big and accessible? The 040 is for you. Want something agile and sleek? Try the Cleric. Want all-around beefiness and unparalleled quality? Go with the Combat Troodon.

9: Best Single-Action OTF: Para-XScore 46/60

Fit & Finish: 10 Blade Steel: 8 Ergonomics: 9 Operation: 6 Lockup: 10 Affordability: 3

The Para-X was the knife that got Paragon off its feet before the introduction of the Warlock gravity knife. Paragon recently took its knives to the next level with help from Hypercut Manufacturing, and the newest version of the Para-X is hands down a masterpiece. The action is smooth and powerful, the button is responsive, and the blade locks firmly in place when deployed, ready to meet your cutting needs. Single-action OTFs are a dying breed, mostly due to requiring two hands to close, but the para-X proves they are still desirable today!

10: Best Gravity OTF: EXO-MScore: 48/60

Fit & Finish: 10 Blade Steel: 9 Ergonomics: 8 Operation: 9 Lockup: 8 Affordability:4

The Reate EXO-M is a more EDC-friendly version of the fan-favorite EXO gravity knife, featuring a pocket clip, a safety lock to prevent the blade from opening or closing unintentionally, and a slightly shorter overall length. The EXO-M is a joy to use: Sliding its blade in and out with nothing but gravity is addictive!

11: Best Spring Assisted OTF: Smith & Wesson OTFScore: 39/60

Fit & Finish: 7 Blade Steel: 4 Ergonomics: 5 Operation: 4 Lockup: 9 Affordability:10

Spring-assisted OTF knives were created as a workaround for the Federal Switchblade Act. Initially, this made them more widely legal. A nudge on the blade via a switch pushing the blade passed a detent so the spring can carry it the rest of the way open. A big perk of Smith & Wesson’s assisted OTFs is that they’re affordable and come with much of the fun you want when buying an OTF. Closing the knife gets a little complex, but its satisfying blade deployment easily offsets that.

12: Best Manual OTF: Boker Plus SlikeScore 39/60

Fit & Finish: 7 Blade Steel: 6 Ergonomics: 5 Operation: 6 Lockup: 6 Affordability:9

The Boker Slike is an extremely lightweight manual OTF knife. It has a button lock that can secure the blade while it’s all the way out or just halfway out, making it a fantastic utility cutter. It has a tough D2 steel blade, a secure pocket clip, and a wicked-sharp double-edge blade. The Slike is perfect for those wanting a low-profile utility knife with some gangster flare.

13: Best OTF for Fidgeting: GTX-025Score: 49/60

Fit & Finish: 9 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 7 Operation: 10 Lockup: 8 Affordability: 5

When I first got my hands on one of these, I knew I was holding something special. The Guardian Tactical GTX-025 has that same buttery action that the RECON-035 and the RECON-040 have, but it’s on a much smaller knife that uses a lighter spring. The result is fidget heaven. It’s hard to stop flicking the blade in and out once you start. And the best part is, it’s not just a fun OTF; it’s a premium one that will hold up for years and cut like a chainsaw. If I had to pick one knife on this list that I recommend the most, without a doubt, it would be this little guy.

14: Best Weird OTF: Heretic ROCScore: 45/60

Fit & Finish: 10 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 8 Operation: 6 Lockup: 9 Affordability: 2

Looking for a non-standard or “weird” OTF knife? Check out the Heretic Knives ROC: it’s curved! The karambit-style blade shoots in and out of the curved handle with snappy automatic action. It seems like it should be impossible, but it works like a charm! If you want a real conversation starter that doubles as a serious cutter, the Heretic ROC is here for you.

15: Best Underrated OTF: Hogue CounterstrikeScore 49/60

Fit & Finish: 8 Blade Steel: 10 Ergonomics: 10 Operation: 8 Lockup: 9 Affordability: 4

Last but not least is the Hogue Counterstrike. This hidden gem is the perfect size for EDC, has a textured handle that’s very tactilely pleasing, boasts a removable glass breaker, has a discrete pocket clip, and has fantastic lockup. It disappears into your pocket when it’s not in use but comes out with a bang when it’s time to work. When I first handled this knife, I was instantly impressed. Well done, Hogue!

Conclusion

So, you ask, is there really one overall best OTF? Maybe there is (looking at you, Ultratech), but I think the answer is more complicated than that. Different types of OTFs fill different roles. I hope that by perusing this list of the best OTF knives by category, you better understand the sort of knife that will meet your needs and scratch that OTF itch.

You may not agree with our list, but now you know the types of OTF knives out there and the features you might be looking for in your next (or first) OTF knife buy.

So…which one will it be?

Dove season sneaks up on you. One day, you’re mowing the lawn, fishing or, heaven forbid, playing golf. The next, you’re up to your ankles in smoking empties. According to an often-quoted statistic, you’ll shoot five to seven shells per dove bagged. At that rate, the hull pile gets deep in a hurry.

It doesn’t have to be that way. There’s not much you can do now about the clay targets you didn’t shoot this past summer. That will be next year’s project. But I can help in the short term. Here are 25 tips to make your dove season better.

1. Pick the Right Gun

Dove hunting is supposed to be fun, and if you enjoy shooting family heirlooms or featherlight .410s at doves, who am I to tell you not to? But if your idea of fun is hitting more doves, choose a 12- or 20-gauge with some heft and at least a 28-inch barrel. A longer, heavier gun swings smoothly, points surely and soaks up recoil. The best dove shooting I did this past year was with a 12-gauge sporting clays gun.

2. Stock Up On Shells

Ammunition is available again, and there’s no reason to run out opening day, which I have actually done. Begging shells from people in the field is just embarrassing. Field or target loads of Nos. 7½ or 8 lead or 6 or 7 steel work. Steel loads kill fine, by the way. Lighter loads, with less shot and lower velocities, kick a lot less than heavy, high-speed stuff, and you will shoot a lot in no more padding than a T-shirt. Be sure your ammo will cycle your semi-auto, but other than that, lighter is better.

3. Improve Your Chances

A more open choke, such as improved cylinder, increases your chances of hitting doves. While conducting a test of lead and steel dove loads in Texas, during which more than 1,100 doves were bagged, ballistics expert Tom Roster recorded data on chokes. Shooters using improved cylinder hit 26% of their shots. Those with modified chokes recorded a 21% hit rate. Full-choke shooters succeeded on only 16% of their attempts.

4. Clean your Gun

The only thing worse than emptying your gun at a dove without touching a feather is not being able to empty your gun. If you put your shotgun away at the end of the previous season and forgot about it, it’s time to get reacquainted. Clean it, making sure to strip off the old oil. Then lightly oil it, and wipe away most of that oil.

5. Shoot

Even shooting a box of shells before opening day is much better than not shooting at all. Concentrate on two things: keeping your eyes on the target throughout the shot, and matching your gun speed to the target’s speed. With most hunters, that means slowing way down.

(Don’t Miss: How to Build an Awesome Dove Hunting Field)

6. Bring an Extra Gun

The best emergency repair kit is an extra gun. Pack an extra of the same gauge into the field. Breaking out the spare gun is much more convenient than going back to the truck for it or trying to fix your gun, and it’s more dignified than asking other hunters if they have a gun you can borrow.

7. Scout Late

Unlike shooting practice, which should start after turkey season, dove scouting is actually best put off as long as possible. Doves react quickly as sunflowers are cut or harvest begins, and their patterns can change in a day. Birds won’t necessarily be where you saw them a week ago.

8. Watch the Wires

When you scout in the morning and late in the day, look for doves on power lines, where they gather before feeding. Here’s my rule of thumb when I’m scouting cut cornfields: If I see 10 doves sitting together, the field might be worth hunting. If there are 20, it’s definitely worth hunting. A lot more than 20 means I’m calling my friends.

9. Find Water

In addition to food, look for water, especially ponds with some bare dirt around the edges where doves might come to drink. If you find a waterhole, you can have some very good close chances during the last hour of shooting light as doves get a drink before roosting.

10. Check the Crop

Not all dove fields attract birds equally. Sunflowers might look good to us, but for some reason, doves prefer one field to another. If you show up at a dove field without scouting, you might not get much shooting.

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11. Watch the Harvest

A harvested or cut field can attract just as many doves as a managed sunflower field. Where I live, I’ve had my best hunts in cornfields that have been chopped for silage. In other places, it might be a harvested canola or sunflower field. Look for recently opened fields and doves sitting on wires on dead trees around them.

12. Look for Flight Lines

Every dove field has its hot corners where the shooting is better. Before the season starts, watch a field to see where birds are flying in and out. This past year, I found the best dove field at a nearby public area and watched it long enough to see that most doves were cutting across one of the far corners. I was there the next day and had a good shoot.

13. Look for Trees

The right bare tree on the field edge or sometimes in the field might attract doves that want to perch in the branches before flying down to feed. If you find such a tree, you’ll get easy shots at birds coming in for a landing.

14. Take Good Shots

During opening day in a good field, you’ll get lots of chances, and at first, you’ll want to take every one. Calm down. You’ll get shooting. Keep your shots within 30 yards. You’ll hit a higher percentage, use fewer shells and cripple fewer birds, and you won’t have to spend time looking for birds you knocked down and can’t find.

15. Look at the Eye

Where your eyes go, your hands take the gun. Looking at the whole bird increases the chance of a miss or hit too far back in the body. When doves are close, try to see the bird’s eye or beak, and you’ll hit it in head. If the bird is farther out, look at the head, and you’ll hit it in the front end.

(Don’t Miss: How to Plant a Killer Dove Field)

16. Own the Overheads

The overhead shot is one of the most common you’ll experience in the dove field — and they’re frequently missed. Bring your gun up behind an incoming bird, moving just fast enough to pass through it. Shoot when the gun blocks out your view of the head. If the target is high, block out the head, keep the gun moving for an instant, and then shoot. Keep your head on the gun until after the shot. Yes, overheads really are that easy.

17. Crush the Crossers

We know crossing targets require lead, yet most are missed several feet behind — not as a result of too little lead but by shooters stopping their swing. The main reason shooters stop their swing is because they look at the gun to check their lead, and looking at the gun makes it stop. Focus on the bird, and swing through it, moving just a bit faster than the target. Keep your focus on the bird’s head, and let your hands take the gun in front of it. Trust your eyes and hands, and pull the trigger.

18. Mark the Falls

Watch every dove you shoot at. Some might sail and then fall dead. Any time you hit a dove, get a good mark, and walk straight to it if you’re hunting without a retriever. Dead doves can disappear in the sparsest of cover and can be almost impossible to find if you drop them in long grass and don’t go to right to them, keeping your eye on the spot all the way. Always bring a loaded gun, as dead doves sometimes flush and fly off.

19. Skip the Doubles

Unless I’m hunting over bare ground and birds are close, I rarely try doubles. Finding both birds can be surprisingly time-consuming and can cost you shots because you’re not sitting on your bucket looking up.

20. Stop at Two

Most third shots are wasted. Unless you know you hit a bird that’s still flying, stop at two shots, and you’ll still have a third ready for that dove that comes floating past after you empty your gun at a screaming crosser.

(Don’t Miss: 10 Tips for Better Dove Hunting)

21. Hide in Plain Sight

The best way to hide from doves is to sit still in the shade. When I hunt sunflowers or cornfields, I’ll find a seat with the sun at my back and standing corn or sunflowers behind me, and I can be invisible to doves. Earth-toned clothes or the right camo help, too. Doves can see color, and although they aren’t the wariest birds, they will flare if they see you move.

22. Don’t Go Low

In crowded dove fields, don’t take low shots that might endanger dogs or other hunters in the field picking up birds. See some sky below your gun barrels before you take a shot.

23. Protect Your Ears

You will shoot a lot during a dove hunt. After my first dove hunt, during which I shot five boxes of shells, my ears rang for three days. Since then, I have always worn foam plugs for hunting, and although I’m not getting less deaf, I hear better than a lot of my friends do.

24. Protect Your Eyes

Not everyone abides by tip No. 22, and shot-proof glasses can save your eyes from an unsafe shooter. And while you’re at it, choose a lens color that will help you bag more birds. On a bright day, a bronze tint lets you see and still brings out colors on the birds. Rose works, too, and you should always choose the lightest tint possible. Dark-gray sunglasses make everything dark and harder to see and are a bad choice.

25. Don’t Hang Your Gun Up After Opening Day

There is so much more to dove hunting than Sept. 1. Keep at it. You might have to scout harder or lean on your network of friends to see who has birds and what you have to do to wrangle an invitation. Remember, too, that doves are migratory birds, and more will come. Whatever you have to do, it’s well worth it for a chance to keep hunting doves long after opening day.

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“Exploring Felon Firearm Rights: Air Rifle Ownership in Michigan”

Can a felon own an air rifle in michigan?

In Michigan, the ownership of firearms by felons is heavily regulated. While state law allows for the possession of certain types of firearms by individuals with felony convictions, it remains unclear whether this extends to air rifles. Although an air rifle may not be classified as a firearm under federal law, Michigan statutes do not specifically address whether felons can possess or own such weapons. Therefore, it is essential for individuals with felony convictions in Michigan to seek legal advice or clarification from local authorities regarding the ownership and possession of air rifles.

One potential avenue for felons to legally own an air rifle in Michigan is through obtaining a restoration of their firearm rights. This process involves applying to the court and demonstrating that they have been rehabilitated and are no longer a risk to society. If successful, felons may regain their firearm rights and potentially be allowed to possess an air rifle. However, it is important to note that this process can be complex and time-consuming, requiring the assistance of an attorney familiar with firearm laws in Michigan.

In Michigan, felons are prohibited from owning firearms, including air rifles. State law treats air rifles as firearms, subject to the same restrictions. Therefore, a felon cannot legally own an air rifle in Michigan.

Food plots require planning, design and management to be successful. Before investing time, labor and money, you should determine the goals of your food plot. If you enjoy growing things, working with the land and nature, and seeing wildlife thrive, you may generally find installing food plots rewarding. If you install food plots as a main goal to grow and harvest trophy animals, you may soon become frustrated. Food plots alone do not create large antlered, trophy sized white-tailed deer. Genetics and the age structure of bucks in a herd influence antler size more than additional food. Food plots should not be used as a substitute for natural wildlife foods. Food plots should only be a small part of a larger management plan for wildlife in your area.

Expectations for Your Food Plot

A balanced management strategy is important to create a sustainable food plot. You should begin with realistic expectations for your food plot based on your land resources and local wildlife populations. Once those expectations are determined, you can begin planning the number of plots, size of the plot, plot location, and species of plants. While many articles and books contain information about simply sizing food plots based on desired wildlife, there are additional variables that should be considered as you design a food plot for your land. Consider the following questions before installing a food plot:

1. Are deer the only species of wildlife you hope to attract?
2. What is the population of those wildlife species already in the area or per square mile?
3. Do you expect to harvest wildlife from hunting or just use the food plots to attract wildlife for viewing?
4. Do you plan to use the food plot to increase the variety of food for area wildlife, or is there already naturally occurring food or agricultural crops available on your property and surrounding areas?
5. Do you need additional equipment to prepare, install and maintain the food plot you plan to establish?
6. How long do you expect to maintain the plot(s)?
7. How much of a time commitment are you willing to make for future years to keep the plot(s) functional?
8. How much money are you willing to spend now and in the future to keep the plot(s) productive?
9. Would your food plots become a conflict if your neighbors are trying to eradicate the wildlife you are trying to attract?

Answering these questions will determine the feasibility of attracting the desired wildlife in your area and your ability to invest time, money and effort in creating and managing the food plot. To help you with this process, this fact sheet is the first of three that serves as a guide for creating food plots for wildlife. This fact sheet covers the design, layout and habitat requirements of deer. The second fact sheet focuses on the planting of the food plot, including what and when to plant along with the equipment needed to plant and care for your food plot. The third fact sheet identifies management strategies to care for the food plot for sustainability and environmental health. This first fact sheet will cover basic considerations for designing your food plot.

Food plot with purple top turnips. Photo by Clif Little, Ohio State University Extension.

Food Plot Size

Food plot size is dependent on the population of deer and the size of your property. For example, creating a food plot for white-tailed deer where heavy populations currently exist, you may need large, numerous plots to prevent over use, especially if few agricultural crops are nearby. In this situation, plots ranging from 2 to 5 acres or more are recommended to handle heavy pressure and minimize excessive injury to plants in the food plot(s).

To help identify areas with heavy pressure and to monitor use, you can create a deer exclosure. A deer exclosure is a small, fenced plot made of wire or plastic materials that prevents deer access to the protected plants. You can monitor the level of browsing, and tell which plants are preferred. For example, if plants such as clover are constantly over-browsed, they will die out in the plot but be present in the exclusion cage, providing a comparison to what would be growing if plants were not over-browsed. If consistent high levels of browsing occur, additional plots or acres would need to be installed so the plant species you want to grow can be maintained in the food plot.

In less densely-populated wildlife areas, or where agricultural crops are plentiful, plots less than 2 acres may provide enough forage to meet your food plot goals. For hunting situations, ¼- to ½-acre plots may be ideal, but choosing or creating areas where enough sunlight reaches the plants is critical. If your food plot is expected to provide feed and/or cover in the late winter months, then the plot should be a minimum of 1 acre and, for this purpose, “bigger is better.”

How many food plots or what total acreage should you install? The level of management and desired impact you plan to achieve determines this. If you intend to “intensely” managing the area for high quality and quantity of forage, installing food plots on 1 to 1 ½ percent of your property can provide positive impact for deer in a given area. This would be 7 to 10 acres of food plots per square mile (or per 640 acres). With a more “average or normal” management approach, a minimum of 5 percent of the property should be dedicated to have noticeable impact for white-tailed deer. To provide optimum nutrition and benefit, food plots should be evenly distributed across the entire property. A variety of crops may be necessary to provide high quality food year-round.

If you have 50 to 100 acres and want to draw, attract or hunt deer on your property, where do you start? First, determine the quantity, quality, type and location of food sources near your land. Then, you can identify supplemental food sources for your food plot to make a significant difference for the wildlife. For example, energy in the diet of white-tailed deer is critical during late fall and winter. So, corn or grain sorghum, which are high-energy forages, could provide much needed energy during that time of the year. This would especially be true in years of poor acorn production. (See the nutritional considerations section for more information on food sources.)

Roadway seeded with annual rye and oats. Photo by Clif Little, Ohio State University Extension.

Food Plot Shape

The shape and layout of the food plot also needs to be considered in your goals. Making an opening in a woodland or installing a food plot in an existing opening can change the ecosystem around the perimeter of the opening. This abrupt change on the perimeter, where one habitat type stops and another begins, is called an edge.

Increasing habitat edges can promote usage of the area by deer and other wildlife. The amount of edge created by a long narrow plot is much greater than a square plot with equal acreage. Also, wavy, uneven edges provide extra length and a more natural look than straight line edges. The distance from cover to the edge may be of concern for small species of wildlife. If the distance is too far, the smaller species may avoid the area because of possible exposure to predators. To help reduce this concern, placing food plots near plentiful cover is beneficial. Many larger game species of wildlife prefer to move along and inhabit woodland edges; however, these woodland edges may increase predation of small animals and cause relocation of some bird species. To prevent this, planting shrubs, vines and other low story vegetation adjacent to the plot creates a soft edge along the perimeter to encourage wildlife movement through those areas.

Also, consider your usage of the area when designing your food plot. If the food plot is designed for hunting purposes, archers may find smaller narrow plots more suitable to reduce shot distances. The width of plots may be less important to firearm hunters.

Some logging roads are great places for food plots if there is direct sun for at least four to six hours each day to provide adequate sunlight for plant growth. You may need to cut back the majority of the tall trees approximately 50 feet from the road, at least on one side of the road, to create adequate light. Placing the tops of these trees near game trails that cross the road may enhance the crossing spot, by providing additional cover. For smaller wildlife species, such as rabbits or game birds, placing food plots near wintertime escape cover is important.

Logging roads that run east/west are ideal for seeding because of increased sunlight. Photo by Mark Landefeld, Ohio State University Extension. This picture shows habitat successional stage 4, a young woodland. Photo by Mark Landefeld, Ohio State University Extension.

Providing Cover

If the goal in managing your property is to attract and keep certain wildlife species on your land, providing the right habitat is critical. All wildlife need food, water and ample cover to thrive. You will be most successful by determining the most limiting, or prominent need, for a selected wildlife species, and then providing it. The first step is to determine the stage of habitat available on your property. The stage of habitat identifies food and cover resources available to wildlife.

The successional stages of habitat are categorized by numbers one through five, and will change over a period of time, if left unattended:

• Stage 1 – Bare ground: will become vegetated and turn into a grass or weedy field
• Stage 2 – Weedy fields or a tall grass field: provides insects, seeds for food, forage, cover, and will become brushy with time if left uncut
• Stage 3 – The brushy stage: low growing shrubs or bushes that provide woody browse, a variety of berries, more seeds and trees start to grow
• Stage 4 – Young woodland: has relatively dense number of trees providing cover and food for many wildlife species
• Stage 5 – Mature woodland: larger trees with an open understory, provide a variety of nut trees, soft mast and cavity trees for nesting

Once you have determined the stages of habitat on your property, you can evaluate the available habitat resources and plan for those that are limited. Sometimes, enhancing cover and natural food sources (food plots can also be considered habitat) can make more difference in attracting wildlife than installing food plots alone. Single, small food plots have little impact on the overall food supply for wildlife, but creating thick, dense cover of brushy low growing shrubs or bushes, for example, may draw and keep white-tailed deer in a desired location. Wildlife biologists differ on amounts of “sanctuary,” or dense cover, areas for deer, but a minimum of 25 percent of your property area is usually recommended.

Management will help create wildlife habitat. Photo by Clif Little, Ohio State University Extension.

An example of thick, dense cover for deer is 3 to 5 acre blocks of dense vegetation consisting of bushes, trees, briars and other woody vegetation that limits visibility beyond 50-60 yards. These areas, where little to zero human activity occurs, will create a secure bedding area and attract white-tailed deer. Providing quality cover like this should be a top priority if nothing like this currently exists on your property. Again, more is better regarding available space, so establishing multiple dense-cover, or sanctuary, areas is preferred.

If hunting is planned, strategically position food plots in relation to bedding areas to maximize success. Prevailing wind direction should be taken into account so the wind is not blowing from the hunter’s position directly to the bedding area. Normally, cross wind arrangements provide greater advantage for the hunter.

Hedgerows also provide important cover and food resources for many species of wildlife. A hedgerow is typically a line of closely-spaced trees, shrubs, vines and herbaceous plants that provide both food and cover. These structures often form along old fence rows, but may also be constructed where needed. Hedgerows serve as great wind breaks for wildlife in open areas and provide cover for small animals. Hedgerows also serve as travel corridors providing concealed travel areas for wildlife.

Encouraging Natural Foods

Increasing natural food production may be the most overlooked part of many landowners’ management plans. Raspberries, blackberries, apples, crabapples, nuts of all kinds, persimmons, elderberries, sumac, grapevines, dogwood, viburnum, and many other natural foods can provide enormous amounts of nutrition for wildlife if you manage them properly. Many of the above listed trees and shrubs can also be planted or encouraged in hedgerows and soft edges.

American crabapple producing fruit. Photo by Clif Little, Ohio State University Extension.

Within woodlands, a technique called Crop Tree Release can be used to enhance natural food sources for wildlife. A crop tree is one that a landowner wants to favor, or enhance, through the removal of less desirable trees around it. For example, an oak tree’s acorn production will increase as the tree’s crown size increases. To stimulate tree crown growth, a landowner can provide additional sunlight by cutting down, topping or girdling competitors that are overshadowing and reducing sunlight to the crop tree. Releasing crop trees to promote increased growth and food production should be part of a manager’s food enhancement plan.

For more information on crop tree release, see OSU fact sheet “Enhancing Food (Mast) Production for Woodland Wildlife in Ohio.” For this fact sheet, and others on woodland and wildlife management, visit the Ohio Woodland Stewards website at woodlandstewards.osu.edu.

Nutritional Considerations

Each species of wildlife requires a specific quantity and quality of nutrition to thrive in their environment. White-tailed deer, for example, will consume a mixture of grain, forbs (flowering plants), woody browse (leaves and twigs), fungi, grasses, and legumes in various quantities during different seasons of the year. This is necessary for quality antler production, maximum fawn conception, and winter survival. Because wildlife has such a diverse set of food requirements, providing something different, such as mast crops (acorns and other nuts), apples, fruits, berries or other foodstuff not available in your area, may be the best attractant. Remember, too, the length of growing season for each crop can vary greatly, so choose carefully to make crops available for wildlife consumption if you want them producing at a specific time of the season.

Many wildlife biologists classify wildlife food into one of three food categories: primary, secondary, and starvation or filler. To be the most beneficial for wildlife, food plots should consist of primary food species such as clovers and other legumes, large or small grains or brassicas, etc.

• Primary foods are consumed by the animal when unlimited supplies of many food varieties exist.
• Secondary foods are eaten by the animal when preferred primary foods do not exist, but staple items are instead available and regularly consumed.
• Starvation/filler foods are eaten by the animal to keep from starving to death when primary and secondary foods do not exist in adequate quantities.

On average, white-tailed deer consume food at a rate of 3 to 4 percent of their body weight each day, on a dry matter basis, which means measuring weight of food eaten without the water content. This amounts to more than 2000-3000 pounds of dry matter per year. To give you an idea of this quantity, an average acre of alfalfa in Ohio produce 6000-8000 pounds of hay during the growing season. The age of each deer and the season of the year also dictate the amount of food consumed. While supplying high quality forage year-round is needed to maximize growth potential of bucks and does, peak forage consumption occurs at different times during the year. Bucks tend to increase food consumption during antler development, while a doe consumes more feed during lactation. More information about this may be found by searching online for the Purdue University publication FNR-194 about food plots for white-tailed deer.

For an adult deer to simply maintain body condition, a diet of foods containing 6 to 10 percent protein is required. However, for yearling growth and mature buck antler development, the minimum average should be16 percent protein. Adult female deer require a diet of 11 to 15 percent protein during late gestation, but her requirement for optimum milk production may increase to 22 to 24 percent. Fawns, after weaning, require 16 to 22 percent protein for maximum growth. Plants to include in food plots will be included in the second fact sheet in this series.

While you often hear about protein content various plants can provide in food plots, high quantities of carbohydrates are also required in the deer diet. Individual requirements vary seasonally and by the animal’s life stage. Energy is needed to regulate body temperature, to promote growth activity, reproduction and body maintenance. While it is difficult to establish specific energy minimum requirements, mature does and adult bucks require about 25 kilocalories of digestible energy per day for each pound of body weight. This requirement can be higher at specific times, such as peak lactation for the doe or after the breeding season for bucks that have lost a lot of weight. To promote breeding success, does and bucks instinctively feed heavily on food with high carbohydrate levels before rutting activities begin to purposely build up fat reserves, a process called lipogenesis. Items such as acorns, corn and other grain crops provide high levels of carbohydrates that provide energy.

Palatability of the food source(s) should also be considered when trying to provide nutrition for wildlife. Plants may be very high in protein, but if they do not taste good they may be consumed only as a last resort. Also, forage quality generally deteriorates as plants mature during their growing season so manipulation by clipping or bush-hogging grass and legume plants in a food plot at the proper time, before the plant completely matures, helps maintain vegetative, high quality, high protein foods for wildlife consumption.

The next two fact sheets in this series will focus specifically on what and when to plant in the food plot, as well as the equipment needed to plant and care for your food plot. The third fact sheet identifies management strategies to care for the food plot for sustainability and environmental health.