A quick search of the internet can bring up a lot of Jeep Wrangler forum discussion and personal opinion about the closest paint color match for the Wrangler 4XE blue decal and tow hook colors. We’ve seen suggestions of Electric Blue (PB5), Hydro Blue (PBJ), Surf Blue (PQD), and Chief Blue (PQB). A few places have mentioned a Lagoon Blue, but we couldn’t find a paint code for that. Which one is it and who is correct?
4XE Blue Accent Color
Initially we were certain it was Electric Blue. Why? Because Jeep® themselves were calling it Electric Blue, and that makes sense, right? After all, it is an electric vehicle! What we discovered was that even Jeep® doesn’t seem to be sure. On their 4XE build page, there is a photo of the tow hooks with a description of “electric blue tow hooks”. However when you click on the Highlights link for a build, it describes “lagoon blue tow hooks”. To further confuse the debate, Jeep® notes the Rubicon 4XE to have “surf blue interior accent stitching”.
Several places report that the tow hooks and exterior design accents on pre-production 4XE Rubicons were electric blue. However, in current production, the tow hooks are a lighter color similar to Chief Blue. To complicate the decision further, we’ve discovered that the hood decals, badge and tow hooks are actually each a different shade of blue!
Color Matching 4XE Accessories
What better way to match the blue accessories on the 4XE than to actually compare painted samples to the Jeep®? So, that’s what we did. We took painted samples of Electric Blue, Hydro Blue, Chief Blue, and Surf Blue to our local dealer and compared them to the hood decals, tow hooks, and badge emblem.
What we found, is that Electric Blue is definitely too dark, as is Hydro Blue. The Chief Blue comes close to the tow hooks, but is too light to match the hood decals and emblems. That left the Surf Blue Pearl which is a nearly perfect match for the emblems and decals. When looking at the tow hooks, which are not metallic like the decals, Surf Blue was still a great match. The color, even being metallic, is a like shade to the Chief and can definitely bring all the accents together, especially when looking to add more exterior, and even interior Jeep® trim.
Surf Blue Jeep® 4XE Accents
Honestly, while there is a color that is nearly perfect, they all look pretty decent and it boils down to personal preference. That said, we have found Surf Blue to be a super choice and would call it a match. Check out the Surf Blue 4XE Outlet Cover!
Whatever the Jeep color you choose, consider it a reflection of your personality and lifestyle. Your Jeep says a lot about you, and when your Jeep looks good, you feel good. Make it YOUniqely you, starting with your exterior Jeep color, and then customize from the outside in, with exterior and interior Jeep trim from Color My Jeep!
Growing up a 22 LR Rifle was my best friend and my love for firearms directly came from the 22LR round. If you are considering buying a 22 rifle, you probably want to know what the Best 22LR rifle for you is.
First, everyone is different, and it’s extremely important to know that. So one size definitely does not fit all. But I will do my best to cover a full spectrum of 22 LR rifles so you can find one that suits you or the person you are shopping for best.
7 Best 22LR Rifles
Here is our list of the 8 of the Best 22LR rifles of 2024!
Ruger 10/22
The Ruger 10/22 is a great 22LR rifle because of its superbly reliable action, outstanding durability, and extensive range of models available.
Its action can eat through the cheapest of ammo types with little issue, making it the perfect choice for hunters, survivalists and plinkers alike.
The Ruger 10/22 takes its place as the best overall because it can be used for essentially every purpose under the sun – from hunting to plinking to target shooting – while offering an affordable option for any shooter looking for a reliable semi-automatic 22LR rifle.
Additionally, it offers an array of ergonomic enhancements that improve accuracy and overall function.
The Ruger 10/22 is also the 22 rifle with the most available accessories on the market.
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22
The Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22 is a great 22LR rifle for shooters who want an AR-style platform to practice their skills.
It offers the same features and similar functionality as an AR, making it perfect for training with a direct translation to your main AR.
The M&P 15-22 has an M-Lok handguard that allows you to attach any standard AR accessories, plus it has a threaded barrel for adding on a suppressor or flash hider.
Furthermore, the lightweight polymer receivers make this rifle easy to carry around without sacrificing durability or accuracy.
Additionally, its appearance stands out from other 22lr rifles due to its AR styling, which makes it appealing to those who like tactical designs.
Savage Mark II FV SR
The Savage Mark II FV SR is an excellent choice for a 22lr rifle due to its features and performance.
It comes with a 16.5-inch heavy-profile fluted barrel which provides accurate shots round after round.
The threaded muzzle is a nice feature that allows for suppressor mounting. The detachable box magazine holds five rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition.
Additionally, the rifle has an adjustable Savage AccuTrigger that allows shooters to fine-tune their trigger pull for a crisp and clean break.
Overall, this rifle offers great value for its price point while providing all of the features needed for effective small-game hunting or target shooting purposes.
Henry Golden Boy
The Henry Golden Boy is a great 22lr rifle due to its reliability, aesthetics, and affordability. It is built with high-quality components that ensure smooth operation and longevity.
The Henry Repeating Arms Golden Boy also features a classic lever action design that adds a touch of nostalgia to your shooting experience.
It comes in several different configurations, including a complete walnut stock or one trimmed with gold for added elegance.
The Henry Golden Boy is very affordable compared to other lever action rifles on the market, making it an attractive option for those looking for value without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.
Browning BL-22
The Browning BL-22 is a great 22LR rifle due to its high-quality design and features. It’s one of the best lever action rifles on the market even though it’s 22LR.
It is built as a tribute to John Browning’s gun-making mind and features scroll engraving on the receiver, a polished blued finish, and a takedown design for ease of cleaning and storage.
The SA-22 also has an ambidextrous bottom ejection port which was ahead of its time.
The 19-inch barrel has a 1:16 rate of twist for accuracy when shooting small game or varmints.
Furthermore, the 10-round magazine loads through a port in the stock, which gives it a slim design that is easy to handle overall – making it an excellent choice for those looking for an attractive yet reliable rifle at an affordable price point.
Ruger Charger
The Ruger 10/22 Charger is a compact and lightweight pistol version of the popular 10/22 rifle. It also inspired the 9mm version the Ruger PC Charger.
It measures just under 20 inches long and features a folding pistol brace for easy storage and transport.
The Charger also comes with an open front sight and grooves in the receiver for mounting a scope, making it ideal for plinking or target shooting.
It offers great value for money with its affordable price tag of just under $300. The Ruger 10/22 sets the standard for what a 22LR rifle should be with its reliable performance, durable construction, ergonomic design, and high-quality components that ensure accuracy and reliability over time.
Tikka T1x MTR
The Tikka T1x MTR is a great 22lr rifle due to its high-quality construction, accuracy, and versatility.
It is built using many of the same features as Tikka’s popular T3x centerfire rifles, which ensures that it has high-performance bedding footing, a single-stage trigger mechanism and a synthetic stock that can withstand temperature variations.
The semi-heavy barrel keeps everything cooler and steadier than a thin barrel while also contributing to increased accuracy.
The modular design of the rifle allows users to swap out components depending on their needs or preferences.
Overall, the Tikka T1x MTR offers outstanding quality at an affordable price point with plenty of options for any shooter looking for accuracy in their rimfire rifle.
What are the benefits of owning a 22LR rifle?
They are cheap to buy and shoot
22LR rifles are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of firearms, with prices ranging from $100 to $500.
Furthermore, .22LR ammunition is also relatively cheap compared to other calibers, such as 9mm or 5.56mm.
This makes 22LR rifles an attractive choice for shooters who want a quality firearm without breaking the bank.
Not only are they cheaper than most other types of guns on the market, but they also tend to have less recoil which helps people train and avoid flinching before shooting.
The low cost of ammunition means you can put a lot more rounds down range for your dollar than with other calibers.
They are accurate
22LR rifles are accurate but only effective to roughly 150 yards, with some gun models capable of achieving sub-inch groupings at 100 yards.
This level of accuracy is comparable to more expensive rifles such as those chambered in .308 or .30-06 but 22LR is not effective at the ranges those rounds are.
The key factor that contributes to the accuracy of a 22LR rifle is its barrel length. Longer barrels typically produce higher levels of accuracy than shorter ones due to their increased dwell time and the twist rate of the barrel.
Other features that can influence accuracy include the fit and finish of the rifle, as well as its stock design which can help reduce recoil and improve stability during shooting sessions.
They are suitable for shooting small game and pests
The 22LR rifle is capable of shooting a variety of small game and pests.
It is especially effective at taking small game such as squirrels, rabbits, ground birds and other similar animals.
It can also be used for pest removal tasks such as snake defense or eliminating other nuisance animals.
The 22LR cartridge works well for these types of tasks due to its low recoil and noise level, which makes it ideal for close-quarter situations.
There are even “pest control” rounds, often called rat shot which doesn’t damage property but can kill mice and rats at close range indoors.
On several occasions, I have dispatched a mouse caught on a glue trap before discarding him to stop the mouse from suffering.
They are available in a wide range of styles and sizes
There are a variety of 22LR rifles available, including bolt action, semi-automatic, and lever action rifles. These rifles offer different features depending on the type, such as:
Bolt action rifles offer precision shooting capabilities with a smooth operation and easy loading of rounds.
Semi-automatic rifles are more modern versions of rifles that allow for faster firing rates.
Lever action rifles provide an old-school cowboy look and feel while still being modern enough to use modern ammunition like 22LR rounds.
They are easy to handle and shoot
An easy-to-handle and shoot 22LR rifle should have the following characteristics:
Superbly accurate – The rifle should be able to accurately hit targets at various distances.
Lightweight – The rifle should be lightweight so that it is easy to carry around and handle during shooting sessions.
Excellent trigger – The trigger should be smooth and responsive, allowing for precise shots every time. Typically a low-poundage trigger pull is desired.
Comb height – The comb height should be adjustable so that shooters of all heights can comfortably use the rifle without strain or discomfort in their neck or shoulders while aiming down the sights or scope.
Fun to shoot – Shooting with any type of 22LR rifle should be enjoyable due to its accuracy, lightweight design, and fun features like a bipod or scope with adjustable magnification level if applicable in this particular model you’re considering purchasing (just make sure it’s legal where you live!).
They are quiet
22LR rifles benefit from being quiet because they use less powder and are typically shot from longer barrels.
By using a 22LR rifle that is quiet, hunters can reduce the risk of spooking their prey and increase their chances of success.
A quiet rifle is also beneficial for those who wish to practice shooting without disturbing their neighbors or damaging their hearing. However, you should always wearing hearing protection while shooting.
They are good for target shooting practice
Yes, 22LR rifles are great for target shooting practice.
The lack of recoil and relatively inexpensive ammunition makes the .22 LR cartridge ideal for beginners who want to learn how to shoot properly.
The lack of recoil also helps experienced shooters train to avoid flinching before pulling the trigger.
With the low cost of ammo that means that you can put more rounds down range for your dollar than with other calibers.
They are fun to shoot
Yes, 22LR rifles are fun to shoot. They are accurate, reliable, and offer a great range of uses.
They can be used for target practice, pest removal, or even for hunting rabbits in the fall.
Plus, they are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of ammunition and you don’t have to worry about them being scarce due to their popularity. Overall 22LR rifles provide an enjoyable shooting experience without financial burden.
What to consider when buying a 22LR rifle?
There is plenty to consider when buying a 22LR rifle for yourself or a loved one. From the brand to action, to any number of things. Here is a comprehensive list of things to consider when buying your rifle.
Action type
You probably already know what kind of action you’d like but here are the three most popular.
Lever Action
These .22 LR rifles are cycled by hand, but instead of a handle at the back of the bolt, there is a lever by the trigger that must be actuated to load another round.
A lever action rifle uses a manually operated system that feeds cartridges into the chamber by means of pulling back on the lever, which operates an internal mechanism that moves ammunition into position before cocking it ready to fire again when pulled back again by hand.
They are often recreations of guns from the Old West and are popular with those who are interested in that time period.
Semi-Auto
Semi-Auto rifles are typically magazine feed and often have a higher magazine capacity of 10-25 rounds and beyond.
These guns fire and reload with a single trigger pull and release. This allows for much higher rates of fire.
Single Shot
Single shot rifles only have one shot capacity as indicated by their name; after firing one round, you will need to manually reload before firing again.
These types of 22LR rifles are typically used for hunting small game since they don’t offer much firepower compared to other types of action firearms, such as semi-automatic or bolt action models.
Bolt Action
A bolt action rifle uses a manual mechanism to eject the spent cartridge and chamber a new one. This type of rifle typically has a longer barrel for increased accuracy and a larger capacity than other types of 22LR rifles.
Bolt action rifles are similar to single shot in that you have to chamber a new round manually; unlike single-shot rifles, you have an easy way to do that with a lever on the bolt.
Bolt actions are a classic rifle and are used for better accuracy and precision. They typically have smaller magazine capacities and even sometimes have internal magazines inside of the gun.
Caliber
When choosing a 22LR rifle, it is important to consider the caliber of the rifle.
You are probably saying 22LR, Duh.
You’re right. However, be sure to make sure it’s a 22 Long Rifle; there are a few flavors of .22 caliber rounds.
22LR, 22 Long, and 22 Short are all popular 22 caliber rounds. The most popular is by far the 22 Long Rifle (.22LR). But some rifles can shoot only one or all three rounds.
One thing is certain the 22 Longs and 22 Shorts in 22LR magazines are a recipe for disaster if they are not compatible.
There are four different types of 22 caliber rounds available: 22 Long Rifle (LR), 22 Long (L), 22 Short (S), and 22 Magnum (M).
22 LR: This is the most common type of rimfire cartridge and is compatible with most rifles and magazines.
It can be chambered safely in both tube-fed and detachable magazines.
It offers high accuracy, low recoil, and high velocity for long-range shooting. The standard muzzle energy is around 35 to 40-foot pounds which makes it suitable for small game hunting or target practice at short ranges.
22 Long: This round is not compatible with most 22LR rifles as it does not fit in most detachable magazines.
However, it can be fired safely in some rifles that are designed for both types of cartridges.
The muzzle energy for this round tends to be higher than the LR version at around 45 to 50 foot pounds which makes it more suitable for larger game such as varmint or small deer species up to 100 yards away from the shooter’s position.
22 Short: Like its longer counterpart, this cartridge also has limited compatibility with certain rifles that can handle both types of cartridges without any issues. The short is shorter than both the 22LR and 22 Long
Barrel length
When buying a 22LR rifle, it is important to consider the barrel length.
Longer barrels offer better accuracy and muzzle velocity, which can make a significant difference in terms of accuracy.
Additionally, longer barrels are more suitable for hunting as they can provide more power and range than shorter barrels.
Note that shorter barrels are typically lighter and easier to maneuver around obstacles in the field or at the range.
While there may be some tradeoffs with shorter barrels such as reduced accuracy or decreased muzzle velocity compared to longer ones, they still provide excellent performance in most situations and are an ideal choice for many shooters looking for a compact, fun rifle.
Trigger
The trigger pull for a 22LR rifle is typically smooth and reliable. The Ruger 10/22 features a tapered cold hammer-forged barrel that uses the two screw V lock system for a tight fit to the receiver.
Trigger pull and weight varies from rifle to rifle so finding one that is your preferred weight is important. You can also purchase rifles with adjustable trigger weights.
When buying a 22LR rifle, it is important to consider the features of the trigger group. Many modern rifles come with a push-to-fire safety that helps train younger shooters in proper rifle safety habits and can be found on both large and small caliber rifles.
On the other hand, some older 22LR rifles do not have a push-to-fire safety or any type of safety mechanism at all so it is important to know what type of trigger you are getting before making a purchase decision.
Safety features
When buying a 22LR rifle, safety features to consider include the following:
Bolt action – A bolt action rifle uses a manual mechanism to load and unload ammunition. It has a handle or lever that you pull back to open the chamber, then push forward to close it again. These typically have a push button safety
Semi-automatic – Typically, all have a push-button safety and can usually be found near the trigger or trigger guard.
Lever-Action – Traditional lever-action rifles do not have a push button safety. However, some .22LR rifles like the Rossi Rio Bravo have push button safeties.
Stock options
A variety of stock options are available for 22LR rifles, including:
Synthetic
Synthetic stocks are one of the most popular modern-day options for .22LR stocks. The Synthetic stock is available on nearly any rifle configuration offered today.
The synthetic stock is typically a plastic or resin that makes the gun light and extremely durable to wear and tear and the elements.
Wooden
Wood stocks are the classic look you remember from your favorite western movie. These stocks are often coated to resist wear and tear and moisture.
Many lever-action rifles and bolt-action rifles have wooden stock options.
Chassis
Drop-in chassis are extremely popular for precision shooters as they allow the barrel to free float, which improves accuracy. There are many different brands and options depending on which gun you purchase.
Some chassis even make the guns look more “tactical” or transform your rifle to look like an entirely different gun.
Scope mounting options
For 22LR rifles, scope mounting options include: Picatinny rail, dovetail mount, Weaver rail mount, ring mount and integral scope mounts.
Picatinny rails are typically found on newer models of 22LR rifles and provide an easy way to attach optics.
Dovetail mounts are more common on older models of 22LR rifles and can sometimes require the services of a gunsmith to install.
Weaver rails offer another option for attaching optics but may require drilling into the firearm’s receiver if it doesn’t already have a rail installed.
Ring mounts can be used with both Picatinny and Weaver rails or directly onto the barrel without any additional hardware required.
Integral scope mounts are built into some older models of 22LR rifles but may not be compatible with modern optics due to changes in design over time.
For 22LR rifles, there are a variety of scope options available. These include:
Magnification: Between 4 – 7X power
Fixed 4X or low power variable magnification optic (LPVO).
Athlon Ares 4.5-30×56 – Best scope for 22LR Benchrest
Bushnell Trophy TRS-25 – Best Red Dot Scope Under $100
Leupold VX-Freedom 1.5-4×20 – Best Scope for 22LR Squirrel Hunting
Magazine capacity
The magazine capacity for a 22LR rifle is the maximum number of rounds the rifle can hold in its magazine.
Most detachable magazines range from 10-25 rounds. You can find aftermarket magazines that get higher round counts but loading them may be a challenge.
Bolt action rifles often have a 5-10 round internal magazine. If it does have a detachable magazine it is typically a small single stack style magazine, think 1911 single stack magazine scaled down.
Bolt design
When buying a bolt action 22LR rifle, considerations should be made for the bolt design.
Bolt Actions are manually cycled from a handle at the back of the bolt and typically feed from a magazine.
They are reliable weapons that work well and are great hosts for suppressors if that’s something that interests you.
The bolt design should focus on a smooth action and a throw knob that lives up to your standards in size and style.
Weight and Balance
It is important to consider the weight and balance of the rifle. Ruger’s Precision Rifle in .22 LR offers a good balance between weight and accuracy, with a 6.8 lb weight and 35.13″-38.6″ length.
The Ruger Precision Rifle in .22 LR has an AR-style pistol grip, fiberglass chassis, heavy barrel, massive bolt handle which makes it look like most tactical rifles you’d see at the range.
The Ruger Carbine 10/22 Rifle also offers good weight balance with its 5 lb weight and 33″-34″ length.
The Ruger 10/22 Carbine Rifle comes with a wood stock which gives it an aesthetic advantage over other models in its class but it does not have any additional features that would make it stand out from other rifles of its caliber or type (such as AR-15s).
Customization Options
Customization options for 22LR rifles include:
Adjustable sights – Most .22LR rifles have adjustable sights to allow for precise aim and accuracy.
Long-range scope – A long-range scope can be added to increase the range at which a rifle can be accurately fired.
Trigger adjustment – Some models of .22LR rifles come with a built-in trigger adjustment feature that allows users to fine-tune their pull weight.
Stock adjustment – Some models of 22LR rifles allow users to adjust the stock for better fit and comfort.
Aftermarket Accessories – Some guns have far more aftermarket options than others. Typically the volume sellers like the Ruger 10/22 will have a ton of aftermarket accessory options.
Value for money
When evaluating the value for money of a 22LR rifle, it is important to consider the type of action and features that are offered and everything in the list above.
Depending on your needs, you can find rifles with different actions such as bolt action, lever action, semi-automatic and more. Additionally, some rifles offer features such as adjustable sights or rubberized grips for comfort and accuracy.
When comparing value for money between different 22LR rifles, it is important to consider the quality of the components used in each model.
High-quality components such as a steel barrel or synthetic stock will provide better performance over time than lower-quality parts like plastic stocks or aluminum barrels which may be less durable or accurate over time.
FAQ
What is the best 22LR rifle?
When it comes to the best .22 LR rifles, there are many options available. Some of the top models include:
Ruger 10/22
Smith & Wesson M&P 15-22
H&K 416 22
Browning BL-22
What are the advantages of a bolt action rifle compared to other types of rifles?
The main advantage of a bolt action rifle is its mechanical accuracy, which is the maximum potential accuracy of a firearm without any human inputs.
Bolt actions can be built to tighter tolerances than semi-autos, which increases accuracy and repeatability. Additionally, they are also great hosts for suppressors and are generally quieter than semi-auto-suppressed guns due to no moving action.
On the other hand, semi-automatic rifles such as 10/22s can be just as accurate in practice if they are fitted with custom parts or properly cared of by their owners. Ultimately it comes down to the shooter rather than the gun itself regarding practical accuracy in field conditions.
What type of ammunition is used in a 22LR rifle?
22LR rifles utilize rimfire ammunition, which is loaded with a primer and a bullet and the primer is in the rim of the cartridge, hence the name “rimfire.”
The rimfire system dates back to the 19th century and uses a small explosive charge located in the perimeter of the cartridge case around which the rest of the components are assembled.
22LR ammo can be prone to duds due to the primer being in the rim of the cartridge it can lead to poor performance in semi-auto rifles or other issues such as poor cartridge seating or decreased accuracy potentials.
Higher quality brands like CCI offer better performance at minimal recoil additions, while subsonic rounds keep projectiles below supersonic speeds for quieter shooting experiences coupled with suppressors.
Copper jacketed hollow point bullets provide for humane kills on small game hunts while providing reliable operation even in cheaper bulk offerings that often present more duds than centerfire cartridges do in similar situations.
What type of scope is best for 22LR rifles?
When choosing a scope for 22LR rifle scope, it is important to consider the shooting distance and the appropriate magnification.
A good scope will have the right magnification for your particular uses, such as squirrel hunting, bench rest competitions, or long range shooting.
For most types of 22LR rifle use, a variable-powered scope with low-powered magnification is ideal.
This allows you to use more than one magnification setting without buying multiple scopes.
Additionally, a variable-powered scope allows you to adjust quickly between different ranges without having to change out lenses or adjust settings on fixed power scopes.
What is the best trigger for a 22LR rifle?
The best trigger for a .22 LR rifle is one that is smooth, lightweight, and has little to no grit. It should be easy to pull with no grit or delay in firing.
The Savage AccuTrigger is one of the best affordable triggers available for a .22 LR rifle due to its adjustable design that allows you to customize your pull weight from 2 lbs all the way down to 0 lbs.
It also features an ergonomic shape that makes it comfortable and easy to use while still providing precise control over your shots.
Manticore makes an extremely adjustable Ruger 10/22 trigger.
What are the best accessories for a 22LR rifle?
When it comes to accessories for a 22LR rifle, there are many options available. Here is a list of some of the best accessories:
Bipods – These provide stability and balance when shooting and can be used with most 22LR rifles. We cover a number of them in our best bipod guide.
Scope or Optic – A scope or optic will allow you to accurately aim at your target and is essential if you plan on using your rifle for hunting or competition shooting purposes.
Hearing Protection – While not a direct accessory to the gun ear protection is important when shooting any type of firearm as it helps reduce damage caused by exposure to loud noises while also preventing hearing loss over time if worn regularly while shooting.
Magazine Loader – This tool makes loading magazines easier so that you can quickly reload without taking too much time away from the range or hunt.
Gun Case – To ensure that your rifle stays in good condition during transport, it’s important to invest in a good gun case that protects it from dust, moisture, and other potential damage sources during travel.
What type of rifle is best for squirrel hunting?
For squirrel hunting, the best 22 LR rifle would be one that is accurate, lightweight and easy to use.
Options such as the Ruger 10/22, Savage A22, and Christensen Arms Ranger 22 are good choices for this purpose due to their accuracy and ease of use.
For maximum effectiveness when hunting squirrels with a 22 LR rifle, it is recommended that you use high-quality ammunition such as copper-plated hollow points or full metal jacket rounds that have been optimized for small game hunting.
It is important to practice shooting from different angles before going out in the field so that you can become more familiar with your rifle’s range and accuracy capabilities.
If you are looking for more of a fun and cool-looking gun check out the GSG 522.
HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania hunters harvested some tremendous black bears in the 2022 seasons, including three of more than 700 pounds and 11 more that topped 600 pounds.
Those were among 3,170 taken overall. That was down from 3,621 in 2021, but still enough to rank the harvest as the 14th largest all time.
Pennsylvania’s all-time best bear season came in 2019, when hunters harvested 4,653.
Hunters in 2022 took bears in 58 of the state’s 67 counties and 22 of its 23 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
Notably, the harvest was spread out – more evenly than ever before – over four seasons. Hunters took 737 bears in the archery season, 712 in the muzzleloader/special firearms season, 1,051 in the general season and 663 in the extended season. Another seven were taken in the early season.
That’s how things most likely will continue to look moving forward, said Emily Carrollo, the Game Commission’s black bear biologist.
“Our season structure allows hunters to pursue black bears across multiple months, using multiple tools, when opportunity best matches up with their availability,” Carrollo said. “They can hunt when they have the time off work or school or other responsibilities, which is good for them and helps us reach our management objectives.”
That’s attractive to lots of hunters, based on license sales.
In 2022, 213,639 individuals – 203,922 Pennsylvania residents, 9,717 nonresidents – bought a bear license. That was the third-most ever.
And hunters found some impressive bears.
The largest taken in 2022 was the 755-pounder harvested by Cory Bennett, of Toms River, N.J. He got it with a muzzleloader on Oct. 15 in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County.
The heaviest bear ever taken in Pennsylvania was an 875-pounder harvested in 2010 in Pike County. Since 1992, seven black bears weighing at least 800 pounds have been lawfully harvested in Pennsylvania hunting seasons.
Other large bears taken in the 2022 are: a 746-pounder taken with a rifle on Nov. 22 in Barrett Township, Monroe County, by James Laquino of Canadensis; a 705-pounder taken with a muzzleloader on Oct. 15 in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, by Timothy Moffet, of East Greenville; a 693-pounder taken with a rifle on Oct. 20 in Abbott Township, Potter County, by Elijah Smucker, of Paradise; a 681-pounder taken with a muzzleloader on Oct. 22 in Bradford Township, Clearfield County, by William Swoope, of Woodland; a 681-pounder taken bow on Oct. 21 in Cumberland Valley Township, Bedford County, by Cole Schnably, of Bedford; a 657-pounder taken with a rifle on Oct. 22 in Gallagher Township, Clinton County, by Lane Charles, of Millersville; a 650-pounder taken with a rifle on Nov. 21 in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, by Joshua Monahan, of Ashland; a 634-pounder taken with a rifle on Nov. 27 in Asylum Township, Bradford County, by Nicholas Menzen, of Cogan Station; and a 633-pounder taken with a muzzleloader on Oct. 22 in Cummings Township, Lycoming County, by Holden Long, of Lock Haven.
Among counties, Tioga County produced the most, giving up 187 bears last season. Lycoming County ranked second with 152, followed by Bradford and Luzerne counties with 126 each, Centre County with 122, Potter County with 119, Clearfield and Monroe counties with 114 each and Clinton County with 113.
Final county harvests by region (with 2021 figures in parentheses) are:
Twenty years ago, suppressors were a rarity in the civilian shooting world. The legal challenge of owning a suppressor made them unattractive to most shooters, and few if any major manufacturers produced them. Today, suppressors seem to be everywhere. Competitive rifle shooters, defense-minded individuals and hunters can be seen with these sound-reduction devices attached to their firearms.
As great as they are, suppressors have a problem. They can control the muzzle blast and report of a rifle cartridge, but they can do nothing to mitigate the crack associated with a bullet passing through the sound barrier. Technology can’t trump physics.
The solution is to slow down the bullet below the supersonic threshold. That is easier said than done, especially when you don’t want to sacrifice terminal performance. Ammunition manufacturers have had a tough time solving this, but Hornady, with its Subsonic rifle line, threads the needle.
Most of the time I’m hunting or shooting with a suppressor, I am not interested in making the rifle as quiet as possible. For range or general hunting use, it is sufficient that the suppressor reduces the recoil and muzzle blast as well as brings the report down to hearing-safe levels. For these needs, subsonic ammunition is not necessary.
Tons of bolt actions like this Ruger American Ranch are now threaded for suppressors, which can be a real boon in the field in terms of preserving your hearing.
There are times, though, when I want things to be as quiet as possible. For me, this usually applies when I am hunting feral hogs that are destroying a farmer’s field. In such circumstances, subsonic ammunition can be a game-changer.
As we have seen suppressor use skyrocket in this country among hunters and shooters, specialized cartridges and loads have entered the market. The most popular cartridge that was purpose-built for suppressor use is undoubtedly the .300 BLK.
Though Advanced Armament Corporation gets credit for standardizing the cartridge, much of the innovation happened years earlier. J.D. Jones of SSK Industries developed the .300 Whisper cartridge specifically to perform in semiautomatic, bolt-action and single-shot rifles at subsonic velocities.
Though there are slight dimensional differences between the two cartridges, the .300 Whisper and the .300 BLK are both based on the .221 Fireball case, necked-up to 0.308 inch. By going to a far heavier bullet than the case was designed for, SSK and AAC were able to achieve subsonic velocities while still maintaining a safe and reliable powder capacity.
One of the most attractive elements of the .300 BLK is its compatibility with standard AR-15s and magazines. Since ARs have become the most popular rifles in America, this is not a small thing. If an AR owner wants to dip a toe into the subsonic water, buying a .300 BLK upper is all it takes. For deer-size game at reasonable ranges, this cartridge offers plenty of power in a handy package.
The .300 BLK can be very effective when subsonic use is preferred, but it is by no means the only option. When Hornady launched its Subsonic line of rifle ammunition in 2018, it began with the .300 BLK. This year the company added several more options.
For 2020, Hornady’s Subsonic rifle selection comprises four loads: the 190-grain .300 BLK, 175-grain .30-30 Win., 395-grain .450 Bushmaster and 410-grain .45-70 Gov’t. I sampled the .300 BLK and .30-30 Win. loads using two popular and commonly available rifles: a Ruger American Ranch Rifle and a Marlin Dark Series 336.
The Ruger American line has built a reputation for performance, often outshooting guns that retail at far higher prices. My .300 BLK sample was one of the newer Ranch models, with a five-round detachable box magazine, Picatinny rail and a 16.12-inch threaded barrel. I mounted a 3-9x42mm scope from SWFA in Burris Signature rings. With a suppressor attached, the Ranch Rifle measured 42 inches overall and weighed 8.9 pounds.
The .30-30 test rifle was a modern twist on an age-old design: the Marlin Model 336 Dark Series. This rifle is a tricked-out Marlin lever gun with a threaded barrel, black painted stock, XS optic rail and ghost-ring sights.
If you are in the market for a suppressor-ready lever-action .30-30, this rifle is about the only lever-action game in town. Yes, the Mossberg’s 464 SPX Flex is threaded for its standard A2 flash hider, but you would need to buy an adapter because that thread pattern is 1/2×28 while almost all centerfire suppressors are 5/28×24. You can find adapters at retailers like SilencerShop.com.
The optic rail on the 336 Dark Series provides a great deal of mounting real estate, but the rifle’s stock geometry is such that a scope must be mounted low for a proper cheek weld. After experimenting with various options, I chose Leupold’s VX-5HD 1-5×24 for its useful magnification range and an objective lens that allowed me to mount it down low. This scope is equipped with a CDS elevation dial, which is particularly useful given the rainbow trajectory of subsonic rifle loads.
Both rifles came suppressor-ready right out of the box with 5/8×24 threads at the muzzle. I mounted my SilencerCo Omega 300 suppressor and traded it between the two rifles for the testing.
With the suppressor in place, recoil was almost nonexistent with both rifles. The “thump” of the bullets impacting the dirt backstop was louder than the shot. The combination of soft recoil and slow velocities allowed me to consistently see my rounds impact on target at 100 yards. This low recoil and mild report demonstrates just how valuable suppressors can be for training new shooters and hunters, particularly younger individuals.
In case you’re wondering, subsonic rifle ammunition isn’t noticeably quieter than standard velocity loads unless a suppressor is used. If you fire it without a suppressor in place, it’s going to damage your hearing just like standard ammo would.
I grew up in and still hunt frequently in Florida where feral hogs have been present since the Spanish brought them over in 1540. They can be extremely destructive to habitat, and we pursue them aggressively.
When the .300 BLK came onto the scene, many of my friends and I began using it with suppressed AR-15s, hoping for the chance of taking out several members of a sounder without alarming the group. We found the sound reduction to be excellent but the terminal performance lacking.
Early attempts at subsonic ammunition often used off-the-shelf .30 caliber bullets that were designed to expand at the far faster velocities of the .308 Win. or .30-06. These bullets would pencil through the hogs, causing minimal trauma. Ethically, this was not acceptable.
This is the exact problem that Hornady’s ballisticians sought to solve when they developed this product. When they set their sights on developing their Subsonic rifle ammunition, they started from scratch in terms of bullets. The result of their research and testing was the Subsonic-eXpanding or Sub-X bullet.
The .300 BLK Sub-X bullets are designed to reliably expand at subsonic velocities. (From l.): Unfired bullet, sectioned bullet, recovered at 950 fps and recovered at 1,100 fps.
Sub-X bullets use a traditional lead core and a thin, grooved gilding metal jacket. There is a generous hollowpoint fitted with a polymer Flex Tip insert that aids expansion and allows the bullet to be safely compatible with the tubular magazines found in most lever guns.
From top to bottom, this bullet is engineered to expand. The exact definition of subsonic depends on some environmental factors, but it is generally just below 1,200 fps. This combination of features on the Sub-X allows it to reliably expand at subsonic velocities, even down to 900 fps. With an impact velocity of 1,020 fps, Hornady has achieved 16 to 18 inches of penetration on ballistic gelatin with 90 percent weight retention.
I chronographed both loads on a reasonably warm day, with temperatures hovering around 85 degrees. The .300 BLK load had an average velocity of 1,087 fps, which meant it was consistently subsonic. At this speed, the Sub-X bullets would expand out to about 400 yards. With 200-plus inches of drop at that range, I don’t see myself taking such a shot on game. Accuracy was good, with the best group of the day measuring at under a half-inch and an average of three three-shot groups right at an inch.
The .30-30 load actually moved quite a bit faster, with the average velocity from the Marlin 336 being 1,198 fps from the 16.25-inch barrel. When I shot on hotter days, some of the .30-30 rounds actually broke the sound barrier, making for a noticeably louder report downrange. When temperatures were in the 70s or lower, this was a non-issue. This illustrates just how difficult it is to construct ammunition that will perform consistently in a wide variety of firearms under wildly different conditions.
I tried to connect with a wild boar while I had the guns in my possession, but fortune didn’t smile on me. However, I know Hornady’s Neal Emery and several others took pronghorns with the Subsonic in .30-30 and .300 BLK—each with just one shot. Emery’s buck was shot at 87 yards, and he found his Sub-X bullet fully expanded against the off-side hide, and it had mushroomed just as advertised.
That kind of performance represents a stark contrast to what I’ve seen from other manufacturers’ efforts at subsonic ammunition. My son will hunt deer for the first time this fall, and given the performance I’ve seen from the Hornady Subsonic rifle ammunition, I won’t hesitate to let him use it.
Barring some legislative catastrophe, suppressors are here to stay. For good reason, too. Size and cost aside, why wouldn’t you want something that reduces recoil and muzzle blast? And to maximize the utility of suppressors, subsonic ammunition is a key element in the equation.
Hornady has been a leader in its field for decades and is once again driving innovation. The company’s Subsonic rifle ammunition allows for a minimum sound signature without a subsequent loss in lethality.
Hornady Subsonic Rifle Ammo Accuracy Results
Notes: Accuracy results are averages of three three-shot groups at 100 yards from a benchrest. Velocities are averages of 10 shots recorded on a LabRadar Doppler chronograph placed adjacent to the muzzle.
You thought that you knew your hunting and fishing terms, but you were wrong.
Whether you have a fishing rod in your hands, big game hunting, slinging flies, or sharing in an upland hunt, you need to know what your hunting and fishing terms are. Sometimes the English language can fool us into believing that a slang term is actually the real phrase, and vice versa.
We’re declaring it an open season to jump on your hunting buddies and let them know that what they are saying really means something else. Maybe you’re in the bar discussing game birds or bag limits, or maybe you’re talking with your tree hugging cousin who wonders why you’re hunting with an “assault rifle.”
Face it, a lot of us have been using these hunting and fishing terms wrong all this time and didn’t know it. Here’s where the rubber meets the road and you can find out what you’ve been missing.
Keep these in mind when your know-it-all friend starts talking in the blind.
Snort: The sound you make when your buddy swears it was a 10-point that he missed.
Wheeze: The sound you make dragging a deer through the woods.
Grunt: The sound you make when you see that gun you’ve been wanting is discontinued.
Rabbit-in-distress: When you step on your wife’s ankle biting dog’s tail.
Crankbait: That expensive bass boat with all the bells and whistles.
Buzzbait: Those ice cold brewskis in the cooler.
Buck-in-rut lure: That new tight dress your girl is wearing.
Honker: That jerk at the boat launch that’s totally impatient.
High-ball: Whisky or rum?
Swamp donkey: What you call your buddy when his new 4×4 gets stuck.
Tree rat: That dude sitting in your stand.
Smokepole: That stick of salami/pepperoni you put in your backpack.
Kicker: When the kid finds out he can’t go fishing with you.
Kentucky windage: When you aim a little right or left of where you’re trying to walk after too much bourbon at deer camp.
Robin Hood: That dude pitching the timber that can’t miss.
Burn a hole in the yellow: Peeing in the snow.
Glassing: The reason why a dude wears dark sunglasses to the beach with his girl or wife.
Bluebill: What your buddy gets when he falls in the water in January.
Chuckle: What you do before, during, and after your buddy falls in that cold water.
Boar: That dude that can’t stop talking about his skill.
Deep diver: That guy that can’t stop telling fishing lies.
Brow tines: That buddy that always wears his shades on his forehead.
Bull: What you’re thinking when your buddy tells his fishing stories.
Call-shy: When you can’t get up the nerve to call that gal you met at the boat show.
Cape: What your buddy thinks he wears when he scores a nice buck.
Gobbler: What your buddy turns into over that first fresh venison steak of the year.
Confidence decoy: Your pal who’s the wingman tonight.
Cow: What your wingman is helping you to avoid.
Pointer: That dude your friend brought along that wants to try every spot he sees.
Furbearer: What you didn’t know about that guy until he took his shirt off at camp.
Shaker: Your buddy when he sees a buck.
Greenhead: What your buddy gets when your buck is bigger.
Gutshot: That feeling you get when the neighbor scores the buck you’ve been hunting all year.
Inside spread: The distance between you and the other guy working a shoreline.
Jump shoot: When you come up too fast to another angler working a spot.
Limb saver: When your friend helps you drag your deer.
Locator call: When you have to call from the driveway to wake your buddy up early because he stayed out too late.
Pass shoot: What that one buddy seems to do every time you kick a deer by him.
Quiver: Every time that same guy sees a deer.
Shed: What your wallet does every time you go into the hunting/fishing store.
Trapline: That aisle in the outdoor store where everything is marked 50% off.
Shock gobble: What your wife does when you get home from the hunting/fishing store.
Butt out tool: What you say to that friend who wants to know where you caught that bucket of crappie.
There’s a method to our madness when it comes to the outdoor phrases that we use every day. The big fish that got away is usually just a couple of words from the real definition and you didn’t even know it. Now you have the ammunition to block out that one loud guy in your group and make sure that when the trap closes, it’s just his mouth you’re talking about!
You may even be able to get around the game warden with some of this wily jargon, but don’t bet on it. The next time that you’re on a fishing trip or out with the long bow remind your buddy that sometimes a diving duck is really just that thing you do when the guy in the front of the boat casts without looking behind him!
You’ll be better off for it.
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NEXT: TAKE MY QUIZ TO SEE IF YOU ARE INDEED AN OCDH: OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DEER HUNTER
Once again this year, every lilac in Southcentral seems to be showing signs of the latest surprise invasion. They are each harboring lilac leaf miners. Those brown patches on most leaves contain a caterpillar, one of the life stages of the pest. These eat tissue between the leaves and then use a silk thread to roll up the leaf and create a cocoon so they can pupate.
After a week, the caterpillars are transformed into small, fingernail-size moths. You may have seen them on your lawns. These will lay eggs, which will hatch into caterpillars, and the cycle will repeat. I am not sure how many cycles these moths have here in the summer, but elsewhere there are several. Let’s keep an eye on untouched leaves for the rest of the season and see what happens. Citizen science at work.
Fortunately, we are getting flowers before the leaf damage is visible. And, usually these kinds of population explosions work themselves out as natural predators take care of the problem. I have my fingers crossed.
Perhaps it is best to just see if nature will do her thing. Still, will someone remind me to suggest spraying lilacs with Bt next year just before these guys start eating? You might consider spraying this year if your leaves have not rolled up. And, you can squish the brown patches, but you will be working all day to do just one decent-size shrub.
Speaking of leaves, slugs are always around once eggs hatch early in the season. They have just gotten big enough lately to be seen easily. You know the routine. Trap them outside your gardens with beer or yeast in shallow containers they can get into and drown.
Every year I am asked if our slugs can be eaten. They can, but be careful, as slugs can carry a parasite gained from eating rodent feces which causes a form of meningitis in the human brain. If you are going to eat your slugs, you have to cook them. You also might want to purge their waste systems. I don’t recommend the practice. There are plenty of other strange things to eat out there.
Like mushrooms! The wet weather has caused the annual August explosion of fungi. I shouldn’t have to tell you to not eat any you cannot identify — just like no one needs to tell you to mask up because you already do — but I will! You need a good mycological identification book and, preferably a real experienced guide as well before you eat even the four or so that are all over, easily identified and delicious.
Some folks expend a lot of energy picking them. I leave my mushrooms in place. They are fruits of an extensive underground network, and you are not going to eradicate them. In fact, you don’t want to! Most of the mushrooms that pop up this time of year are fruiting bodies of the vast mycorrhizal fungal network that is feeding our trees. Those amanita? They support the birches in your yard.
You may not know that moose love mushrooms. So do squirrels and other animals. Treat them like summer bird feeders, only look for mammals.
Two question about the ability to grow peonies from seeds collected from plants that are now beginning to produce pods. What a loaded question!
First, seeds are not ready yet. Let the pods develop and collect them in September. These may or may not be true to the parent because they may have cross-pollinated with a different type.
Outside, these seeds are planted in a bed someplace that can be watched and maintained for the four-year-or-so wait for a decent plant. The seeds need a couple of warm months and then the chill of winter. We may or may not get enough warm time before winter here, so you can plant them indoors starting in October.
And finally, should you cut back peony plants to prevent diseases? First, of all, don’t do anything right now. Let your plants continue to grow and feed the root system. I know the standard advice is to remove peony leaves from the garden in the fall. I never have and have not had problems. If you do remove the leaves, make sure to mulch the remains to replace what you took away, and mark where the plant is so you will know next spring. Without this year’s stems it may be hard to find.
Jeff’s Alaska garden calendar
Alaska Botanical Garden: I know you read this, but have you joined, checked the website, gone to a Thursday socially distant picnic and generally taken advantage of this great institution? You should. alaskabg.org
Lawn pattern contest: Keep those wonderful lawn pattern photos coming in. It is not too late to mow a pattern into your lawn. Winner gets an autographed copy of one of my books.
Tomatoes and cucumbers: Cloudy, raining days mean no pollination, unless you be the bee.
Kohlrabi: How long are you going to wait to harvest yours? Baseball, not softball size is the way to go.
Butter and eggs: Their flowers are opening. When you encounter them, pick and remove from the landscape.
Dahlias, delphiniums: Stake yours. Those flowers are heavy when wet.
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It wasn’t long after we first got into camping that we realized there must be a better solution for carrying propane for our Coleman stove than in the disposable one-pound cylinders. After finding out that fifty million of the steel canisters are disposed of each year by campers like us, and that a quarter-million of them simply become litter, we decided it was time for a better solution.
Full Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to the adapters we use. Our readers never pay any extra when using these links and we may earn a small commission.
Thinking that we were doing the environmentally responsible thing, we bought a small brass adapter on eBay and began refilling our own 1 lb propane bottles, only to learn later that doing so makes them illegal to transport. One-time use, disposable propane cylinders aren’t designed to the same specifications as refillable ones, and thus aren’t lawfully transportable, according to the Department of Transportation. Thankfully, we never had any accidents while transporting our refilled bottles, yet if we had, we might have been liable for any damages and paid a hefty fine.
One Incident in 10 Years Was Enough
After about a decade of refilling used one-pound Coleman and Bernzomatic propane bottles, we only had one of them develop a leaking valve, after it had been re-used about ten times. About halfway down Old Monarch Pass, west of Salida, CO, we smelled propane wafting from our cooking gear box in the back of the Jeep and had to pull over to deal with a leaking 1 lb Coleman bottle. Gas wasn’t leaking from the small relief valve on the side of the cylinder (as sometimes happens with abrupt temperature changes) but rather from its main valve, which had probably began to wear out with reuse.
This incident was enough to convince us that (in addition to being illegal to transport) refilling our used one-pound propane canisters probably wasn’t the safest alternative.
From the DOT Website:
From the DOT’s website. At least one fatality has resulted from refilling DOT 39 cylinders (disposable 1 lb. type)Adapter for one lb. propane cylinder to 20 lb. tank.
Refilling 1 lb Propane Cylinders (For Emergency Use Only)
If a situation ever arises where you really need to re-fill a Coleman or other one-pound disposable propane cylinder (for use in a Mr. Buddy portable heater during a blackout, for example) the simple process we used does work. However, there’s even a better way than this, which we’ll get to later.
Whichever method you use, always remember that propane is a dangerous, flammable gas, so performing this process carefully and safely is very important. The photos above show some of the steps we used to refill our disposable Coleman one-pound propane bottles.
There are many videos showing how to do this and our post isn’t meant to be a tutorial on how to do so, but we’ll explain the basic principle of how it works.
Turning to the left to tighten the bottle adapter onto the 20 lb. tank.
How We Once Refilled Our One-Pound Disposable Propane Canisters
Disclaimer: The following is not to be used as instructions and is for illustrative purposes only.
Back when we used to refill our used Coleman propane cylinders using the old method, we’d find a clear spot outside on a cool day when there was some breeze blowing. After purging the remaining gas from our one-pound cylinder, we attached it to an inverted 20 lb. tank, and slowly opened the main valve. After about thirty minutes, we’d close the main valve, return the tank to its normal upright position and unscrew the 1 lb. canister. A better description of the whole process can be found here, on a website that sells a tank adapter similar to the one we used.
(Some people chill their 1 lb. propane canisters in a small bucket of ice water, etc. This condenses the gas and lowers the pressure so you can refill with a bit more propane. Careful not to overfill!)
To make sure we hadn’t overfilled them, we’d always perform a quick check using an old postal scale to see that our newly refilled 1 lb. propane bottles wasn’t any heavier than a new store-bought one, as well as to check for leaks before storing it away.
Downsides of This Method
You typically can’t ever fill a 1 lb. bottle to the same level as when it was new. *
Unless you’re using a special stand, the upturned tank is awkward and can tip over.
Disposable 1 lb. bottles and their internal valves aren’t made to same standards as refillable ones.
DOT-39 cylinders (disposable type like Coleman, Bernzomatic) are illegal to transport if refilled.
* There is a way do get more gas into a cylinder, but it requires loosening the pressure-relief valve and/or chilling the bottle.
The Flame King kit includes this easy to use valve system, which is much simpler to work with than the one-piece brass fitting that we had been using – no wrench needed.
Two Better Alternatives To Refilling Used 1 Pound Propane Bottles.
Option 1 – Flame King 1 lb. Refillable Cylinders
Since learning that owner-refilled disposable cylinders aren’t legal to transport, and that they’re not made to the same specifications as refillable ones are, we switched to carrying a couple of DOT approved refillable one-pound propane cylinders, made by Flame King. This simple system uses a special filling valve with a long extension, along with an optional propane tank stand, which solved the problem we once had of inverting the 20 lb. tank during the refilling process.
Option 2 – 5 lb Refillable Mini Tanks
The Gas Growler holds lbs of propane, lasting that much longer than a one lb bottle.
A five pound refillable propane cylinder also works very well for fueling camping stoves, with the added benefit of lasing five times longer than 1 lb. bottles, and being refillable anywhere larger tanks are filled. The Gas Growler is one example of a five pound mini-tank that is easily stored in the back of a vehicle in it’s padded carrying case. Many in the overlanding community like to carry this size propane tank since one can last as long as a month, depending on how many meals you cook a day.
The Bottom Line: Should You Ever Refill a 1. lb Propane Cylinder?
Coleman, Bernzomatic and other brands of disposable propane cylinders don’t feature heavy-duty brass tank fittings or long-life internal valves. Disposable cylinders aren’t made with the same thickness of steel (just pick one up and you’ll feel the difference) nor do they have the DOT seal of approval for reuse which would make them legal for transport. However, when making the decision to refill a cylinder, the real reason you should avoid this practice is for your own safety and that of others, not for fear of being caught by the DOT.
Benefits of Refilling Your Disposable 1 lb Propane Bottles With a Flame King or Similar System
When it comes to saving money, using some kind of reusable, refillable propane cylinder for your Coleman stove is really a no-brainier. There are the environmental benefits as well, plus not having to deal with properly disposing of all the empty canisters at the end of the camping season. In terms of savings, it currently costs about $20 to fill a 20 lb tank, while a 1 lb bottle costs us around $5 at Walmart. It’s easy math, and you can clearly see that refilling an approved tank can save a lot of money over the long run.
This 5′ extension hose features an adapter that allows you to use a 20 lb. bottle to fuel your Coleman or other camping stove which uses 1 lb. bottles.
In addition to sometimes running our Coleman camping stove directly from a 20 lb. tank, using a 5′ propane adapter hose, we’ve also been using two 16.4 ounce Flame King propane cylinders. Because these are so easy to refill, we normally don’t bring a 20 lb bottle unless we plan on being gone for more than a week.
At about $52 for the Flame King Refill Kit, which includes one refillable cylinder, we estimate that we’ve saved enough this camping season so far to pay for it already.
Disclaimer: We don’t advocate refilling used disposable propane bottles. This article does not constitute instruction. When using any approved system to refill a re-usable 1 lb cylinder, be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions to the letter. Full Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links to products we recommend. Our readers never pay any extra when using those links.
Maine is near the northern extent of the white-tailed deer range, and they live in many habitats here, from deep woods to farmland to suburban backyards.
Habitat
Major habitats that provide food and cover for white-tailed deer in Maine are forest lands, wetlands, reverting farmlands, and active farmlands. Forest stands containing little or no canopy closure, wetlands, and reverting and active farmland yield the largest and best forage within reach of deer. However, stands made up of mature conifers with tree height greater than 30 feet, crown closure of greater than 60%, and interspersed or adjacent hardwoods for browsing provide critical winter habitat for deer. Ideal deer wintering habitat is connected by other usable habitat to aid deer in moving between them. Currently, 94% of Maine is considered deer habitat; this excludes developed parts of the state. In practice, even a portion of Maine’s developed land is currently occupied by deer. Wintering habitat is more limited in availability, comprising only 2 to 25% of the land base in various parts of the state.
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Diet
Deer are highly selective herbivores, concentrating on whatever plants or plant parts are currently most nutritious. Finicky eaters, deer opt for variety over quantity, when feeding along in the woods and fields. Deer consume grasses, sedges, ferns, lichens, mushrooms, weeds, aquatics, leaves (green and fallen), fruits, hard mast (acorns, beech nuts, etc.), grains, and twigs and buds of woody plants. Contrary to popular belief, deer consume twigs and buds of dormant trees and shrubs only when more nutritious foods are unavailable. When restricted to woody browse, deer inevitably lose weight. During the course of the year, deer may browse several hundred species of plants. A few are highly preferred; many others are consumed only when the best forages have been depleted. Overabundant deer populations can reduce the abundance of preferred forages, while causing less-desirable plants to become more common. Extremely abundant deer can literally eat themselves out of house and home. At these times, hungry deer are underweight, prone to starvation and disease, produce fewer fawns, grow smaller antlers, and create increased conflicts with homeowners, gardeners, farmers, forest landowners, and motorists.
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Distinctive Characteristics
Maine is home to one of the largest of the 30 recognized subspecies of white-tailed deer. After attaining maturity at age five, our bucks can reach record live weights of nearly 400 lbs. Most adult bucks, however will range from 200 to 300 pounds live weight and will stand 36 to 40″ at the shoulder. Does are considerably smaller; they normally weigh 120 to 175 pounds live weight. Newborn fawns begin life at 4 to 10 pounds but grow to approximately 85 pounds live weight in their first six months of life.
Whitetails have reddish brown fur in the summer switching to a grayish brown in winter. Their trademark white tail, when erected, flashes a danger signal to other deer in the vicinity. Whitetails have keen hearing, made possible by large ears that can rotate toward suspicious sounds. They have wide-set eyes, enabling them to focus on subtle movements while maintaining an excellent sense of depth perception. Whitetails have a very keen sense of smell enabling them to sense danger, even when visibility is poor. They have long graceful legs, enabling them to cover ground quickly by leaping, bounding, turning and outright running at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
White-tailed deer communicate using a variety of sounds, ranging from explosive “whooshes” when startled, to the barely audible mews and grunts a doe uses to tend to her fawns. Deer are very expressive; they employ a large repertoire of signals using facial expressions and body language. These postures help to maintain the dominance hierarchy within all deer groups. Deer also communicate using odors, which emanate from a number of scent glands.
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Nocturnal/Diurnal
White-tailed deer are crepuscular animals, meaning they are typically most active around dawn and dusk. This does not mean that deer are not at all active during the day. Deer activity may also be influenced by weather, seasonality, and human activity. During hot summer days, for example, deer are less active during the daytime and more active at night when it’s cooler. Conversely, deer may be more active than usual during cooler weather. Deer activity may increase throughout the day during the breeding season while bucks are actively searching for does that are receptive to breeding. Areas with a lot of daytime human activity – which may include in the woods during the hunting season if hunter densities are high- may see little daytime deer activity and increased nocturnality of resident deer.
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Seasonal Changes
Summer home ranges (area that an animal lives within) for deer in Maine are generally 500-600 acres but can vary from 150 to more than 2,000 acres. Movement by deer from summer to winter range can vary from less than a mile to more than 25 miles depending on availability and suitability of the winter range. Deer are not generally territorial (defend their home range against intrusion of other deer). However, pregnant does will defend a small birthing area (less than 20 acres) against intrusion by all other deer, for about a month.
Bucks annually produce antlers, which are made of bone. Triggered by day length and maintained by hormone production, antlers begin growing in April, and are nurtured by a velvety outer network of skin tissue and blood vessels. Velvet is shed when growth is complete in late August and September. The hardened, polished antlers remain until they are shed in late December to early March. In whitetails, antlers allow bucks to advertise and demonstrate their dominance; hence they play a role in reproduction. A buck’s first true set of antlers normally is grown by age one. Buck fawns, however, begin growing the antler base at one month of age. This base develops into two or three-inch velvet-covered “nubbins” by early winter. White-tailed does sometimes produce antlers, but this is rare. Does that do sprout antlers typically are older (5 to 15 years old); their antlers are usually velvet-covered spikes. Most antlered does remain fertile.
Each year, deer produce two coats of hair, each adapted to seasonal climate. In late spring, deer grow a coat of fine, short reddish hair. This pelage allows ample air circulation and helps the deer to stay cool in summer’s heat. During September, deer molt to a highly insulative coat which consists of a dense layer of fine woolly hair under a layer of long hollow brown, gray, and white guard hairs. The guard hairs can be erected to form a very thick insulative coat, which protects against the cold winds of winter. Fawns are born with a reddish-brown coat dappled with white spots. This affords excellent camouflage against detection by predators in the summer. By early autumn, fawns grow the typical winter coat.
Another adaptation for survival is the deer’s habit of storing fat for the winter. In autumn, deer accumulate fat under the skin, in the viscera, between the muscles, and in the hollow bones of the legs. This fat layer can comprise 10 to 25% of a deer’s body weight by late fall. In winter, fat is reabsorbed to provide much-needed energy to supplement inadequate diets of woody browse.
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Reproduction & Family Structure
The peak breeding season for deer in Maine occurs during mid-November, although some breeding may occur in October and as late as January. The onset of the rut in bucks and estrus in does is controlled primarily by decreasing day length. Does in estrus are receptive to breeding for roughly 24 hours, and if not successfully bred, they will come into heat every 28 days, until early winter. Bucks establish and maintain a dominance hierarchy; typically the majority of does in an area are bred by the most dominant bucks. Gestation period for deer is roughly 200 days, after which well-nourished adult does give birth to twins, triplets, and rarely, quadruplets. Fawn and yearling does typically produce one fawn, if they conceive at all. The peak fawning season in Maine is mid-June. In a typical year, each 100 Maine does will give birth to about 130 fawns. However, early fawn losses tend to be high; only 60 to 80 of these young deer typically survive their first five months of life.
What to do if you find a deer fawn all alone
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Survival & Threats
White-tailed deer can live to 18 years, but few deer in the wild live that long. Does typically live longer than bucks presumably because rutting behavior predisposes bucks to higher losses due to hunting, motor vehicle collisions, physical injuries, and depletion of fat reserves going into the winter. Deer populations subjected to high hunting mortality are comprised of predominantly young deer. Conversely, a greater proportion of deer annually survives to older age classes within lightly hunted herds.
Causes of mortality of while tailed deer vary throughout the state. In more developed areas, deer are commonly struck by vehicles, harvested by hunters, and killed by predators. In less developed areas, human-related deaths are relatively few, and adult deer are more commonly taken by predators, particularly coyotes, lynx, and bobcats. Young fawns may also be preyed upon by black bear, fisher, and fox. Deer of any age may succumb to malnourishment of other natural causes, particularly at the end of harsh winters and in the following spring. Presently, Maine’s deer are relatively disease-free, and there are no diseases with significant negative impacts on our deer populations at this time.
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Management & Conservation
Population and Distribution Trends
Maine’s white-tailed deer population has experienced periods of boom and bust, and circumstantial information suggests that the state’s deer population likely did not exist in high abundance prior to the arrival of European colonists in the early 1600’s. With a combination of harsh winters, a higher predator population, and perhaps a lack of young vegetative growth for forage, white tailed deer may have been restricted to the southern coast until the European colonization. With colonization, settlers began clearing the landscape through small-scale logging operations, triggering an increase in the growth of undergrowth, providing white tailed deer with an optimum mix of forage and cover. From then, deer expanded their range and became more common in central and northern Maine. After the extirpation of cougars and wolves from Maine, deer were able to farther expand and increase in numbers with virtually no predation. Still, deer numbers continued to fluctuate with winter severity and large-scale events that caused significant habitat changes such as fires or spruce bud worm outbreaks.
Historical Management
MDIFW began estimating deer populations in the mid-1950’s, enabling the state to better understand the status of the populations and create a more informed management decision process. Between the mid-1950’s and early 1960’s, MDIFW estimated Maine’s deer population at 250,000. Eventually, habitat changes, severe winters, coyote colonization, and increased hunting pressure led to declining deer populations, and Maine’s deer population reached an estimated 141,000 deer in the 1960’s. Following this time and continuing through the late-1980’s, Maine’s deer population expressed slow growth, eventually causing a series of new management strategies and laws that attempted to expedite the growth of Maine’s deer population. Finally, Maine’s deer population grew prolifically through the 1990’s as a result of the regulatory system that limited doe harvest, plus a series of mild winters. During this time, Maine’s deer population grew to an estimated all time high of 331,000, however, much of the growth occurred within the southern tier of the state. Generally speaking, the Department has been successful in achieving deer population objectives in central and southern Maine, where wintering habitat and other factors were more favorable. Achieving meaningful herd increases has been less successful in eastern and northern Maine. Today, deer abundance ranges from one to five deer per square mile in the north, to 15 to 35 deer per square mile in central and southern areas. Some locations, in which access to recreational deer hunters has been limited or denied entirely, support higher deer populations that are above socially acceptable levels. These latter areas are above desired population levels, and they are the focus of most deer/people conflicts in Maine today.
Current Management
Prior to 1975, MDIFW did not set specific goals or quantified objectives for the deer population, harvest, or hunter success rates. Most regulatory actions were made by the Legislature and they were reactions to severe winters, or perceived regional declines in deer abundance. Between 1975 and 1985, MDIFW initiated strategic planning for deer, part of which involved setting publicly-supported goals and objectives. In some areas, this meant attempting to manage deer populations to specific deer densities.
With the more recent implementation of a new Big Game Management Plan, the Department no longer attempts to manage deer to specific deer densities. That approach did not adequately account for many other important aspects of deer population management such as maintaining animal health and social acceptance of deer levels and limiting negative impacts of overabundant deer. Deer management in Maine currently strives to maintain deer levels that are socially acceptable and in balance with available habitat. In areas where deer numbers are not socially acceptable or where deer are causing significant damage to habitat, the Department employs a variety of small-scale management options to try and alleviate the problems.
Each year, MDIFW staff and contractors examine roughly 6,000-8,000 hunter-killed white-tailed deer to collect data on population sex ratios, age structure, estimated mortality and recruitment rates, and body and antler size to provide a clearer picture of the size and health of both the population and habitat. From these examined deer, we also collect samples from roughly 500 deer annually to test for Chronic Wasting Disease, one of the greatest threats facing deer in this country. For more information on data collected in support of Maine deer management, please visit our Research & Management Report (PDF).
Improving deer populations in Maine’s northern and eastern forestlands depends on protecting and increasing amounts of deer wintering habitat. Protection of deer wintering habitat has historically been dependent on landowner cooperation and has not always been possible. Beginning in 2021, MDIFW gained access to funding allowing for the purchase and management of deer wintering habitat, and efforts are underway to identify candidate parcels with willing sellers.
Many Mainers in areas of low deer density have begun artificially feeding whitetails, especially in the winter, which adds an important and relatively new dynamic to the deer wintering landscape in Maine. In Maine’s heavily developed southern and coastal regions, MDIFW staff will continue to develop innovative approaches to safely manage deer harvests in order to maintain deer populations at levels that provide hunting and viewing opportunity while alleviating negative impacts from deer. In all of Maine, we will need to improve access to huntable land through proactive landowner relations programs in order to keep deer populations at tolerable levels.
Current Research in Maine
Maine Deer Winter Mortality Study
Since the early 1970’s, Maine has used a metric called the winter severity index (WSI) to describe how Maine winters impact winter mortality rates (WMR) in deer. WSI is one of the cornerstones of deer management in Maine and impacts the number of antlerless deer permits allocated for hunters each year. Because ecological relationships change over time, this metric needs to be periodically re-evaluated.
For that reason, in 2015, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) began a study to reassess the relationship between WSI and WMR. Doing so requires data on winter temperatures and snow conditions, which are used to determine WSI, and data on the survival rates of deer in the winter. Temperature data are provided by temperature loggers placed at 26 WSI monitoring stations throughout the state. Snow condition data are also recorded by biologists and volunteers at these monitoring stations. At the end of winter, in early April, data from temperature loggers and snow measurements are used to calculate a WSI value, which will inform permit allocations for the upcoming deer season.
From 2015 to 2021, MDIFW captured white-tailed deer and fixed GPS collars to them to monitor their movements and survival rates. D eer were captured in wildlife management districts (WMDs) 1, 5, 6, and 17.
The fates of these deer in conjunction with data on the severity of the winters they encounter will help to re-evaluate the relationship between WSI and WMR and help shape deer management in Maine in the future.
The major goals of this study are to:
Reevaluate the correlation between WSI and WMR for white-tailed deer
Assess seasonal survival rates for the adult deer population
Assess cause-specific mortality of our adult deer population
Reassess the current winter severity index and try to identify a new and more simplistic metric
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Living with Wildlife
How to Prevent or Resolve Conflicts with Deer
White-tailed deer are one of the most recognized mammals in Maine, with frequent sightings throughout the state. However, deer are known for entering and consuming vegetation around the home or in gardens. Learn more about how to prevent and resolve conflicts with deer
Bluegill and sunfish are fun to catch and make great table fare. But for years I practiced strict catch-and-release whenever I targeted bream because I felt there wasn’t enough meat for the effort required.
Then a buddy of mine invited me to a bluegill fish fry, and I realized just how wrong I’d been.
From that point on, I was a believer in cleaning and eating a portion of the bluegill and sunfish I caught. The truth is, they’re really not that difficult to clean, and their mild flavor and flaky white meat make them some of the best-tasting freshwater fish you can eat.
If you haven’t given fried bream a try, you don’t know what you’re missing!
RELATED: Are Bluegill Good to Eat? [Answered]
There are three primary ways to clean bluegill and sunfish, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at the three methods, and you can ultimately decide which best suits your needs.
Scaled and Dressed
By far, the easiest way to clean bluegills is the scaled and dressed method, which only requires three simple steps:
Cut off the head of the fish, right behind the pectoral fin.
Dress the fish by cutting the belly open from the anus to where you cut off the head. You can then remove all the internal organs.
Scale the fish. This is a simple process of removing the fish’s scales by scraping them from the rear of the fish towards the front (the opposite direction than they are laying).
There are tools specifically made to scale fish, but it can also be done with the edge of a knife blade or even a spoon. To get a good visual of the process, check out the YouTube video below.
The biggest benefit of this method is that it’s quick and easy. And since you often have a bunch of bluegill or sunfish to clean at once, that means less time cleaning fish, and more time kicked back enjoying a cold beverage while talking about the one that got away.
The downside is you’ll have all the bones to contend with, so you and your guests have to be extra careful to ensure no one accidentally swallows a bone. You also have the skin on, which some fish eaters don’t care for.
Skinned and Dressed
The second easiest way to clean bluegills is similar to the first, but rather than scaling the fish, you take the time to skin it. You still remove the head and internal organs.
The only real benefit to this method over scaling and gutting is that it eliminates the skin for those who don’t like the flavor. You still have the bones to deal with.
Personally, this is the one method discussed here that I don’t personally waste my time on, but I wanted to mention it for those who may find it beneficial (I’m looking at you, crunchy fish skin lovers).
Filleted
While filleting bluegill is a little more time-consuming, and requires a little more finesse, it’s my preferred way to prepare them. With a little practice, you’ll be able to filet bream almost as quickly as you can scale and dress them, and you won’t have to worry about getting a fish bone caught in your throat.
Fileting bluegill isn’t difficult, but you’ll need a couple of tools to make the job go smoothly: a sharp fillet knife and a good cutting board.
It’s much easier to show someone how to fillet a fish than it is to describe in an article, so we’ve included an excellent video below from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.
But to summarize, after gutting the fish, you make a cut behind the pectoral fin until you hit the spine at the top, and the opening where you gutted the fish at the bottom. Then turn your blade toward the back of the fish, and run it down the spine at the top, and through the middle of the belly on the bottom. When you get to the tail, stop just short of removing the whole side of the fish.
Flip the half over the tail, then proceed to run your knife blade right along the skin of the fish, removing all the meat. Once you’ve removed the skin, you still have one step left. The rib bones are still in the fillet at this point, so you want to carefully cut them out, minimizing the amount of meat that comes out with them.
Once the ribs are out, you should have a nice boneless bluegill fillet ready for some breading and the frying pan!
Summary
Bluegill are plentiful, fun to catch, and delicious to eat. So don’t let the thought of a little fish cleaning keep you from taking advantage of the opportunity to host a fish fry for family or friends. There are a few great ways to quickly and efficiently process the fish, and whichever method you choose, the result will be mouth-watering fried bluegill.
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