Conventional wisdom holds that many gobblers are alone and seeking hens late in the season, and that’s true many days — but not always. Image by Russell Graves

Pity the poor late-season turkey hunter, as he often doesn’t know who to believe.

On one hand, barstool wisdom holds that most seasons starts too late and birds are done gobbling by the late season, so it doesn’t pay to hunt. Conversely, every outdoor writer with a degree in cliché-ology maintains that the late season is truly prime time — a period when sharp-spurred gobblers that have been henned-up most of spring are suddenly lonely and will run to the call.

Many folks wonder who’s right. And that question seems to ring louder nowadays, especially as many states are opening seasons later and running them through weeks previously reserved for fishing. So what should hunters who have traditionally quit before Mother’s Day expect from the extreme late season? After a few decades of hunting through May and even into June, I’ve learned that the late turkey season can be a glorious mosh-up of heart-pounding action and confounding questions. Here’s what you need to know.

The Stories Are True — Sometimes

Biology and anecdotal evidence suggest that many hens are incubating nests late in the season, leaving gobblers alone, on the prowl, and susceptible to calling. And in fact, I’ve witnessed some incredible late-May, strike-’em-up, run-to-the-call hunts. The largest-spurred gobbler I’ve ever taken sprinted in like a 2-year-old one late-May morning.

But that doesn’t mean such scenarios are the daily norm. Consider these examples: On May 29, 2017 — the next-to-last day of Wisconsin’s spring season — I sat in ambush along a brushy fence line and watched a gobbler breed a hen soon after fly-down and then follow about 10 girls as they fed just out of range in a stubble field. After two hours, I finally managed to irritate a nearby hen, which then attracted the flock into range, and I shot the longbeard.

On May 29, 2018 — the final day of that campaign — I struck a gobbler across a town road, probably 500 yards distant. After my next calling series, it became obvious the bird was coming, and I barely had time to find a tree and ready my gun before the longbeard half-sprinted into range. Which turkey is typical of the extreme late season? Both.

True, many hens are on nests during the late season. However, many other hens have lost nests to predation, and non-breeding jennies also dot the landscape, leaving ample single ladies for gobblers to chase. I’ve found that it’s just as common to encounter henned-up late-season birds as it is to find solo longbeards.

Also, expect some moodiness with late-season gobblers. I’ve experienced mornings when, despite seemingly ideal conditions, nothing gobbled anywhere. Songbirds and waterfowl sounded off in typical fashion, but turkeys remained so tight-lipped it was as though they’d vanished. I don’t know why. Then again, I cannot explain why turkeys tear it up one day during the gobbling peak but then gobble perhaps half as much the next day. It’s just a turkey thing.

Those quiet mornings don’t spell doom. Turkeys haven’t gone anywhere, and you can often fire up previously silent hens and gobblers later in the morning.

(DON’T MISS: 3 GREAT TURKEY CALLING SETUPS)

Don’t Buy the BS

As mentioned, some amateur biologists often claim that turkeys are “gobbled out” or done breeding when the late season rolls around. As evidence, they’ll mention seeing gobblers strutting during late winter.

Hogwash. Sure, many hens have been bred and are sitting on nests or building clutches when the late season rolls around. But gobblers don’t simply turn off their testosterone taps. Their breeding urge might wane a bit, but most remain eager and willing to tend to hens well into the late season and often after the campaign closes. A friend in Minnesota often runs during early mornings and keeps track of gobbling activity. The best gobbling day he’s witnessed? June 17.

During the late season, you might experience some days when gobblers act like they want to drift back into summer bachelor groups. They seem more interested in gobbling at each other and hooking up than in chasing hens. However, that’s a small sample size, and it usually changes daily. When that happens, don’t assume those gobblers are done with hens. They’re just not interested at the time — just like a longbeard you encounter at midseason might appear disinterested for whatever reason. (On another note, if gobblers act like they prefer a boys’ club, give them one with jake and gobbler yelping, and maybe jake gobbling and gobbling.)

Many other late-season detractors point to harvest statistics — in states that keep such records — which typically show steadily declining success as the season progresses. That makes sense. As more gobblers — and likely, relatively easy or eager gobblers — are killed, hunting prospects become more difficult statistically. In addition, any hunter knows that many surviving birds have probably been bumped, boogered and spooked, making them tougher customers. Further, hunter effort typically declines as the season wanes. Many folks kill a turkey early and are then happy to start fishing or playing golf. Those numbers don’t lie, but they shouldn’t dissuade you from hunting. You might encounter more birds earlier in the season. However, your odds of encountering the right turkey are often better than ever.

Some other folks eschew the late season because they don’t see as many big groups of turkeys or find them at spots they frequented through most of spring. That’s often true, but it doesn’t affect much. Remember, during late spring, turkeys are the most dispersed they’ll be during the year. Those hen and gobbler flocks you saw in late winter have long since busted up, with hens making nests in secluded spots with thick cover, and gobblers often running solo or with a buddy. Likewise, food sources have sprung up everywhere, and turkeys can find good eats at many spots, not just pastures, crop fields or oak flats. During that time, turkeys, as the cliché holds, are where you find them.

Thick late-season foliage can help but also hinder your efforts. It provides cover to hide your movement but can make shooting more difficult. Image by Bill Konway

Mind the Weather and Foliage

No one can argue that late season conditions differ greatly from those weeks earlier. Temperatures are typically warm — even hot — and the foliage has grown tall and thick. Those factors greatly affect hunting.

Watch the weather, and hunt accordingly. Heat shuts down gobbling as quick as any other factor. When temperatures reach a specific level — often about 70 in the North but warmer elsewhere — those big black birds with heavy plumage get hot and won’t expend much energy gobbling. As a result, you’ll want to make the most of opportunities during relatively cooler conditions during early mornings and evenings.

During warm, sunny midday lulls, turkeys often seek cool, shady areas to loaf. Out West, those might include cedar groves or pine-rimmed canyons. In the Midwest and Northeast, they could be shaded creek bottoms or heavily timbered hollows. Focus on these spots at midday. Sit and call at likely spots for an hour or more. If you can’t sit still, use a turkey chair to boost comfort or a blind to hide your fidgeting. Many folks dislike this style of hunting, but it’s darned effective. And remember, if you hear a distant bird gobble, you can always move.

Foliage can also throw you changeups, good and bad. On one hand, cover provided by understory plants and leafed-out trees lets you move through the woods easier without being seen. In many cases, you can slither tight to turkeys you wouldn’t dare have approached in the open woods of March and April. Further, thick stuff such as gooseberry creates edges turkeys must navigate, much like terrain rises and bends in logging roads. When you set up within gun range of those obstacles and make a turkey search for your calling, you can often shoot him the instant he pops into view and cranes his neck to look for the “hen.”

On the down side, foliage can make shooting more difficult. Find setups where you have clear, distinct lanes that allow sure shots. You’ll often have to shoot through a bit of brush or similar cover, but don’t force the issue, as even a few branches or leaves can blow up your pattern.

Likewise, thick foliage can also affect your perception of a turkey’s location, as gobbling will sound a bit muted and muffled amid all that greenery. Just be mindful about when you need to sit down and set up. One step too far is all it takes to send a gobbler out of your life.

Some folks wonder about late-season decoys and calling tactics. I’ve found that decoy basics still apply, but don’t be afraid to pare things down a bit. Single hens work great, especially if you’re near potential nesting cover. Likewise, single jakes work great, too, with the theory being that the gobbler searches for the hen it hears but then encounters a jake. The largest late-season decoy setup I use is a jake and hen combo.

Calling? Don’t change a thing. You must yelp a bit differently to every turkey you work, and the late season is no different. Take his temperature. See what makes him gobble and, more important, come toward you. Get aggressive if he likes it, but pare things down as needed. Basically, work that late-season turkey like you would any other gobbler.

Keep Perspective

The extreme late season carries challenges, but it’s a great time to hunt. Bottom line: During the extreme late season, your odds of finding a lonely gobbler willing to work to calling are likely never better.

And hey, it’s your last chance to hunt turkeys until autumn. That alone should prompt you to get out of bed and greet the dawn.

(DON’T MISS: IS A HUNTING TRIP FOR 1 TURKEY WORTH IT?)

There are many reasons a kid might get a fire under their butt about archery. Maybe they watched Hawkeye, Brave, or one of the Hunger Games movies and want to give it a try. Maybe they watched some of the archery competitions from the 2020 Olympic Games last year or they have a friend who is already into archery inspiring them. Were they super into that bow and arrow toy they got for their birthday one year with the suction-cup arrows? That’s a good sign. Getting a bow and arrow for kids could result in a great hobby, an avid competitor, or even a great bowhunter.

However it got there, I highly suggest supporting your kid’s interest in archery. Like football or dance, excelling in archery requires practice, discipline, persistence, decision-making, attention to detail, and other qualities that are ultimately useful in everyday life. And it’s a heck of a lot of fun.

Shopping for a youth compound bow can seem daunting if you have little to no experience with archery. Even an experienced bowhunter might not know exactly where to start. A thousand questions probably loom, but don’t sweat it! Let’s unravel the intricacies of buying a bow and arrow set for your world-class archers-to-be into understandable terms.

Determining Dexterity

Before you shop for a youth bow, you must determine your child’s dexterity. It doesn’t matter what hand they use to write or hold a fork; it’s all about eye dominance. Don’t worry. This won’t require an expensive eye doctor appointment. All you have to do is:

• Have your child touch the tip of their index finger and thumb together to create a circle.
• Tell them to fix their gaze on a round object, like a clock or doorknob, that is at least several feet away.
• With both eyes wide open, tell them to extend their arm and center the object inside the circle they created with their hand.
• Now, tell them to close their left eye.

If the object remains centered in the circle, they are right-eye dominant and need a right-handed bow. If the object moves out of the circle when they close their left eye, it means they’re left-eye dominant and need a left-handed bow. But you’re not ready to shop just yet.

RELATED – Chris Bee Q&A: How Archery Competition Improves Bowhunting Accuracy

Will a Used or Hand-Me-Down Bow Work?

Naturally, when a new childhood interest arises, parents on a budget often seek ways for the youngins to explore that interest without breaking the bank. In this case, that means looking for a used bow or accepting a hand-me-down from a friend or relative. In some cases, this can work just fine.

First, you need to measure your child’s draw length and determine what draw weight they can comfortably pull. A cheap, used bow or even a nice hand-me-down can often not be adjusted to fit your child’s needs. Don’t let “free” or “cheap” overpower good judgment. But if a used bow can be tuned correctly, then go for it. If you’re thinking about buying a used bow from a stranger, we’ll get to that in a bit.

Determining Draw Length and Weight

You can get a good estimate of draw length at home, and here’s how to do it. But it’s best to visit a local archery pro shop to get accurate measurements taken. Sounds expensive, right? Usually, it’s not. Lots of shops won’t charge anything to measure a kid’s draw length or let them test fire a few bows to figure out their ideal draw weight. If you’re going to be shopping at a larger big-box store, be warned, they won’t have an expert on staff. It’s best to start at a pro shop.

You absolutely must have the draw length and weight for your kid’s bow dialed in out of the gate. It’s critical. Get either wrong, and archery will become nothing more than a frustration for them.

You might also be wondering if buying a bow is worth the expenditure for a continually growing child. Fortunately, some bows are designed especially for youth archers with a wide range of draw-length and draw-weight adjustability that will last them into adulthood.

RELATED – Get in Bow Shape: A 21-Day Archery Lesson Plan

So What’s the Best Bow and Arrow for Kids?

These bows are all quite affordable, especially because some will adjust to keep pace with your child’s growth spurts. Plus, that adjustability makes them easy to sell on Facebook Marketplace or eBay if your kid just doesn’t dig archery or moves on to a new bow.

PSE, Bear, Quest, Mission, and Diamond offer highly adjustable bows. None is identifiable as “the best” because that comes down to individual preference regarding fit and feel, and each bow manufacturer designs things differently. The most important attribute to consider is the bow’s grip; it must fit your child’s hand in a natural, comfortable way.

The Bear Cruzer G2 is a solid choice. Its draw weight can be adjusted from 5 to 70 pounds and it sports 12 to 30 inches of draw length. It can be set up to fit a 4-year-old girl as well as an adult man who is over 6 feet tall.

The Bear Legit is another good option with a slightly heavier overall draw weight, but it’s still adjustable from 14 to 30 inches and 10 to 70 pounds. It’s great for teenagers interested in both archery and bowhunting. Both models come with accessory packages, not including arrows.

The PSE Uprising offers similar adjustability, as does the Mission Hammr.

All of these bows offer exceptional value, but each has its own distinct fit and feel. Again, when comparing bows from top manufacturers, fit and feel make one bow “the best” for any shooter. It might also be a good idea to choose a set that includes an arm guard. If a kid gets a forearm burn from the bowstring early on, they could develop a flinch. An arm guard can let them shoot with confidence until they get their grip and stance just right.

RELATED – World Record Bulls: The Top 5 Typical Archery Elk

Should You Buy a Used Bow and Arrow for Kids?

You can likely find some of the bows mentioned above for sale in used condition online well below MSRP. But, before you buy used, consider the bow’s condition and lack of warranty.

Bow warranties are only valid to the original owner. If a limb splinters after you buy a used bow, the manufacturer probably won’t replace it for free. Also, bowstrings (usually not covered under warranty, even for the original owner) may have incurred wear from use and you might face the reality of buying a new bowstring-and-cable set for the used bow right away.

Lastly, don’t assume that when a used bow arrives on your doorstep that your kid can unbox it and commence shooting. Most likely, it will need to be adjusted to their specs and tuned, which will require a trip to the local archery shop. Shops usually charge by the hour for this kind of work. You might save money initially, but it could cost nearly as much or more than a new bow by the time your kid is ready to hit the archery range.

In contrast, most archery shops include setup and tuning at no additional fee with a new-bow purchase. Plus, you get the warranty, and the bow will have a fresh bowstring-and-cable set, which should last up to two years with proper care, depending on use.

RELATED – The 8 Best Archery Pro Shops From Every Region of the United States

What About Arrows?

Arrows aren’t one-size-fits-all. Arrow shafts are designed with stronger spines (stiffness) for more powerful bows and weaker spines for less powerful bows. Gold Tip, Easton, and Victory are top arrow manufacturers that offer great youth arrows.

Gold Tip Lightning arrows have been a top choice for probably two decades now and would make a great arrow set for kids. It’s a carbon-fiber arrow that’s durable and affordable. Gold Tip has additional options if your kid is interested in bowhunting.

Easton has both aluminum and carbon arrows for young archers. Understand that aluminum shafts can bend under pressure. That means the more kids use them and pull them from targets, the more likely they’ll bend, and then they won’t fly true. But, if you’re confident that your young archer will handle them carefully, consider the XX75 Neos for recreational shooting with lightweight bows. The INSPIRÉ makes for a good carbon arrow choice. Easton has bigger and better options for bowhunting arrows.

You also can’t go wrong with Victory. The Ares, Venus, GenX, and V-Force Jr. are all carbon-fiber arrows designed for youth chasing different pursuits, from recreation to competition.

Arrows will perform best when cut to length based on the bow setup. Save yourself some trouble and buy your kid’s arrows through a pro shop that will measure and cut them to the proper length for you.

Hopefully, most of your youth archery shopping questions have been answered. Should you have more, your local archery dealer should be happy to address them so you can get the little ones slinging arrows soon.

READ NEXT – Bowhunting Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Archery Hunt This Year

For centuries hunting blinds have been used to hide the presence of hunters, enabling them to virtually melt into their surroundings and go unnoticed by passing animals. Be it piling sticks, logs, and rocks together or using a modern-day pop-up blind, these things work. And we can assure you, they aren’t stopping anytime soon.

We’ve been lucky enough to sit in our fair share of blinds and have taken away a few key ingredients in what makes a good blind. Without question, it needs to be easy to set up and durable, with adequate shooting windows and enough room for you and your gear. Lastly, it needs to have a quiet operation. We don’t want to alert an animal with the violent rip of separating Velcro.

If you still want to learn more about picking out the right hunting blind for you, as well as some setup/blind hunting tips, be sure to check out our Buyer’s Guide, FAQ, and comparison chart. Otherwise, you can scroll through or jump to whatever category matches your needs.

The Best Hunting Blinds of 2024

• Best Overall Hunting Blind: Primos Double Bull Surroundview Double Wide Ground Blind
• Best Budget Hunting Blind: Ameristep Doghouse
• Best Minimalist Hunting Blind: Camo Unlimited Quick Set Ground Blind
• Best Layout Hunting Blind: First Lite Tanglefree Dead Zone Blind
• Most Luxurious Hunting Blind: Redneck Blinds The Buck Palace Platinum 360° 6X6 Blind
• Most Innovative Hunting Blind: Ameristep Delux Tent Chair Blind

Hunting Blinds Comparison Chart

Why You Should Trust Us

What was once a casual once-a-year pursuit has now turned into a lifestyle for me. Hunting is something I think about every day, and in light of getting better, critical thinking is at a high. In other words, if something on a hunting blind doesn’t work in my favor, it gets canned.

Through inclement weather, being hauled through the woods, and spending countless hours in them, hunting blinds are a tool I’ve used at full tilt. Be it alone or with a partner, I appreciate the advantages of these blinds, but always remember the disadvantages of certain designs.

When testing a hunting blind, I’m paying attention to setup time, durability, and if it’s both practical and functional. It can’t just work. It needs to work in my favor. Failure points need to be brought to light as they can mean the difference in the stars aligning or not aligning when an animal is in front of me.

Along with my personal experience, I also took into consideration the experience and opinions of seasoned hunters alike and respected hunters around me. With that, I paid attention to the top-selling blinds on the market and a variety of price points.

The hunting blinds listed above will fit the needs of a wide variety of hunters. If you’re reading this, and need a blind, there is something for you within it.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Hunting Blind

A Few Good Practices for Hunting in a Blind

Hunting in a blind isn’t just about setting it up anywhere, sitting, and shooting a deer. It’s more than that. Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning to hunt from a blind.

Brush It In

Blinds are no doubt in the business of making us disappear to passing by critters. They do a fantastic job of making movements and blending into our surroundings. However, the fact of the matter is, animals are smart. They can spot something out of sight, even if it looks natural. For instance, I’m sure you’re very familiar with the furniture in your house. But, if someone came in and put the coffee table in the bathroom, you’d notice.

With that in mind, while our blinds are helping us disappear, it’s a good practice to try and make our blinds disappear too. This is known as “brushing it in.” Basically, it’s when you place your blind where you’d like to be hunting and either cover or tie the native vegetation to it to help it blend in even more. Not only will this help break up the overall outline of the blind, but it will add natural scents and give the blind more of a 3D look. Some blinds have preattached tie-downs for this very purpose.

Make Sure You’re Comfortable

To hunt in a blind is to ambush hunt. And to ambush hunt is to sit in one place for sometimes what are 13-14-hour days dark to dark. So, we need to make sure that we are comfortable for the long haul.

Make sure you’ve got a comfortable chair. This is a big one for me. I’ve spent a lot of time sitting in minimalist chairs inside blinds, and I promise you it isn’t worth it. Get something that is going to provide back support, and that won’t make your legs fall asleep. On that note, a chair that isn’t noisy is also a plus. Remember, hunting. If you’re worried about weight, check out some of the ultralight backpacking chairs on the market. They pack down small, are lightweight, and you can sit in them all day long.

Another branch of staying comfortable is food. Staying all day in a blind is tiring, and the less movement in and out of the blind, the better. So, pack a full day of food in there with you, along with enough water. These are a few things that will drive folks to leave. No need to go grab a sandwich if it’s already in your pack.

Lastly, we’ve established that ambush hunting involves a whole lot of not moving around. A byproduct of that is you’re way more likely to get cold. Because of this, you’re dang sure gonna want to have warm clothes with you to ensure you can last in the blind. Not only that but if you’re bowhunting, you want to be able to physically pull your bow back. I’ve been in the situation of being so cold I couldn’t draw my bow. That’s my bad and easily remedied with forethought.

Test Shooting/Aiming Beforehand

Perhaps the number one thing folks fail to do when purchasing or about to hunt out of a blind is making sure they can actually shoot out of it, particularly with a bow. For a gun, it’s pretty straightforward. A bow is different. Some bows are longer than others, requiring more headspace. Some people have longer draw lengths than others requiring more internal space. And some folks run longer stabilizers which are great at getting caught on the windows of a blind.

At the very least, if you’re at the store, see if you can get inside the blind and mock draw inside to get a feel. In the field, make sure to draw your bow back and turn your body from one side to the other, ensuring you’ve got clearance. With a gun, ensure your shooting rest is set and ready to go at the proper height. Practice aiming at various things in front of you to try and cover all of the angles you might need.

FAQ

From destroying your lawn with brown urine spots to gnawing your plants down to the root, rabbits can be too big a burden to behold. Perhaps you think the best recourse for you would be to eat them. But the big question remains, are backyard rabbits safe to eat?

Backyard rabbits are edible and safe to eat, whether they are tamed or found wandering in your yard. As long as the rabbit meat is cooked thoroughly to 160-degree Fahrenheit internal temperature to remove any toxins, they are safe to eat.

The best rabbits for meat are Silver Fox, French Angora, and American Chinchilla.

Undoubtedly, your backyard rabbit’s main concern would be to eat without getting noticed or eaten. However, that does not mean that it is not safe for you, and neither should it mean you are free to dive in. Here are a few things you will have to keep in mind about eating backyard rabbits.

Eating Backyard Rabbits

If you were to imagine the sumptuous, fine eating of this cottontail, you might not want to resist.

First, rabbit meat is edible, whether your bunny is from the wild or tamed. But before you do that, it will be best to inspect whether the bunny is healthy or not.

One of the biggest concerns is the contraction of a disease called Tularemia, which can be passed to you upon touching the affected tissue or blood. Once you see any signs of this condition, avoid the rabbit. This condition is relatively predominant during cold seasons.

Usually, it would help if you wore latex gloves while gutting the rabbit. This move ensures that you do not expose yourself to any affected tissue or blood. Further, pay attention to the liver. If there are any white lesions on it, do not proceed to eat the rabbit.

Notably, there are times that you might misread the signs. In this case, ensure that you only eat rabbit meat that has been thoroughly cooked. The internal cooking temperature should be at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, your rabbit meat is safe.

Which Backyard Rabbits Are Safe

There is no denying that sometimes you will want to raise backyard rabbits for meat. If this is the case for you, ensure that you go for the best breeds.

Usually, the best rabbits for meat would be Silver Fox, French Angora, and American Chinchilla. Besides, if you were to consider eating rabbit meat, these options should top your priorities.

• Silver Fox: Whether you want to meat, fur, or pets, this breed will be the ultimate choice for you to raise. That they have large litters is no secret. Besides being beautiful, these rabbits assure you of not only safe but also tender meat. As long as they are healthy, there will be no reason for you to worry.

• American Chinchilla: This breed has become relatively prevalent among people who do not put attention to the fur produced. Usually, they assure you of more than enough meat, thanks to their incredibly muscular bodies. Their sweet meat will, undoubtedly, get you smitten.

• French Angora: While this breed is specifically for meat, its rabbits hardly come with enough meat. As if that is not enough, their fur is vulnerable to matting. That means you will need to keep brushing it from time to time. You will also need to be on the lookout for chances of getting attacked by the rabbit fever.

Here are the two incredible options from the wild.

• Cottontail Rabbits (both mountain and desert): While they come with a relatively small stature, these rabbits have proven to be excellent delicacies. Their tasty and high-quality meat will readily get you smitten. In most cases, you can hunt them from the late evening into the night, thanks to their nocturnal nature.

• Eastern Cottontail Rabbit: There is no denying that this is the most hunted rabbit in the US, thanks to the delicacy it provides. The cotton ball tail and the reddish-brown coat are some of the features that make this beauty distinctive. Usually, it would be best for you to hunt them at night, as they are nocturnal.

If the rabbits come into your yard during a time that you aren’t home or aren’t able to catch them, check out this cheap, effective, spring loaded trap on Amazon to setup in your backyard to easily catch and prevent them from running away.

Last update on 2024-11-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How To Tell If A Rabbit Is Safe To Eat

In most cases, wild rabbits come with warbles and parasites. While warbles might not pose any risk to human beings, pests and parasites could be a significant problem in the long run. For this reason, you need to be wary of rabbits that have fleas and ticks.

Besides that, you will have to check whether the rabbit has Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever. This condition could be fatal to both human beings and pets, and immediate medical attention will always suffice.

You can only check if the rabbit has this condition when eviscerating it. During this time, you will have to confirm whether there are any pin-sized lesions on the liver. The presence of these lesions shows that the rabbit is not healthy for you.

Dangers Of Eating Rabbit Meat

From how delicious rabbit meat tends to be, to how available they are, you will hardly want to resist eating them. However, there will always be a few dangers for you to keep in mind.

Unless you pay attention to these issues, you could end up unhealthy in the long run. Here are the two main dangers of eating this meat.

• Tularemia: You can hardly ignore the impact that this condition could have on your health. In most cases, you will contract this illness when skinning the rabbit, as it is passed upon contact with affected tissues and blood. This condition will expose you to fever, chills, and body aches. Fortunately, antibiotics will be enough to treat this condition altogether.

• De-Populating Wild Rabbits: While the rabbit population is relatively high, too much hunting could result in some species’ decline. For this reason, it would be best for you to be cautious about when and how to hunt. Perhaps, paying attention to the state regulations on hunting rabbits could be helpful in the long run.

• Stomach Upsets: This issue will only arise if you do not cook your meat thoroughly. Experts suggest that you cook the meat to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This way, the meat will be not only tender but also free from various pathogens.

Why Can’t You Eat A Rabbit In The Summer

Typically, you will be free to eat rabbit meat at any time. However, the restrictions during summer are thanks to the ease of spreading worms. Most rabbits will spread worms and parasites to other bunnies during summer, unlike when there is a drop in temperature.

However, all you need to do is to take all the necessary precautions mentioned above. It will be much easier for you to identify the presence of worms when you do so. If you do, it would be best not to eat that meat.

Is It Safe To Eat Jackrabbits

Did you know that jackrabbits are relatively akin to cottontails? While this is so, jackrabbits are typically hares.

That means that they will hardly be safe for you to eat, particularly when not cooked thoroughly. If you were to cook it accordingly, you would have no reason to worry about anything.

With their stringy meat, ensure that you take as much time as you can when cooking it. You will also need to aim at an internal temperature of over 160-degree Fahrenheit.

This way, you will be sure of eliminating all the toxins, worms, among other pathogens, that could be on the jackrabbit.

Helpful Tips To Know If Backyard Rabbits Are Safe To Eat

One of the biggest concerns one could have is understanding when rabbits are safe for you to eat.

One of the most prominent variables to consider would be the presence of lesions on the liver. There could also be a ton of worms under their skin.

Here are a few other tale-tell signs that your rabbit is sick:

• Be wary of sudden stasis instances, which involves digestion problems, gas, cramping, and tooth issues.

• Check whether the rabbit’s foot is raw or inflamed. If it is, it is a sign of sore hocks. Its meat could be dangerous.

• The presence of deerflies and ticks on the coat of your rabbit could be a bad sign. Usually, these parasites could compromise your health in the long run too.

Final Thoughts

The safety of your rabbit delicacy is all dependent on how you prepare it. From using latex gloves when handling the meat to cooking it thoroughly, every precaution will suffice.

Whether your backyard rabbit is tamed or wild, the procedure remains the same. Are you still asking, are backyard rabbits safe to eat?

Well, it is time to get yourself this delicacy, with the only catch being to observe every precaution.

In this article, we explore the misconceptions around crossbows and highlight the very real dangers they pose.

This follows the recent inquest into the death of Shane Gilmer who was “unlawfully killed” by a crossbow.

Together with Shane’s partner, Laura Sugden, we are supporting a campaign to call for stricter laws governing the purchase/acquisition/possession of crossbows. You can view the Parliamentary Petition here.

Our Inquest expert, Gemma Vine discuss some of the common questions being asked about crossbows and the campaign to impose stricter laws:

Q: Why should the Government spend money changing the law when incidents with a crossbow are so rare?

Gemma says: At the conclusion of Shane’s Inquest Ison Harrison carried out research into incidents in which someone had either been injured or killed as a result of a crossbow. Our research was brief and reliant upon media sources obtained via internet searches and therefore we anticipate that we have only just skimmed the surface of the problem.

Worryingly in the last 5 years alone, there have been 21 incidents reported in the media of someone being injured or killed by a crossbow and a further 19 incidents where someone was threatened or caught brandishing a crossbow in public. Only this weekend (1.30am on 9 May 2021) an incident occurred in Barnsley where a young man was arrested by armed police for brandishing a crossbow in public. It is our belief that there has been a demonstrable increase in incidents involving crossbows over recent years and therefore is no longer a rare event.

Q: Isn’t there an argument that the Government should then ban the sale of knives as they cause even more deaths and serious injury than a crossbow?

Gemma says: Unlike knives crossbows can be fired at a distance and still cause devastating damage to the person who has been shot. Crossbows are silent, lethal weapons, which have a similar effective range to a shotgun but offer the accuracy of a rifle. A crossbow bolt when fired can be so powerful that in Shane’s case it travelled through his arm, fracturing the bone, then into the side of his torso, fracturing a rib, slicing through 2 internal organs before embedding into his spine. The force was so powerful that once in his spine the pathologist said he had great difficulty in removing the bolt.

Furthermore, unlike knives which can have a day to day purpose like kitchen knives etc, we can see no routine reason why someone would need to own a crossbow. It is illegal to hunt with a crossbow and there are very few sporting competitions in the UK which allow the use of a crossbow. As a result there should be very few people in the UK who would legitimately need to possess a crossbow, and therefore it can be as easily regulated as those who possess a firearm.

Q: Why should crossbows be regulated the same way as a firearm – are they not different?

They are different in terms of construction, so they don’t fit within the definition of a firearm (as they don’t have a barrel) and the existing legislation would have to be adapted significantly to bring crossbows into line with firearms.

However, it is clear that in terms of lethality there is very little difference between the type of crossbow used to kill Shane and injure Laura and a shotgun or rifle.

It would be relatively straightforward to mirror the existing licensing regime for shotguns and firearms to apply to crossbows. The template for a proper licensing regime is there, within the 1968 Firearms Act and the Home Office Guide on Firearms. The 1968 Act regulates the sale, possession, transfer and use of firearms and ensures that only persons of sound mind, temperate habits, with adequate security and a good reason to use a firearm can obtain, transfer or possess them. Only those persons who are registered as firearms dealers can sell firearms and ammunition (to those who have a shotgun / firearms certificate).

Essentially, the police have the power to revoke certificates and seize weapons if they feel that there is a danger to public safety or the peace, or if they believe the certificate holder to be of unsound mind. Any aggrieved person who has their certificate revoked can appeal to a Crown Court for the firearms and certificates can be returned.

Not all firearms are regulated and less powerful crossbows could potentially escape regulation on the basis of not being ‘lethal’ in much the same way as air rifles. A simple method would be to regulate the sale and possession of crossbows with a draw weight of more than 1.4 kg (as per the Crossbow Act 1987) and to adopt a licensing regime only for more powerful (lethal) weapons.

Q: The government have said that there are already controls in place relating to the sale/purchase and possession of crossbows why do we need a change in the law?

At present the only legislation that is currently in place to specifically address the sale, purchase and ownership of a crossbow is the Crossbow Act 1987. This Act prohibits the sale, purchase and ownership of a crossbow to anyone under the age of 18. There is also legislation in place prohibiting the use of a crossbow to hunt and carrying a crossbow in public. This is however the extent of the legislation in place to prevent the injury or death of a person by using a crossbow.

At present there is nothing in theory to prevent a person suffering from severe mental health issues, with convictions for domestic violence, in the process of an acrimonious divorce and subject to a protection from harassment order from ordering a powerful crossbow online or by walking into a shop selling them. That may be an extreme example, but the dangers are blindingly obvious.

The Home Office makes reference to them having legislation in place to prosecute someone who uses a crossbow to carry out an assault on someone, however this legislation is reactive and not preventative. It is too little too late for the family of someone who has been killed by a crossbow or by the person who has received serious and devastating injuries as a result of one being used on them.

Q: What do you want to achieve by a change in law?

Gemma says: We do not want to ban the sale or purchase of a crossbow, nor do we want to prevent someone from owning one if they want it for a legitimate reason. What we want is for the sale and use of crossbows being regulated in line with the current regulation of firearms.

This would mean that anyone who would want to buy and own a crossbow would have to apply for a license and be assessed by their local police force. This would ensure that the police are aware of who possesses, uses and can access a crossbow in the UK and where they are kept in the property. It also means that if there were any concerns at all about someone’s mental health or behaviour the weapons could be seized for investigations to be carried out or their license revoked.

The indication given by the firearms officer at Shane’s Inquest was that this weapon was a danger to the police, requiring an armed response to an incident where it is known that one was being used. Furthermore, because crossbows are not currently regulated there was no way for the police to know how many crossbows Shane’s killer possessed, or where they were being kept in the property. This meant that they did not know whether when he left on foot he had more in his possession, which increased the risk to the ambulance service and the unarmed police in attending to Shane’s injuries when he was bleeding out in the property.

Q: Where can we find more information about crossbows and specifically Shane Gilmer’s case?

We have written a number of articles about the Shane Gilmer case here:

• Prevention of Future Deaths Report Released Following Shane Gilmer Inquest (May 2021)
• UK Campaign To Change The Law Governing Crossbows (April 2021)
• Jury Return Conclusion At The Inquest Into The Death Of Shane Adrian Gilmer (April 2021)
• Ison Harrison Help Family Look For Answers In Tragic Death of Shane Gilmer (April 2021)

Share this…

Is duck hunting best in the morning or evening? If you ask different hunters, you’ll get different answers as to when the best time of day to duck hunt is. Some swear that the crack of dawn presents the best opportunity of the day – while others claim you’ll never go home empty-handed if you hunt in the evening. There are even some people who claim the middle of the day is the sweet spot.

The morning vs mid-day vs evening debate is one of the most hotly contested among duck hunters. That’s why today, we’re going to weigh all sides of the argument to present you with our unbiased take. You’ll learn if there really is the best time of day to duck hunt – and if so, whether it is in the morning, afternoon, or evening. Let’s get right into the debate!

Is There Really A Best Time Of Day To Duck Hunt?

Most duck hunters have their personal preferences as to when the best time to hunt ducks is. But is there really any difference in conditions from morning to afternoon to evening? As a matter of fact, there are some advantages that different times of day have over others.

For example – you have more hours to hunt in the morning compared to the evening. However, those who prefer evening hunts will point to the lack of energy and focus you have if you wake up at 3 am. Meanwhile, those who prefer to hunt in the evening claim that the afternoon winds present the perfect conditions to push birds down into your decoys for a rest.

As you can imagine, though, you may also experience certain disadvantages depending on what time of day you hunt. We’ll be sure to cover those as well as we make our way through this debate so you have the full picture.

But before we get into the pros and cons of hunting ducks at different times of day, we want to provide you with a few key pieces of information. First and foremost, you must be aware of legal shooting hours in your specific region. Most of the time, you cannot hunt ducks until it is light outside. This means you are going to be limited to certain hours of the day. With that said, let’s get into the morning vs afternoon vs evening debate.

So, Is Duck Hunting Better In The Morning Or Evening?

So, is duck hunting better in the morning or evening? Or does the afternoon shift take the cake? The fact of the matter is that you can enjoy a successful hunt in the morning, afternoon, and evening. It really just comes down to your unique preferences.

To help you plan out your next hunting time, we’ll explain the advantages each time of day offers. Stick around to the very end and we’ll give you our personal opinion on when you should hunt. Let’s kick things off by making a case for the morning shift in your duck blind:

Advantages Of Duck Hunting In The Morning

There is a strong case for the morning shift as the premier time of day for hunting. Here’s why:

• More hunting hours – The earlier you start in the day, the longer you’ll have to hunt. Getting to your blind at 4 am and preparing your decoys, then patiently waiting for legal shooting hours is your best bet to reach your bird limit that day.
• Feeding at sunrise – One of the main feeding times for ducks and other waterfowl is at first light. They’ll leave their roosts and head to a water source to locate food – and you’ll be there waiting to say good morning to them!
• You can still make use of the rest of your day – In favorable conditions and with a bit of luck, you can reach your limit in the first few hours of the day by starting at first light. That means you can still make use of your afternoon and evening. And if you’ve got a job to get to, you can still hunt in the mornings on weekdays without calling out.
• Adjust your blind/decoys throughout the day – If you start in the morning, you can afford to make changes to your blind location/decoy set up as the day goes on. If you are hunting in the afternoon or evening, however, you won’t have the time to make changes on the fly.

All things considered, hunting in the morning is a great choice. There are a few drawbacks, however. First and foremost, you’re going to have to get up early. You need to have your entire blind and decoy strategy in place before first light. If you’re not a morning person, this may be worth noting.

It’s also important to note that you need a good breeze to guide ducks to your shooting zone. In the mornings, you may not get the strong wings you need for this. Furthermore, the morning sun can really affect your vision if conditions are just right (or, perhaps wrong).

Advantages Of Duck Hunting In The Middle Of The Day

We’re not going to lie – we don’t really encourage many hunters to go out in the middle of the day. In our opinion, the debate is really between mornings vs evening. Unless, of course, this is your only option. If you can’t bring yourself to wake up early, and you need to be home for an early dinner, here are the benefits you’ll enjoy of your mid-day hunt:

• Winds pick up in the afternoons – Remember that wind factor we were just discussing? Well, winds tend to pick up as the day goes on, tapering off as the sun goes down. That means you’ll catch those later divers that don’t even start flying until late morning or early afternoon.
• Perfect conditions for jump-shooting wood ducks – If you’re after wood ducks or geese, you’ll find that the afternoon shift presents the ideal conditions for jump-shooting. As ducks finish their morning meal and are preparing to head out until dinner, you can take your shot.

Advantages Of Duck Hunting In The Evening

When it comes to duck hunting in the evening, you’ll find all sorts of advocates claiming that it’s the ideal time. Here’s why:

• Sleep in – Perhaps the most obvious benefit of hunting in the evening is that you get to sleep in, enjoy a nice breakfast, get some work done around the house, and still get out to set up your blind and decoys before the birds flock in. You’ll be fully alert and firing on all cylinders.
• Feeding in the evening – As the sun goes down and temperatures drop, birds will flock back to their water for one last feeding for the day before heading to the roost. This is where you can make a killing as a hunter – literally. Once they’re done feeding they’ll head out for the evening – presenting another great opportunity.

The biggest drawback to hunting ducks in the evening is that your window for legal shooting time is going to be small. Sometimes, you may only have a 15-minute period from when ducks are flying into your shooting zone to the point when you can no longer legally shoot. It sucks spending all that time preparing just to come up empty-handed – but that is the reality for many evening duck hunters.

The Best Time Of Day To Duck Hunt: Our Verdict

All this considered, you’re probably starting to lean towards one particular time of day as the best choice for you. As we mentioned, it will come down to personal preference. And, there are many other factors to consider as well. You should also take into account the weather, the time of year, and other conditions.

With that said, our preferred time of day to hunt is in the morning. It presents the best opportunity to fill your bag and meet your limit. However, there is really no bad time to hunt!

Final Thoughts On The Best Time Of Day To Duck Hunt

Want to learn more about what it takes for a successful hunt? Our beginner’s guide on how to start duck hunting is an amazing introductory resource. We also have an essential duck hunting gear list you should check out so you can be prepared for any conditions.

No matter what time of day you decide to hunt, be sure you have all the duck hunting gear you need for a successful, comfortable, and most importantly, safe hunt. At Texas Fowlers, we’ve got everything you need at the best prices online. From waterfowl jackets to duck hunting bibs, big and tall waders, and even other duck hunting accessories or duck hunting bags. Experience all we have to offer and shop today.

When Native Americans go hunting, they sometimes eat the deer’s heart as a way of honoring the animal. The heart is seen as a symbol of courage, and eating it is seen as a way of taking in the animal’s strength. In some tribes, the heart is also eaten as a way of showing respect for the deer’s spirit.

A typical size heart can produce enough meat for four or five lunches. This method of cooking allows the heart to retain its delicate flavor while also providing it with a nutritious and tasty taste. Rather than overpower the flavor, the mustard and sharp cheddar work to enhance it. It is simple to save a deer’s heart.

Deer Camp is a hunting destination where hunters make a pact to eat their heart out. A freshly killed animal’s heart was traditionally eaten by Native Americans. As a result, Indians regarded the animal as both brave and powerful, as well as a graceful and graceful animal.

Heart tartare is one of the best ways to eat your heart. Heart tartare is the preparation of meat that does not require it to be cooked. Because the heart is so lean, it can be difficult to cook. You get the full flavor of the animal that you hunted by serving it raw.

Several of the vitamins found in deer hearts, as well as the vitamins B2, B6, and B12, are also found in other animals’ hearts. Eating heart regularly can help improve your health, as well as boost your energy, if you are tired and run down, or if you have high blood pressure.

Do Hunters Eat Deer Hearts?

There is no one answer to this question as it depends on the individual hunter. Some hunters may choose to eat the heart of the deer they have killed, while others may not. Some people believe that eating the heart of the animal you have killed is a way of honoring the animal and taking all of its power into yourself, while others may simply find the taste of heart to be unpleasant. Ultimately, it is up to the hunter to decide whether or not they want to eat the heart of the deer they have killed.

There has been a lot of debate about whether or not it is healthy to eat deer hearts. Johnny Yuile posted a photo of himself and his daughter eating the heart of a freshly killed young deer in 2016 as they commemorated their first night of hunting in the field. According to Native Americans, deer hunting is a sacred ritual. The act of eating a heart is associated with our lives as well as those around us. Raw meat should not be consumed by anyone. Raw meat from a deer can infect it with parasites, so eat it when it is still fresh, two days after harvest, to reduce the risk of infection with viruses such as hepatitis E. A younger deer’s heart is preferred by hunters over an older deer’s heart. Others will prepare it on their own, in addition to the other ingredients. A deer heart is roughly the size of a large adult human, and it can produce enough meat to feed four to five people.

Even though harvesting and cooking deer hearts may appear gruesome, they can be extremely satisfying. If you want to be bold, try cooking it up as a steak and serving it with a rich, red wine reduction sauce. Alternatively, serve it as is with a side of roasted potatoes for a simple, elegant meal.

Did Native Americans Eat Buffalo Heart?

There is no one answer to this question as there are many different Native American tribes with their own unique traditions and customs. Some tribes may have eaten buffalo heart as part of a ceremonial or religious ritual, while others may have simply considered it a delicious and nutritious part of the animal that should not be wasted. In general, Native Americans tended to use every part of the buffalo they hunted, so it is likely that at least some tribes did eat buffalo heart.

Buffalo, also known as the American Bison, has played an important role in the survival and culture of Native Americans over time. Every part of Buffalo is used by Native Americans to provide food, clothing, tools, fuel, and utensils. The hides are used in the construction of robes, bedding, and rugs in Native America. Buffalo horns are frequently cleaned and cut into trinkets, spoons, and rattles. Buffalo hair can be cut and spun into cordage, which is then strung, belted, or otherwise used. You can use the tendons from the back and legs as sewing tools by tearing them out and drying them.

Delicacies Of The Plains Indians

The Plains Indians were known to eat boiled bison brains, hearts, shoulder blades, tongues, and stalks of meat from snouts. They used hooves, tails, and pemmican to make the soup, which was made with hump bison (the shoulder). The Plains Indians were known to eat boiled bison brains, hearts, shoulder blades, tongues, and brain and thigh bones from their snouts.

Do People Bite The Heart Of Their First Deer?

No, people do not bite the heart of their first deer. This is not a common practice among hunters.

If they’re eating deer meat and it’s fresh, why is it called meat? Is it possible to drink blood? When I cut it up, I sprinkle it with salt and a little pepper cover and fry it like a backstrap. Simply soak the blood in it and trim it a little as you go. We used to boil all the hearts to make sandwiches and toss them in a pot with mustard when I was younger (early 1970s). It is not a good idea to open the guts of your first time partner. It is very simple to grab it through the rib cage. The deer is my favorite variety.

Hunter’s First Deer: A Tradition Of Good Luck

When hunting their first deer, hunters usually daub some of its blood on themselves. It is customary for the hunter to wear a bow during this time period to commemorate their accomplishment and to bring good fortune for the future. They believed that the god would be pleased with them, and that the animal would provide them with food for the coming year. Cherokees would seek the gods’ forgiveness after killing an animal. As a sacrifice, some of the animal’s meat would also be thrown into the fire.

Scopes and sights will instantly improve your performance on the range or while hunting small game.

In low light conditions, it is not easy to acquire your target with stock iron sights.

A scope or sight will provide you a visible reticle in all lighting conditions that not only allows you to engage your target quickly but also increases your accuracy.

Note: You need to be at least 18 years of age to purchase any of the below air rifles, as well as adhere to the local laws governing their usage.

What to Consider When Buying an Air Rifle/Pistol Scope

Scopes and sights are performance enhancing accessories that are a must for long distance shooting.

To ensure you get the right accessory, you need to know the different sights, how much magnification you need, and the scope’s durability.

Type of Sight

You can mount red dot, reflex, and scopes to many air weapons if you have the required mounting hardware.

Even if your air pistol or rifle does not include the mounting platform you need, you can purchase adapters in most cases.

If you need an adapter, check out this site: www.AirgunDepot.com

Magnification

Reflex and red dot sights have 1x magnification which is perfect for short to medium distance shooting.

Scopes can offer 16x magnification, which is perfect for medium to long distance shooting.

Durability

While you are at the range or hunting small game, the weather may take a change for the worse.

When this happens, you will want your gear to be waterproof, shockproof, and durable.

Below are the 14 best air rifle and pistol scopes.

#1. UTG Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO

• Reticle: .25 MOA
• Magnification: 3x – 9x
• Weight: 21.1 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $124.99

The UTG Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO was created with airgunners in mind to provide you a crystal clear image of your target with its emerald-coated optics.

The scope is excellent for precision shooting at various ranges with 3x to 9x magnification.

An excellent feature of the UTG Hunter is that the .25 MOA reticle’s color can change to ensure that you do not lose your target.

It comes with 36 reticle colors to choose from for a customized targeting experience.

The bright mil-dot reticle is perfect for all lighting conditions, including cloudy days.

It can withstand the elements with its durable design that is fog proof, shockproof, and rainproof.

With everything included to attach it to your weapon, the UTG Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO is perfect for any long distance shooter.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#2. UTG SWAT IR 3-12×44 AO

• Reticle: .25 MOA
• Magnification: 3x – 12x
• Weight: 23.2 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $154.99

The UTG SWAT IR 3-12×44 AO provides shooters with up to 12x magnification making it one of the best long range air rifles scopes available.

Much like the Hunter IR 3-9×40, it includes an adjustable 36 color mil-dot reticle for better target acquisition in various settings.

To give you the best zero, it comes with .25″ windage and elevation adjustments and 10 yards to infinity parallax modifications.

With an emerald coating on the lens, you will have superior visibility for target practice or small game hunting.

It includes everything you need to attach to your air rifle to include Weaver/Picatinny rings and 2 hex wrenches.

It is a bargain at $154.99 and will assist you with providing tight shot groups.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#3. UTG CQB BugBuster IR 3-9×32 AO

• Reticle: .25 MOA
• Magnification: 3x – 9x
• Weight: 13.9 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $117.99

The UTG CQB BugBuster IR 3-9×32 AO will provide you with a sharp picture that pops.

UTG secured the top three spots on this list for their value, function, and durability.

The BugBuster is like the Hunter IR 3-9×40 AO but with a few key differences.

It is more lightweight without sacrificing durability and is designed for close quarters combat.

The scope has parallax adjustments starting at 3 yards instead of 5 for a closer zero.

A downside is that the BugBuster does not have a 36-color adjustable reticle and instead has either a red or a green reticle option.

This is not a game changer for most people, but it may be worth spending the extra $7 if that is important to you.

Like the other UTG scopes already mentioned, it has an outstanding limited lifetime warranty.

It is also shockproof, fog proof, and rainproof.

You can not go wrong with this or the other UTG scopes on this list.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#4. CenterPoint Optics 32mm Open Reflex Sight

• Reticle: 1 MOA
• Magnification: 1x
• Weight: 5.5 oz.
• Water Resistant: Not Specified
• Price: $39.99

The CenterPoint Optics 32mm Open Reflex Sight is perfect for any close range shooting with its 1x magnification and 1 MOA reticle.

With unlimited eye relief, you will get pinpoint accuracy no matter how far your head is from the reflex sight.

You have the option of 4 different reticles that are available in either green or red.

It comes with an integrated weaver mount making it perfect for air pistols or rifles.

Weighing in at only 5.5 oz. it is super lightweight and compact at only 3.25″ long.

CenterPoint backs their sight with a limited lifetime warranty.

The CenterPoint Optics 32mm Open Reflex Sight is perfect for speed drills and quick target acquisition.

If you are looking for a solid performer at a great price, this may be the sight for you.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#5. BSA 30mm Red Dot Sight

• Reticle: 5 MOA
• Magnification: 1x
• Weight: 5 oz.
• Water Resistant: Not Specified
• Price: $33.59

The BSA 30mm Red Dot Sight is a high-performance red dot sight at an excellent price.

Built with a Picatinny/Weaver base, it can quickly attach to your favorite air rifle or pistol.

The 30mm tube provides you an extensive field of view, and the 5 MOA reticle makes it easy to acquire your target.

You can stay on the move with unlimited eye relief while taking down targets since you do not need to worry about your head placement.

To provide precise shots every time, the sight comes with .5″ windage and elevation adjustments.

If you want a red dot sight for close quarters shooting, the BSA 30mm Red Dot Sight is an excellent option at a great price.

It’s definitely the best air rifle scope for the money, all things considered.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#6. Mantis 3-9×32 AO

• Reticle: .25 MOA
• Magnification: 3x – 9x
• Weight: 16 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $71.99

The Mantis 3-9×32 AO is a heavy-duty scope that is constructed out of high-grade aluminum.

The aluminum body also makes it super lightweight coming in at only 1 lb.

With durability in mind, the Mantis is fog proof, waterproof, shockproof, and it comes with a limited 1-year warranty.

It has a .25″ mil-dot reticle that provides a solid point of aim.

You can magnify your target up to 9x for precise shooting.

It also has a parallax adjustment of 5 yards to infinity to provide a clear picture no matter how far your target is from you.

The durable design, powerful magnification, and visibility make the Mantis 3-9×32 AO an excellent choice.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#7. Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO

• Reticle: .25 MOA
• Magnification: 4x – 12x
• Weight: 21.2 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $209.99

The Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO is the second most expensive scope on this list but do not let the price tag scare you because it is packed full of features.

It is a great all-around scope with a magnification of up to 12x, making it perfect for long-distance shooting.

To take full advantage of the range of this scope, you will need a high-FPS air rifle or pistol.

It includes a 1″ mono-tube chassis that is 13.7″ long and weighs only 21.2 oz.

The .25″ MOA red or green reticle can easily sight in on your target with 10 yards to infinity parallax adjustment.

The reticle has 5 green and 5 red illumination settings for clear visibility in low light settings.

It is designed to last and is shockproof, fog proof, and waterproof.

The Hawke Vantage IR 4-12×50 AO is perfect for those who want a long-range scope with a 50mm objective lens.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#8. UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight

• Reticle: .5 MOA
• Magnification: 1x
• Weight: 13.1 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $79.99

The UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight has a .5 MOA green or red T-Dot reticle, providing faster target acquisition.

It has flexible eye relief and has a wide 85′ field of view with a 39mm objective lens.

With a 42mm center height, it has co-witnessing for rear and front sights.

It is quick and easy to attach and detach the UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight to your air rifle or pistol with the patented quick-detach lever lock.

The scope also includes an integrated sunshade, which prevents glare and optimizes the amount of light that enters the sight.

It is barely noticeable on your weapon with a weight of under a pound, making it comfortable for all-day shooting.

You get a 2-year limited warranty and the quality that you expect from UTG.

If you are looking for a solid dot sight for your air pistol or rifle, the UTG 1×39 CQB Target Dot Sight is a top pick.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#9. CenterPoint TAG Series IR 4-16×40 AO

• Reticle: Not Specified
• Magnification: 4x – 16x
• Weight: 17.44 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $99.99

The CenterPoint TAG Series IR 4-16×40 AO provides some serious magnification of up to 16x, making it perfect for long distance shooting.

With a 40mm objective lens, you can get clear visibility of your target at extreme distances.

The reticle has a TAG style that can alternate between red and green.

It has a 10 yds to infinity AO parallax setting to provide a sharp image no matter how far your target is.

You get a 6.3′ to 25′ field of view at 100 yards for better situational awareness.

It includes a limited lifetime warranty and a CR2032 to power the scope.

If you are looking for a 16x scope on a budget, the CenterPoint TAG Series IR 4-16×40 AO is your best option.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#10. UTG Hunter IR 4-16×40 AO

• Reticle: .25 MOA
• Magnification: 4x – 16x
• Weight: 22.3 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $142.99

Think of the UTG Hunter IR 4-16×40 AO as the older brother to the Hunter IR 3-9×40.

It has all the same outstanding features, but it has a magnification up to 16x, making it a solid choice for long distance shooting.

It has a 36-color illumination-enhanced .25″ mil-dot reticle making it perfect for any lighting conditions.

It is 14.57″ long and weighs only 22.3 oz.

The scope comes with everything you need including a flip-open lens caps, 1 CR2032 battery, 2 hex wrenches, and high Weaver/Picatinny rings.

With the included limited lifetime warranty, this scope’s value can not be beaten.

If you are on a tight budget, go with the CenterPoint, but go with UTG Hunter if you have a large budget.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#11. Hatsan 1×30 Red Dot Sight

• Reticle: .5 MOA
• Magnification: 1x
• Weight: Not Specified
• Water Resistant: Not Specified
• Price: $29.99

Hatsan’s 1×30 Red Dot Sight is the lowest priced sight/scope on this list, but that does not mean they cheaply made it.

It has the standard 1x magnification found on most red dot sights and has a 30mm objective lens for an excellent field of view.

With unlimited eye relief, you can quickly acquire and engage your target.

It mounts to a dovetail platform and has a quick-detach standard dovetail base.

If you want a budget red dot sight that will give you quick, precise shooting in low light environments, look no further than Hatsan’s 1×30 Red Dot Sight.

It also includes a limited 1-year warranty.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#12. Hawke 30 SF Compact IR 4-16×44 Airmax, Ill. AMX

• Reticle: AMX Reticle
• Magnification: 4x – 16x
• Weight: 21.9 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $389.99

At $389.99, the Hawke 30 SF Compact IR 4-16×44 Airmax, Ill. AMX is the most expensive scope on this list.

This premium scope has excellent features that set it apart from the other scopes on this list and would be the top pick if it was not for the price point.

It has a glass-etched red-illuminated AMX reticle, and the lens has 16 coated layers for better clarity.

The reticle has 6 levels of brightness for superior low light targeting.

This scope has a wide-angle lens for better downrange situational awareness.

The scope can take on the elements since it is waterproof, shockproof, and nitrogen purged.

With a side focus parallax correction, you will have excellent visibility from 10 yards to infinity.

While it’s a bit expensive, it’s easily considered as one of the best air rifle scopes available for sale right now.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#13. Hatsan Optima 3-9×40 AO

• Reticle: Not Specified
• Magnification: 3x – 9x
• Weight: 19 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $79.99

Hatsan’s Optima 3-9×40 AO provides solid performance with a magnification up to 9x, giving you precise aim.

With the parallax being adjustable, you will have crystal clear visibility from 10 yards to infinity.

The scope includes a mil-dot reticle and has a 40mm objective lens, and is easily considered one of the best air rifle scopes on the market.

Not only is the scope waterproof, but it is also shockproof, fog proof, nitrogen-filled, and has a fully coated optical lens.

This competitively priced 9x air rifle scope also includes a 1-year warranty.

Hatsan’s Optima 3-9×40 AO may be right for you if you want a balance of function and value.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

#14. Hawke Micro Reflex Dot 3 MOA

• Reticle: 3 MOA
• Magnification: 1x
• Weight: 2.5 oz.
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Price: $129.99

Hawke constructed the Micro Reflex out of aluminum for added durability.

The aluminum is lightweight, and the sight only weighs 2.5 oz.

For additional clarity and protection, the lens is fully multi-coated with 25 layers of protection.

The 3 MOA reticle provides quick target acquisition with unlimited eye relief.

The reflex sight comes with an 8-stage digital brightness control for precise shooting in low light environments.

A unique feature of this sight is that if movement is not detected for 5 minutes, the sight will automatically turn off to save battery life.

Hawke designed it with an integrated weaver mount for easy installation on your favorite air pistol or rifle.

It also has a 2-year limited warranty.

It is available at Airgun Depot. Here’s where to buy it: www.AirgunDepot.com

See Also

14 Best Red Dot Sights for Pistols, ARs, and Shotguns

12 Best Reflex Sights

10 Best Military Grade Binoculars

References / Resources

Air Gun Laws in the US

Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click and purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I have personally vetted. Learn more.

Remington 700 Rifle Review

Peter Jones Reviews the Remington 700 and considers if it is still a good buy for deer stalkers.

What can I possibly say about the Remington 700 that has not already been said?

(Remington 700 SPS Varmint)

Well I am not going to try and be too clever here and provide you with countless stat’s and specifications, instead I am going to aim to concentrate simply on whether or not you should buy one for deer stalking.

First of all a little history…. I’ll keep it short. Remington Arms introduced the Model 700 bolt action rifle way back in 1962, since that date there have been a whole host of variants produced with a whole variety of differing specifications, materials, stock designs and calibers. Models include the 700 ADL, Model 700 BDL, Model 700 CDL, Model 700 Safari Model 700 SPS etc, etc, you get the idea!

The Remington 700 has in fact also been adapted not only for hunters but for use by both the Police and the military, both the M24 & M40 Sniper rifles were both built on the Remington 700 action. The simple common denominator however is that all Remington 700’s are produced with the aim of being an affordable mass produced rifle, and my god did Remington achieve it. There are probably more Remington 700’s knocking about (especially in the U.S) than any other bolt action rifle in the world.

The action of the 700 itself is designed with this mass production in mind and has two forward dual opposing lugs. The bolt is made from three pieces forged together (body, head, and bolt handle) and the ejector is constructed as a C clip sitting within the bolt face.

(Left: A modified Remington 700 SL)

Rifles can usually be obtained in one of three action lengths, ranging from short actions such as the .308 all the way through to Long actions for the large Magnum calibres. Detachable box magazines can be obtained however many 700’s are of the drop plate variety. These days this is to the Remington’s detriment. Drop plates are out of fashion and to my mind rightly so. Unloading the rifle in the field and having 4 rounds spill out in the dirt can be irritating to say the least.

The exact model that I have been taking a closer look at is the Remington 700 SPS Varmint. With a heavy 26 inch barrel with 1:12 twist and injection moulded stock the rifle is quite heavy weighing in at 8.5lbs. The finish is matt bluing and the fore end of the stock is a triangular style wedge with vents. The overall impression is one of a military style rifle rather than the traditional sporter that we are used to in European rifles.

Triggers on Remington’s are on the whole, let’s just say decidedly average. They simply can’t compete with the likes of Sako and Sauer and other European made rifles however that said they can usually be adjusted anywhere from 1.5lbs to 4.5lbs in weight. It is not uncommon however to find in a well loved 700 that the trigger has been modified or replaced completely.

(Above: The Remington SPS Varminth)

So let’s get back to the point, should you buy one for hunting deer? As well as having taken time to take a look at this rifle myself I also took some time today to speak with a number of gun dealers. The overriding advice seems to be yes by all means buy one but only if it’s extremely competitively priced.

I would agree entirely with these sentiments. The Remington 700 is a solid and well tested bolt action rifle of that there is no doubt, however the competition today is stiff and the old 700 Remi can simply no longer compete with the out of the box accuracy and build quality of other cheap rifles.

You can buy a new Tikka T3 these days for around £795-00. So ask yourself this. What would it be worth me buying an inferior Remi 700 for? Well all I will say is it’s got to be cheap, dirt cheap or else you might as well spend that little bit extra and get something else.

If you are on a tight budget and do decide to opt for a Remington 700 then take a while to check that you have a good one because an anomaly with the model 700 is that they can vary in quality and build. As a result amongst my shooting clients I have had some owners who simply adore their 700’s and others who swear that they will never pick up a Remi again.

The Remington 700 love it or hate it. It has been and remains an iconic rifle and will no doubt be around for many years to come.

For more Rifle Reviews click on the following link: rifle-reviews