Initial Impression “Are we hiking or are we hunting?” is a refrain I hear all too often at elk camp, usually as I charge up a mountain to warm my frozen toes. But if I sit down, the snacks and crinkly wrappers come out. Then we’re really not hunting. Enter the fully-insulated Beartooth 200g boot from Schnee’s. I’ll finally be able to sit still for a few minutes this fall—and they’re damn good for hiking, too.
Break-In Like most hunters in the area, my list of places to explore burgeons faster than I can cross spots off. This summer, I made it a priority to start checking out my areas of interest, most of which were high-alpine basins—the kind frequented by big mule deer bucks. Lacing up my new boots, I figured I could knock out two birds with one stone: find some big ol’ bucks, and break in my Beartooths. After dozens of miles, I accomplished only the latter. The deer proved elusive, but my boots are comfortable as ever.
Now, when I slip on my leathers, it’s like sitting down for a home-cooked pot roast after a cold winter day in the woods. I almost want to let out a sigh of relief. They’re comfortable and familiar, the leather melded perfectly to the shape of my feet. They almost feel like an extension of my body. I’ve tried dozens of different styles over the years, and finding the Goldilocks boot is an eternal challenge. But thanks to the Beartooth, I’ve finally found my new go-to.
What I Like The thing I appreciate most about the Beartooth is the soft sole (a flex two rating, on Schnee’s four-point scale). There’s been a push amongst major boot brands lately to make lighter weight boots with extremely stiff soles. Essentially, adapting alpine sheep-hunting boots to elk hunting—which results in boots that are fine for steep, rocky terrain, but not ideal for long hikes. For high-mileage situations, softer soles are the key to comfy feet. Think about it: trail-running shoes and everyday hiking boots have a large amount of flex, but are rigid in a few key spots. Those features make them comfortable to hike or run long distances in, and give the shoes better ground contact. The Beartooth feel like a sturdier, insulated version of a summer hiking boot or trail runner, making them ideal for hiking long distances in rain, snow, or shine.
The other thing I’ve noticed is how Schnee’s cleverly avoided a common pinch point that forms on the front of most mid-calf hunting boots. Instead of a single piece of rigid leather along the heel (like most other brands), the Beartooth’s have an oval-shaped soft spot stitched into the back. When the boot flexes as I hike, the leather compresses in that spot, eliminating any kind of pinching on the front—pretty clever, Schnee’s!
A Quality Boot Finally, the overall build quality of these boots jumps out immediately. Not a single stitch is out of place, and the leather is top-quality. I’ve been rocking a pair of uninsulated Beartooths for three seasons now (with heavy use) and haven’t encountered a single issue. And, the longer I wear them, the comfier they get—to the point of dreading taking them off at the end of the day in camp. I know that the 200g version is going to perform similarly this fall, even on the coldest of days in the Montana high country or on the prairie.
Guide L-301 Revised by Louis C. Bender and Chris Allison College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University
Authors: Respectively, Senior Research Scientist (Wildlife) and Retired Extension Range Management Specialist, Department of Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources, New Mexico State University. (Print friendly PDF)
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus, Figure 1) are one of the most important game animals in New Mexico and the West. The size of the mule deer population in New Mexico is unknown, and densities of mule deer can vary greatly among areas and over time. For example, densities of mule deer ranged from an estimated <1.2 deer/mi2 on private land in Colfax County to <1.9 deer/mi2 on New Mexico State University’s Corona Range and Livestock Research Center (CRLRC), while a recent minimum count found 3.7 deer/mi2 in higher-density areas of the San Andres Mountains (Bender et al., 2011, 2012; L. Bender, unpublished data). On CRLRC, mule deer densities declined from 1.9 deer/mi2 in 2005 to 0.7 deer/mi2 in 2008, highlighting the variation possible in deer populations in response to drought and other factors. In general, mule deer have been declining in numbers in New Mexico since populations peaked around the 1960s, similar to declines seen throughout the West (Heffelfinger and Messmer, 2003). Because of population declines, harvests of mule deer have also declined; deer harvests (mostly mule deer), estimated to be as high as 55,000 in 1960, declined to <10,000 in 2013. Despite declines, mule deer are still present in all 33 counties in New Mexico.
Figure 1. Mule deer are New Mexico’s most important big game species. (Photo by Terry Spivey, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org.)
Range and Habitat
There are two subspecies of mule deer in New Mexico, the Rocky Mountain mule deer (O. hemionus hemionus) and the desert mule deer (O. hemionus eremicus). Rocky Mountain mule deer are found in the northern two-thirds of the state and desert mule deer in the southern third. The Rocky Mountain mule deer is larger; the average field-dressed weight of mature (6 years or older) males (bucks) is around 195 lb, with larger deer weighing more than 250 lb. Mature desert mule deer average about 140 lb field-dressed, with the largest deer approaching 170 lb.
Mule deer are extremely varied in their habitats. Rocky Mountain mule deer are found from above the timberline to low-elevation short grasslands, and frequently in urban areas. During winter, deer that use higher elevations usually migrate to lower elevations where food is more easily obtainable and deep snow does not limit their movements.
Desert mule deer prefer shrublands and woodlands in desert mountain ranges and hills, or arroyos in arid desert flats. They normally spend summer and winter in the same general area.
Physical Description
Mule deer have extremely large ears, hence the name. Adults have a reddish coat in summer and a gray coat in winter. The summer coat is fine and silky in texture and the winter coat is coarser and thicker. Desert mule deer are usually lighter or paler than Rocky Mountain mule deer. The reddish-brown fawns are spotted and depend on their protective coloration for safety. They lose their spots two to three months after they are born. A characteristic feature of the mule deer is the large white rump patch that surrounds the base of the tail. The tail itself is white with a small black tip. Unlike the white-tailed deer, the mule deer does not raise its tail in alarm, but holds it against the body as it flees. Mule deer may also stot, or bounce stiff-leggedly on all four legs, when fleeing.
Mule deer bucks have antlers that are forked (Figure 2) instead of being like a white-tailed deer’s, whose points rise from the main beam (Figure 3). The antlers are shed following the breeding season each winter, and new antlers begin growing shortly after the old ones are dropped. The dropping of antlers occurs when the length of daylight decreases, triggering glandular reactions that control the production of testosterone, insulin-like growth factor-1, and other hormones. The same process is involved in the growth of the new antlers, which are covered by a skin called velvet that contains an extensive network of blood vessels. These supply the protein and minerals needed for the growth of antlers, which are the fastest-growing tissues in the animal kingdom. In late August or September, the velvet dries up and is rubbed off on small trees and shrubs as the antlers harden or mineralize. Antler size and number of points depend mostly on the deer’s age, physical condition, and their genetic background (Bender, 2011).
Figure 2. Antlers from a mule deer.
Figure 3. Antlers from a white-tailed deer.
Life Cycle
The breeding season or rut for mule deer in New Mexico begins in late November (northern areas of the state) and lasts until mid-January (southern areas). During breeding periods, mature bucks cover a large area in search of receptive females (does). The does are receptive for about three days. If they are not bred during this time, their cycles will continue, and 28 days later they will again be receptive. Unbred mature does are rare in New Mexico.
There is little actual fighting between bucks because dominance hierarchy has usually been established before peak rutting periods occur. The smaller or less-aggressive bucks recognize their superiors and usually give in to their dominance. The breeding class is usually the prime-aged mature bucks, plus a few younger bucks who are exceptionally large-bodied or aggressive. One buck will breed with many does, so it is not necessary to have equal numbers of males and females. No permanent bond is formed between bucks and does. When the female is no longer receptive, the buck will leave her to seek other does.
Mule deer have a gestation period of about seven months. Fawns are usually born in June and July, later in southern New Mexico and later if does are in poor condition. Normally, a doe has one fawn the first time she gives birth. After this, she may have multiple fawns if she is in good condition. After about age seven the number of fawns will decrease again.
Fawns get up on their feet only hours after birth, but they are rather unsteady and very susceptible to predation. During their first few days, they remain hidden and alone except when feeding (Figure 4). At about three weeks of age, the fawns begin sampling solid foods, and shortly thereafter they begin to accompany the doe almost constantly. Most fawns are weaned by October or November, after which they are dependent on their competitive ability to obtain adequate nutrition. Fawns that are larger at birth, or born earlier, tend to be larger at weaning and therefore are more likely to survive.
Figure 4. Fawns depend upon hiding and lying still for survival during their first few weeks. (Photo by Mara Weisenberger.)
Survival
Typically >80% of unhunted mule deer adults in New Mexico survive each year, although this can drop to <60% during severe droughts (Bender et al., 2007, 2010, 2011). Likewise, survival of fawns can range from >50% to none surviving, and the latter occurs during droughts when condition of adult females is very poor (Lomas and Bender, 2007). Malnutrition is the most common cause of death (excluding hunting) in studied mule deer populations in New Mexico.
Malnutrition is the most common disease of mule deer (Bender et al., 2007, 2010, 2011), and when other diseases and parasitism cause mortality, the actual underlying cause is usually poor-quality food that causes malnourishment. Probably the most publicized diseases of mule deer are the epizootic hemorrhagic disease-bluetongue complex (collectively called hemorrhagic disease [HD]) and chronic wasting disease (CWD). HD is a viral disease that affects deer, pronghorn, and bighorn sheep; it is spread by biting gnats or midges (Culicoides spp.). Although HD can be enzootic (always present in low frequency), in mule deer it is most commonly seen in infrequent epizootics (outbreaks), which can result in a large number of deaths when deer and vector conditions are conducive to outbreaks. Outbreaks occur during late summer or early autumn, usually in close proximity to wet areas. During outbreaks, some deer die quickly with no apparent signs of disease, others may die within a week, some recover but are debilitated, and still other deer show no sign of disease during outbreaks, and survivors may develop immunity to that particular virus serotype (but not necessarily other HD virus serotypes). White-tailed deer are more vulnerable to HD (especially epizootic hemorrhagic disease) than mule deer, and thus high mortality from HD is more common in white-tailed deer and pronghorn than mule deer.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an invariably fatal degenerative neurological disease of deer, elk, and moose. CWD, a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, is very rare in New Mexico and is limited to portions of the San Andres, Organ, and Sacramento Mountains. Uncertainty still lingers over exactly how CWD is spread and even the causative agent, which is likely an abnormal protein called a prion. Much of the concern about CWD involves its similarity to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad cow disease; consuming products from BSE-infected cattle has been linked to fatal new variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans. However, the World Health Organization has concluded that there is no evidence that CWD can be transmitted to humans. Despite this, hunters should avoid eating venison from infected animals (or other obviously sick animals) and should use simple precautions, such as wearing latex gloves when handling deer or elk from areas known to have CWD. Many states also restrict movement of venison or other parts of deer, elk, and moose from areas or states where CWD is present; be sure to check with local Game Departments for regulations on transporting venison. The Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance website (www.cwd-info.org) is an excellent source for up-to-date information regarding CWD and its management.
Predators kill deer in New Mexico each year. The chief animals that prey upon deer are mountain lions, black bears, Mexican wolves, coyotes, bobcats, and feral dogs. Interactions between predators and mule deer are complex and highly variable across distance and time; the key to understanding predation is differentiating between the act of predation and the effect of predation. Although predators kill deer, predation may have little effect on the population if predation substitutes for (e.g., is compensatory to) other forms of mortality because deer are in poor condition or otherwise predisposed. When predation is additive to other mortality factors, then predation can limit deer populations. Whether predation is mostly additive or mostly compensatory varies with the specific local conditions of the predator and prey communities, and their surroundings.
Mule deer can live about 10-15 years. The average lifespan of bucks is shorter than does, especially in areas of heavy hunting pressure. Because of this, most populations contain only 25-50 bucks for every 100 does.
Food Habits
Mule deer feeding is mainly crepuscular, meaning that they feed mostly early in the morning and again just before dark. They prefer higher-quality foods like forbs (commonly called weeds) and browse (leaves, buds, and new shoots of shrubs and trees), but they also utilize grasses when young and actively growing as well as succulents. Seasonally, mule deer diets are >60% browse in spring, >50% browse in summer and autumn, and >80% browse in winter (Heffelfinger, 2006). Most of the remainder of the diet is forbs, and grasses and succulents (e.g., cacti) usually contribute much less than 10% seasonally.
The actual diet of deer is very diverse and reflects what is available. Common foods in northern New Mexico include aspen, chokecherry, oaks, bearberry, bitterbrush, mountain mahogany, and most other shrubs in the rose family (Rosaceae). Winter diets may be supplemented with firs, pines, and other evergreens, though in limited quantities because many of these conifers contain secondary plant compounds that are toxic to deer, inhibiting function of their digestive systems. In southern New Mexico, common foods include mountain mahogany, oaks, skunkbush, yucca, ceanothus, mesquite pods, globemallow, vervain, and silktassel. Piñon and juniper may be used during dry seasons and winter months despite plant toxins, the effects of which can be minimized by mixing these with other plant species. In all areas, a wide variety of other forbs are important depending upon what exactly is available.
Mule deer are classed as concentrate selectors, meaning they eat lesser amounts of very high-quality foods; hence, they select for foods with high concentrations of readily digestible nutrients such as simple sugars. These are, as noted previously, mainly browse and forbs. Because of their need for high-quality foods, deer are always on the move while feeding. They take a bite and move on, spending little time in one spot, selecting the best foods that are available. This continued movement ensures a properly balanced diet if sufficient plant species are present.
Like other ruminants, the mule deer has a four-chambered stomach. When they eat, the food is swallowed with a minimum amount of chewing. Between feedings, the food is regurgitated and rechewed as cud. When reswallowed, it passes through the other chambers of the stomach and on through the digestive system. Food passes through their digestive system much more rapidly than in elk or cattle, however, and this short retention time limits just how much plant material mule deer can digest. This, combined with a faster metabolism than elk or cattle, is what drives their need for high-quality, easily digestible foods.
Availability of water can influence deer use of a particular area. Their daily intake varies from 0 to 1 1/2 quarts per 100 pounds of body weight. This is influenced by time of year, activity, and the kind of forage the deer is eating.
Sign
The most common sign of deer use of an area is their tracks. The track is from 2 3/4 to 3 1/4 inches long, and the walking stride is 22 to 24 inches long. When the mule deer runs, all four feet leave the ground at once, unlike the white-tailed deer, which pushes off with its hind feet. The resulting track patterns of the two species obviously differ.
When a deer browses, a characteristic stub remains (Figure 5). The jagged, shredded end of the twig results when the lower incisors pinch the twig against the toothless upper gums. The deer pulls and actually tears the twig, leaving a jagged, uneven end rather than a smooth cut.
Bucks remove the velvet from their antlers on small trees and shrubs. The scarred and broken branches and bark are easily observed about 18 inches above the ground. Many of these may be found in an area because one buck will rub several trees.
The dark brown scat of mule deer is usually found in clumps. Each pellet is about 1/2 inch long and tapered on one end. The fibrous material on which a deer has been feeding is often observable in the scat.
Figure 5. Browsing by deer leaves jagged twig ends.
Habitat Enhancement Recommendations
Owners who want to improve mule deer habitat on private lands should keep in mind a wide range of considerations. Ideal range of mule deer provides both food and cover, with shrublands and woodlands providing the best habitat because they provide both food and cover. Conversely, grasslands tend to be poorer habitat because they usually lack cover (Bender, 2012). Diversity is the key to managing mule deer; the healthiest deer herds are those on ranges that supply the greatest variety and abundance of woody browse and forbs of high nutritional quality throughout the year. Whether mule deer need free water is uncertain; they can probably meet their needs from succulent foods. However, they do prefer sites around water, and free water may be required during droughts or while raising fawns. Thus, permanent watering spots should be retained and created where desired, especially in desert mule deer ranges. When new impoundments are built, several smaller holes are more desirable than one large one.
Management and the Future
Hunting is the main source of mortality for adult bucks, and control of hunting seasons is used to manage mule deer populations in New Mexico. The locations, date, and length of seasons are used to control hunter numbers and densities; this in turn controls harvest to some extent. In areas where deer are abundant, antlerless and either-sex hunts are used. This encourages harvest by hunters where numbers need to be reduced and maintains a younger, more productive age structure in the doe population.
Ultimately, however, habitat is the key to mule deer populations. Peaks in mule deer populations in the mid-1900s resulted from obvious and subtle landscape changes associated with human settlement (see, for example, the history in Clements and Young, 1997). Habitat changes resulting from extensive logging, initial overgrazing of grasslands, and large wildfires greatly favored mule deer by creating large areas of shrublands and early successional (saplings) forests. Mule deer responded to these new habitats, especially the huge increase in shrublands, with population increases that peaked generally sometime during the 1940s to 1970s. Later, improved range management favoring grasses over shrubs, control of fires allowing shrublands to grow old or develop into closed forests, and greatly reduced logging all reduced preferred mule deer habitats. These changes have decreased the amount of mule deer habitat in New Mexico and throughout the West. As one example, the amount of forestland in aspen, probably the best mule deer habitat in northern New Mexico, has declined 88% (Bartos, 2001). These changes have driven deer populations down because they have greatly reduced both the amount and quality of mule deer habitat.
Thus, the welfare of mule deer in New Mexico is influenced by other uses of forests and rangelands. Land use policies developed by land management agencies are an important component of mule deer management. Only through coordinated efforts of these agencies and support for management programs from the general public can New Mexico be assured of a healthy mule deer population.
So, what does the future hold for mule deer? The “good old days” of the 1950s and 1960s are gone forever; the circumstances that created so much high-quality habitat can never be duplicated in modern times. However, managers can continue to try to maintain or increase the quality of remaining habitats to increase mule deer numbers above the current low levels. Cooperative Extension programs, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Mule Deer Working Group (www.muledeerworkinggroup.com), and State Wildlife Agencies all have publications and other information available on increasing the quality of deer habitat. For more information on all aspects of mule and white-tailed deer ecology and management, see Deer of the Southwest (Heffelfinger, 2006).
References
Bartos, D.L. 2001. Landscape dynamics of aspen and conifer forests. In W.D. Shepperd, D. Binkley, D.L. Bartos, T.J. Stohlgren, and L.G. Eskew (compilers), Sustaining aspen in western ecosystems: Symposium proceedings [Proceedings RMRS-P-18], (pp. 5-14). Fort Collins: U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Bender, L.C. 2011. Basics of trophy management [Guide L-111]. Las Cruces: New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.
Bender, L.C. 2012. Guidelines for management of habitat for mule deer: Piñon-juniper, Chihuahuan desert, arid grasslands, and associated arid habitat types [Circular 662]. Las Cruces: New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.
Bender, L.C., L.A. Lomas, and J. Browning. 2007. Condition, survival, and cause-specific mortality of mule deer in northcentral New Mexico. Journal of Wildlife Management, 71, 1118—1124.
Bender, L.C., J.C. Boren, H. Halbritter, and S. Cox. 2011. Condition, survival, and productivity of mule deer in semiarid grassland-woodland in east-central New Mexico. Human-Wildlife Interactions, 5, 276—286.
Bender, L.C., B.D. Hoenes, and C.L. Rodden. 2012. Factors influencing survival of desert mule deer in the greater San Andres Mountains, New Mexico. Human-Wildlife Interactions, 6, 245—260.
Clements, C.D., and J.A. Young. 1997. A viewpoint: Rangeland health and mule deer habitat. Journal of Range Management, 50, 129-138.
Heffelfinger, J. 2006. Deer of the Southwest. College Station: Texas A&M University Press.
Heffelfinger, J.R., and T.A. Messmer. 2003. Introduction. In J.C. de Vos, Jr., M.R. Conover, and N.E. Headrick (Eds.), Mule deer conservation: Issues and management challenges (pp. 1-11). Logan, UT: Jack H. Berryman Institute.
Lomas, L.A., and L.C. Bender. 2007. Survival and cause-specific mortality of mule deer fawns in northcentral New Mexico. Journal of Wildlife Management, 71, 884-894.
Original author: James E. Knight, Extension Wildlife Specialist.
Acknowledgement: Some of the information presented here was obtained from publications of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish (www.wildlife.state.nm.us). This agency is responsible for the management of big game populations in New Mexico.
To find more resources for your business, home, or family, visit the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences on the World Wide Web at pubs.nmsu.edu
Contents of publications may be freely reproduced for educational purposes. All other rights reserved. For permission to use publications for other purposes, contact pubs@nmsu.edu or the authors listed on the publication.
New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating.
Swans are often seen as symbols of grace and beauty, but can these beautiful birds kill you?
The short answer is no. But swan attacks could lead to accidental deaths. Although swans are not typically aggressive, they can and will attack humans if they feel threatened or if their nest or young are in danger.
In this post, we’ll explore the potential dangers of swans and what you can do to stay safe around these majestic creatures.
From their surprising strength to their territorial nature, we’ll take a closer look at the “dangerous beauty” of swans. So whether you’re a bird lover, a nature enthusiast, or just someone curious about these fascinating animals, read on to learn more about the potential dangers of swans and how to avoid them.
Swans belong to the Anatidae family which also includes geese and ducks.
Swans are known to be graceful and elegant birds, but they can also be territorial and protective of their nests. While they generally do not actively seek to attack people, they may become aggressive if they feel threatened or if their young are in danger.
The swan is a giant bird and if it perceives a person as a potential threat, it may charge or chase them and even use its wings and beak to defend itself.
It is important to remember that swans are wild animals and should be respected as such. These waterfowl should not be fed by hand or approached too closely, particularly during breeding season when they are more likely to be defensive. Keep a safe distance from their nests and cygnets.
Generally, it is best to observe these beautiful creatures from a safe distance and not interfere with their natural behavior. While attacks on humans are not common, it is always best to err on the side of caution and respect the animals’ space.
Why do swans attack people?
Swans are graceful, attractive creatures that grace lakes, ponds, and other bodies of water with their presence. Despite their delicate appearance, these birds can turn aggressive when threatened or disturbed.
Nesting swans attack humans for various reasons, including territorial defense and protection of their young.
Swans such as mute swans are territorial animals, fighting tooth and nail to protect their nesting sites from any perceived threat, especially during the nesting season. These threats include humans approaching the swan too closely, especially when it is nesting or guarding its young cygnets.
When a swan perceives a human threat, it may hiss, honk violently, and even charge to frighten the human away from the swan nest or swan territory. If a person does not move quickly enough or tries to touch the cygnets, the swan may bite them to protect its brood.
Mistaken identification can sometimes lead to aggression toward humans. Swans are fiercely protective of their species, and they may confuse another bird species for one of their own, leading to assaults on people if they go too close.
The same is true for anything resembling a predator, such as dogs and other land mammals, whose movements resemble those of a coyote or fox attempting to steal eggs or prey on young birds. In these circumstances, the swan responds instinctively in defense and will attack if it feels threatened or endangered by what it considers an intruder.
Swans can also become hostile due to humans feeding them too much food near their habitat. This practice promotes overpopulation and rivalry for resources among the birds, which leads to aggressive behavior toward humans who approach them, anticipating more food.
Overfeeding the birds causes them to exhibit more defensive behavior and greater territoriality to preserve viable food sources from other birds that may compete for nutrition.
It is noteworthy that most reports of swans hurting people occur when the birds where antagonized or provoked. Additionally, swan injuries aren’t often serious and most of the time it is the bird hitting the human’s leg or arm with its wing joint.
Interestingly, the bones in swan’s wings are thinner than human bones, therefore it is more possible for the swan to hurt itself than hurting the human if it decides to attack.
What are the signs that a swan is about to attack?
A swan will display a few common warning signs when it is about to attack. It’s important to be aware of these cues so that you can take steps to protect yourself and others from a potential attack.
The first sign of an impending swan attack is aggression. A swan may become aggressive if it feels threatened or like its territory is being invaded.
The swan might start hissing, honking, and flapping its wings while rushing toward the intruder. It may also lower its head and open its beak wide to appear larger and more intimidating when facing off with an intruder.
Other signs that a swan is preparing to attack include stalking behavior and loud vocalizations. If the bird begins following someone or something for an extended period, this could indicate that it wants the person or thing out of its territory.
The same goes for loud honking or hissing coming from the bird. These vocalizations are usually meant as warnings to escape the area immediately or face the consequences.
If the warning signs have been ignored or go unnoticed by those in the vicinity of a potentially hostile swan, it may resort to physical violence to eliminate the intruder.
The show of aggression can include biting with their long necks, stomping with their webbed feet, smashing into objects (like boats), and even flying directly at people’s heads as they attempt to scare them off.
It’s important to remember that while these behaviors are often associated with aggression, they can also indicate fear in some cases.
Swans may become scared if they feel trapped or threatened by humans who don’t understand their boundaries. This means that it’s important for anyone who encounters one of these animals in the wild to pay close attention and give them plenty of space before it turns into hostility. It is also important to not approach a swan especially if it has cygnets.
It is important for adults to teach small children not to pet swans and other waterfowl at the river or lake. While most attacks don’t often result in serious injuries, but they can might their arm broken by the animal.
What to do during a swan attack?
If a swan is attacking you, it is important to try and remain calm and still. Do not run or make sudden movements, as this can agitate the attacking swan further. Slowly back away, keeping your eyes on the swan and giving it space.
Try to put something between yourself and the mute swan, such as a tree or a trash can.
If the female or male swan continues to be aggressive, seek assistance from a park ranger or other authority figure.
Can swans break human bones?
Swans have been widely thought of as dangerous animals that can break human bones. While they’re capable of aggression and defending themselves, there are no known cases of swans using their power to break a human bone.
Swans are usually more interested in pecking for food than attacking humans. These birds can and will use their strength if threatened. However, they rarely need to go beyond threatening behavior to intimidate or protect themselves from danger.
Can a swan bite your fingers off?
No, swans such as black swans may be big birds but they can’t bite your fingers off. Even though their bite force isn’t as strong as other animals, the bite from their sharp beaks can be painful.
Did a swan attack result in human death?
It’s extremely rare for a swan attack to result in human death. However, in 2012, 37 year old Anthony Hensley from Illinois drowned while trying to get to shore after being attacked by a swan.
Red dot sights work using a LED emitter that shines a beam of light onto a specially coated, slightly angled piece of glass.
The glass reflects the light from the LED onto it, creating the reticle. It offers many advantages that aren’t available with traditional iron sights.
The term “red dot sight” is a catch-all for a few types of optics, mainly reflex and holographic sights. We group these sights by how they operate. Reflex sights are reflective sights that use traditional lenses, while holographic sights utilize lasers.
Reflex Sight
The reflex red dot sight is the most popular.
It works via a small light that’s projected from the rear of the scope, which the front lens reflects back into the form of a red dot which you use to aim with.
Most reflex sights are often cheaper than holographic sights and are also available for battery-free use.
On the downside, reflex sights aren’t magnified, but you could always combine them with the best red dot magnifiers. It also comes in a wide variety of sizes and weights, meaning you can easily find a budget reflex sight to fit your firearm.
Holographic Sight
The second most popular red dot is the holographic sight, with Eotech leading the industry (Enter: EXPS 2 and 3).
It uses a powerful laser emitter to illuminate a glassed-in reticle, which is very precise, accurate, and easy to use. Holographic sights also tend to favor those with blurry vision and astigmatism.
Because of its technology, holographic sights require more battery life. That’s why it rarely lasts more than a few hundred hours. It’s a big difference when compared to 10,000+ hours of a quality reflex sight.
One of its best features is that it can still function even if the front lens is damaged. On the other hand, the most expensive red dot reflex sight on the market is still cheaper than most holographic sights.
Since the needed technology requires more internal structure and larger housings, holographic sights tend to be heavier and bulkier.
As of now, only two companies produce true holographic sights which also limits your options.
To make your life easier, I have compiled a list of the best holographic sights for you to check out.
Both reflex and holographic sights have their similarities as well as distinct differences. Choosing the best red dot sight for your specific need can mean the difference between success and failure.
How to Choose the Best Reflex Sight
With so many options on the market today, it can get overwhelming.
But don’t worry, we’re going to cover all bases: starting with how to choose the best reflex sight…
Reticle Size
A reflex sight gives you the ability to acquire and hit a target incredibly quickly.
The size of the reticle pattern can affect how quickly you can locate the dot and how much of the target it covers. These two factors have a big impact on accuracy.
The most common dot size ranges from 2 to 6 minutes-of-angle (MOA). Larger dots are ideal for speed competition, steel shooting, or if you have tired eyes. For precision shooting at medium ranges, choose a smaller dot.
If you’re unsure: 3 MOA is a popular, standard choice for target shooting and self-defense. The dot will cover 3 inches at 100 yards, 1.5 inches at 50 yards, or 6 inches at 200 yards.
Reticle Color
A reflex sight comes with a colored reticle and thanks to modern technology, there are a variety of options.
Holosun specifically designed a “gold” reticle for color-blind shooters while UTG has optics that come with 30+ different color options. But today, we’ll stick to the two most common colors: red and green.
When deciding between the two, consider your shooting environment and eye condition. If you’re in a forested area or someplace that’s dominated by green, then a green dot wouldn’t work too well. However, it’s easier on the eyes and works great for daylight use.
The red dot is highly visible at night and in low-light conditions, but people who suffer from astigmatism may see a blurred dot or experience eye strain. A popular budget reflex sight comes with the classic red dot. For more details, read my Best Red Dot Sights review.
Housing Construction
The reflex sight comes in two styles: the traditional open style and the tube or pipe style.
An open-style sight offers a wider field of view. The compact design also helps you focus on your target while maintaining situational awareness. On the other hand, it’s vulnerable to the elements.
Tube-style reflex sights look like miniature scopes and have an enclosed system. This protects it from weather conditions and accidental drops. Unfortunately, it has a more limited scope of vision than the former.
Battery Life
The battery life is a crucial aspect since no dot is visible if you run out of power.
Normally, a reflex sight uses LEDs. That’s why a single battery can last 10,000+ hours. Take note, your mileage will vary depending on your brightness setting.
Some reflex sights have auto-on/off features that are driven by motion sensors, allowing it to always stay on and ready for use while conserving battery life.
Those sights are typically more expensive but extremely reliable.
Durability and Weight
A reliable red dot reflex sight should be water-proof, fog-proof, and shock-proof. It should also withstand high recoil rounds, and be durable but lightweight.
Lastly, always buy a product with a good warranty. Not all manufacturers provide coverage or excellent customer service, so make sure you check!
Choosing one that works best for you can be tricky – and finding one that fits in your budget can be trickier! Therefore, I’ve compared the best reflex sights and listed them below.
The Best Reflex Sights
If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best reflex sights:
Aimpoint Pro: Best Reflex Sight for AR-15
Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06: Best Reflex Sight for Pistol
Bushnell TRS-25: Best for the Budget
Vortex Venom: Best Shotgun Reflex Sight
1. Aimpoint Pro: Best Reflex Sight for AR-15
The Aimpoint PRO is the best reflex sight for the AR-15.
This patrol rifle optic is widely known for its impressive features and reasonable price point.In fact, it’s actively being used by the military, law enforcement, and armed authorities alike.
Glass Clarity & Reticle Patterns
The Aimpoint Pro’s glass is clear and crisp.
It comes with a slight blue tint for enhanced contrast, and I’ve experienced no distortion whatsoever, so no complaints there.
It features a threaded front lens opening which, get this: allows you to screw on another anti-reflective device. The Aimpoint Pro comes with a 2 MOA dot with ten brightness settings: 6 daylight and 4 night settings.
This red dot sight is also compatible with all generations of night vision devices. As awesome as the Aimpoint PRO is, the red dot sight can be less favorable for individuals with astigmatism.
In that case, you’d want to look at a holographic reflex sight like the Holosun HS510C.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Aimpoint Pro has unlimited eye relief.
The eye box is a bit smaller compared to other reflex sights but it has a wide field of view. The Aimpoint Pro can be co-witnessed with iron sights and it comes with an extra spacer.
In fact: The red dot perfectly lined up with my AR’s iron sight. I was able to zero within the first ten shots at 50 yards. 500 rounds later, I was still shooting dead center without issues.
Durability and Weight
The Aimpoint Pro is extremely durable.
Thanks to its anodized aluminum construction, it can withstand heavy rain, fog, and is completely waterproof up to 150 feet.
Additionally, the single CR2032 battery of the Aimpoint Pro is rated to last 30,000 hours (over 3 years) of constant operation.
On that note: I’ve used mine for almost two years now, and I haven’t swapped batteries yet.
The Aimpoint Pro is 3.2 inches tall, 5.4 inches long, and weighs about 12.7 oz with the spacer. This optic is not as lightweight as other red dots, but its design works best on full-sized rifles.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs are robust and tactile.
They’re easy to tighten or loosen, even with gloves on. Plus: they have an audible click and can be easily reset back to your desired setting.
Parallax & Magnification
The Aimpoint pro features a 1x magnification.
It was easy to shoot with both eyes open, and the red dot sight was parallax-free.
You can also use the Aimpoint Pro with any magnifier of your choice. I used both Aimpoint’s 3X Magnifier
and Vortex Optics VMX-3T Magnifier with Built-in Flip Mount and it improved my long-range accuracy tremendously.
Mounting & Rings
The Aimpoint Pro comes with a standard AR-15 riser (which is removable) and a dual-height, torque-perfect QRP2 mount.
It took me a total of 15 minutes to install everything.
Also, the box includes flip-up lens covers – the front is solid and the rear is transparent. This allows you to shoot with the lens caps closed and both eyes open in case of an emergency.
Is the Aimpoint PRO worth it?
If you’re looking for a high quality reflex sight that won’t fail on you or your AR-15, I highly recommend the Aimpoint Pro.
Why? It’s got:
Pinpoint accuracy
Clear and crisp lens
30,000-hour battery life
Easy installation and removal
Excellent durability and construction
On top of that, the reflex sight is covered by Aimpoint’s 10-year warranty. If it ever breaks, their excellent customer service will repair or replace it for free.
Overall, the Aimpoint Pro is one of the best scopes for the AR-15. You definitely won’t be disappointed with the quality and reliability you’re paying for.
2. Trijicon RMR Type 2 RM06: Best Reflex Sight for Pistol
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is the best reflex sight for the pistol.
Whenever I’m looking for a top-tier optic, you can always find me browsing at Trijicon. Compared to a lot of contenders, this red dot sight has proven to be extremely accurate, durable, and reliable.
This is why the Trijicon RMR Type 2 is one of the best pistol red dot sights…
Glass Clarity & Reticle Patterns
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 glass is super clear and bright.
This reflex sight comes with a 3.25 MOA red dot, perfect for shooting precisely without covering too much of my target.
The RMR Type 2 has easy-to-use plus and minus buttons for quick illumination adjustments. I can also manually adjust its brightness, up to eight different settings. All the controls are side-mounted for easy access.
I also tried switching to the auto-adjust mode, and it worked perfectly. It detected the ambient light and gave me a red dot that suited my shooting conditions.
On the other hand, I was hoping the Trijicon RMR Type 2 would come with “shake awake” motion sensing technology (like the Holosun HE508T-X2). This would’ve been a great addition.
But, it’s not a big deal considering this reflex sight has a long list of impressive features.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The RMR Type 2 has unlimited eye relief.
The eye box is forgiving and has a large field of view. You can easily achieve quick target acquisition with both eyes open, perfect for enabling rapid engagement.
Durability and Weight
The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is lightweight yet durable.
The RMR Type 2 is waterproof and fog proof. Plus: it’s proven to withstand the stresses associated with recoil on high-power firearms.
I’ve personally done multiple drop tests and one-handed reloads on this optic and found no problems. The Trijicon RMR Type 2 is equipped with long-lasting battery life.
You can expect up to four years of use from its single CR2032 battery. I recommend replacing it every year, though.
The drawback: The battery compartment is on the bottom of the reflex sight…so you have to unmount and re-zero when you swap them out.
If that troubles you, a red dot sight with a top-loading battery option like the Burris Fastfire III is a great alternative.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The RMR Type 2’s knobs are solid with audible clicks.
Windage and elevation changes are made with 1.0 MOA clicks over a 150 MOA range. I was able to zero within the first 15 rounds.
After firing over 1,000 rounds, I can personally confirm there were no flickers or loss of zero.
Parallax & Magnification
The RMR Type 2 sports a 1x magnification.
It’s factory adjusted to be parallax-free at approximately 100 yards. This setup works very well for a pistol.
Mountings
The RMR Type 2 doesn’t come with mountings.
However, there’s a wide selection you can purchase online. I used the Trijicon AC32064 RMR mounting kit—not included—which comes with a gasket that mounts between the unit and the mounting plate.
At least, that’s what I used to marry the Type 2 to my Glock 17 MOS. Depending on your slide, I recommend buying the Mount Sealing Plate to avoid water getting in. It gives your pistol a perfect seal with the reflex sight.
Is the Trijicon RMR Type 2 worth it?
If you’re looking to mount a professional-grade reflex sight on your AR pistol, get the Trijicon RMR Type 2.
Here’s why:
Multi-coated lens
Long-lasting battery
Night vision compatible
Low profile and lightweight
Manual/Automatic brightness mode
Also, this red dot reflex sight comes with Trijicon’s Limited-Lifetime Warranty. You won’t need to worry if you require repairs or a replacement.
If the red dot reflex sight on my pistol could be a matter of safety or survival, I’d pick the Trijicon RMR Type 2 reflex sight in a heartbeat.
But if you’re looking for the best budget reflex sights alternative, I have a detailed comparison on the Burris Fastfire 3 vs Trijicon RMR. Highly recommend checking that out!
3. Bushnell TRS-25: Best for the Budget
The Bushnell TRS-25 is the best reflex sight for your money.
It costs less than $100 and performs as well as optics twice its price. In fact, it’s got 12,000 reviews on Amazon, with customers raving about this affordable red dot. And I agree with them.
Glass Clarity & Reticle Patterns
The Bushnell TRS-25 provides superb optical clarity.
It features amber-bright lens coating that prevents glare and improves light transmission. Amber-coated optics will help you distinguish what you are aiming at, be it a brown tree or brown critter. Super helpful on hunting trips!
The TRS-25 is equipped with 11 brightness settings, illuminating the 3 MOA dot reticle inside to better help you with target acquisition.
I did notice that the dot intensity tends to get a bit blurry when the setting is high. It’s not ideal but it’s acceptable at this price point.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
The Bushnell TRS- 25 sight sports unlimited eye relief.
I’m able to comfortably shoot with both eyes open. It also comes with a wide field of view and is parallax-free.
Durability and Weight
The Bushnell TRS-25 is both durable and lightweight.
The aluminum housing is filled with dry nitrogen gas and sealed with O-rings which makes it fog-proof, waterproof, and shockproof. Also, I have put this optic through the wringer.
If I were to drop it from 5 feet, the glass would probably crack but keep in mind, it’s a low-cost red dot. With regular use, it passes the torture test. On the downside: the battery life isn’t so great.
Bushnell says it comes with 5,000 hours of battery life on the medium setting, but I’ve been swapping out batteries every year. An auto-shutoff feature would’ve been ideal with the low battery life.
Still, not bad for a $70 optic!
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The elevation and windage knobs have an audible click.
You will need a screwdriver or coin to turn the adjustments. Every click on the dials equals 0.5 MOA. After 10 rounds, I was zeroed in.
I’ve tested it using AR-15 assault-style rifles and even shotguns, and it held the zero throughout.
Parallax & Magnification
The Bushnell TRS-25 comes with 1X magnification.
If you want to add some magnification, the UTG 3x Magnifier is the way to go. I own one and it’s affordable and reliable. It’s also parallax-free.
No matter where my eye was positioned, the dot didn’t move.
Mountings
The Bushnell-TRS 25 is a pretty versatile accessory that can be easily mounted on any Picatinny rail system or weaver style.
However, you may need a riser mount if you are shooting an AR-type rifle. I personally recommend the UTG 1″ Riser.
For absolute co-witness, the UTG .83″ Riser is my go-to.
Is the Bushnell TRS-25 worth it?
If you’re looking to get an affordable reflex sight that does it all, get Bushnell TRS-25.
Why? It’s got…
Clear reticle
Affordable price tag
Multi-coating on lenses
Easy to mount and easy to detach
Shockproof, fog-proof and water-proof
Plus, the TRS-25 is protected by Bushnell’s Lifetime Warranty. If the sight arrives with a defect, they will either replace or repair it. If you’re interested in this red dot, you can find more information on my in- depth review of the Bushnell TRS-25.
4. Vortex Venom: Best Shotgun Reflex Sight
The Vortex Venom is the best shotgun reflex sight.
Not only is it affordable, but it’s packed with amazing features. In fact, I’ve used it on a wide variety of hunting applications including casual target shooting and I loved it.
Glass Clarity & Reticle Patterns
The Vortex optics glass is clean, crisp, and bright.
This optic comes in either a 3-MOA or 6-MOA red dot reticle. I prefer the 3-MOA dot for hunting. The precise dot permits fine-tuning for true target acquisition.
In my opinion, the 6-MOA dot is too big, definitely for shots over 40 yards because it just covers too much of the vitals. But this is also a personal preference.
The Venom has 10 brightness settings in total and offers manual or automatic brightness adjustment.
There’s one thing I’m not a fan of: When you aim from a dark place into a brightly sunlit area, the dot tends to wash out as the light sensor sees a low level of light and automatically adjusts the brightness down.
For battery preservation, the durable sight is designed with an automatic shutoff function after 14 hours. So far, I’m happy with that trade-off.
Eye Relief & Eye Box
As a red dot sight, the Venom comes with unlimited eye relief.
It also has an ultra-forgiving eye box and shooting with both eyes open was a breeze. If you can see the red dot, you’ll hit your target.
Durability and Weight
Vortex’s Venom sight is inexpensive, but it’s compact and robust.
It’s made of aircraft-grade aluminum and is nitrogen purged, making it waterproof and shockproof. The sealed O-rings prevent dust, debris, and moisture from entering the device.
It withstood every shake, rattle, and roll I threw at it. The Vortex Venom is rated between 150 (at the brightest setting) to 30,000 hours (at the lowest setting) of battery life.
With its top-mounted battery compartment, there’s no need to remove the optic to replace the CR 1632 battery.
But what if the battery life isn’t enough for you? Check out its cousins: the Sparc 2 and Strikefire 2.
Elevation & Windage Knobs
The knobs are easily adjustable with audibly crisp 1 MOA clicks.
I was able to zero in the scope within 5 minutes. Even after 1500 rounds, it still held zero.
Parallax & Magnification
The Vortex optics don’t come with any magnification- as is the standard with a reflex red dot.
This is ideal for short-range shooting. But, if you want to add 100 yards, I recommend the Vortex VMX 3T Magnifier.
Although the Venom is labeled as “parallax free”, there is slight parallax. But it makes a negligible difference in performance.
Mountings
The Vortex optics will directly attach to any shotgun with a Picatinny/Weaver Rail.
The box also includes a T-15 Torx wrench, Rain cover, Lens cloth, Mounting screws, one CR 1632 battery, and a screwdriver.
Is the Vortex Venom worth it?
If you’re in search of a low-profile yet rugged reflex sight for your shotgun, the Vortex Venom is it.
Why? It’s got…
Clear glass
Crisp 3- or 6- MOA dot
Auto brightness setting
Long-lasting battery life
Waterproof, fog-proof, and shockproof
And to top it all off, if you’re worried about it breaking, Vortex optics’ Lifetime VIP warranty has you covered: they will repair or replace it without charge, no receipts required.
Overall, I consider the Vortex Venom to be a bang for your buck.
If you’re looking for another great option for your shotgun, I highly recommend checking out my Vortex Sparc AR vs Sig Romeo 5 review!
Now It’s Your Turn
I hope you enjoyed my Best Reflex Sights guide.
Now I want to turn it over to you: Which reflex sight will you pick for your AR-15, pistol or shotgun? Or perhaps you already have one and would like to share your thoughts.
Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.
Many people use the hard hitting and flat shooting 7mm Rem Mag for hunting elk, deer and many other species of game with excellent results. Here are a few great 7mm Rem Mag ammo options that will serve you very well on your next hunt.
The 7mm Remington Magnum cartridge made a giant splash when first introduced in the 1960s along with the legendary Model 700 bolt action rifle. The cartridge quickly became a favorite of North American hunters. Indeed, the 7mm Rem Mag is an incredibly effective and versatile hunting cartridge when using high quality ammunition loaded with premium bullets. Not surprisingly, the 7mm Remington Magnum remains one of the most popular centerfire rifle cartridges in the world today.
For that reason, just about every big ammunition manufacturer like Barnes, Black Hills, Browning, Fiocchi, Federal Premium, Hornady, HSM, Norma, Nosler, Prvi Partizan (PPU), Remington, Sierra, Swift, and Winchester produces several different variants of 7mm Rem Mag ammo for hunting elk, deer, moose, bear, and many other big game animals.
Known for being relatively flat shooting, being really accurate, and for retaining lots of kinetic energy at extended range, versatility is the name of the game with the 7mm Rem Mag. The cartridge is well suited for hunting a wide range of big game at short, medium, and even long range.
However, different situations (like deer or pronghorn at long range vs moose at short range) necessitate the use of different kinds of 7mm Rem Mag ammo for best performance.
Using the wrong kind of 7mm Mag ammunition can lead to disastrous results.
For example, the 7mm Remington Magnum developed a reputation among elk hunters as a “wounder” a few years after Remington released the cartridge.
This was primarily because 7mm Mag factory ammo initially used bullets poorly suited to the high velocities produced by the cartridge. Those lightweight, thin jacketed bullets performed very well at slower 7mm Mauser velocities, but would expand far too rapidly, sometimes explosively, upon impact when fired at 7mm Rem Mag velocities (about 400-500fps faster).
Bullet penetration was terrible in those cases. Sometimes the bullet would “grenade” upon impact and fail to reach the vitals when striking a bone or a heavily muscled shoulder of a big bull elk. The result was some horrific flesh wounds that were often not immediately fatal to the elk.
Fortunately, that problem has since been fixed and hunters now have access to a great selection of controlled expansion 7mm bullets that perform very well on really big game like elk and moose.
Lightweight 139 or 140 grain bullets are great for deer hunting, but hunters who use those lighter bullets on larger game may still experience issues with poor penetration, especially on steeply quartering shots. However, the 7mm Remington Magnum is absolutely deadly on really big game like moose and elk when using premium quality 160-175 grain bullets.
Keep this in mind when you select 7mm Rem Mag ammo for an upcoming hunt.
Additionally, while they are very accurate and are certainly capable of killing big game animals, I don’t recommend using bullets designed for target shooting like the Sierra MatchKing hollow point boat tail (HPBT) or Hornady ELD Match for hunting. The same goes for open tip match (OTM) or boat tail hollow point (BTHP) bullets in general.
This is because target or match bullets usually aren’t designed for optimum terminal performance on big game animals and you may run into issues like I described earlier with poor penetration.
Instead, it’s best to stick with 7mm Remington Magnum ammo specifically designed for hunting that uses soft point, jacketed hollow point, or similar bullets.
Fortunately, there is a wide variety of 7mm Rem Mag Mag factory loads specifically designed for just almost any big game hunting situation from Colorado to New Zealand. So, regardless of whether you’re using a bolt action Remington Model 700, a Ruger Hawkeye, a Savage 110, a Weatherby Vanguard, a Winchester Model 70, or some other hunting rifle, there is pretty much guaranteed to be something for everyone on the list below of the best 7mm Rem Mag ammunition for hunting.
In this article, I’m going to show you the best 7mm Rem Mag ammo for hunting elk, moose, feral hogs, deer, pronghorn, black bear and all sorts of other big game. I’ll also go over the pros and cons of each individual load and help you select the right ammunition for your specific hunting situation.
Note: some of the links below are affiliate links. This means I will earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you make a purchase of rifle, handgun, rimfire, or shotgun ammunition through those links. This helps support the blog and allows me to continue to create free content that’s useful to hunters like yourself. Thanks for your support.
Hornady Precision Hunter
The 7mm Remington Magnum is an excellent long range cartridge and Hornady’s Precision Hunter line contains an outstanding 7mm Rem Mag ammo option for hunters looking to squeeze every bit of long range performance out of the cartridge. Loaded with the extremely aerodynamic Extremely Low Drag eXpanding (ELD-X) bullet, this ammo is perfect for western hunters going after game like elk, mule deer, or pronghorn who need the very best 7mm Rem Mag ammo for a long range hunting situation.
Hornady advertises that the ELD-X bullet has the best-in-class ballistic coefficients over their entire trajectory and that their Precision Hunter ammunition also offers match grade accuracy (usually sub-MOA).
Though the ELD-X does not have a bonded core like the Hornady InterBond, the ELD-X does feature a thicker jacket and an InterLock ring to help control expansion, increase weight retention, and minimize the chances of core-jacket separation. For this reason, the ELD-X is still devastating on deer and pronghorn sized game, but it’s also a much better choice than their SST bullet used in the Hornady Superformance line for use on larger game.
Add it up and you have some 7mm Remington Magnum ammunition that’s capable of delivering great terminal performance on a wide range of big game for shots at 400+ yards.
Bullet Type: Hornady Extremely Low Drag eXpanding
Bullet Weight: 162 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .631
Muzzle Velocity: 2,940 feet per second
GET PRECISION HUNTER 7mm REM MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Ochocos Outdoors, Optics Planet, and Palmetto State Armory, Sportsman’s Warehouse
Nosler Partition
Federal Premium and Nosler both produce 7mm Remington Magnum ammunition featuring the legendary Nosler Partition, which will very likely fit the bill for those looking for some seriously heavy hitting 7mm Rem Mag ammo for elk, moose, or bear hunting. Loaded with a 160 grain Nosler Partition bullet, this load is perfect for hunting really big game where it’s really important to use a heavy, well constructed bullet.
If this ammo shoots accurately in your rifle, then it’s hard to go wrong with a 160 grain Nosler Partition for elk hunting.
With that in mind, this is also perfect 7mm Rem Mag ammunition for an African safari where really large or tough game like kudu, blue wildebeest, or eland are on the menu. This ammunition is not limited to really big, tough game either. Indeed, it’s also great for game like whitetail and mule deer.
While this load doesn’t have the flattest trajectory out there, it still retains energy very well and is absolutely deadly on all manner of game at typical hunting ranges. So this is some outstanding 7mm Rem Mag ammo for shots out to several hundred yards.
The Nosler Partition is a very old bullet design, but it remains one of the best hunting bullets around and has a proven track record over the course of many decades and won’t let you down at the moment of truth. There’s a reason why it’s so darn popular with those who prefer to use handloaded ammunition as well as factory loads.
With proper shot placement, this ammunition will deliver excellent performance if it hits bone or soft tissue at short range as well as at several hundred yards. Just aim for the vitals, do your part as a shooter, and the bullet will do the rest.
Bullet Type: Nosler Partition
Bullet Weight: 160 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .475
Muzzle Velocity: 2,950 feet per second
GET FEDERAL 7mm REM MAG PARTITION AMMO HERE
GET NOSLER 7mm REM MAG PARTITION AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Lucky Gunner, MidwayUSA, Optics Planet, & Palmetto State Armory
Nosler Trophy Grade AccuBond
Nosler Trophy Grade line of ammo will fit the bill for those looking for some 7mm Rem Mag ammo for deer, elk, bear or moose hunting, but who also want a little bit better performance at longer range than the 160gr Nosler Partition discussed earlier.
This ammunition uses either a 140 grain or a 160 grain AccuBond bullet. It’s not quite as robustly constructed as the Nosler Partition, but the lead core is chemically bonded to the jacket, so you don’t have to worry about the bullet “grenading” or expanding too rapidly upon impact. This makes the AccuBond a much better choice for an elk hunt than other tipped bullet options from Nosler, like the Nosler Ballistic Tip.
At the same time, AccuBond bullets are much more aerodynamic than the Partition and will reliably expand at lower impact velocities. So, this ammunition provides delivers nice extended range performance without being too fragile for close range shots on big game.
I’d recommend using the 140 grain AccuBond bullet for game like deer and pronghorn. The 160 grain AccuBond will also work great on deer sized game (to include antelope), but is also a really good choice for larger and tougher game like black bear and elk.
Bullet Type: Nosler AccuBond
Bullet Weight: 160 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .531
Muzzle Velocity: 2,925 feet per second
GET NOSLER TROPHY GRADE 7mm REM MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Cabela’s, MidwayUSA, Optics Planet, and Sportsman’s Warehouse
Nosler Trophy Grade ammo also made cut for my holiday gift recommendations. To see what other stuff is on the list, check out the following article:
101 Best Gifts For Hunters
Barnes VOR-TX
Fans of Barnes bullets are in luck because Barnes produces some great 7mm Rem Mag ammo as part of their VOR-TX line. Featuring their legendary copper Triple Shock X (TSX) and Tipped Triple Shock X (TTSX) bullets, this ammunition is designed for rapid expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration. Available using 140 grain, 150 grain, or 160 grain 7mm bullets, Barnes offers three outstanding choices for hunters regardless of what they’re after.
The 160 grain load is an excellent choice of 7mm Rem Mag ammo for elk, deer, bear, and moose hunting. While it’s not designed for longer range performance, it’s great for shots at typical hunting ranges and retains over 1,500ft-lbs of energy out past 400 yards.
The load featuring a 150 grain Barnes TTSX will also work for larger game like elk, but it’s perfect for bigger deer, bear, and pronghorn. That high velocity 140 grain load is great 7mm Rem Mag ammo for deer and pronghorn hunting, especially for hunters who want a couple hundred extra fps and a really flat trajectory to minimize their holdover for a longer shot.
All three loads are also 100% copper, which makes them an ideal choice of 7mm Rem Mag hunting ammunition for use in states like California that that don’t permit the use of lead bullets.
I’m a big fan of the Barnes VOR-TX line and I’ve used this ammunition with a lot of success on both deer and pronghorn over the past few years. This ammo is also a favorite among many North America, New Zealand, and Africa hunting outfitters.
Muzzle Velocity: 3,100 feet per second (140gr), 3,060 feet per second (150gr), or 2,950 feet per second (160gr)
GET 7mm REM MAG BARNES AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Brownells, Lucky Gunner, and Optics Planet, and Sportsman’s Warehouse
Remington Core-Lokt
If you’re a “meat and potatoes” kind of hunter who wants some reasonably priced and dependable 7mm Rem Mag ammo for hunting deer, elk, feral hogs, and black bear, then Remington’s 175 grain Core-Lokt soft point will probably work really well for you. It’s also available with either a 140 grain or a 150 grain bullet, both of which are great for deer hunting.
It’s not the latest and greatest stuff by any means. Heavier bullets with a higher sectional density (like the load with a 175 grain bullet), tend to penetrate pretty well, even if they don’t have a cutting edge design. This 7mm Rem Mag ammunition has been around for a long time and countless hunters have successfully used Core-Lokt ammo to take just about every species of big game in North America.
One of those bullets through the vitals of a black bear, elk, deer, or pronghorn will make for a very short tracking job. They don’t call it the “deadliest mushroom in the woods” for nothing.
That said, this would not be my first choice for use on bigger game like elk or moose. However, it will absolutely work in that role and lots of elk and moose hunters use this ammunition successfully each year, especially on cow elk or immature bulls.
However, this ammunition is very reasonably priced and has one of the lowest costs per round out of all the 7mm Rem Mag ammo on this list. If you’re on a strict budget and can’t afford premium ammunition, then I’d suggest using the 175 grain Remington Core-Lokt load above any of the other “budget” 7mm Rem Mag ammo options.
Bullet Type: Core-Lokt Pointed Soft Point (PSP)
Bullet Weight: 175 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .427
Muzzle Velocity: 2,860 feet per second
GET 7mm REM MAG CORE LOKT AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Brownells, Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, Palmetto State Armory, and Sportsman’s Warehouse
Federal Premium Terminal Ascent
Federal includes the 7mm Remington Magnum in to their Terminal Ascent line, which is great news as it’s another good option of 7mm Rem Mag hunting ammo for hunters looking for really good extended range performance using a tougher bullet. This ammunition uses the new Terminal Ascent Bullet, which is are also extremely aerodynamic and accurate high performance bullets. It’s not quite as aerodynamic as the Hornady ELD-X, but it still has a relatively high BC and is also much more robustly constructed.
With those things in mind, I personally tend to lean more towards the Terminal Ascent over the ELD-X for hunting bigger game like elk with the 7mm Rem Mag. This ammo is another great option for hunters going after game out west like mule deer or pronghorn who need excellent 7mm Rem Mag ammo for a long-range hunting situation.
If this ammunition shoots accurately in your rifle, this is another good option (along with the 150gr Hornady CX) for hunters who need good 7mm Rem Mag ammo for elk hunting because it’s such a tough bullet that can be counted on for devastating performance on all manner of game at virtually any reasonable range.
Bullet Type: Terminal Ascent
Bullet Weight: 155 grains
Muzzle Velocity: 3,000 feet per second (3,097 ft-lbs of muzzle energy)
GET TERMINAL ASCENT 7mm REM MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Cabela’s, Lucky Gunner, Optics Planet and Sportsman’s Warehouse
Federal Fusion
It’s far from the latest and greatest stuff, but this Federal Fusion loading with either a 150gr or a 175gr bullet is really good 7mm Rem Mag ammo for deer hunting.
Fusion bullets have a bonded lead core to help with weight retention. Combined with a skived tip to help initiate expansion, Federal Fusion 7mm Rem Mag ammo delivers a really good balance of controlled expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration that make it absolutely deadly on deer-sized game.
While Federal Fusion 7mm Rem Mag ammo is primarily intended for deer hunting, it will work on bigger and/or tougher game like black bear and elk under the right conditions. I don’t think this is the best 7mm Rem Mag ammo for elk hunting, but it will definitely work if you can’t find anything better (keep reading for what I think are better options for elk).
All things considered, this is outstanding ammunition for deer hunting though. It will also work great on similar sized game like mule deer, pronghorn, and feral hogs. In addition to being very effective in that role, this ammunition is also somewhat reasonably priced and has been one of the easier to find 7mm Rem Mag ammo options recently. It also has a reputation for being pretty darn accurate.
Bullet Type: Fusion Soft Point
Bullet Weight: 150 grains or 175 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .509 (150gr) or .537 (175gr)
Muzzle Velocity: 3,050 feet per second (150gr) or 2,760 feet per second (175gr)
GET FUSION 7mm MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available At: Cabela’s, Optics Planet and Sportsman’s Warehouse
Federal Premium Berger Hybrid
Berger bullets have long been favorites with handloaders. Fortunately, Federal Premium also offers 7mm Remington Magnum hunting ammunition loaded with the Berger Hybrid Hunter bullet as a factory load, so they’re not limited to those who use handloads. These bullets are known for exceptional accuracy and for being extremely aerodynamic. In fact, this is the most accurate 7mm Rem Mag ammo for many hunters and the Hybrid Hunter is less sensitive to seating depth than the Berger VLD.
Though they do quite often deliver match grade accuracy, the Berger Hybrid Hunter is not a run of the mill match bullet. Instead, it’s designed to provide devastating terminal performance on big game.
While most hunting bullets start to expand immediately upon impact, Berger bullets are designed to penetrate several inches before expanding. Then, according to Berger, the bullet will shed 40-90% of its weight (depending on impact velocity) and send countless tiny fragments off into surrounding tissue.
This produces a massive wound cavity and dumps most, if not all, of the bullet’s energy into the animal.
Those features make this load an excellent choice of 7mm Rem Mag ammo for longer range hunting situations, especially if you’re a proponent of the “energy dump” school of thought when it comes to selecting a hunting bullet.
Bullet Type: Berger Hybrid Hunter
Bullet Weight: 168 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .566
Muzzle Velocity: 2,870 feet per second
GET 7mm REM MAG BERGER AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Brownell’s, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Optics Planet, and Palmetto State Armory
Hornady Superformance
Hornady advertises that their Superformance line of ammunition will safely deliver an additional 100-200 fps of muzzle velocity over than comparable loads. That extra velocity translates into a flatter trajectory, more resistance to wind drift, and devastating terminal effects on game. Since it uses a lighter bullet, it also has less recoil than many other 7mm Mag loads.
This ammunition is loaded with Hornady’s SST bullet, which has a reputation for great accuracy. Especially at the high velocities the ammunition is known for, that bullet will expand very rapidly, often at the expense of penetration. It will deliver devastating results on impact, but don’t expect exit wounds (even on a broadside shot), especially on bigger bodied animals.
With all that in mind, this is great 7mm Rem Mag deer hunting ammo. It is also an excellent choice for pronghorn, but I DON’T recommend using it on bigger game like elk.
Bullet Type: SST
Bullet Weight: 139 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .486
Muzzle Velocity: 3,240 feet per second
GET 7mm REM MAG HORNADY SST AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Brownells, Optics Planet, Natchez Shooter Supplies, and Sportsman’s Warehouse
Barnes VOR-TX LR
Barnes also offers a loading for the 7mm Remington Magnum as part of their VOR-TX Long Range line. This ammunition is very similar to their regular VOR-TX line, but is intended to provide an accurate, flat-shooting bullet that will reliably expand out to 700 yards without sacrificing close range performance.
They were largely successful in that goal and this ammunition is another great choice for hunters who want good 7mm Rem Mag ammo for hunting at longer range.
The Barnes LRX Boat Tail bullets used in this line do expand at lower impact velocities than the standard TTSX or TSX bullets, but they’re still robustly constructed and won’t come apart at high impact velocities. So, you can use this ammunition with confidence on game from point blank range all the way out to 700 yards.
Barnes VOR-TX LR ammunition is also 100% copper, which makes it another good choice of 7mm Rem Mag hunting ammunition for use in states like California that that don’t permit the use of lead bullets.
Bullet Type: LRX Boat Tail (LRX BT)
Bullet Weight: 139 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .470
Muzzle Velocity: 3,210 feet per second
GET BARNES VOR-TX LR 7mm REM MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Brownell’s, MidwayUSA, Natchez Shooters Supplies, Palmetto State Armory, & Sportsman’s Warehouse
Hornady Outfitter
Hornady introduced their Outfitter line of ammunition a couple years ago. Just like you’d think from the name, this stuff is marketed for those going on serious hunting adventures in really tough environments like a moose hunt in Canada, elk in the Rocky Mountains, or a kudu hunt in South Africa. That said, this is also great 7mm Rem Mag ammo to use on a whitetail deer hunt in the back 40 or on feral hogs in the Georgia swamps.
This ammunition is loaded with an extremely tough 150 grain CX bullet that’s designed for controlled expansion, high weight retention, and deep penetration on large, heavy boned animals like elk and moose. The CX replaced the old GMX bullet with the primary difference being that the CX has a higher BC. This ammunition also uses nickel-plated case for reliable feeding and corrosion resistance under the most demanding conditions.
With all those things in mind, it’s easy to see why Hornady advertises their Outfitter 7mm Rem Mag ammo for use on a big hunt that’s the culmination of years of saving and planning. After all, when the chips are down on the hunt of a lifetime, the absolute last thing you need is for your ammo to fail at the moment of truth.
The CX bullet used in Hornady Outfitter ammunition is lead free, which makes this ammo another good choice for use in states like California.
Bullet Type: CX
Bullet Weight: 150 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .455
Muzzle Velocity: 3,000 feet per second
GET HORNADY OUTFITTER 7mm REM MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Cabela’s, MidwayUSA, & Optics Planet
Winchester Deer Season XP
Winchester’s Deer Season XP line of ammunition is another good option if you’re planning on taking your 7mm Rem Mag deer hunting. The Extreme Point bullet this rifle ammo uses is similar to Winchester’s Power Point bullet, but the Extreme Point has a large diameter polymer tip that’s specifically designed to produce a gigantic wound channel along with massive impact trauma.
This normally results in a very short tracking job and a very easy to follow blood trail. Even so, Deer Season XP ammo is designed specifically to compete with popular whitetail deer hunting ammo like the Hornady American Whitetail, Winchester Super-X, Federal Fusion, and Federal Power-Shok in terms of accuracy, reliability, and terminal performance.
The Winchester Deer Season XP line is also competitively priced and has one of the lowest costs per round out of all the 7mm RM ammo on this list.
So, not only is this some very reasonably priced 7mm Rem Mag ammo, but it also has a very good reputation for producing a giant wound channel and minimizing the distance deer run after being hit. In fact, this Winchester ammo is one of my top recommended brands of 7mm Rem Mag ammo for whitetail deer hunting.
That being said, I would NOT recommend using it for bigger game like elk or moose. If you need a budget option for ammo suitable for hunting really big game, go with the 175 grain Remington Core Lokt I previously recommended.
Note: Winchester also makes a lead free version of their Deer Season XP line using copper bullets for hunters in areas where lead free bullets are required.
Bullet Type: Extreme Point
Bullet Weight: 140 grains
Ballistic Coefficient (G1): .484
Muzzle Velocity: 3,100 feet per second
GET DEER SEASON XP 7mm REM MAG AMMO HERE
Also Available at: Brownell’s and Optics Planet
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The Lyman 50th Edition (p214-216), and Hornady 10th Edition (p406-411) reloading manuals were used as references for this article.
NEXT: BEST 6.5 CREEDMOOR AMMO FOR HUNTING ELK, DEER, & OTHER BIG GAME
NEXT: 270 vs 280 REMINGTON vs 280 ACKLEY IMPROVED vs 7mm REM MAG
NEXT: 270 WSM, 7mm WSM, 300 WSM, & 325 WINCHESTER SHORT MAGNUM ANALYZED
The Beretta autoloader has been a mainstay in sporting circles and in game fields for many years, and the line has continued to evolve and improve. Beginning with the Model 300 in the late 1980s, the 300 quickly morphed into numerous specialty versions for target shooting, waterfowl, and upland game hunting. The latest iteration is the A400 Xtreme Plus (“A400XP” for short). The new model draws on its history, respects the past, and employs the latest in high-tech shotgun technology. The result is a superior product.
The Beretta A400 Xtreme Plus was unveiled on May 5, 2018, at the NRA Annual Meeting in Dallas. It’s built in Italy and is billed as the ultimate for superior reliability for all conditions encountered in waterfowl hunting. It offers advanced barrel technology and a host of ergonomic features that will surely tantalize the clay-target shooter. It is packed with features that make it evolutionary, darn functional, and pleasant to shoot.
High-Tech Features
I recently received a new A400XP for testing, and I was impressed. One of its more unique features is the configuration and construction of the barrel. This multifaceted process is called the Beretta Steelium Plus barrel technology. Beretta proudly notes that it makes more than 500,000 barrels a year, and the company doesn’t skimp on the A400XP barrels. They are made of steel alloyed with molybdenum, chromium, and nickel that results in a superior shotgun barrel. A400XP barrels are drilled, reamed, and cold-hammer-forged, just like a fine rifle barrel. Then they are vacuum-relieved, giving the steel what Beretta says are the ideal characteristics for optimal ballistic performance.
The A400XP barrel has an “Optima-Bore” profile with a 14-inch forcing cone, instead of the more usual 6 inches. This gradual taper results in a reduction in perceived recoil, better patterns, and long-range performance, even with steel shot. The ventilated rib has a 7×7 stepped design with a red fiber-optic front sight and a metal mid-bead.
The A400 Xtreme Plus comes with five screw-in Optima-Choke HD choke tubes, including Full, Modified, Improved Modified, Improved Cylinder, and Cylinder.
The A400XP uses what Beretta calls “Optima-Choke HP” choke tubes. They extend about a half-inch from the muzzle and are clearly marked as to choke constriction. Five constrictions are provided, from Cylinder to Full. Steel shot is okay in all except Full and Improved Modified.
The action is equally unique with the “Blink” gas-operating system, as in “quick as the blink of an eye.” The rotating bolt head and the new gas valve make the A400XP 36 percent faster cycling than other shotguns. The design of the gas piston keeps powder gases from “leaking out,” so the gun can cycle faster. This also reduces the amount of gases that get into the action by about one-half, so cleaning intervals are substantially lengthened.
The receiver is a half-inch shorter than its predecessor, reducing the gun’s overall length. A great feature is that the aluminum-alloy receiver is drilled and tapped (for husky 8-40 screws), so adding a scope or dot sight for turkey hunting is a snap.
The receiver has an enlarged loading port, an extended charging handle, and a long lever-like bolt release for easier operation with gloves. The trigger is very good, breaking cleanly at 5 pounds, 6 ounces. The magazine capacity is four rounds, and a plug to reduce it to two is provided.
A terrific feature of the A400XP is the cartridge cut-off lever on the left side of the receiver, reminiscent of the Browning A-5. This allows a live round to be ejected from the chamber and the bolt to be locked open. This is great for crossing a fence or getting back into the truck for the jaunt to the next hedgerow. It also allows the hunter to quickly switch loads without disturbing the rounds in the magazine. This is especially handy if a fat Canada goose is gliding toward your decoys when your gun is stoked with duck loads.
The stock has a really effective recoil-reduction system, a big plus for waterfowlers and high-volume target shooters. Tests have shown that a shotgun has two distinct recoil impulses. The first is when the shell goes off, and the second is when the bolt slams back into the receiver. The “Kick-Off Mega” in the A400XP stock is a hydraulic recoil-dampening system positioned between the pistol grip area and the buttstock proper. It reduces the axial movement that makes the stock smack the shooter’s cheek from that second impulse. The soft comb pad helps here, too. In addition, there is a traditional rubber recoil pad on the end of the stock. The forearm and pistol grip areas have nice, soft padding that not only provide a good handhold, but also soak up a little kick. The A400XP’s stock fit me perfectly, but a shim kit is provided, so the user can adjust the drop and cast, if desired.
Steve liked the A400 Xtreme Plus’s trigger pull. It broke at a crisp and clean 5.38 pounds.
The A400XP is available in 12 gauge only and with a 26- or a 28-inch barrel. My test gun has a 26-inch barrel with the Max-5 camo finish, and it is really attractive. It is also available in several other finishes.
Crushing Clays
Guns are made to be shot, so I proceeded to put all sorts of ammo through the new A400XP. There were no bird seasons open when I had the gun, but clay targets are always in season. I have a trailer-mounted target thrower, so I towed it out to the pasture north of my vineyard and proceeded to crush clays—and in the process scare the daylights out of every grape-eating scavenger in the area.
I wanted to give the new gun and myself every advantage, so I screwed the Cylinder choke tube into the barrel and blazed away. The targets were pretty close, and the wide-open Optima HP tube literally smoked every target I centered. As a test of the recoil sensation, my wife whacked a few clays with the gun and pronounced the recoil “mild.” However, she was not enamored with the A400XP’s 8-pound heft and quickly returned to her 6-pound 20 gauge.
The A400XP has a 3.5-inch chamber, so it can shoot 2¾-, 3-, and 3½-inch shells without any adjustment. I had several target loads with 7/8, 1, 11/16, and 11/8 ounces of shot, plus a couple of lighter handloads. The gun’s operator’s manual states the gun will digest loads down to 7/8 ounce, presumably at a velocity of around 1,200 fps, but suggests that “best initial performance” is with shells loaded with “11/8 ounces of shot.” This is code for “break the gun in” first with full-charge target loads before shooting the wimp loads, and my functioning tests proved Beretta right.
The author says the A400 Xtreme Plus swings smoothly. Its balance and handling characteristics are spot-on.
Few folks chronograph shotshells because it is a bit tricky. But just as with rifles and handguns, it’s really the only way the shooter can get an idea what a given load is doing in his or her gun. This is especially true with shotshells. The velocities of handloads and even high-dollar factory loads can vary all over the place. I shot my test loads over the Oehler Model 35P chronograph to see what kind of performance they delivered. As a rough index of momentum, I borrowed the pistol shooter’s “power factor.” This is just the weight of the shot charge in grains, times the velocity in fps, divided by 1,000. Basically, you need a power factor of about 500 or higher to work the action.
Of course, all of the ammo with 11/16 ounces of shot and up worked peachy-keen. However, neither my light skeet hand-loads with 7/8 ounce of shot at a velocity of 1,044 fps nor my shells with 1-ounce shot loads at 1,182 fps would work the A400XP’s action. The empties would usually eject, but not feed a second round from the magazine or lock the bolt back if the magazine was empty. The same is true of Winchester’s “Low Recoil” load with 26 grams (0.917 ounce) of #9 shot that likewise would not cycle the action. This is a very light load—the listed velocity is just 980 fps—and it averaged only 958 fps out of the A400XP.
The results with these last three loads are of little consequence, as few folks are going to shoot such light loads in their duck guns anyway. As the saying goes, it was only a test.
The forearm and pistol grip areas have soft padding that provides a good handhold and also soaks up a little kick, and Steve thinks the Realtree Max-5 camo finish is very attractive.
Two of the best shooting loads I tried were Federal’s new Gold Medal Grand and Grand Handicap ammo. Both are loaded with 11/8 ounces of hard #7½ shot. The Grand is listed at 1,200 fps, and it averaged 1,142 fps out of the A400 Xtreme Plus. The Handicap, which is listed at 1,235 fps, measured 1,199 fps. Frankly, I couldn’t tell the difference between shooting them. Both crushed clays with authority, and cycling was 100 percent reliable. As best I could determine, the A400XP patterned “50 percent/50 percent,” and my best hits on clay targets were when I aimed dead center at the target.
Overall, the A400XP is a pretty impressive shotgun. It handles great and is well balanced. It never malfunctioned as long as it was fed a proper diet. The Max-5 camo not only is good-looking, but also blends well in marshes and upland cover.
My first impression was that the gun was a little heavy, but shooting and swinging soon proved that the balance and handling characteristics were spot-on. It swung smoothly and encouraged a good follow-through—critical for hits on crossing targets. If I just pointed the gun correctly and kept it moving, it smashed clays convincingly. Plus, the soft comb pad helped me keep my head on the stock (“Stay in the gun,” as the great Nick Sisley says). And the cumulative effects of recoil seemed modest over the course of shooting several boxes of ammo.
The A400XP’s push-button manual safety is in front of the trigger, and at first it perplexed me. Every other pump or autoloader I’ve shot had the safety behind the trigger, so it took me a while to get used to it.
I must caution users to keep their fingers and other body parts away from the ejection port when the action is open. The breechbolt release button is a lever about an inch long. It has a lot of leverage and is very easy to press and release. It is not difficult at all to accidentally close the bolt on your finger or fingers.
Viewed retrospectively, the new A400XP is traditional and brand-new at the same time. It’s interesting to review what the “experts” of the early 20th century thought were the established norms for the weight and barrel length of the “perfect shotgun.” In W.W. Greener’s opus The Gun and Its Development, the ninth edition of which was published in 1910, the shotgun’s perfect weight was determined to be 96 times its shot charge. In those days, the British considered 1 ounce of shot about right, so this suggested a gun weight of exactly 6 pounds. For a 11/8-ounce charge, it came out to 6.75 pounds.
The buttstock features Beretta’s “Kick-Off Mega” hydraulic recoil-reduction system that is very effective, a rubber recoil pad, and soft comb pads.
The classic work The Shotgunner (1949) by Bob Nichols was published just at the beginning of a new era of shotguns and their ammo. In those days, it was gospel from across the pond that a shotgun’s barrel length should be about 40 times its bore diameter. For a 12-gauge bore of 0.729 inch, this equates to 29.16 inches, and indeed, most European game guns had 30-inch barrels. However, even Greener later equivocated on barrel length somewhat and admitted that good results could be had with 28-inch barrels.
The barrel length and weight of the A400XP are fairly close to the ideals of Greener and Nichols. The gun I tested weighs exactly 8 pounds. This translates to a ratio of 113.8, not radically different from the 96 Greener envisioned. And the available barrel lengths of 26 and 28 inches are fairly close to Nichols’s suggestion of 29 inches.
So it is good that things that have worked for decades are perpetuated, while at the same time incorporating advanced features that make the shotgun even better. Greener and Nichols, eat your hearts out.
While a spring-piston gun has tar and lube on the metal spring, the grease thickens when the temperature goes really low, a gas piston, on the other hand, needs no lube.
Therefore, it won’t have any of the problems experienced by springers.
Moreover, the IGT gun has no spring torque, no spring fatigue even when you leave it cocked for hours and gives you smoother cocking.
Finally, since there is no spring vibration when shooting, the IGT rifle gives you smoother shooting and lasts longer than a spring gun.
If you prefer your gun with open sight, then you must be very happy: Gamo Silent Stalker Whisper’s iron sight is fiber optic sight with the use of optical fiber for the dot.
As a result, you could align the sight faster and hit more accurately, even in low-light conditions like dusk.
The front sight is fixed fiber, while the rear sight is fully adjustable for windage for elevation.
If you’re not a fan of traditional iron sight, Gamo has installed 3-9 x 40 scopes for dead-on accuracy.
40 is the diameter of the front lens, measured in millimeters. 3-9 is the magnification ability of the scope:
It means that the picture you see through the scope is 3 to 9 times bigger than the picture you see without it.
This variable power scope gives you confidence in long-range shooting, although the fiber optic sight is more than enough in my opinion.
Trigger
In the past, Gamo customers have swapped out their triggers with after-market ones.
No need to do that anymore.
The Smooth Action Trigger (SAT), is light years ahead of the previous version.
It’s smooth and predictable.
What will that do for you?
It’ll improve your grouping because a heavy, unpredictable trigger is responsible for delivering large groups.
You’ll be amazed at how good a shot you are when you shoot the Silent Stalker with the brand-new SAT trigger.
Velocity, accuracy and power
Gamo Silent Stalker Bull Whisper generates velocity up to 1300 FPS with .177 pellets and 975 FPS with .22 pellets.
These are outstanding velocities compared to other air rifles on the market and it makes this rifle belong to the magnum class in the air gun world.
Additionally, since the speed of sound is 1100 FPS (varying with altitude and temperature),
You may hear a loud crack if you buy .177 caliber because the lightweight pellets break the sound barrier.
If you buy a .22 one then this is not an issue at all.
Does this IGT rifle meet the advertised velocity? Chrony tests have given us the results as follows:
In .177:
Pellet (.177)
FPS
FPE
Gamo Pro Magnum 7.8 gr
955
15.8
JSB Exact Monster 13.4 gr
630
11.81
Gamo Magnum pellet 7.6 gr
975
16.05
In .22:
Pellet (.22)
FPS
FPE
Gamo PBA Platinum 9.7 grains
939
19
RWS Hobby pellet 11.9 gr
758
15.19
Crosman Pointed Hunting Pellet 14.3 gr
698
15.47
Gamo Raptor PBA gold 9.9 gr
918.8
18.56
Gamo Rocket 14.3 gr
724.7
16.68
Gamo TS 22 Long Distance 22 gr
575.5
16.18
Gamo Diablo Match 15.43 gr
684.8
16.07
Beeman Silver Sting 15.74 gr
678.6
16.1
Crosman Premier Domed 14.3 gr
709.6
15.99
Crosman Premier Pointed 14.3 gr
704.2
15.75
RWS Hobby 11.9 gr
771.5
15.73
Beeman Kodiak Extra Heavy 21.14 gr
575.4
15.55
Predator Polymag 16 gr
631.5
14.17
JSB RS 13.43 gr
714.2
15.21
Crosman Premier Hollow Point 14.3 gr
754.8
18.09
RWS Superdome 14.5 gr
743.2
17.79
JSB 18.1 gr
653.8
17.18
H&N Baracuda green 12.65 gr
843.6
19.99
Gamo TS 22 21.6 gr
593.6
16.9
JSB Exact Jumbo RS 13.43 gr
675
13.59
JSB Exact Jumbo Heavy 18.13 gr
609
14.93
Crosman Hollowpoint 14.3 gr
713.2
16.16
Gamo ProMagnum 15.43 gr
675
15.61
Gamo Pro Hunter 15.43 gr
668
15.29
Gamo Pro Match 15.43 gr
689
16.27
JSB 16 gr
631
14.15
H&N Baracuda 21.14 gr
527
13.04
H&N 14.8 gr
670
14.76
RWS Super H-point 14.2 gr
700
15.45
Crosman Premiere 14.3 gr
685
14.9
RWS Hobby 11.9 gr
727
13.97
JSB Exact Express 14.3 gr
673
14.39
As you can see, the velocities are not close to the advertised numbers but the muzzle energy is still more than enough to deal with pests and take out small game animals.
Suggested for: Target shooting/Plinking/Small game hunting/Pest control
Trigger Pull: 3.74 lbs
Action: Break barrel
Safety: Manual
Powerplant: Gas-piston
Function: Single-shot
Body Type: Rifle
Weight: 7.15 lbs
Customer review
There are lots of customer reviews for this Gamo rifle.
Positive reviews show that people love its IGT technology, smooth trigger, amazing accuracy, awesome power, and relatively quietness (although not as quiet as “whisper”).
Negative reviews show 2 prominent issues with this gun.
The first is the loud noise out of the box:
But the sound level will decrease after the break-in period so be patient if you just shoot a couple of pellets with this rifle.
The second problem is the scope: They said it’s hard to achieve the desired accuracy with the manufacturer’s scope.
The solution is simple: Use the great fiber optic open sight or you can put your own scope on this gun.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Proven IGT technology
Innovative ND52 noise suppressor
Improved SAT trigger
Remarkable stock
Attractive design
Terrific fiber optic sight
Amazing velocity
Breath-taking power
Eye-opening accuracy
Quiet for sensative neighbors
Bad scope
Price
The price for Gamo Silent Stalker is about 200 dollars.
Considering its advanced technology, superb power and accuracy, and lots of awesome features like fiber optic sights, variable zoom scope, it’s a very reasonable price for this pellet gun.
At this price level, you’ll have a lifetime gun that shoots as good as new for years.
There are a couple of different listings online with different prices but the listing I found with the lowest price is the cheapest price among online e-commercial sites like Amazon, PyramydAir, Walmart, etc.
This air rifle incorporates many of Gamo’s new features into one lightweight package.
It is powerful, accurate and the all-new SAT trigger is a huge improvement that Gamo’s customers have been begging for, for a long time.
The Silent Stalker is best suited for picky shooters who want to own an excellent air rifle with stunning power and for hunters who want a trusted companion to go into the field.
Although not as instantaneously synonymous with American culture as Coca-Cola, but the .22 Long Rifle is up there and is an even older symbol of this great country.
From teaching kids how to shoot to clearing the forest of small game, and to ringing steel targets at 200+ yards, we now live in a golden age for the often-overlooked .22 LR cartridge. No matter what your goal or budget, we have the best of the best here for you to choose your next best .22 LR rifles.
Starting in 1884, the .22 LR cartridge began as a black powder cartridge designed for basically the same thing we use it for today. Training, plinking, and small game.
With dozens of manufacturers making hundreds of types of .22 LR there is a round that can do it all. From rat shot to solid copper slugs, there is a .22 LR for it. The far most common is a simple lead bullet that is a tiny 40-grains heavy.
Basically, rimfire cartridges are ones that are struck on the rim of the casing to activate the primer compound that is in the base of the casing.
Unlike centerfire cartridges that use a primer as a separate part, rimfire cartridges keep everything contained in one case. Sometimes the bullet will be washed in copper, sometimes it will be smaller to boost muzzle velocity, there are just so many options when it comes to what .22 LR you feed your rifle.
With modern manufacturers and huge growth in .22 LR competition sports in the last 10 years, there have never been more accurate, more reliable, or more expensive .22 LR options on the market.
And yet, you can still get a bucket of bullets for next to nothing.
Best .22 LR Rifles: Practical Applications
Teaching New Shooters
Because of the ultra-low recoil, quiet nature, and zero muzzle flash — .22 LR makes for a great cartridge to help new shooters learn about firearms and the fundaments that go along with them.
Safety, handling, basic marksmanship, all these are so much easier to teach someone when they don’t need to be worried about the sound and “scariness” of what they are shooting. Be they adults or kids, .22 LR is the most common caliber to start with as a new shooter.
Training
Some .22 LR ammo is crazy cheap, and some of it isn’t. Either way, though, it’s almost always cheaper than whatever centerfire caliber you’re also shooting. For long-range shooters, pistol shooters, or tactical AR shooters, .22 LR is cheaper and more accessible than anything else.
Spending less on your ammo means getting to shoot more and shooting more makes you better at it.
It isn’t a cure-all that will solve your problems, but .22 LR is a great way to test new gear, train transitions, and weapons handling, and have a great time doing it.
Small Game
Rabbits, squirrels, rats, and more — .22 LR is a humane and ethical cartridge for anything on the extra small side. While perfectly deadly to large animals (including you) .22 LR is really suited for the small stuff and at fairly close ranges. If you have pests or want to try some fried squirrel leg, .22 LR can get it done.
Competition
We’ve seen a huge growth in .22 LR competitions at a national and local level — so it’s a great time to be in the shooting sports.
Two major ones are Steel Challenge and NRL22. Steel Challenge is an excellent starter competition game that puts the shooter in a fixed static area and tasks you with shooting a set of steel targets as fast as possible. If you’ve never shot in front of people at a competition before, this is a no-stress way of getting a toe wet.
At the same time, it has lots of room for growth since it isn’t just shot with .22 LR but with other pistol calibers also.
NRL22 is the art of shooting small targets at long distances in the least-worst optimal shooting position possible. If you’re familiar with PRS, it’s that — but with .22 LR. Weird barricades, from the prone, bracing yourself on a rooftop with bags while shooting five known distances — these are everyday things you can expect at an NRL22 match. And it’s crazy good fun.
What is the Effective Range of a .22 Rifle?
Although effective at ranges of up to 150 yards (140 meters), the. 22 LR’s effective range is typically much less. If you fire a high-velocity 22-caliber rifle at 100 yards, the bullet will fall 5-6 inches below your line of sight on average. At 150 yards, it’s 20″. After 150 yards, it’s impossible to compensate for the round’s considerable “drop.”
Maximum effective range for squirrels and rabbits is 75 to 100 yards, with a more realistic range of 25â50 yards depending on the rifle and shooter. Bullet drop is negligible at such range.
The Best .22 LR Rifles
Ruger 10/22
The classic, the OG, the GOAT — the Ruger 10/22. Since 1964, the Ruger 10/22 hit the market, and over 6 million have been sold. And that doesn’t count all of the clones that have been made and sold also.
Coming in a dozen or so different flavors, the 10/22 is one gun everyone should own at least once in their lifetimes. It’s inexpensive, a simple blow-back rifle that runs and runs. Great for teaching kids, small game hunting, or just putting holes in soda cans — the 10/22 is an old faithful that will never let you down.
A huge plus to you is that because the Ruger 10/22 has been around forever and with so many units sold, there is a massive aftermarket for it. Stocks, chassis, barrels, bolts, triggers — if you want to change it or upgrade it, you can.
Personally, I like the 10/22 Takedown model the best. Able to break in half with just the pull of a lug, this is the ultimate in quick and easy.
2. CZ 457
Like the 10/22, CZ’s line of rimfire rifles is a super classic option that comes in a huge range of flavors and models.
From beautiful wooden stocks to competition-ready chassis, there is a CZ 457 for you. Something you can always count on is that the CZ 457 will be reliable, have great shooting, and have smooth action. It might not be the fanciest design, but it has iteratively improved every time CZ comes out with new versions.
Expansive aftermarket support guarantees you have room to upgrade anything you want, but even a base-level CZ 457 is a great rifle out of the box. If you want a true classic — the CZ 457 American is my recommendation. My favorite though is the CZ 457 Varmint MTR. With a big, bold wooden stock and a flat forend perfectly styled for long-range shooting — the Varmint MTR is one badass rifle.
3. Bergara BXR
Bergara isn’t very well known for the BXR, and I think it’s a shame because it’s a great rifle that really flies under the radar.
Coming standard with a 30 MOA 1913 rail for mounting a scope and a super crisp 3.5-pound trigger, this little semi-auto shooter is built for small groups at long ranges. But with the standard model weighing only 5.2-pounds and the carbon fiber model weighing in at 4.2-pounds, this is a rifle that can stay with you in the field all day.
And thankfully, Bergara didn’t reinvent the wheel regarding the magazines — standard Ruger 10/22 mags work with the BXR. You might look at this as a modernized and very high-quality 10/22. And basically, it is. But for the price point and the features Bergara gives you, this is a very compelling option.
4. Bergara B-14r
Another rifle that I’ve used in competition to great effect — I flat out love my Bergara. Period.
Bergara is a major supporter of the NRL22 sport and their B-14r rifle is a great option for anyone wanting to shoot open class with an R700 footprint rifle.
Coming standard in a Bergara HMR stock/chassis this is a great start for anyone needing an upper-class .22 LR. The HMR B-14 in centerfire cartridges is one of the best factory rifles on the market and Bergara has done a great job bringing that quality and design to the rimfire rifle.
An adjustable trigger and an outstanding barrel combine to make this simply a great rifle. And, if you want to shave some pounds off of it, you can get the B-14r in a carbon fiber wrapped option that feels wonderful in your hands.
It’s also an amazing option for anyone of smaller stature. Taking a couple of pounds off of the B-14r turns it into a super lightweight and well-balanced rifle for hunting or shooting off barricades.
5. Tikka T1x
My first upper-tier .22 LR rifle, I love my Tikka T1x. Designed on the T3x footprint the T1x will fit most stocks and chassis that the T3x fits. It also takes the same triggers, so that’s extra nice. Coming standard with an adjustable 2-stage Tikka trigger the T1x is a great little rifle for all sorts of things.
Personally, I used it as my competition rifle for a while before I upgrade. Now I keep my Tikka in the factory stock as my squirrel rifle. It’s lightweight, handy, and deadly accurate. I shot my Tikka in NRL22X matches out to 400 yards — that’s crazy far for .22 LR.
At 100 yards I found a number of ammo types that were well within sub-MOA groupings. If you want a simple small bore hunting rifle, Tikka T1x is there for you. If you want to get started in NRL22, Tikka is there for you.
Really — you won’t be disappointed no matter what you get your Tikka for!
6. Zermatt Arms RimX
I’ll admit I’m biased, I love to shoot NRL22 competitions and a Zermatt Arms RimX is my current open match rifle.
While I could write half a book on why I love this rifle, I’ll try to just give you the highlight reel. If you want a rifle that is treated with the same respect and care that a master gunsmith puts into a centerfire match rifle — Zermatt Arms RimX is for you.
Zermatt Arms has been making outstanding centerfire rifles for years and the RimX is their venture into the rimfire world. Build for people wanting a top-tier training rifle or shooting in rimfire competitions, the RimX is excellent. From the all-metal magazines with adjustable seating to the wide range of bolt handles to pick from, the RimX is as customizable as it gets.
And of course, it’s build using the Remington 700 footprint so there is a huge aftermarket selection of stocks and chassis to choose from. Right now you can only find the RimX as a bare action directly from Zermatt Arms, but some gunsmiths and retailers are offering custom rifles using the RimX action. If you’re ready to build yourself a baller NRL22 or .22 LR training rifle, I highly recommend the RimX.
7. Vudoo Gun Works V-22
One of the absolute top dogs in the high-end .22 LR game, Vudoo Gun Works is the standard that others are judged against. Always at the forefront of .22 LR bolt rifle technology, these are rifles that win national championships regularly.
Built using the Remington 700 footprint, the V-22 fits any stock and chassis that the R700 does. Frankly, you just can’t go wrong with a V-22. But you’ll have to break a piggy bank or two to cover the payments, perfection doesn’t come cheap.
While most people will think it’s madness to spend this kind of money on “just a .22 LR rifle” keep in mind that these are really designed and marketed for the competition world. If that isn’t you, there’s nothing wrong with that!
8. Smith & Wesson M&P MP 15-22
An AR-15 format that is designed and chambered to shoot .22 LR — awesome.
Using a real .22 LR barrel and a system that is actually built for .22 LR, this is the best AR-15 platform .22 LR you can get off the shelf. And it doesn’t cost too much either.
Great as a training rifle, small game rifle, or as a stepping stone before getting into the AR-15 platform completely — the MP 15-22 is a great rifle in every respect. However, while the MP 15-22 is a solid enough rifle, it does have two major weak points.
First, the lower is made of polymer instead of metal like on a real AR-15. This is fine for .22 LR, but don’t go door-kicking with it. Second, the lower is designed to not fit other AR-15 uppers. So if you have a dream of getting this cheap and throwing on a 5.56 NATO upper, you can’t.
Wrapping Up
From popping pop cans to bringing home the squirrels for the squirrel stew to slapping steel at long distances, these .22 LR rifles can do it all. It’s just a matter of finding the perfect one for you.
I have my favorites, and I’m sure you have yours, so tell me about them down in the comments. If you’d like to see more .22 LR content, let us know.
Let’s Face It, in Most Cases Those Big Brown Trout in Your Local River Aren’t Falling Victim To a Size 10 Woolly Bugger or a 16 Prince Nymph
To be honest, you’re probably unaware of what lies beneath the surface tucked against a log jam or wedged under that giant boulder mid-river that you’ve fished countless times. In most cases in my night fishing experience, there’s almost always a much bigger fish that shows itself at night than any other previous fish you’ve might have seen during the daylight hours.
The majority of the largest trout I have ever seen were at night in less than 24” of water. Some of the most dominant predators on the planet feed at night… and brown trout are no different.
Before we go further into tips, tactics, and tackle, I’d like to preface that night fishing obviously has its additional challenges and even dangers. Safety is by far the utmost importance when fishing, especially night fishing. Understanding every inch of the river you plan on night fishing is extremely important. Knowing every boulder, drop off/ledge, and casting obstruction can prevent you from going for an unexpected swim, broken rod, or even a hook to the face (speaking from experience). Always wear eye protection (clear or light illuminating lenses), two headlamps (you’ll drop one in the river), and try to take a fishing buddy with you just for peace of mind.
Where I live in Pennsylvania as well as many places in the country, night fishing is more of a seasonal approach. By all means, you can night fish every month of the year and find some success, but there is definitely a “prime time” to be on the water. Typically, I personally begin my night fishing season during the “post hatch” season. After the majority of the caddis and mayflies hatch in May, and the water becomes skinny and shallow, this is when I find brown trout to be starved and more eager to eat larger meals.
This Will Change the Way You Fly Fish Pressured Waters
Night fishing in May, June, and even early July definitely produces plenty of fish, but not THE fish we’re all looking for. Once August rolls around and water temps begin to drop into safe fishing temperatures, that’s when you need to fish until the wheels fall off. Sleep becomes a thing of the past and coffee becomes your best friend. Your best shot at consistently catching brown trout 20”+ and even 24”+ is between August and October.
The worst conditions for daytime fishing are your best conditions for night fishing. Low and clear water is by far the best water conditions to target big brown trout at night. Dominant brown trout adapt and hide so well during these conditions during the daytime which make them almost impossible to target. Once the sun begins to fade, the fish will migrate out of structure and move into feeding areas for the night.
Swing It! Spey Streamer Fly Fishing Tips
A mistake anglers often make is fishing the same deep hole they typically would fish during daytime. Brown trout will move into shallow sandy tail-outs, or push into the head of a run where the water might be less than 24” in depth. The inside seam of a deep pool also offers a great ambush point for a large brown trout.
Tackle used when night fishing is very similar to fishing big streamers. Any 6wt, 7wt, or 8wt will suffice. On larger rivers, a trout spey or switch rod works great for swinging streamers or skating rodent patterns across the surface. A floating fly line is the most versatile line for night fishing in my opinion. You can fish surface flies, “pushers” that sit barely subsurface in the surface film, or even a streamer if you want to swing a baitfish into deeper pools. Your leader is extremely important when night fishing as well. Typically when fishing a surface style fly, keeping the leader short and stout is critical. Two feet of 20lb tippet to a blood knot, followed by three feet of 15lb tippet is typical when fishing surface style flies. Your leader needs to be strong and abrasion resistant. It’s not “if,” it’s “when” you toss your flies into a tree.
I have personally witnessed brown trout eat mice, rats, bats, baby birds, and even water snakes. A large brown trout over 24” is not much different than a musky. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when night fishing. The biggest brown trout I’ve hooked at night was on a 6” rat pattern. The most important aspect of fly design for night fishing in my opinion is how much vibration, water displacement, or surface disruption you can create while not sacrificing your hook gap. Thin, but wide profile deer or foam body mouse flies work great. If using streamers, a pusher style fly that rides high in the water column seems to be extremely effective as well.
Tied with a Surface Seducer Double Barrel Popper & Slider Body.
How to fish you fly is totally dependent upon on moon phases, cloud coverage/ambient light, and speed of the current. A mouse is not going to swim upstream against the current.
The two most effective retrieves are:
Down and across just like you would swing a wet fly
Casting upstream and working the fly back to you
If the current is a classic soft dry fly drift, I almost always work the fly down and across. Your rod tip height as well as your casting angle will dictate the speed of the fly. While fishing short and soft inside seams of a faster run/pool, orienting yourself downstream or below the fish will enable you to cast directly upstream and work the fly right to your feet. This is also a fantastic approach to work upstream along parallel with a heavily wooded bank. I have seen countless times where a fish will strike multiple times with this approach and ultimately eat the fly at your feet after missing 3-4 times in one drift.
Be sure to always start your casts short, most fish are sitting right at your feet!
At the end of a long night as the sun begins to rise; rest assure, that legendary fish most likely got away. More times than not, they have to make a series of mistakes in order for you to land them. Whether it ran you into a long jam, bent a 1/0 hook, or it came off just short of the net; the giants of the dark will keep you coming back for more. Tip your cap, swig some spiked coffee and keep after it. More often than not, they’ll leave you with a memory rather than a photo that you will never forget. Some nights, all you’ll have left is a fly patch full of chewed up foam.
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About Stephen Nymick:
Stephen Nymick is owner of Stephen Nymick Fly Fishing LLC, and a Guide for Steelhead Alley Outfitters. He began fly fishing at just 5 years old on his local streams in Western Pennsylvania. The day his father took him out to get his first fly rod, he also came home with his first fly tying kit. Stephen has been fly fishing exclusively for over 20 years and has guided for 7 years. Throwing big streamers or mice for brown trout and swinging flies for Steelhead are Stephen’s true passions. You can follow Stephen on Instagram @stephennymick. For further questions, email Stephen at paflyco@gmail.com. To book a trip, contact Steelhead Alley Outfitters at 888-453-5899.
Originally published on February 2,2023, this article has been updated on June 4, 2024 to reflect the latest research and statistics.
The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) from the Florida Museum of Natural History looked into 120 reported shark-human interactions across the globe in 2023. Among them, there were 69 unprovoked shark attacks, exceeding the five-year average of 63 attacks per year. However, experts stress that this doesn’t necessarily mean shark attacks are on the rise.
Many people have a firm view on sharks; however, the following shark attack numbers will highlight the truth behind these majestic creatures.
Sharks are intensely beautiful creatures. I have long been fascinated by them, from the monstrous creatures of Jaws and the Meg to the real creatures that gracefully dominate our oceans. Sharks are all around tremendous animals.
Peter Benchley, the man behind Jaws, wrote his book about the killer shark but spent the rest of his days undoing the devastating image he created. Sharks have a fearsome reputation, and while they are undoubtedly apex predators, they are much more than that.
In 2023, There Were 36 Unprovoked Shark Bites on Humans in the US
16 Cases in Florida Represent 44% of the US Total Shark Attacks in 2023
Stats Show There Were 69 Unprovoked Bites on Humans and 22 Provoked Attacks in 2023
The Number of Highest Unprovoked Shark Attacks in the US
The Second Place with the Highest Number of Shark Attacks after the US Is Australia
One of the Most Dangerous Shark Beaches in the World Is Gansbaai
The Likelihood of Fatal Shark Attacks Is 1 in 4,332,817
Shark Attacks Are Highest in the Month of September
Most of the Fatalities in 2023 Were Due to White Shark Bites
The Biggest Shark in the World Is the Whale Shark
Why Do Sharks Attack People?
The main reason sharks attack people is because of curiosity. While it doesn’t make a very good catchphrase, curiosity is what draws sharks to humans. When humans enter the water and start swimming, paddling, or splashing around, they draw a shark’s attention.
There is no objective evidence to suggest that sharks actively hunt humans in the water. More attacks usually happen because more people are in the water, not because sharks are getting more dangerous. It’s all about the numbers. The more we swim in their home, the more we might run into them.
Below are some statistics discussing why sharks attack people.
How Many Shark Attacks Happen Each Year?
On average, there are about 63 unprovoked shark attacks each year, with 5 to 6 of these attacks resulting in death. In 2023, there was a slight increase to 69 attacks, but this number still fits the average trend over the past five years.
In 2022, attacks dropped to 57, marking a 10-year low. The ISAF’s annual report mainly looks at unprovoked shark attacks, where sharks bite without human provocation, like approaching them or swimming near the bait. These incidents help us understand shark behavior better. So, although attacks by sharks do happen, the overall risk remains quite low.
Shark Attacks in the US
In 2023, There Were 36 Unprovoked Shark Bites on Humans in the US (ISAF)
Shark attack data confirms that the US is the geographical home for shark bites. In line with ongoing trends, the United States had the highest number of unprovoked shark bites in 2023, with 36 confirmed incidents.
This figure is a slight decrease from the 41 cases in 2022, accounting for 52% of the global total number according to a report of all known attacks by sharks compiled by Florida’s Museum of Natural History.
In 2022, there were 108 shark interactions reported worldwide. Of these, the ISAF recorded 73 unprovoked shark bites or attacks in the United States.
There Were Also Two Confirmed Deaths in the U.S. (ISAF)
Last year, the number of fatal unprovoked shark attacks increased to ten, doubling from five the previous year. In the US, two of these attacks resulted in deaths, with one occurring in California and another in Hawaii.
In 2023, Hawaii Recorded Eight Shark Attacks, While California Recorded Two Attacks (ISAF)
In 2023, Hawaii had eight shark bites, with one being deadly. This is a bit more than usual, but the number of bites in Hawaii changes a lot each year.
California had two shark bites, one fatal. New York saw four bites, North Carolina three, South Carolina two, and New Jersey one.
A Fatal Shark Attack Occurred in Massachusetts for the First Time Since 1936 (CNN)
As reported by CNN, 2018 saw the first fatal shark bite recorded in Massachusetts in 82 years. Before the attack on the 15th of September 2018, the most recent fatal attack was recorded in 1936.
Many believe the surging population of seals on the coast has beckoned more Great White shark populations to the area.
Shark Attacks Florida
16 Cases in Florida Represent 44% of the US Total Shark Attacks in 2023 (ISAF)
Florida continued to lead the world in shark bites in 2023, with its 16 cases making up 44% of the U.S. total and 23% of the global unprovoked bites. This number is below Florida’s recent five-year average of 19 incidents.
23% of the Unprovoked Shark Bites Worldwide Occur in Florida (ISAF)
The same source data can be used to determine that Florida is responsible not only for 44% of unprovoked shark bites across the US but also for almost a quarter (23%) of unprovoked bites worldwide.
Volusia County in Florida Had the Highest Number of Shark Bites (8), Representing 50% of the State’s Total (ISAF)
The same ISAF study examined the total number of unprovoked shark bites in Florida to determine that Volusia County is the hotbed of Floridian shark activity, accounting for 50% of all Florida’s attacks. This represents a slight increase from 44% in 2022, indicating a modest uptick in shark activity in the area.
In Florida, Volusia County recorded the highest number of shark bites at 8, accounting for half of the state’s total. This matches the area’s five-year average of 9 incidents.
Of the Eight Remaining Bites, Two Were in Brevard County, Two in St. Lucie County, and One Each Occurred in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Escambia, and Pinellas Counties (ISAF)
Of the remaining bites, Brevard and St. Lucie counties each had two, while Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Escambia, and Pinellas counties each reported one.
Most Shark Attacks Worldwide Statistics
Stats Show There Were 69 Unprovoked Bites on Humans and 22 Provoked Attacks in 2023 (ISAF)
In 2023, there were 69 shark attacks worldwide, similar to the average of 63 a year from 2018 to 2022. However, there were 14 deaths from attacks this year, with 10 considered unprovoked, which is higher than the usual annual average of 6 unprovoked deaths.
It’s normal for the number of attacks and deaths to vary each year. Even though there were more deaths in 2023, similar spikes have happened before, like in 2011. The recent increase in deaths, especially from white sharks, might be due to more sharks gathering near popular beaches, especially in Australia, where many surfers go.
The Number of Highest Unprovoked Shark Attacks Are in the US (ISAF)
According to data from the ISAF, the US has the highest rate of unprovoked bites in the world, and within that, Florida accounts for 44% of all US-based shark bites.
The USA reported 1640 attacks since 1580, which is almost double that of Australia, which is the country with the second most attacks.
The Second Place with the Highest Number of Shark Attacks after the US Is Australia (ISAF)
An attack map published by ISAF confirmed that after the US, Australia is the second most active country for shark attacks.
However, while it may rank second for activity, Australia is the number one country for fatal attacks.
Australia accounted for 22% of Attacks, Resulting in 40% of Fatalities. (ISAF)
Australia recorded 15 unprovoked shark incidents in total, matching the region’s five-year average. Australia experienced a higher number of shark bite fatalities, making up 22% of all global attacks and resulting in four deaths, which is 40% of the total fatalities.
Of these, seven happened in Western Australia, with one fatal incident involving a bull shark, and five occurred in South Australia, where three were fatal and involved white sharks. Additionally, there was one shark bite each in Queensland, New South Wales, and Tasmania over the year.
From 1931 to 2022, Brazil Had 111 Shark Attacks (ISAF)
In 2023, Brazil reported three bites, none of which were fatal. Research collected in the International Shark Attack File confirms that between 1931 and 2021, Brazil saw 111total attacks by sharks.
Out of those 111 incidents, 65 occurred off the coast of the state of Pernambuco.
One of the Most Dangerous Shark Beaches in the World Is Gansbaai (American Oceans)
Sharks are found in seas and oceans the world over, and despite the record number of attacks and incidents in the US and Australia, one of the most heavily shark attack hotspots of the world is off the South African coast.
Getaway reports that Gansbaai sees anywhere between 5 to 10 shark attacks per year. Sharks have become one of the key tourist attractions in the area.
In 2019, 2 Fatal Shark Attacks Occurred in the Bahama Islands and Reunion Island (Florida Museum of Natural History)
According to data gathered and published by the ISAF at the Florida Museum, 2019 saw a drop in the total number of shark-related incidents. Only 64 unprovoked bites were reported.
However, two particular bites proved fatal – one in the Bahamas and one on Reunion Island. Interestingly, this also represented a 50% decrease compared to the average.
Shark Attack Statistics
The Likelihood of Fatal Shark Attacks Is 1 in 4,332,817 (Florida Museum)
According to the Florida Museum of Natural History, it was revealed that the odds of dying as a result of a shark attack in the USA is 1 in 4,332,817.
This means that you are more likely to die from an attack from wasps, dogs, or snakes than you are from sharks.
The Rate of People Getting Drowned Is Higher than Getting Bitten by a Shark (Florida Museum)
As per a study by the International Shark Attack File, you are more likely to die by drowning than be bitten by a shark. To further quantify those statistics, you are 3,820 times more likely to drown than die from a shark bite.
The chances of drowning are 1 in 1,134 compared to the 1 in 4,332,817 odds of being bitten by a shark.
Shockingly, Deaths Due to Selfies Are Higher than Being Eaten by Sharks (NY Post)
In an article published in the NY Post, more people have died while taking a selfie in recent years than from attacks by sharks.
Between 2011 and 2017, 259 people died while taking a selfie, as opposed to just 50 shark-related deaths in the same time span.
Board Sports and Surfing Are Involved in 42% of Shark Attacks (ISAF)
In a report published by the ISAF, more than half of all reported shark attacks are a direct result of board sports and surfing. The article specifies that swimmers and waders were involved in 39% of the incidents, while snorkelers and free divers accounted for 13%.
Shark Attacks Are Highest in the Month of September (ISAF)
The ISAF is the only known repository for shark altercation statistics. According to their research, the most active month for shark attacks is September. The data relates to attacks in Florida, which is the most active location in the US for shark bites.
Stats Show Several Factors, Including Climate Change, Are Involved in Shark Attacks (BBC)
A BBC report concludes that a rise in the rate of attacks on humans is related to a number of different factors. As the number of unprovoked shark bites worldwide seems to be on the increase, the reasoning behind it is linked to multiple environmental factors.
Climate change is altering water temperatures worldwide, and as a result, shark’s natural habitat and shark attack migration paths are growing. In addition, conservation efforts are seeing seal colonies and other shark prey populations increase, thus luring even more sharks into coastal waters.
There Are Three Types of Unprovoked Shark Attacks (ISAF)
The ISAF curator, George Burgess, documented that there are three different types of attacks by sharks. These were examined in detail by Wildlife Online.
The three types of shark bites are:
Hit and Run attack: Often unseen, a shark will attack quickly, take a bite and disappear. A hit-and-run attack is the most common shark interaction.
Bump and bite attack: The bump and bite is most commonly related to feeding. These are most often severe or fatal attacks. Sharks bump their prey before circling back for multiple attacks.
Sneak attack: Sneak attacks are a combination of the above. They occur without warning and often result in multiple bites.
Shark Attack Statistics by Species
There Are Almost 500 Known Shark Species, among Which Only 30 Are Involved in Attacks on Humans (Florida Museum)
Between sharks and rays, there are approximately 1,000 different species on the planet, yet according to statistics from the Florida Museum of Natural History, only 30 have ever been involved in unprovoked bites on humans.
This means that only between 3 and 5 % of shark species have ever attacked a human.
Since 1580, 949 Unprovoked Shark Attacks Have Been Documented Globally. (ISAF)
Since 1580, there have been 949 unprovoked attacks globally. Great white sharks were involved in 37% (351 attacks) of these, with 59 being fatal.
Most of the Fatalities in 2023 Were Due to White Shark Bites (ISAF)
In 2023, most fatalities were caused by white shark bites, with three in Australia and one in California. According to the Florida Museum, the Great White is the most dangerous shark to humans.
Most unprovoked attacks by sharks are test bites, where a shark senses humans (mistakenly) as their usual prey and often leaves after one bite. However, because of their size, many species, like white and tiger sharks, can cause fatal injuries with just a single bite or two bites.
Since 1580, 351 Unprovoked Bites Have Been Attributed to White Sharks. (ISAF)
The Great White has been responsible for a record 59 fatal human bites over the centuries. They have also been involved in a staggering 351 unprovoked shark bites, which accounted for 326 attacks and 52 fatalities earlier.
The Bite Force of a Great White Shark Is More than 4,000 PSI (American Oceans)
According to American Oceans, the great white shark has a bite force of 4,000 pounds per square inch (psi).
To add some perspective, the force of a Great White shark bite is approximately 10 times more than a lion!
The Second Most Dangerous Sharks in the World Are Tiger Sharks (ISAF)
While Great White sharks are regarded as the most aggressive ocean predator, they are followed close behind by the Tiger shark.
Tiger sharks are, according to the ISAF, unaggressive and often docile sharks; however, they are still second in the number of human attacks and shark-related fatalities. Tiger sharks have been involved in 103 unprovoked attacks and caused 39 fatalities.
Stats Show the Incidence of Bull Sharks Attacks Is Highest in Shallow Waters (NWF)
Bull sharks are clever creatures that can move from freshwater to saltwater without issue. As a result, they often move into shallow rivers and bodies of water. This brings the bull shark into close contact with humans.
According to NWF, Bull sharks are also naturally inquisitive and use their mouth as a way of exploring and investigating.
Tiger sharks caused 142 unprovoked shark bites, and bull sharks caused 119 during that period since 1580. (ISAF)
ISAF warns that shark unprovoked attack figures might not be precise due to misidentification. Yet, bull sharks, tiger sharks, and great white sharks, known as “The Big Three,” cause about 65% of attacks worldwide. They’re known for serious injuries and often roam near human areas.
Hammered Shark Attacks on Humans Didn’t Cause Any Casualties (Newsweek)
According to an article in Newsweek, Hammerhead sharks have not been the cause of human fatality for over 120 years.
While the Hammerhead is the most recognizable of all shark species, it is highly placid. There have been just 16 incidents involving people, and none of them have been fatal.
The Biggest Shark in the World Is the Whale Shark (Oceana)
The largest shark in the world is the Whale shark. However, as confirmed by Oceana, despite being the largest living fish, the whale shark is utterly harmless. One of three filter-feeding sharks, Whale sharks pose no threat to humans.
Interestingly, the spotted pattern on a Whale shark’s hide is as unique as a human fingerprint.
How Many Sharks Are Killed by Humans Statistics
Globally, There Are More Than 100 Million Shark Deaths (American Oceans)
While sharks kill around 10 people a year, humans are responsible for killing tens of millions of sharks. According to American Oceans, approximately 6.4 to 7.9% of all shark species are killed each year.
To further quantify that, there are approximately 11,000 sharks killed every hour!
1.3 To 2.7 Million Sharks Are Killed To Fulfill the Fin Soup Demand (Smithsonian Ocean)
In a piece published by the Smithsonian Ocean, it was reported that anywhere between 1.3 and 2.7 million sharks are killed every year for their fins.
In shark finning, sharks are caught, their finds are removed, and the shark is returned to the ocean, alive, and left behind to drown. It is the major cause of shark mortality.
Overfishing Has Dropped the Level of Sharks by 71% Since 1970 (Nature)
Research released in 2021 and published by Nature confirms that wild shark populations have dropped by 71% since 1970. The main reason behind this is the continued expansion of commercial fishing zones.
Overfishing of the oceans has seen a vast reduction in the amount of food available for most sharks. The follow-up from this is that more sharks are dying, which, coupled with the relatively slow reproduction rate, means there are fewer sharks swimming in our oceans.
Ten Critically Endangered Gray Nurse Sharks Were Killed in the Nets in New South Wales from 2017-2018 (The Guardian)
As part of a shark deterrent system, nets were used around beaches in New South Wales with a focus on catching rogue tiger or white sharks, which pose the greatest risk to humans.
However, according to research and an article in the Guardian, between 2017 and 2018, the nets caught and killed 6 critically endangered gray nurse sharks.
Between 1950 to 2008, 577 Great White Sharks And 353 Tiger Sharks Were Killed in Nets (Taronga)
Shark attack mitigation nets in New South Wales, Australia, have caused the deaths of almost 1000 sharks between 1950 and 2008. These deaths were not the goal of the nets but an unfortunate consequence of them.
As discussed on Taronga.org, there are better and more humane ways to limit interactions between humans and sharks, especially when you consider that there were over 15,000 other marine mammals also killed in the same nets during that time.
FAQs
How many shark attacks per year?
In 2023, there were 69 unprovoked attacks, while 2022 saw 57 worldwide. This marks a change from the 10-year average of 63 attacks per year, as noted by the University of Florida.
How many people are killed by sharks each year?
On average, less than 10 people are killed by sharks worldwide each year.
How many shark attacks in 2022?
During 2022, there were a total of 108 shark interactions worldwide, and ISAF documented 73 unprovoked shark bites or attacks in the United States.
What state has the most shark attacks?
Florida has the highest number of attacks.
What are the chances of getting attacked by a shark?
As per ISAF, the odds of being killed or even attacked by a shark is one in 4.3 million around the world. You are 1500 times more likely to be attacked by a bear than a shark.
Conclusion
Sharks are an often misunderstood species that are viewed as nothing more than cold-blooded killers. Yes, sharks are effective eating machines, but they are so much more than that. As per ISAF, the risk of death from a shark attack is one in 4.3 million around the world.
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