Joe Rogan has a lot of friends. But some of his best friends are people who he met through hunting. There is a certain bond that happens when you go out into the wild, track an animal down, and then share the meat over a fire for dinner.

Since he picked up hunting in 2012, Rogan has been hunting with a lot of different people including, hunting experts Steven Rinella, Doug Duren, Cameron Hanes, John Dudley, Ben O’Brien, Mike Hawkridge, and Ryan Callaghan, and friends Bryan Callen, Jocko Willink, and Andy Stumpf.

Also see: 7 Reasons Why Elk is Joe Rogan’s Favorite Meat

Steven Rinella & Ryan Callaghan

For Joe Rogan’s first hunt, he couldn’t have picked a better, more skillful hunting guide than Steven Rinella.

Rinella is one of the best hunters in the world and the host of MeatEater, a show about hunting and eating wild game. He also authored several books, including the popular The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game.

Ryan Callaghan is a guide who also accompanied Joe Rogan and Bryan Callen on their first hunt. He serves the role of MeatEater‘s Director of Conservation.

Check out this incredible video of Steven Rinella and Ryan Callaghan getting charged by a female grizzle bear and her cubs.

Cameron Hanes

A frequent JRE podcast guest, Hanes is an extremely skilled bow hunter and a really good friend of Rogan. He is a former Under Armour sponsored athlete, now sponsored by Origin, and a complete beast in long distance running.

Hanes helped mentor Rogan’s bowhunting skills and shooting technique. On one particular hunt, Cameron helped Joe hunt a huge mule deer with a rifle when it got out of bow range. They’ve also been elk hunting in Utah together.

He has authored a few books, including Backcountry Bowhunting and Bowhunting Trophy Blacktail and has been on the JRE podcast over 10 times.

Also see: Who Is Cameron Hanes? A Look at His Amazing Life

John Dudley

John Dudley is a professional archery athlete and a world renowned archery coach. He won the International Bowhunting Organization (IBO) National Championship for archery.

Dudley’s brand, Nock On Archery, is complete with a podcast, apparel store, archery instruction, and bowhunting gear.

Dudley and Rogan like to go elk hunting together and then grill out with the guys. He has been on the JRE podcast 5 times.

Also see: The Amazing Life of John Dudley: Nock On Archery & Hunting

Ben O’Brien

O’Brien is the Director of Hunting for MeatEater and the host of The Hunting Collective podcast. He’s been on the JRE podcast twice so far in episodes #987 and #1215.

Petersen’s Hunting magazine featured a fantastic article written by O’Brien called Eat What You Kill: How Joe Rogan is Celebrating the Wild Meat Movement, which is definitely worth checking out.

Mike Hawkridge

Hawkridge, owner of AlphaDog Outdoors, is a lifelong hunter and skilled outdoorsman. He serves as a hunting guide that is available for hire, located in British Colombia, Canada.

Joe Rogan and Ben O’Brien hired Hawkridge for a late season bull moose hunt. The hunt was successful and they tagged a big one.

Here’s what Joe Rogan had to say about Mike Hawkridge:

When you meet him, get a good look at him and take it all in, because in this ever feminized world we’re living in, real men like him are the last of a dying breed.

-Joe Rogan on Mike Hawkridge

Bryan Callen

Rogan and Callen are both stand-up comedians and have known each other for over 20 years.

When Rogan decided to go hunting, Callen was the guy he wanted to go with him. According to Callen, Rogan called him up and pitched him an idea, saying “We’re going hunting man and I need you there.” Callen replied, “Count me in!”

Here is what Joe has said about Bryan:

“Bryan is one of my best friends if not my best friend. We’ve essentially been best friends since the day we met. He’s one of the funniest human beings I’ve ever met in my life.

He’s not a whiner, not a complainer, he’s not a guy that’s not going to be able to deal with the cold. He’s not going to fall apart or freak out. He’s a man. He can do anything, he’s just that dude.”

-Joe Rogan on Bryan Callen being his choice

Bryan explained that his conception of hunters before he went hunting was stereotypical:

“You get a bunch of guys with beer guts in camouflage and they go out and blast whatever they see.

What I came away with was a notion of profound respect for what it takes to be a good hunter and the understanding of the animal you are hunting, it’s behavior and the environment in which you’re in.”

-Bryan Callen

Also see: How Does Joe Rogan Cook Elk Steak: A Mouth-Watering Recipe!

Jocko Willink

Willink, a former Navy Seal and JRE podcast guest, went on a bow hunt in Northern Utah with Joe Rogan, Cameron Hanes, and Andy Stumpf. Jocko said, “You couldn’t really ask for a better crew of people.”

“There is something very primal about going hunting. It’s kind of like jiu-jitsu.”

“You are out, you’re stalking, sneaking around. It has a lot of correlations to my old job (navy seal). You’re trying to be quiet, setting up tactics, trying to maneuver on the enemy, on these animals.”

-Jocko Willink

Andy Stumpf

A formal Navy Seal officer, Stumpf went on the above mentioned hunt with Joe Rogan, Jocko Willink and Cameron Hanes in northern Utah.

In 2015, Stumpf set a world record by skydiving from 36,500 feet in an effort to raise money for the Navy Seal Foundation. He’s also been on the JRE Podcast multiple times.

Also see: 8 Navy SEALS That Have Been on Joe Rogan’s Podcast

Doug Duren

A farmer and conservationist, Duren hosted Joe Rogan, Bryan Callen, and Steven Rinella on his farm to hunt.

In 2014 Duren said, “A year ago I would have been completely against having two comedians come here (his farm) to hunt.”

Doug warmed up to the idea after hearing Rogan and Callen on the JRE podcast, realizing that they were two smart, funny as hell guys, who also respectful of hunting and wildlife.

Joe told Doug after the hunt, “ Thanks for being a great host. Thanks for being a great guy and providing us with an opportunity to have an incredible experience. You can’t have a better time, you can have a different time, but you can’t have a better time.”

*****

Thanks for reading!

The Garmin Xero A1i Pro is the most technologically advanced bow sight ever created. It’s an uncanny leap in archery gear.

I’m always curious what new advancements are going to hit the hunting market and how they may or may not fit into my gear list, especially if it has to do with bowhunting.

For the most part, the progression in the archery/bowhunting space has really been minor year after year. That was until the Garmin Xero came out back in 2018. It was a massive leap in innovation and honestly something that many bowhunters dreamed about having for quite a long time. It’s the first reliable auto-ranging bow sight of our time and a sight that many have come to love.

While the original Xero A1 and A1i were good, the revamped Xero A1i Pro is great.

Garmin Xero A1i Pro: Overview

The new Garmin Xero A1i Pro is everything that the previous version was and more.

This is an auto-ranging digital bow sight made with the intention of delivering unparalleled accuracy when you need it most. It has a small readout at the top of the housing that displays the range to the target, degree of angle, and battery life.

This is also where one can navigate through the menu and customize settings as they see fit.

Inside the housing, LED pins (red or green) are visible in either fixed mode or single-pin mode. Your bubble level is located at the bottom of the housing and an on/off button — along with others for menu navigation — are located on the top of the sight itself.

From the sight, there is a cord that runs down to the grip of your bow. At the end of this cord is your ranging button. This is taped onto the front of the grip. With a simple press of this button, the A1i Pro will range whatever the reticle is pointed at and display the exact pin for that range inside of the housing.

It’s pretty amazing.

And for Hoyt users, there is also the A1i Pro Hoyt edition that is Picatinny rail compatible.

Features

Micro Adjust

One of the major differences in this new Garmin sight is the ability to micro-adjust everything. You can micro-adjust windage and elevation, of course, but you can also adjust the overall pitch of the sight. This ensures that the sight housing is perfectly set up for your eye.

Micro adjustability is a huge improvement and makes setting up the sight leaps and bounds easier than older models.

By the way, this sight walks you through the setup process step by step.

Auto Pin Calibration

Sighting in a Garmin Xero A1i Pro takes less than 10 minutes, and it’s all because of the Auto Pin Calibration feature. Based on your arrow speed, arrow diameter, draw length, and even distance from sight to grip, it will auto calculate your pins out to a personalized max yardage.

Basically, you’ll sight in your first pin followed by sighting in a pin for the farthest distance you’re comfortable shooting. After the sight walks you through that process — and it literally walks you through it — you’re done.

Time to go hunting.

Dynamic Level

If the Dynamic Level feature is turned on while at full draw, you’ll have two extra pins that will pop up if you’re canting (tilting) your bow too much. For a right-hand shooter, if they’re tilted too much to the right, the bottom dot will blink.

If tilted to the left, the top dot will blink. When you’re level, the dots will go away. This helps eliminate canting and, in turn, it improves consistency and accuracy.

Many of us are traveling bowhunters. Between the dovetail and the quick detach plug, a hunter can take off their sight, put their bow in a hard case for protection, and simply reattach it when in camp.

Everything will be as it was, and you’ll be ready to hunt.

Other Cool Features

A few other features to mention are XD mode and the ability to pair this sight with your Garmin GPS. XD mode is basically long-range mode. This is what enables you to shoot out to 100 yards plus. You do have to adjust the elevation of the whole sight, but it literally tells you exactly how many clicks to go, which means you can put things back to normal after the fact.

Along with that, this sight can be paired with a GPS. Your GPS will pinpoint exactly where you ranged with the Xero. This means that if you shot a deer, you’d have a waypoint for right where you ranged.

This is a nifty feature and one that could be beneficial in recovering an animal.

My Experience With the Garmin Xero A1i Pro

Overall, my personal experience with the A1i Pro has been largely positive. There was a slight learning curve, but that’s to be expected. Once it was set up, I’ve gotta admit, this thing was fun to use and wicked accurate. Like, scary accurate.

It didn’t matter what distance I was standing. As long as I was within my max yardage, which was 87 yards, I almost didn’t even have to look at the range reading. I’d just anchor in and focus on making a good shot.

I was in fact able to take this sight out on a bear hunt with me in Arizona for a few days. One of my main worries was battery life. This hunt was one that I spent an immense time sitting in ground blinds. With that being said, I didn’t want to have to turn the sight on should a bear appear. So, I left it on. In 5 days of hunting, the battery level didn’t drop an ounce. That was impressive.

I wasn’t able to shoot a bear on this trip, but with the accuracy this sight provided, I walked into the field with ultimate confidence. I knew I was going to hit the exact hair I’d be aiming at.

So, that was another positive for me. Confidence is everything in bowhunting.

What’s Wrong

We’ve gotta touch on the snowy side of the hill here a bit. While the A1i Pro is an incredible feat in archery technology, it does have its downfalls.

The biggest for me was the worry that it all of a sudden wouldn’t work. This is a computer, after all. There was one time at the range when it decided it didn’t want to range for me. With bowhunting opportunities so hard to come by, this presents some worry.

And because of the absence of pins, if this decides to not work, you’re 100% out of the game. This is cause for concern, especially when talking about things like backpack hunting where what you’ve got is what you’ve got.

Lastly, another thing many are going to lose their minds over is the price. The Garmin A1i Pro is gonna set you back $1299. That number is enough to make one choke on their breakfast and will 100% limit the number of bowhunters that will use the sight.

Another thing to keep in mind is that these sights aren’t legal everywhere. In the majority of the U.S., it’s perfectly fine, but it’s your responsibility to make sure the Xero is legal where you plan to hunt.

Garmin Xero A1i Pro: End Note

When the rubber meets the road, there is no denying that Garmin has done something outstanding here. The sight is just plain cool technology. And while it’s not for everyone, I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon, because it will undoubtedly appeal to a lot of people.

I expect Garmin to keep building on this innovative platform they’ve created and in turn, it will make bowhunters more accurate than ever. Who knows, in 30 years, this very well may be the standard in bow sights. Time will tell.

While I don’t know what the future holds, I do know this. The Garmin Xero A1i Pro is going to destroy many X’s and fill many freezers. You can bank on that.

Check Price at AmazonCheck Price at Garmin

Why European Mounts

Just like you, we’re itching to get back out in the stand, sporting our favorite colors—camouflage and/or blaze orange. We’re ready for those pulse pounding moments of securing a monster in our cross hairs. But, knowing how to clean, butcher, preserve, serve, and display your harvest are action items that need to be addressed ahead of time.

There are a number ways to display your season’s trophy in a sustainable manner. Perhaps the most popular method—the shoulder mount, will give you the most realistic outcome. However, at a well-established taxidermist, shoulder mounts can also cost upwards of $700. On the contrary, a Euro mount is inexpensive, can be done at home, and supports sustainable hunting by using the animal’s entirety. Follow along as we make a European skull mount.

How to Make Your Own Euro Skull Mount

Products You Will Need

• •Butchering knife set
• •High Powered Outdoor Cooker
• •Large Aluminum Stock Pot
• •Washing Soda, 1/2 cup / gallon of water used
• •Heat Resistant Gloves
• •Hose with jet spray setting
• •Bleach or Whitening Agent, Optional
• •Basting Brush or Paint Brush
• •Skull Hooker for display

Instructions

Boil with CAUTION. Boiling too long may result in nose bones coming off.

1. While you’re harvesting your deer, separate the head from the body so that you can begin to work on the skull. With your hunting knife, carefully skin the head by removing the hide, fat, and flesh off the skull. Pro Tip: we do this step as we are harvesting the deer in the field or back at camp. The longer you wait to remove the flesh, the more difficult it is to clean and whiten since it discolors the bone.
2. Continue your dissection by removing the eyes, tongue, connective tissues, and brain matter as best as you can. Be strategic when doing this. You may need to concoct a tool to scrape out the gray matter such as a hanger. Use the hole where the spinal cord enters the base of the head. After you’ve finished, let the skull dry out a couple hours in the sun.
3. Next is the boiling process. Right now, the skull appears brown and rather discolored—this is normal and will be remedied during the whitening process. Fill a medium to large stock pot with water (just enough to cover the skull, not the antlers), add in your Washing Soda, place on your cooking system, and bring to a rolling boil over medium to high heat. Boil for 30 minutes. Monitor this to ensure the entire skull remains below the water line.
4. Remove from the pot. There may be some tissues and particles left on the skull. (This is fine.) Spray the skull with a jet hose setting, working around the nooks, crannies, and cavities. Be prepared. This can be a dirty job especially when cleaning the spinal cord opening.
5. With a fresh batch of water, boil the skull again (30 minutes.) Repeat the boiling and jet spraying process up to three times, until the skull is completely clean.
6. This step is optional. If your skull is not as white as you’d like you can take a basting brush and brush the skull’s entirety with the bleach or whitening agent. If you choose to do this step, make sure to get the front, back, sides, and creases, all while avoiding the antlers at all costs.
7. Bring it outside and hang it in the sun for 24 hours. You can repeat this process of painting and drying in the sun up to three times. Be weary of where you hang your skull as animals may be prone to walk off with your hardwork.

After you’ve whitened your skull—it’s time to show it off! Use a Skull Hooker to effortlessly mount to your prize to the wall. The Little Hooker® is the perfect size for housing mid-sized European skulls and game such as hogs, aoudad, alligator, black bear, deer, antelope and exotic medium game such as gazelle, and impala just to name a few. Your fall harvest will be the conversation piece at every gathering.

Written by Bethany Beathard

Spring time will be upon us soon, which means gobbler chasing weekends. If you want to increase your chances of turkey harvesting success, consider investing in a turkey decoy. The purpose of using decoys is to lure in a wild tom turkey. Decoy manufactures continue to produce realistic designs. According to Audubon bird studies, turkeys have excellent eyesight. They are able to see three times more clearly than 20/20 vision. Additionally, they can also see in color and have a 270-degree field of vision. This provides them an upper hand on both predators and hunters. It can be challenging when trying to choose the right turkey decoy for you. Be sure to research the states regulations regarding the use of decoys prior to purchasing. First and foremost decide on how much you are willing to invest and set your budget. Consider the terrain and time of season you will be hunting. Scouting the turkey’s behavior in your local setting will be a benefit.

Most Realistic Tom: Avian-X HDR Strutter

You get what you pay for here, as far as realism and durability. Avian-X has created a life-like, high quality design. These decoys are made up of a molded dura-rubber material with non-chip paint. They are collapsible; yet, not the fastest to deploy in a hurry. This tom features a versatile design. You can exchange the heads between worked up tom’s red, white and blue display or a relaxed tom’s solid white head. Avian-X really added to the versatility with this bird. The adjustable synthetic tail fan and beard allow you to transform the decoy from tom to jake. This heavy-duty construction will really increase the longevity of use over multiple seasons. The cons are these decoys tend to be on the bulkier side and are an expensive investment.

Most Realistic Hen decoy: Avian-X HDR Hen or Avian-X HDR Heavy-Duty Feeder Hen

Avian-X has really put in the work creating versatile hen designs. First, the Avian-X HDR Hen, is perfect for tempting aggressive, dominant toms. This decoy includes 2 removable head designs, resting and active. Next, the Avian-X HDR Heavy-Duty Feeder Hen, showcases a relaxed hen, easily inviting on-looking toms. Both hen decoys showcase enhanced flocking and realistic paint detail, adding to the realism. Again, Avian-X has made another collapsible decoy to withstand years of use. However, these decoy are still expensive and not the most compact design.

Most Realistic and Budget Friendly Set: Primos Hunting Lil Gobstopper Hen and Jake Combo

Primos really did a good job producing an affordable decoy combo. The set can be paired together or used separately giving you variety in your hunting set up. The use of authentic colors and posturing of these birds really set a realistic unintimidating setting. Nonetheless, gobblers cannot stand seeing a jake take their place next to a mature hen. The small design and collapsible feature really makes for a convenient choice for on the go hunters. With the price point landing around $60 you really cannot go wrong. Primos set you up to get the job done with this budget friendly duo. A con here is the use of plastic stakes, you may consider upgrading to a heavier duty metal stake. Even with an upgraded replacement you would be well under budget.

Most Economical: RedHead Foam Turkey Decoy 3-Pack

If you do not want to make a big investment, the RedHead Foam Decoy 3-Pack is the way to go. These are a simple foam set that come with a two-piece metal step-on stake. RedHead offers 3 different poses and lifelike painted feather detailing. The three of them together provide a perfect flock to attract that long beard you are waiting for. This set is light-weight, inexpensive and easily packable. If you have been on the fence, purchasing these decoy would be a perfect introduction without the large investment. However, the cons are they are not as realistic, the foam is not very durable and the longevity of use is uncertain.

Best Reaping: Montana Decoy Wiley Tom 3D

Disclaimer: Turkey reaping decoys are very effective, but should only be applied on private lands with no other hunters. Be sure to refer to your sates regulations concerning this method.

The Wiley Tom 3D decoy is one of a kind. Montana Decoys set the bar with a realistic versatile decoy. This decoy offers a 2D option with a see through window, perfect for reaping. Subsequently, the 3D option offers a versatile stake designs for a traditional stationary set up. This tom has the option to add a real tail or wing feathers as a replacement. The Wiley Tom 3D is ultra-light weight and fully collapsible. This decoy gives you the best of both worlds. It displays realism; yet, is ultra-light weight for a run and gun hunt. The price of this decoy is on the higher side and the light weight construction may affect the lifetime of use

Most Compact: Miss Purrfect XD

Montana Decoy’s Miss Purrfect XD Hen is arguably the best hen decoy on the market. This compact design fully collapses and for easy totting. It is ultra-light weight, yet, they did not skip on realism. This hen offers three position adjustments: standing, feeding and breeding. Feather cuts give the added element of subtle movement, which increases the realistic effect. The price point lands under $80 making it a mild investment. The downside is this decoy is not waterproof; and, because it is made up of fabric the probability of fading is higher.

Best Motion Decoy: Higdon Outdoors Motion Full Strut Tom

Disclaimer: Refer to state regulations regarding motion decoys before purchasing. Again, when using motion decoys or reaping method, use all safety precautions. Abstain for public land hunting with either method.

Higdon Outdoors Motion Tom decoy displays realistic motion and eye catching detail. The motion paired with the full strut features will surely have that longbeard ready to engage. This motioning tom decoy really makes for an irresistible set up. This decoy is battery operated and will take a moment to set up. You can locate an easy tote hand on the bottom of the fan. A magnetic fan mount allows you the option to replace the fan with a natural fan. The cons with this bird is the high cost and some state prohibit the use of motion decoys.

Final Thoughts

It is no secret that the turkey decoy business is booming. Companies continue to produce realistic birds and I see no end in sight. Hunting over decoys adds an upper hand to the hunter trying to lure in a tom. Having a decoy or a decoy spread gives the turkeys a visual endorsement to you calls. Do you need a decoy? No, but is a good addition and may be a crucial piece to securing your harvest. As always, be cautious when transporting decoys or harvested birds through the woods. When hunting over decoys be aware if other hunters are in the area. Also consider you proximity to the decoy, better safe than sorry. Happy hunting everyone!

.22 WMR

I won’t go as far as to belittle the, uh, little .17 Winchester Super Magnum. It’s a unique cartridge that does what no rimfire has done before. It’s the fastest rimfire ever designed and actually performs spectacularly – for a rimfire.

What I will do is ask, why? The great charm about rimfires is that they’re versatile and inexpensive to shoot. The .17 WSM, superb distance performer that it is, is neither. While it’s capable of perforating a prairie dog farther away than “common” rounds, such as the .22 Magnum, most savvy shooters have transitioned to centerfires when distances stretch that far. And up close the .17 WSM is actually going too fast: Squirrels and cottontails suffering a body shot from it leave the hunter with little but fluff.

By stew-pot decree, any rimfire not well suited for small-game hunting is, well, not really a rimfire. It’s an outcast. What some folks charitably term a “niche” cartridge.

Contrast that with the .22 Magnum. While it’s not as aerodynamic as its .17-caliber sibling, it hits authoritatively within the rimfire’s realm – inside of 150 yards or so. For small-game hunting, full-metal-jacket projectiles minimize meat damage; likewise valuable pelts about to be separated from their host furbearer. Butchers effectively use a .22 Mag pellet between the eyes on even the biggest steer.

Government trappers prefer it for killing troublesome mountain lions – cats die in the tree instead of being knocked out, hurt and fighting mad, into their pack of valuable dogs.

And, finally, even homeowners have viable ammunition choices engineered specifically for self-defense to choose from. If that’s not versatility, what is? – Joeseph von Benedikt

.17 WSM

Hunters need just two rimfire cartridges for small game: a .22 LR if they want to eat it and a .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM) if they wish to kill it. The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR) splits the difference between the two, crushing them both in all the categories that don’t matter.

The .22 WMR fires a projectile too fast for use on tablefare, such as squirrel or rabbits. What’s more, the bullets are ballistically inefficient at longer range. See for yourself. With only a 5 mph breeze, Hornady’s .22 WMR 30-grain V-MAX drifts 6.9 inches and strikes with 94 ft.-lbs. of energy at 150 yards. At that same range, Winchester’s .17 WSM 20-grain load drifts only 2 inches and carries an impressive 230 ft.-lbs. of energy. At 200 yards, where the .22 WMR is running on fumes, the .17 WSM is still scooting right along and carries twice the energy of the .17 HMR, itself a long-range rimfire.

What about bullet weight and penetration, two attributes the .22 WMR does possess? They simply don’t matter on game that can fit inside your mother’s purse. What about coyotes? Skip both and use a centerfire.

However, if you must use a rimfire on predators, opt for the 25-grain .17 WSM load. Using its superior velocity, the .17 can and will knock down any coyote within 150 yards as long as you hit your mark. You’ll be surprised at the long-range killing power of this little thumper, and you’ll save a few bucks in the process.

Speed kills, and the .17 WSM slaughters the .22 WMR in velocity, trajectory, wind drift, and retained energy. Its rimfire lethality is far superior to anything stamped “.22 WMR.” – D. Faubion

Building A Wooden Ladder Stand For Hunting

There is just something about wooden, homebuilt tree stands. Maybe it’s because I grew up hunting from them, but I just feel more comfortable in a home-built stand, especially when facing an all-day sit. More importantly, the permanent stand expresses just that: permanence. Even though a stand built on a shared property should be open to everyone, there is a very real sense of ownership if you are the one that built it. It’s not just a stand, its Dan’s Stand or Mark’s Stand or Scott’s Stand.

Our farm has a fair amount of pressure on it during the 9-day November gun season, with up to 10 guys spread out over 300-acres of woodlots, CRP and harvested crop fields. Many of the hunters have “their” stand location and have been at that specific spot for most of their lives. Over the last couple years, I’ve been using hanging stands to hunt a 20-acre section that for a variety of reasons, has not been heavily hunted for a decade or more. In that time, I’ve recognized it as a forgotten and ignored gem.

Bucks have scrapes and rubs to let everyone know they are around. I’ve got a wooden tree stand to let other hunters know they’ve entered my zone. By constructing it, I’ll be claiming this section of the farm as my own during the crowded gun season. Even though the secrets out on how good this location has been for me, the other hunters are respectful enough not to build another stand in the vicinity. As the sole bow hunter, I am lucky to have the farm to myself during the long and quiet archery season. With this new stand, I’ll have yet another comfortable set up to use when the conditions are right to hunt a buck from that location.

DIY Deer Hunter: Build a Wooden Ladder Stand

Below are instructions to build the stand. As a bit of a disclaimer, should you decide to take this project on for yourself, understand that your safety is in your own hands. Know the limits of your carpentry skills, and the potential risks involved in constructing your own stand.

Material List

2×4 x 14 treated lumber for the legs.

2×4 lumber for steps, stand platform, seat base and braces, uprights and rails

1×6 boards for decking

14- 5/16 x 4 hex bolts, with nuts and washers to assemble the stand

2 – 6-inch eyebolts with nuts and washers to attach a ratchet strap to.

2- 1/2 x 6 lag bolts with washers

2.5 inch deck screws for decking and ladder steps

Tools

Crosscut saw, electric drill, drill bits, square, tape measure.

Instructions

1. The treated 2×4’s will run the entire height of the stand. Decide how tall you want the side walls of the stand platform to be and measure that distance down from the top of the treated 2×4. Drill a pilot hole in each 2 x 4 at this location. This is where the platform will bolt on to.
2. Build the platform base so that it will fit inside of the span created by the ladder. The overall width of my stand is 32 inches, so the floor frame works out to be 29 inches wide by 42 inches deep. Install a 2×4 floor joist in the center to help support the floor boards. On the back of the platform, pre-drill two holes for lag screws to be threaded through when mounting the stand to the tree.
3. Cut 1×6 decking and attach to platform using screws
4. Bolt the platform to the legs.
5. Cut 2×4’s at 32-inch lengths to use as the steps for your ladder. Screw in a step every 18-inches or so until reaching just below the platform base.
6. The seat frame consists of two, 42-inch, 2×4 rails running the length of the platform with 4, 32-inch long 2×4’s strung between them to make the seat itself. Bolt the front of the seat base to the ladder at your desired height above the platform.
7. Cut two, 42-inch top rails. They will tie the ladder to the rear uprights.
8. Cut two rear uprights to length. They should be level with the top of your treated 2×4’s. Bolt the uprights to the platform and top rail.
9. Bolt the rear of the seat base to the upright using a eyebolt. Besides holding the seat base up, the eyebolts can be used to tighten a ratchet strap around the tree for added stability and support.
10. With the stand in position, attach the braces between the ladder and the back of the platform base.

To get the stand standing, I brought my brother along for help and we were easily able to “walk” it from flat on the ground, to up against the tree. It’s going to take some repositioning of the stand itself to get it just right, so leave the bolts that hold the stand together just a little loose. You’ll tighten them up as you get the stand in place.

The platform is anchored to the tree using 2 lag bolts. You’ll need to bring along climbing sticks or a ladder to assist in placing the bolts, since the base of the platform will be 6-10 feet off the ground. To make this easier, I waited to screw in the floor boards until after I had secured the stand to the tree and ran the braces. As a secondary safety precaution, a ratchet strap is strung around the tree using the two eye bolts. Once the placement looks good, retighten all the bolts that hold the stand together, make sure your ratchet strap is in place, and you’re ready to hunt.

Improve and accessorize the stand by stapling camouflage fabric to the frame for additional concealment, and attaching your assorted gear hooks, camera arms, etc.

Getting a stand like this in place can sure be an exhausting job. The good news is, you’ll only have to do it once. On our farm in southern Minnesota, stands like this can last decades, only needing occasional and minor repair work.

Today I’m going to show you the best scope for hog hunting.

In fact:

I’ve hand- tested over 10 scopes alone for this review.

The best part?

I’ve sorted the scopes by use. So whether you’re on a budget or need the best AR-15 hog hunting scope, you’ll find it here.

Let’s dive in!

The 4 Best Scope For Hog Hunting

If you’re pressed on time, here’s a quick list of the best hog hunting scopes:

1. Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5×20: Best Hog Hunting Scope
2. Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35: Best Scope for Fast Target Acquisition
3. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x: Best Night Vision Scope for Hog Hunting
4. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Riflescope: Best Thermal Scope for Hog Hunting

1. Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5×20: Best Hog Hunting Scope

The Leupold FX-II Ultralight is a fantastic fixed-magnification scope in a lightweight, low profile package.

In fact, I think it’s the best scope for hog hunting.

Want to know why? Keep reading…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

The glass on the FX-II is very clear.

Leupold used their Index Matched Lens System to fully multicoat the scope which results in a very clear image. This is great for hogs on the move.

Also, the light transmission in this scope is very good. In fact, it’s so good that I can get an extra 20 minutes of shooting time out of this scope versus trying to shoot with my naked eye.

This is because of Leupold’s Twilight Management System.

Now, on to the reticle.

This scope uses a simple Wide Duplex reticle. The wide posts are great for rapidly drawing my eye in to center, and the fine crosshairs are precise enough for target plinking at 150-200 yards.

The reticle is etched into the glass and shows up really well in low-light conditions. This pairs really nicely with that great light transmission I mentioned earlier and makes for easy, clear sighting on those late-night hog hunts.

There aren’t any holdover lines, but with a fixed 2.5x magnification, you don’t really need them. This reticle excels in fast target acquisition at close to mid range.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Here’s one of my favorite things about the FX-II:

The eye relief is a whopping 4.9 inches!

At this distance, you can even set your scope up “scout style,” where you mount the scope in front of the receiver of your rifle. This setup is a literal must-have for bolt-action guns and Garands.

Combined with the low-fixed magnification, this setup allows me to use the scope while still keeping both my eyes open. Speaking of magnification…

Magnification & Parallax

This scope provides a fixed 2.5x zoom.

I find that this amount of magnification is perfect for hog hunting since I’m usually within about 100 yards to my target.

This level of magnification is also great for rimfire plinking and varmint hunting. I’ve had a blast running the FX-II on my Ruger 10-22.

I’ve had no issues at all with parallax on this scope. That’s because Leupold has factory set the parallax adjustment to 150 yards.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

This scope uses ¼ MOA click turrets.

I like the solid “click” that I get when making adjustments, and the low-profile turrets help give the scope a sleek look.

Zeroing was quick and easy. I was zeroed in within about 5 shots and after dozens of hunts, the zero has held true.

Durability & Weight

I’ve come to expect durability from Leupold scopes, and the FX-II doesn’t disappoint.

The scope is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet, fogproof, scratchproof, and shock resistant. If that’s not enough, Leupold also tested the scope at temperatures from -40 to 160 degrees.

All these features mean that you can take this scope into any conditions without worrying about damaging it.

Here’s my favorite thing about this scope: It only weighs 6.5 ounces.

This low weight is not only great for my comfort as a shooter, but it makes the scope more recoil resistant, too. The heavier the scope, the more it wants to stay in place when you fire. A lighter scope travels with the rifle with less resistance.

Basically, this means that the lighter the scope, the more it’s able to take recoils without taking any internal damage or messing with your zero.

Plus, when you’re out hunting, you’d want a lightweight optic. Remember, every ounce counts 🙂

Mounting & Rings

The FX-II doesn’t ship with any mounts or rings.

So I’d recommend Low Leupold Rifleman Scope Rings to mount this scope to your rifle of choice.

The scope does include some slip on lens covers. But honestly, they felt cheap. So I went with Leupold Ultralight Flip Back Lens Covers (Eye piece: size 59060, Objective: 20mm).

These will keep your glass protected while still maintaining that nice, low weight.

Is the Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5×20 worth it?

The Leupold FX-II is a great riflescope that proves that great things can come in small packages.

It’s got:

• 2.5x zoom
• Clear glass
• Solid “click” turrets
• Extremely lightweight
• High eye relief for scout setup
• Wide duplex reticle for fast target acquisition

Plus, the whole thing is backed by Leupold’s Gold Ring Lifetime Warranty.

So if you’re looking for a durable, lightweight, affordable riflescope for close-mid range hog hunting and target shooting, the FX-II Ultralight is for you.

Still not sure what you’re looking for in a scope? Check out this Essential Guide to Choosing a Rifle Scope.

2. Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35: Best Scope for Fast Target Acquisition

For fast target acquisition, Trijicon’s ACOG 3.5×35 more than achieves expectations.

In fact, the “Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight” has been used for medium distance engagements by Marines and Special Forces since the early 90’s.

I figured if it works for them then it’ll work for me. I wasn’t wrong.

Read on to learn more…

Glass Clarity & Reticle

Crystal clear glass.

That’s what I noticed when I first looked through the Trijicon ACOG. To be honest, I’m still a little amazed by how clear it actually looks. The image detail is awesome.

To top it off, I didn’t notice any fogging in the lens during those early morning hunts. Turns out, this optic is nitrogen purged.

When choosing my ACOG, I was a little overwhelmed by the different reticle choices Trijicon offers. With some research, I decided that the green BDC chevron was the best fit for me because it’s standard for military M4s.

After a few hog hunts, I absolutely loved this reticle. Here’s why:

First, it uses a simple-to-understand Bullet Drop Compensating (BDC) feature that automatically estimates windage, holdover and distance for you. Once you sight in at let’s say 100 yards, the hash marks below the reticle are great at picking off shots out to 800 meters.

And second, the illuminated reticle doesn’t need batteries to operate. During the day, a fiber optic light gathering strand directs light to the reticle. And at night, tritium illuminates the reticle.

However, I noticed that on REALLY bright days, the reticle can become too bright. This can make shooting distant targets inside a dim lit area somewhat challenging because the glow from the reticle is a little overwhelming.

I found that putting some tape on the fiber optic strand helps with reducing the illumination intensity. Simple fix in my opinion.

Speaking of fixing, the ACOG comes with a lense pen, which I use for maintenance. Keep in mind you’re not going to want to use any solvents on this (as with any high-end optic) or you’ll probably ruin the lense coating.

I haven’t done it myself but I have watched some guys hose mud off their ACOGs. Seems to work and their glass still looks great afterward!

Eye Relief & Eye Box

2.4 inches of eye relief is what you get.

Doesn’t seem like a lot, which is what I initially thought when I read the manual, but after actually using it on my rifle I’ve had no problems.

Keep in mind, troops use this ACOG on belt-fed machine guns without getting “eye punched” so you’ll be fine.

I had to remove my rear iron sight to get the proper eye relief but I don’t miss it. I even toyed with the idea of mounting iron sights offset at 45 degrees but simply decided I don’t need them with this ACOG.

The field of view when looking through the ACOG is more than generous for my needs. It also allows me to keep both eyes open, which greatly improves situation awareness.

Instead of squinting through a scope, I’m now able to more easily scan the surroundings during hog hunts and better prepare for my next target in competitive shooting.

In essence, the AGOC has noticeably improved my reaction time.

Not bad for only 2.4 inches of eye relief.

Durability

So far, the ACOG is the most dependable optic I own.

The moment I held it, I knew right off the bat this thing is built tough. And it’s true: The ACOG is forged from 7075-T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy.

It’ll work if I do drop it.

And I have dropped it on a few occasions.

I have a SCAR 17, which is notorious for trashing out cheap optics, and the ACOG works flawlessly when paired with it.

No busted lenses or broken seals so far, even after dropping it from a tree stand onto roots. I’ve also dropped it on gravel and concrete. It still worked like a champ.

It’s also waterproof. The most water I’ve had on mine was from rain, but the specs say it can be submerged up to 100 meters.

Elevation & Windage Knobs

I’ve dropped my ACOG hard enough to dent one of the turret caps and it still maintains zero. Turrets still work great and feel durable.

Easy to zero but slightly different than other scopes. Adjustment increments are ½ inch per (audible) click at 100 yards. 2 clicks move the bullet 1 inch on the target.

The adjustment cap lanyard saved me from rummaging through tall grass to find butterfingered caps on more than one occasion.

Keep in mind…

As with any optic, don’t force the turrets beyond their adjustment limits — damaging the prism assembly is possible.

Even Superman has a weakness.

Parallax & Magnification

This ACOG has a fixed 3.5x magnification. Awesome for fast target acquisition.

No fumbling with various magnifications.

Plus, with 3.5x, longer shots using the BDC reticle are fun.

3.5x has less parallax than the 4x version. Up and down movement has no parallax that I can tell. There’s some parallax with side to side movement but nothing concerning.

Mounting & Rings

This optic comes with the thumbscrew mount for “flattop” MIL-STD-1913 rails or the carry handle screw and washer set (for ARs with fixed carry handles).

Can only find the carry handle mount option? Buy the MIL-STD adapter.

Adapters are also available for weaver rails and H&K firearms.

I use my ACOG on different firearms and prefer the throw lever mount for easy removal/attachment. There’s also a quick release option

Can’t seem to get the proper eye relief for your comfort? Try the extended eye relief adapter.

Concerned about lense reflections? Grab an anti-reflection device.

The ACOG comes with a Scopecoat but you may prefer a flip cover (like myself). Only available for the objective lens and it doesn’t work with the anti-reflection device.

Is the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35 worth it?

If you’re out hog hunting and need the best scope for fast target acquisition, then get the Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35.

Here’s why:

• Built strong
• No batteries
• Generous FOV
• Easy to understand BDC

I’ll have to admit:

The ACOG comes at a considerable price for a fixed magnification. But if you’re looking for fast target acquisition AND Special Forces approval, then this is it.

(Need something cheaper? Check out my review on the Aimpoint Pro vs. T1).

If you’re settled on buying this, be warned: Watch out for knockoffs. This video will help you determine what’s legit:

3. ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x: Best Night Vision Scope for Hog Hunting

The ATN X-Sight Pro is a high-tech night vision scope with a ton of advanced features.

In fact, it’s the best night vision scope available for hog hunting.

This scope packs in the kind of advanced features that you only get from a digital scope, but it looks and feels like a traditional riflescope.

How have they done this? Read on to find out.

Image Quality & Reticle

The image quality when looking through this scope is fantastic.

In the daylight, I can see every detail, and the color fidelity is incredible. This is all thanks to the 4k Ultra HD sensor that makes up the backbone of this scope.

And at night, I can clearly see my targets even in total blackness, thanks to the included infrared illuminator. This is important when hogs decide to charge in the night!

One of my favorite things about this scope is the reticle.

The X-Sight uses a digital Smart Mil Dot reticle.

You can customize the variance between the mil dots using the smartphone app so that your reticle is custom tailored to your caliber and load. Plus, the reticle automatically adjusts as you increase zoom.

Eye Relief & Eye Box

Unlike many digital scopes, the X-Sight has a much more traditional eye relief.

I set mine right at 3.5 inches.

Now, here’s one of my issues with this scope:

The eye box is pretty unforgiving. There is a lot of extra information displayed in the scope image, and I find that if I don’t keep my cheek weld solid, I can’t really see any of it.

That said, it’s still a lot more comfortable to use than my other digital scopes.

Special Features

ATN has put a lot of cool features into this scope.

One of the most advanced things this scope has is the Smart Rangefinder.

The scope will take two measurements from the reticle and calculate the distance to target. Then the range is displayed right there on screen. No more guesses.

The X-Sight also has a built-in Ballistic Calculator. Program in your weapon profile and environment data like wind and humidity using the smartphone app, and then the scope will adjust your point of impact accordingly.

Also, the X-Sight has full HD video streaming capabilities, and automatically records video when you start shooting. This is great for tracking a running target after you take your shot.

Basically, this scope does all the work for you!

Durability and Battery

This scope is pretty durable, as far as digital scopes go.

It’s water resistant, weather resistant, and tested to operate at temperatures from -40 to 130 degrees.

The tube is made from high-grade aluminum, and it’s fogproof and shockproof too.

The battery life on this scope is great. You can run the scope for 18 hours without having to recharge it. This is perfect for long hunts, or trips where you don’t have access to a charger between hunts.

Zeroing

Zeroing was incredibly quick.

This scope has a One Shot Zero system. All I had to do was take a shot, adjust my point of impact, and I was good to go.

I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my Mini-14 with this scope mounted, and have had no problems with the zero straying.

Magnification

The X-Sight gives you 5-20x variable magnification.

I’ve noticed that the image tends to pixelate a little bit at the higher magnifications, but not enough to obscure my target. I can easily shoot targets up to 800 yards out using this scope.

Also, this scope uses a smooth zoom wheel rather than buttons. I prefer the way this feels versus my other digital scopes. It acts like a traditional glass scope, which is more what I’m used to.

Mounting & Accessories

The ATN X-Sight includes a picatinny rail with standard rings, plus one L-shaped ring to use with accessories. It also includes an infrared illuminator and a sun shade, so right out of the box, it’s ready for both night and day shooting.

I highly recommend getting the ABL Laser Rangefinder from ATN.

It attaches right onto the side of the scope, and automatically communicates with the scope via Bluetooth. The built-in Smart Rangefinder is nice, but for hogs, you’ll want to be able to instantly get a range on your target.

The X-Sight also ships with a nice neoprene scope cover, but it doesn’t include any lens caps. I recommend Butler Creek Flip Caps (Objective Size 48, Eyepiece Size 02.)

Is the ATN X-Sight Pro 5-20x worth it?

Overall, the X-Sight Pro packs advanced digital features into a streamlined scope that resembles more traditional glass scopes.

It’s got:

• 4k Ultra HD image
• Comfortable eye relief
• Customizable digital mil dot reticle
• Automatic video recording and streaming
• Built in Smart Rangefinder and Ballistic Calculator
• Night Vision Mode with included infrared illuminator

Plus, the scope is covered by ATN’s 2 Year Warranty.

So if you want the best night vision scope for hog hunting at night that’s easy and comfortable to use, look no further than the X-Sight Pro. Those hogs will never see you coming!

Need a good scope for your .22-250? Check out our top picks.

4. Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Riflescope: Best Thermal Scope for Hog Hunting

The Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 is a fantastic thermal riflescope.

In fact, it’s the best thermal scope you can buy for hog hunting.

(If you’re unsure if you need a thermal or NV scope, read this article.)

Pulsar crammed a ton of hi-tech features into this scope, and managed to keep the price much lower than their competitors, too.

Want to know if the Trail 2 LRF is for you? Read on to find out.

Image Clarity & Reticle

The Trail 2 LRF produces one of the clearest digital images I’ve ever seen in a scope.

Usually, when I use a thermal scope, I can tell when I’m aiming at heat, but I can’t tell what that heat is coming from. Most thermal scopes just produce a blob of white.

But the Trail 2 LRF shows every detail. I can clearly see and identify what I’m aiming at, whether it be a hog or a coyote. This is because of the advanced thermal sensor in the scope, which can detect heat up to 2000 yards away.

In fact, this scope has such a clear image, I can use it in full daylight with no problems at all.

Speaking of range, the Trail 2 LRF has a built-in laser rangefinder that displays the range to target right there in the display. No more guessing the distance to the hog — just raise your rifle, aim and shoot.

This scope also lets you swap between white-hot and black-hot modes. Between that and the 13 different reticles, I was able to find the perfect settings for every shooting scenario.

Recording and Streaming

The Trail 2 is so advanced that it connects wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet for easy recording and streaming of your hunts.

If you want to show off your hunts on YouTube or Twitch, this is definitely the scope for you!

I personally like the recording feature because I’m not the best shot in the world, and sometimes my target will try and run before falling. The recording makes it really easy to spot the location and see which direction the hog started running in.

This makes it easier and quicker to find your game after the kill.

And you don’t have to remember to press the “Record” button. The Trail 2 detects when you fire a shot and automatically records from there, so you never have to worry about missing the action.

Recorded footage is stored in the scope and can be easily downloaded to your smart device or computer once you get back home. Reliving a great hunt has never been easier!

Eye Relief

The eye relief is right under 2 inches.

This took me a little getting used to, but once I got a feel for the extended eyepiece, I had no issues at all maintaining eye box.

2 inches is a little closer than I would normally mount a scope, but you need a close relief with thermal scopes. I’ve never had any issues with scope bite and I’ve used this scope on multiple calibers of rifles.

Durability

With the Pulsar Trail 2 having so much tech, I thought this thing would be fragile.

But was I wrong.

The Trail 2 LRF was recoil tested by Pulsar for up to 12 gauge/.357 H&H. I can confirm that first hand.

Plus, the scope can be submerged in up to three feet of water and still be completely fine.

The scope is fogproof, dustproof, and frost resistant as well. So you can take this scope into any field conditions and not have to worry about breaking it.

Zeroing

Zeroing was insanely easy.

The Trail 2 uses the Pulsar “One Shot Zero” function to ensure quick and easy zeroing right out of the box.

And I’ve taken mine on dozens of hunts and had no issues with the scope straying from zero at all.

Plus, this scope allows you to save up to three different profiles, and each of these profiles has up to five range settings that you can save.

This means that you can set this scope up for 3 different rifles and swap it out between them without having to do any major settings changes.

I love this feature because it means I can zero my Trail 2 on my three favorite rifles (ex: go from my AR to my M1A) and pick which one I want to use on the night of the hunt.

Magnification

You get 1.6-12.8x magnification from this scope.

I’ve noticed no image quality issues at all even when I zoom in to max.

Also, you can either use 2x steps or zoom smoothly. The 2x steps are nice and quick for when you need to zoom in on your target fast, and the smooth zoom is nice for when I have time to be more precise.

This is great for hog hunting, when your targets could come out of the treeline at almost any range without warning.

My favorite feature on the Trail 2 though is the Picture in Picture Zoom. Picture in Picture mode puts the zoomed in image in the top portion of the display while still showing the whole zoomed out image behind it.

The Picture in Picture mode makes it really easy to zoom in on your target for a good shot while still being able to keep an eye on your background. You don’t want to miss your hog and hit some cattle because you couldn’t see it grazing just behind your target!

Accessories

The Trail 2 LRF comes with some great accessories out of the box.

It’s got a carrying case, USB cord, cleaning cloth, and a battery charger. (Also, even though it comes with its own charger, I’ve found that any micro-USB charger will work!)

The scope also comes with a weaver rail and hex wrench for mounting to your rifle of choice.

And no need for flip caps — the Trail 2 already has one built-in on the objective lens.

Is the Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Riflescope worth it?

All in all, the Pulsar Trail 2 is an incredible thermal riflescope at about half the price of the competition.

It’s got:

• 1.6-12.8x magnification
• Picture in Picture mode
• Built-in laser rangefinder
• Detailed, clear thermal image
• 13 different digital reticles to choose from
• Easy automatic recording and streaming to your smart device

And if all that wasn’t enough, the Trail 2 LRF comes with Pulsar’s 3 Year Warranty.

If you want to feel like the Predator on your next hunt and need the best thermal scope for hog hunting, then the Pulsar Trail 2 is for you.

Now It’s Your Turn

I hope you enjoyed my best scope for hog hunting guide.

So as a recap:

If you’re looking for the best hog hunting scope, get the Leupold FX-II Ultralight 2.5×20.

Looking for the best scope for fast target acquisition? Choose Trijicon ACOG 3.5×35.

How about the best night vision scope for hog hunting? Then opt-in for ATN X-Sight 4K Pro 5-20x.

Lastly, if you are looking for the best thermal scope for hog hunting, I’d recommend Pulsar Trail 2 LRF XP50 Thermal Riflescope.

That said, you can’t go wrong with any of these options. After all, I have hand and torture tested all the above scopes, and proved to be reliable.

Now I want to turn it over to you:

Which rifle scope will you pick for your hog hunting?

Let me know by leaving a quick comment down below.

Deer hunting in Oklahoma is available from October 1st until the middle of January, and is regulated by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Different bag restrictions apply to hunting for antlerless deer in each of the state’s 10 antlerless deer zones. All you need to know about deer hunting seasons, permits, and laws in the Sooner State may be found in this page.

Oklahoma Deer Season

Hunting seasons, rules, and bag limits for deer are all established by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC). Different bag restrictions on antlerless deer are enforced in each of the state’s 10 antlerless deer zones. Both residents and non-residents need a hunting license, with choices including yearly and five-year permits. Depending on the method of hunting (archery, muzzleloader, or firearm), hunters must get the appropriate license. Certain permits are available for young hunters.

General Deer Season

MethodOklahoma Deer Seasons Start DateOklahoma Deer Seasons End DateBag Limits (Deer Archery)1-Oct-2315-Jan-24Six: Only two may be antlered. The hunter’s overall deer archery season quota of six deer is unaffected. (Youth Deer Gun)20-Oct-2322-Oct-23Two: One may be antlered. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. The hunter’s combined season limit of six deer includes all juvenile deer gun season kills, but they do not count against the regular deer gun season limit of four. (Deer Muzzleloader)28-Oct-235-Nov-23Four: one may be antlered. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. Zones limit antlerless animal harvests. Zone 1—No antlerless harvesting. Deer-free zones 2-8. 3-9 antlerless zones. One zone-10 antlerless. Antlerless Deer Zones. The hunter’s six-deer muzzleloader season restriction is unaffected. (Deer Gun)18-Nov-233-Dec-23Four: one may be antlered. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. Zones limit antlerless animal harvests. One zone-1 antlerless deer. Deer-free zones 2-8. 3-9 antlerless zones. One zone-10 antlerless. Antlerless Deer Zones. The hunter’s six-deer season restriction is unaffected. (Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun)18-Dec-2331-Dec-23Two: Solely antlerless. Antlerless mule deer cannot be harvested. Hunters may shoot six deer every season, except holiday antlerless deer gun season deer.

Antlerless Deer Zones

Zone-1

Antlerless Days Zone 1Season Dates Archery SeasonOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Deer Gun SeasonOct 20 – 22, 2024 Muzzleloader SeasonNo antlerless days Deer Gun SeasonNov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun SeasonClosed

Zones 2, 7 & 8 (Oklahoma Antlerless Days)

Zones 2, 7 & 8 (Oklahoma Antlerless Days)Hunting Dates Archery SeasonOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Deer Gun SeasonOct 20 – 22, 2024 Muzzleloader SeasonOct 28 – Nov 5, 2024 Deer Gun SeasonNov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun SeasonDec 18 – 31, 2024

Zones 3, 4, 5, 6 & 9 (Antlerless Days)

Zones 3, 4, 5, 6 & 9 (Oklahoma Antlerless Days)Hunting Dates Archery SeasonOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Deer Gun SeasonOct 20 – 22, 2024 Muzzleloader SeasonOct 28 – Nov 5, 2024 Deer Gun SeasonNov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun SeasonDec 18 – 31, 2024

Zone-10 (Antlerless Days)

Zone 10 (Oklahoma Antlerless Days)Hunting Dates Archery SeasonOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Deer Gun SeasonOct 20 – 22, 2024 Muzzleloader SeasonOct 28 – Nov 5, 2024 Deer Gun SeasonNov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Deer Gun SeasonDec 18 – 31, 2024

Bag Limit:

Deer hunters are only allowed to harvest a total of six deer throughout the season, with only two of those animals allowed to have antlers. The same holds true for other forms of hunting, such as young deer gun, muzzleloader, and gun seasons for deer. The last year total season restriction will be applied to any deer harvested between January 1 and January 15. Antlerless deer killed during the holiday antlerless deer gun season or during a controlled hunt do not count against the combined season quota.

Elk Hunting Seasons

Elk Consolidated Season Limit

SpeciesDateBag Limit ElkJan. 1 – Jan. 31, Two ElkArchery, youth elk gun, elk muzzleloader, elk gun, holiday antlerless elk gun seasonsTwo Controlled huntsNot Included Total Combined SeasonTwo

Open Zones Seasons

TypeHunting Dates Elk ArcheryOct 1, 2024 – Jan 15, 2024 Youth Elk GunOct 13, 2024 – Oct 15, 2024 Elk MuzzleloaderOct 28, 2024 – Nov 5, 2024 Elk GunNov 18, 2024 – Dec 3, 2024 Holiday Antlerless Elk GunDec 18, 2024 – Dec 31, 2024

Elk Open Zones Bag Limit

Zone NameBag Limit Panhandle ZoneTwo elk (1 antlerless) Special Northwest ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Northwest ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Northeast ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Southeast ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex Southwest ZoneOne elk, regardless of sex

Special Southwest Zone

Elk Special Southwest Zone SeasonHunting Dates ArcheryOct 7-11, 2024 Dec 2-6, 2024 MuzzleloaderSeason closed GunOct 5-8, 2024 Dec 7-10, 2024 Youth Elk GunOct 13-15, 2024 Additional Antlerless Gun Season (antlerless only)Nov 18 – Dec 3, 2024 Jan 1-31, 2024

Note:

• Limit of two (2) elk per hunter per zone; one (1) must be antlerless.
• There is no harvest quota in this zone.

Regulations

• You must first get permission from the owner to hunt on private land.

• It is prohibited to have a deer that was taken by another individual without the proper tags.

• Hunting from a motorized land, air, or sea vehicle is prohibited, as is firing over a public road, highway, or railroad.

• Prime shooting time is between half an hour before sunrise and half an hour after dark.

• While it is prohibited to employ dogs for deer hunting, you may use a leashed dog to locate a fallen buck if you first notify a game warden.

• It is forbidden to bury a dead animal in a water source such as a well, spring, pond, or stream, or to leave the corpse of a dead animal within a quarter mile of an occupied structure or public road.

• Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter daylight bright orange, including a hat and clothing, to meet with requirements.
• The total season deer bag limit is six; however, only two may be antlerless (defined as having at least 3 inches of antler protruding above the hairline).

• Remember the following rules to prevent weapon accidents: Always assume a weapon is loaded, point the muzzle away from yourself and others, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire, and be aware of what is beyond your objective.

• Keep broadheads covered, choose your target deer, and ensure there are no other deer or people in the area.

• Hunters should understand how to correctly climb and secure tree stands, and they should always use a full-body safety harness and a safety line to avoid accidents from falls.

• Rather of lugging anything up the ladder, climb above it and stroll down into it. The hauling is done by hand.

• Dogs are not permitted to be used to hunt bears, deer, elk, antelope, or turkeys.

• The hunter has 24 hours after leaving the hunting area to report his or her capture to the Department, whether it be a deer, elk, antelope, bear, or turkey. Following the submission of a report, a body tag or online confirmation number will be supplied. This tag or confirmation number must accompany the corpse at all phases of processing and storage at a commercial facility.

• No person shall take, attempt to take, catch, capture, kill, or attempt to kill any deer, feral animal, or other wildlife, except fish and frogs or as provided by law, by means of a vehicle-mounted spotlight or other powerful light, by what is commonly referred to as “headlighting” (or “spotlighting”), or any light enhancement device used at night (night scope).

• Except for deer gun seasons, an owner or agricultural lessee or their authorized agent may use any legal means of take, day or night, to safeguard agricultural crops, animals, processed feed, seed, or other commodities utilized in the production of an agricultural commodity.

Reporting & Deer Tagging

A deer harvested in Oklahoma must have a field tag attached as soon as possible. The hunter’s name, customer ID number, date of harvest, and time must all be included on the tag. Once the deer have been tagged, they may be field dressed and relocated. Within 24 hours after capturing a deer, the hunter must register the animal via the Go Outdoors Oklahoma smartphone app, the online E-check system, or an authorized department personnel. Checking the deer results in the hunter receiving a carcass tag or an online confirmation number, both of which must stay with the deer until the corpse is processed or stored.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Deer are among the animals most at risk for contracting Chronic Wasting Illness (CWD), a deadly wasting disease of the nervous system. Holes in the brains of infected deer have been discovered in many locations in the United States and Canada. However, in 2022, a case of CWD was discovered only 2.5 miles south of the Oklahoma-Texas line. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation set up a Selective Surveillance area in the state’s southern region as a reaction. In this zone, only specific sections of killed deer and elk are permitted to leave the area, and the whole animals must be processed before leaving. Hunters are asked to volunteer their killed deer for testing, and the CDC advises against ingesting meat from animals that seem unwell or test positive for CWD. draft a few bullet points

Hours for Deer Hunting and Shooting.

An hour and a half before the scheduled dawn to an hour and a half after the scheduled dusk. Visit the website of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife here.

Define antlered deer.

Any deer, male or female, with antlers that extend at least three inches above the hairline on either side.

FAQs related to Oklahoma Deer Season

Dates & Regulations Source: Wildlife Oklahoma

Whether you’re a small game hunter a rimfire enthusiast, a new shooter, or just someone looking to change things up, the .17HMR is a great option to consider.

You can reap the benefits of a more powerful cartridge than the .22LR while still keeping things quiet with a suppressor. If that sounds intriguing to you, be sure to read on and find out all about .17HMR and suppressors.

Here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Understanding the 17 HMR
• Hunting with the 17 HMR
• Considerations for Choosing the Best Suppressor
• Top Suppressor Models for the 17 HMR
• Why It’s Worth Shooting Suppressed
• Shoot Your Best Shot -Shop Silencers Today!

Understanding the 17 HMR

Hornady came up with the .17HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire) in 2002 by necking down the .22WMR to accept a .17-caliber bullet. The result was a cartridge that shoots faster and flatter than the .22LR while still maintaining the simplicity of a rimfire cartridge.

Both guns and ammo for the .17HMR have become more available in recent years, and while the ammo is more expensive than other rimfire cartridges, it’s still less expensive than centerfire ammo.

It’s also an incredibly popular cartridge for small game and varmint hunters.

Hunting with the 17 HMR

The .17HMR is a death sentence for prairie dogs. Hunters absolutely love this cartridge because of its performance. You can hit harder and farther with the .17HMR than with other rimfire cartridges, which is important because prairie dogs can require some long distance shots to really take out their towns.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Suppressor

The majority of the suppressors that you’ll find that are compatible with the .17HMR cartridge are also perfectly suited to a variety of rimfire calibers. This is a good thing because you’ll more than likely end up with a can that is capable of use on a number of different firearm hosts in a number of different rimfire calibers that you own.

You also need to consider the host gun when looking for a .17HMR suppressor. Because it is a smaller rimfire cartridge, the guns aren’t as heavy as other hunting rifles. This means that a suppressor of one weight and length might be fine for some applications, but not for others. There’s no right or wrong answer here; just take it all into consideration before parting with your hard-earned money.

CategoryNameCaliberWeightLengthPrice Best OverallBANISH 22Up to 5.7×284.4 oz5.375″$499 ShortestSilencerCo Switchback 22Up to 5.7×283.7 oz or 6.9 oz2.8″ to 5.75″$539 Most DurableRugged Oculus22Up to 5.7×2810.7 oz or 12.8 oz3.25″ or 5.25″$515 Most AffordableSilencerCo SparrowUp to 5.7×286.5 oz5.08″$349 Easiest MaintenanceDead Air MaskUp to 5.7×286.6 oz5.1″$469

Top Suppressor Models for the 17 HMR

There are a lot of suppressors to choose from that are well suited to the .17HMR, but here are our top choices:

Best Overall: BANISH 22

The BANISH 22 suppressor is designed for use with rimfire pistols and rifles chambered in .22 caliber and smaller. This includes .22 Magnum, .17HMR, and even 5.7×28. It’s even rated for full-auto!

The BANISH 22 is made of lightweight titanium, weighs just 4.4 oz, is 1” in diameter, and is only 5 ⅜” long. Tests have shown that the BANISH 22 brings sound down to about 120 decibels, which is just 10 decibels more than a BB-gun. Essentially, this is as close to “Hollywood quiet” as you can get.

The BANISH 22 was designed specifically to maximize your time shooting and minimize your time cleaning. Inside the tube are eight baffles that are engineered for a precise fit to keep lead debris and carbon buildup at an absolute minimum. This prevents the debris and buildup from reaching the tube, which causes components to fuse together.

If you’re looking for the perfect first-time silencer purchase or you’re just looking to make your .17HMR quieter, the BANISH 22 is a great option. It’s ideal for varmint shooting, small game hunting, target practice, and more.

Advantages:

• Design is less susceptible to first-round pop
• Titanium construction is super lightweight
• Great sound suppression

Disadvantages:

• Not modular in length

BANISH 22 Specs:

• Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
• Weight: 4.4 oz
• Length: 5.375″
• Price: $499

Shortest: SilencerCo Switchback 22

According to SilencerCo, the design for the Switchback 22 was “inspired by technology used in rocket and jet propulsion, when oriented in one direction the front section exhibits the most competitive sound reduction on the market for pistols, but when the orientation is flipped the result is unprecedented sound reduction on rifles.”

Tests for the Switchback 22 show that the report is brought down to as low as 108 decibels in its long configuration on a rifle, and down to 142 decibels in its short configuration on a pistol.

The Switchback 22 can be configured at 2 ½”, 3.59”, or 5 ¾”, is just 1.07” in diameter, and weighs 3.2, 4.3, or 6.5 ounces. If you’re looking for a compact .17HMR suppressor, then this is it!

Like the BANISH 22, the Switchback 22 can be used on calibers as small as .17WSM and .17HMR and up to the 5.7×28 cartridge. As an extra bonus, it’s rated for full-auto fire, so go ahead and send it!

Since rimfire ammo is notoriously dirty, the ability to completely disassemble this suppressor is a big plus. Instead of using solvents or foams and hoping that you get all the nooks and crannies clean inside a sealed suppressor, the SilencerCo Switchback can be taken completely apart.

Advantages:

• Three different lengths for ultimate modularity
• Fantastic sound suppression
• Incredibly short and light in smallest configuration

Disadvantages:

• Tied for heaviest on the list

SilencerCo Switchback 22 Specs:

• Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
• Weight: 3.7 oz to 6.9 oz
• Length: 2.8″ to 5.75″
• Price: $539

Most Durable: Rugged Oculus22

Constructed from 100% 17-4 stainless steel, the Rugged Oculus22 is extremely durable and capable of being cleaned by almost any cleaning method. You don’t have to worry about solvent interaction if you choose to use an ultrasonic cleaner instead of elbow grease.

Equipped with Rugged’s ADAPT modular technology, that means that you don’t have to choose between a long suppressor and a short one. You can switch it up depending on your needs.

This Oculus22 has baffles with indexing tabs for a repeatable return to zero after cleaning. The keyed baffles create a gas seal to prevent carbon and gas build-up.

The Oculus22 is belt-fed rated for .22LR and is full-auto rated for 22 Magnum to 5.7x28mm, making it an easy choice for guns in .17HMR.

Advantages:

• Stainless steel construction is extremely durable
• Modular design
• No discernible first-round pop in full configuration

Disadvantages:

• Tied for heaviest on the list

Rugged Oculus22 Specs:

• Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
• Weight: 10.7 oz or 12.8 oz
• Length: 3.25″ or 5.25″
• Price: $515

Most Affordable: SilencerCo Sparrow

SilencerCo’s Sparrow is super simple, which also makes it super affordable. Inside is a monolithic core baffle covered with two half tubes that cover and separate it from the outer tube. This design helps the core stay as clean as possible to prevent buildup or fusion – it also makes it easier and less expensive to manufacture.

Tests for the Sparrow show that the report is brought down to 112 decibels, which is also just a tiny amount louder than a BB gun.

Like most .22-caliber suppressors, the Sparrow is small. It is only 5.08” long, is just 1.06” in diameter, and weighs 6.5 ounces.

You’re not limited just to .22s here since the Sparrow can be used on calibers as small as .17WSM and .17HMR and up to the 5.7x28mm cartridge. As an extra bonus, it’s rated for full-auto fire.

When it comes to cleanup after shooting notoriously dirty rimfire ammo, you can clean more easily since the SilencerCo Sparrow can be taken completely apart.

Advantages:

• Most affordable option on the list
• Rated for plenty of other calibers besides .17HMR
• Great sound suppression

Drawbacks:

• Monolithic core harder to clean in nooks and crannies than separate baffles

SilencerCo Sparrow Specs:

• Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
• Weight: 6.5 oz
• Length: 5.08″
• Price: $349

Easiest Maintenance: Dead Air Mask

With little to no first-round-pop on both rifles and pistols, the Dead Air Mask provides a balance of performance, weight, and extraordinary cleaning intervals that are unmatched by the competition. That makes it great for use with the .17HMR cartridge.

The Mask’s stainless steel baffles feature proprietary stand-offs, minimizing surface area contact with the titanium tube. This makes complete disassembly easy even on the dirtiest of specimens that have had tons of rimfire ammo through them. It’s also why the Mask takes our top spot for the easiest maintenance.

Advantages:

• Baffle stand-offs aid in disassembly
• Rugged titanium and stainless steel construction
• Second shortest of the fixed length suppressors on the list

Drawbacks:

• Second heaviest on the list

Dead Air Mask Specs:

• Caliber: Up to 5.7×28
• Weight: 6.6 oz
• Length: 5.1″
• Price: $459

Why It’s Worth Shooting Suppressed

Even though a suppressor is essentially just a firearm accessory, the law doesn’t treat them like that. In fact, they’re regulated more like guns (more so actually) than the accessories that they actually are.

Despite these extra steps, it’s still worth the time and money it takes to getting a suppressor, and here’s why:

Enhanced Shooting Accuracy

Even though the .17HMR doesn’t produce a lot of felt recoil, shooters can still benefit from the reduced recoil provided by using a suppressor. This can allow you to make successful shots at greater distances, which is always a good thing.

Increased Hearing Protection

The .17HMR isn’t a super loud cartridge anyway, but it can still cause hearing damage if shot without proper protection. Using a suppressor brings the decibel levels down to a hearing safe level so that you can shoot safely to your heart’s content.

Situational Awareness

Using a suppressor with .17HMR means that you don’t have to wear traditional hearing protection. This allows you to be more aware of the sounds in your surroundings. You can also better appreciate the sounds of nature around you, whether you’re just target hunting or taking down a prairie dog town.

Shoot Your Best Shot -Shop Silencers Today!

The market for suppressors has never been more diverse than it is today, and narrowing it down to the right one for you and your specific .17HMR needs can be confusing. Thankfully, our staff has been shooting and selling suppressors for more than 15 years. As such, we’ve got a pretty good handle on which silencers stand out in this big crowd. If you’re having trouble deciding, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’ll happily talk you through the options and then, when you’re ready, get you on your way to .17HMR silencer ownership and suppressed shooting in the most affordable way possible!