It’s a dreaded feeling and one none of us like to think about, but it happens. You think you hit the liver.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. While a liver shot may not be what you were going for, it is still within the kill zone.
The important part is, are you sure it’s a liver shot, and what to do next.
What is a Deer Liver Shot?
As the name suggests, a deer liver shot is a deer you hit in the liver. It happens more often than you might think.
Due to the deers’ anatomy, the liver sits within what is known as the kill zone.
The liver runs just behind the lungs on a perfect broadside deer and is almost the same length from top to bottom.
In this scenario, your shot would have to be a little far back to hit the liver. But this changes depending on the position of the deer.
A quartering to or away deer will put the liver in different positions in relation to your shot.
Identifying a Deer Liver Shot
The first thing to do if you think you hit the liver is to run through a few checks to double-check. It’s important not to skip this step.
Ideally, you should run through this for all of your shots unless the deer drops in front of you.
Tracking a deer with a liver shot is likely to push him far beyond what you can track.
Position
Not all of us record our hunts, but something like a Go Pro is a handy tool to have.
Not only can you assess your hunt, but in times like this, you can also see where your arrow landed.
If you feel your arrow hit near the center of the deer, towards the back of the ribcage, then it is likely you hit the liver.
Judging by the ribcage is the best indicator of whether you hit the liver or not.
As I mentioned above, the position of the deer changes your arrow penetration angle a lot. So what might look like a perfect lung shot on a quartering away deer may actually be a liver shot.
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Sound
Sound is a difficult method of judging shots, but if you are paying attention, it can really be useful.
Often in the heat of the moment, we don’t pay attention to the sound of the impact.
However, it can tell a lot about a shot.
A liver shot makes quite a thud, and if you hear it, you will know exactly what it means.
It’s almost like a hollow sound but with some substance behind it, like a smack.
Deer Reaction
Often a liver shot deer is identifiable by the deers’ reaction alone. However, this does vary from deer to deer.
In most cases, a liver shot deer will start to run but stop after about 100 yards. They proceed to walk after this or even come to a standstill.
Some deer will bed down after about 200 yards, and some can make it out to 500 plus yards before bedding down.
Blood Trail
The best tell-tale sign of all is the blood trail. However, the downside of this is with a liver shot.
Often liver shots produce little or spotty blood.
If it was indeed a liver shot, the blood would be very dark and as mentioned, potentially very sparse with only a few drops here and there.
The blood will usually have a thick consistency and disappear very fast.
What to do after a Deer Liver Shot
This is where things get tricky. Assuming you read all of the above and are certain of a liver shot then you are fine, because I can tell you to wait 4-9 hours, and you are sure of a recovery.
However, where things go wrong for people after a liver shot is A; they are not sure it was a liver shot or B; they didn’t care to check and went after the deer too soon.
A liver shot will always prove fatal for a deer, but many liver shot deer are not recovered.
This is not because they didn’t die, but because an eager hunter didn’t wait.
The deer still died, but probably 3 counties over or in cover so thick you wouldn’t think it was possible to get into it.
If in doubt, hang back. You will find most liver-shot deer within 500 yards of where you shot him if you wait.
This will allow the deer to bed down, which they usually quickly do after a liver shot.
Come back in 5 or 6 hours, and you’re sure to find your deer just outside the blood trail.
If the weather isn’t favorable, you could start tracking him earlier, but I would at least wait four hours.
I would only wait less than four hours on a suspected liver shot if I saw the deer fall in front of me.
Although in this scenario, it’s likely you’ve clipped one lung alongside the liver.
Final Thoughts
Most hunters are going for that sweet spot, heart – double lung, but it doesn’t always work out like that.
A liver shot isn’t a bad shot, it may not be your greatest, but it’s still a kill shot.
If you suspect a liver shot, back off and wait for at least four hours before tracking, and if you do, it’s likely your deer will be less than 500 yards from where you hit him.
In Kansas, deer hunting is a well-liked tradition. Kansas Deer Season 2024-2024 has plenty of opportunity for hunters to capture deer across multiple seasons and with various sorts of equipment. To help you have a great season, this guide includes important information about Kansas deer hunting dates, laws, licensing requirements, bag restrictions, and more.
Kansas Deer Hunting Season Dates
From early September through January, Kansas offers specialized deer seasons for a variety of hunting equipment. The suggested dates for Kansas’s deer seasons in 2024 and 2024 are as follows:
KS Deer SeasonDatesDescription Youth and Disability SeasonSeptember 2 – September 10, 2024Early season for youth under 18 and hunters with disabilities to deer hunt with a permit. Muzzleloader SeasonSeptember 11 – September 24, 2024Deer may be taken with muzzleloader or archery equipment during this period. Archery SeasonSeptember 11 – December 31, 2024Bowhunting for deer is open for the longest duration of any season. Pre-Rut Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-OnlyOctober 7 – October 9, 2024Brief firearm season for harvesting antlerless deer. Regular Firearm SeasonNovember 29 – December 10, 2024General firearm deer hunting season in Kansas. Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-Only – 1st SegmentJanuary 1 – January 7, 2024 (Units 6, 8, 9, 10, 17)Additional antlerless deer harvest after the regular season in specific units. Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-Only – 2nd SegmentJanuary 1 – January 14, 2024 (Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 14, 16)Additional antlerless deer harvest after the regular season in specific units. Extended Firearm Whitetail Antlerless-Only – 3rd SegmentJanuary 1 – January 21, 2024 (Units 10A, 12, 13, 15, 19)Additional antlerless deer harvest after the regular season in specific units. Extended Archery Whitetail Antlerless-OnlyJanuary 22 – January 31, 2024 (Unit 19 only)Extra whitetail does can be taken in Unit 19 with archery gear. Fort Riley Military Base SeasonCheck specific datesSeparate deer season for permit holders at Fort Riley military base. Fort Leavenworth Military Base SeasonCheck specific datesSeparate deer season for permit holders at Fort Leavenworth military base.
Kansas Deer Hunting Regulations
Regulations governing license, hunter education, corpse tagging, and general hunting guidelines apply to deer hunting in Kansas. Here are several important rules:
Both local and nonresident hunters need the appropriate licenses. There are special, reduced licenses available.
Anyone born after July 1, 1957, must possess a Hunter education certification.
Private lands need written authorization. Public road hunting is governed by unique restrictions.
Game regulations include issues including gifting or selling meat, using a car or drone, or making an electronic call.
It is necessary to properly tag deer corpses and keep the tag on them until the meat is prepared.
To avoid wasting game, hunters must make an attempt to recover fallen deer.
Seasonal requirements dictate the sort of equipment to be utilized.
During the seasons for muzzleloaders and firearms, orange attire is needed.
Officers have the right to examine licenses, tools, and harvested game.
For complete information on permitted deer hunting in Kansas, always refer to the summary of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks rules.
Kansas Deer Bag Limits
Depending on the kind of permission you have, you may harvest a certain number of deer:
Permit TypeDeer Bag LimitDescription Resident Firearm (either species/sex)One deer of any kindResident hunters using a firearm may harvest one deer of any kind. Nonresident FirearmOne antlered and one antlerless whitetail deerNonresident hunters using a firearm may harvest one antlered and one antlerless whitetail deer. MuzzleloaderOne deer of any kindHunters with a muzzleloader permit can harvest one deer of any kind. ArcheryOne deer of any kindArchery permit holders may harvest one deer of any kind. Antlerless (any type)One antlerless deer of any speciesPermit holders can harvest one antlerless deer of any species. Property Owner/MaintainerOne deer of any kindPermit allows hunting one deer of any kind on properly owned or maintained property. Antlerless (does or fawns without antler protrusions)Check unit limitsOnly does or fawns without antler protrusions are eligible for antlerless licenses. Be sure to check the unit limits specified on your permit.
Note that only does or fawns lacking antler protrusions are eligible for antlerless licenses. Check the unit limits on your permit as well.
Kansas Deer Hunting Licenses
In order to lawfully shoot deer in Kansas, you must have the appropriate hunting license in addition to the necessary season permits:
Kansas citizens must have a resident hunting license in order to hunt small game and waterfowl statewide, unless they are excluded.
For non-residents 16 years of age and older without exceptions, a hunting license is necessary. more restrictions than resident licenses.
For people ages 16 and above who have not yet finished hunter instruction, an apprentice hunting license is available.
License at a lower cost for Kansas citizens 15 years of age or younger.
Senior persons, handicapped veterans, and active military members may be eligible for special licenses.
Licenses: In addition to a regular hunting license, the proper deer licenses must be acquired.
Annual Hunting License
Residents: Unless exempted by Kansas law, all resident hunters between the ages of 16 and 74 must possess a resident hunting license.
Nonresidents: No matter their age, nonresident hunters must get a nonresident hunting license.
Fee: The data given does not specifically specify the costs associated with hunting permits for residents and non-residents.
Preference Points
Resident: A resident hunter who chooses not to participate in the current season may pay $12.50 for a preference point that will be used in a future drawing for a firearm-either-species, either-sex deer permit.
Non-resident: A non-resident hunter who wishes to forego the current season may buy a preference point that will be used in a future drawing for a white-tailed deer ticket.
Mule Deer Stamp Fee
Price: $152.50 (plus the above-mentioned nonresident white-tailed deer permit price).
An application for the Mule Deer Stamp must be submitted by a nonresident during the April application period. The applicant’s White-tailed Deer Archery or Muzzleloader Permit becomes an Either-species/Either-sex Archery or Muzzleloader Permit if it is pulled. There is no preference point system for this Mule Deer Stamp draw. If unsuccessful, the hunter will be given the permit for the successful draw unit for white-tailed deer taken with an arrow or muzzleloader.
Where to Hunt Deer in Kansas
Deer hunting is permitted on a lot of public property in Kansas:
Walk-in Hunting Access areas: The WIHA program is active on more than a million acres of private property. need a permission.
Wildlife Management Areas: Nearly 400 WMAs, ranging in size from 40 to over 10,000 acres, are designated as wildlife management areas.
State Parks: Some state parks allow limited deer shooting, although there are limits.
Federal areas: When the season is right, hunting is permitted on federal lands such as national wildlife refuges, Army Corps lakes, and national forests.
Particularly for non-resident hunters, public areas provide good possibilities for deer hunting. Make careful to investigate several regions to identify those with thriving deer populations.
Field Dressing and Processing Deer
It’s crucial to field dress harvested deer properly:
Use latex gloves and handle brain and spinal tissue as little as possible.
Covering meat and washing your equipment in vinegar water will keep them clean.
Quickly calm down the deer and steer clear of dragging in mud or debris.
Before your hunt, understand the right field dressing methods by watching video lessons.
Many hunters do their own venison processing. Some people butcher deer at meat processors. Treat all meat with hygiene. Deer meat may be used in a variety of dishes by grinding it or creating jerky out of it.
Apply for Your Kansas Deer Permit
Applications start in April! Most deer licenses in Kansas must be applied for by both citizens and non-residents.
The application deadline for muzzleloader and weapon licenses is June 9, 2024.
Applications for whitetail firearms from non-residents cost $25.
After the draw, unused permits could be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Through October 1, 2024, archery licenses may be acquired over the counter.
If the quota allows, antlerless permits are limitless after the draw.
Create an account and submit your deer permit applications online at https://www.kshuntfishcamp.com. So that you don’t miss out, mark your calendar.
Your Kansas deer hunt will be successful if you do your homework and are aware of the rules, hunting seasons, and permit requirements. For a successful deer season in 2024-2024, use this information. For complete information and legal requirements, contact the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
“Exploring the dietary habits of deer, this headline delves into the intriguing question of whether these majestic creatures have a penchant for devouring morel mushrooms. With their distinctive taste and nutritional value, discover if deer include these prized fungi in their diet or if they leave them untouched in the wild.”
The Role of Deer in the Consumption of Morel Mushrooms
Deer play a significant role in the consumption of morel mushrooms. These animals are known to have a strong affinity for morels and actively seek them out during the mushroom season. As herbivores, deer rely on plant material as their primary food source, and morels provide them with an additional nutritious option.
When morels begin to “pop,” deer are quick to detect their presence due to their keen sense of smell. They use their acute olfactory abilities to locate patches of morels and graze on them. In some cases, deer may even exhibit selective foraging behavior, targeting areas where morels are abundant.
The consumption of morel mushrooms by deer has important ecological implications. As they feed on these mushrooms, deer inadvertently aid in the dispersal of morel spores through their digestive system. When the spores are excreted in different locations, they have the potential to give rise to new colonies of morels.
Furthermore, the mutualistic symbiosis between morels and trees is indirectly influenced by deer. As mentioned earlier, morels form a beneficial relationship with tree roots through mycorrhizae. By consuming and spreading morel spores, deer contribute to the dispersal and establishment of these fungi near tree roots, enhancing the mutualistic interaction between trees and morels.
In conclusion, deer play a crucial role in the consumption and dispersal of morel mushrooms. Their preference for this edible fungus not only provides them with a nutritious food source but also contributes to the sustainability and expansion of morel populations.
Exploring the Relationship Between Deer and Morel Mushrooms
Deer as Dispersers of Morel Spores
One important aspect of the relationship between deer and morel mushrooms is that deer play a role in dispersing the spores of morels. When deer feed on the fruiting bodies of morels, they unknowingly carry the spores on their fur and hooves to different locations. As they move through the forest, these spores are then released into the environment, allowing for new morel colonies to establish. This mutualistic interaction benefits both the deer, who get to enjoy a tasty meal, and the morels, who get their spores spread to new areas for reproduction.
The Impact of Deer Grazing on Morel Habitat
While deer can help spread morel spores, their grazing habits can also have an impact on morel habitat. Deer are known to selectively browse on certain plants, including some tree species that are associated with morels. If deer populations become too high or if they overgraze in a particular area, it could potentially affect the availability of suitable host trees for morels. This could lead to a decline in morel populations in those areas. However, when managed properly and with balanced deer populations, their grazing can actually enhance morel habitat by creating open spaces and promoting forest regeneration.
Competition for Morels between Deer and Humans
Both humans and deer have a strong affinity for morel mushrooms, which can lead to competition during the mushroom hunting season. As mentioned earlier, deer are among the animals that eagerly seek out and consume morels when they start appearing in forests. Humans also actively search for these prized fungi during this time. The race to find and collect as many morels as possible can create competition between humans and deer for this valuable food resource. However, with responsible harvesting practices and sustainable management of both deer populations and morel habitats, it is possible for both humans and deer to coexist and enjoy the benefits of this delicious mushroom.
Understanding the Feeding Habits of Deer: Do They Eat Morel Mushrooms?
Deer and Morel Mushroom Consumption
Deer are known to have a diverse diet, consisting mainly of plants such as grasses, leaves, and fruits. However, when it comes to morel mushrooms, there is some debate about whether or not deer consume them. While morels are highly sought after by humans and other animals during their season, it is unclear if deer actively seek out and eat these mushrooms. There have been anecdotal reports of deer grazing on morels in certain regions, but scientific studies on their consumption patterns are limited.
Possible Reasons for Deer’s Lack of Interest
There are several reasons why deer may not be inclined to eat morel mushrooms. One possibility is that morels do not provide sufficient nutritional value for deer compared to other available food sources. Deer have specific dietary requirements and may prioritize consuming plants that offer higher energy content or essential nutrients. Additionally, the unique taste and texture of morels might not appeal to deer’s palates, leading them to ignore these mushrooms in favor of other vegetation.
The Role of Symbiotic Relationships
Another factor that could influence the interaction between deer and morel mushrooms is the symbiotic relationship between morels and tree roots. As mentioned earlier, morels form mutualistic associations with tree roots through mycorrhizal connections. This means that the presence of healthy trees in an area could contribute to the abundance of morel mushrooms. If deer primarily rely on browsing vegetation around trees rather than foraging directly for mushrooms, they may indirectly benefit from the increased availability of morels without actively consuming them.
In conclusion, while there is some uncertainty regarding the feeding habits of deer when it comes to morel mushrooms, it is possible that they do not play a significant role in their diet. Deer may prioritize other plant species that offer higher nutritional value or have a more appealing taste. However, the presence of morel mushrooms in forested areas can indirectly benefit deer through the symbiotic relationships they form with trees. Further research is needed to fully understand the extent of deer’s interaction with morels and their overall impact on these mushroom populations.
Deer as Foragers: Examining their Appetite for Morel Mushrooms
Deer are known to be avid foragers, constantly searching for food sources in their natural habitat. One interesting aspect of their diet is their appetite for morel mushrooms. These elusive fungi seem to be a delicacy for deer, as they actively seek them out during the morel season.
When the time comes around for morels to start appearing, deer are among the first animals to detect their presence. They have a keen sense of smell and can pick up on the distinct aroma of these mushrooms. This leads them to areas where morels are known to grow, such as forested regions with dead elm trees or under wood scraps.
Once they locate a patch of morels, deer waste no time in devouring them. They use their sharp teeth to carefully graze on the mushrooms, leaving behind only remnants of what was once a thriving fungus. This behavior is not limited to just one species of deer; both mule deer and elk have been observed feasting on morel mushrooms.
The mutualistic relationship between morels and trees also plays a role in attracting deer to these fungi. As mentioned earlier, morels form a symbiotic relationship with tree roots through mycorrhizae. This means that the trees provide nutrients to the morels, which in turn enhance the nutrient uptake of the trees. The result is healthier and more abundant vegetation in the area, making it an attractive feeding ground for deer.
In conclusion, deer play a significant role in the ecosystem as foragers of morel mushrooms. Their appetite for these fungi helps disperse spores and contributes to the overall sustainability of this species. While humans may compete with deer during morel season, it is important to remember that these mushrooms are an essential part of nature’s food web and should be preserved for future generations to enjoy.
The Impact of Deer on Morel Mushroom Populations
Deer have a significant impact on morel mushroom populations. These animals play a crucial role in the dispersal of morel spores, which helps to promote the growth and reproduction of morels. When deer consume mature morel mushrooms, they unknowingly ingest the spores along with the mushroom. These spores then pass through the digestive system of the deer and are excreted in their droppings.
As deer move through the forest, they deposit these spore-laden droppings in various locations, including areas where morels may not have previously grown. The deposited spores can then germinate and establish new colonies of morel mushrooms. This process contributes to the expansion and distribution of morels within their habitat.
Additionally, deer activity can also indirectly benefit morel mushrooms by creating favorable conditions for their growth. As deer browse on vegetation, they disturb leaf litter and soil, creating small disturbances that can stimulate the growth of morels. Morels thrive in disturbed areas with decaying organic matter, so the foraging behavior of deer can create ideal habitats for these fungi.
However, while deer can have a positive impact on morel populations through spore dispersal and habitat disturbance, they can also pose a threat to these mushrooms. Deer are known to be avid consumers of young or emerging morels, especially during peak mushroom season. Their feeding habits can significantly reduce local populations of morels if not managed sustainably.
In conclusion, deer play a dual role in influencing morel mushroom populations. On one hand, they contribute to the dispersal and establishment of new colonies through spore ingestion and deposition. On the other hand, their consumption of young mushrooms can potentially deplete local populations if not regulated properly. It is important to strike a balance between allowing deer to contribute positively to morel ecosystems while ensuring sustainable harvesting practices to protect these valuable fungi.
Unveiling the Connection Between Deer and Morel Mushroom Consumption
Morel mushrooms have a unique connection with deer, as these animals are known to consume them. When the time comes for morels to start appearing, deer actively seek out these delicious fungi as part of their diet. The scent and taste of morels attract deer, making it a sought-after food source for them.
The mutualistic relationship between morels and trees also plays a role in attracting deer. As mentioned earlier, morels form a symbiotic relationship with the roots of certain trees through mycorrhizae. These trees, such as elm and ash, provide nutrients to the morels through this interaction. In turn, the morels benefit from the nutrients provided by the trees’ roots.
When deer consume morel mushrooms, they not only satisfy their hunger but also contribute to dispersing the spores of these fungi. The spores pass through the digestive system of deer and are then released into new areas when they defecate. This process helps in spreading morel mushrooms to different locations, ensuring their survival and reproduction.
It is important to note that while deer play a role in spreading morel mushrooms, they are not solely responsible for their distribution. Other animals like elk and grey squirrels also consume morels and aid in dispersing their spores.
Overall, the connection between deer and morel mushroom consumption is an intriguing aspect of their ecological interactions. Deer benefit from the nutritious food source provided by morels, while inadvertently assisting in their reproduction and dispersal throughout forested areas.
In conclusion, while deer have been observed consuming a variety of plant material, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that they eat morel mushrooms. Morels are known to have a distinctive taste and odor that may deter deer from consuming them. Therefore, it is unlikely that deer actively seek out or consume morel mushrooms as part of their natural diet.
Chene Gear is a young waterfowling gear company out of Memphis, Tennessee, that began with waders: the base of every hardcore waterfowler’s gear list. This summer, the company is celebrating its one-year anniversary.
As part of that celebration, Chene launched a new collection of performance apparel in July to accompany their leak-free guarantee waders. The company has also doubled down on its conservation support while giving back to its customers.
Chene is buying and giving a federal duck stamp to every customer who purchases their flagship waders in 2022.
Federal duck stamps are conservation revenue stamps bought primarily by waterfowl hunters who require them to hunt waterfowl legally once they turn 16. They’re also bought and collected by a small but important percentage of the non-hunting public, so anyone can contribute to conservation efforts by buying them.
Plus, duck stamps also serve as a free pass into any national wildlife refuge that charges an entry fee. Nearly all the proceeds go toward conserving habitat for birds and other wildlife, so a fair share of birders, photographers, and other outdoorsy folks buy Duck Stamps, too.
According to Ducks Unlimited, about 1.5 million federal duck stamps are sold annually. Since 1934, duck stamp sales have raised more than $1 billion for wetlands conservation. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service, 98 cents of every dollar spent on each $25 stamp goes directly into acquiring vital habitats and has contributed to more than 6 million acres being acquired since the program’s start.
Chene Gear is both giving back to conservation and saying thank you to their customers with the Duck Stamp purchases.
“Quality habitat is the foundation to a healthy waterfowl population, and the duck stamp program has a stellar record of protecting the wetlands vital to ducks, geese, and countless other species of wildlife,” said Jeff Jones in a release; he’s Chene’s co-founder and chief product officer.
“We want to support this crucial mission by giving a portion of every wader we sell back to these special animals,” he added.
Not only is Chene purchasing federal waterfowl stamps for customers who purchase their waders, but they’re also encouraging them to purchase a stamp for someone else to bolster the pay-it-forward spirit and continue to support the conservation of the birds they love to hunt.
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Chene Gear’s Mission: A Wader That Doesn’t Leak, Plain and Simple
Chene Gear was created based on the idea of subverting the premise that “all waders leak” and it was founded by diehard waterfowlers who were tired of spending their hard-earned money on waders that did not perform their basic function, keeping them dry. The Chene founders are not what you’d call casual duck hunters. These men live in their waders. When they aren’t hunting, they spend the offseason improving habitat and participating in conservation efforts. In the fall, they’re still in their waders, reaping the fruits of their labor both on their home turf and across North America.
Chēne is the French word for Oak. The name was chosen to pay homage to their hunting roots and the famed waterfowl hunting history of Arkansas’ flooded oak bottoms.
“We wanted the brand’s name to represent our roots, and Arkansas’ rich waterfowl hunting heritage since our experience in this special part of the country is what drove us to start the company,” Jones said.
After years of product testing, Chene officially opened its doors with the launch of the Chene Gear Wader, their flagship product, in July 2021 (MSRP: $1,100).
After only a year, the company has some pretty heavy hitters in the waterfowling world giving testimonials as to the quality of their product. You’ll see names like Rob Kinney, a professional photographer who specializes in waterfowl, Spencer Halford, owner of Rolling Thunder Game Calls, and many others in Chene’s Behind The Waders video series.
But the waders were just the start for this up-and-coming waterfowl gear company. The folks at Chene are taking their desire to make better waterfowl gear to the next level. In July 2022, Chene Gear announced the launch of some pretty sweet-looking items, including The Sixty Series 1/2 Zip Hoodie, a Scout Vest, the Chene Over-And Under-Jacket, and more. But let’s take a look at the product that started it all, the Chene Waders:
In an effort to build a better wader, Chene completely reimagined how waders are made. The process began with the selection of a premium waterproof 4-layer nylon fabric instead of polyester. Waders are most commonly made from a three-layer polyester or neoprene fabric.
Nylon has proven to be more durable than polyester, but when you’re talking about breathable waders, there’s never a way to make them bulletproof. The seams are usually one of the first things to fail on any piece of clothing, and waders are no different. Many waders have stitched-and-taped seams, and stitching means making thousands of tiny holes in the fabric, and holes, no matter how tiny, aren’t good for waterproofing.
Chene Gear uses a stitchless process called mechanical bonding to make its waders. The process forms a waterproof seal, and then the seams are taped to serve as a secondary waterproofing measure.
Chene’s waders also feature a front YKK Aquaseal zipper for easy donning and doffing, adjustable shoulder straps, and a custom boot design with an EVA midsole for comfort. According to their website, Chene, of course, can’t guarantee its product will never fail — over time, softgoods degrade — but they do guarantee a superior customer service experience if you need to reach out to them about any product issues. The gear is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
If you’re looking at upgrading some of your gear for 2022, Chene Gear is worth considering.
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The stock shoulder is removable so people of all sizes can comfortably shoot the Crosman Comrade AK-177.
Furthermore, the magazine can be removed, too: you can use it as a storage compartment for BBs or extra CO2 cartridges.
Ammo
The Crosman Comrade uses BBs as its only source of ammunition.
BBs are dirt cheap: you can buy thousands of rounds of premium BBs for just a few bucks to shoot all week long.
Sight
The front sight is fixed whereas the rear sight is adjustable for windage (allowing you to adjust the sight left and right)
And for elevation (allowing you to adjust the sight up and down).
In case you want to put a scope or red dot on this gun, the rail is designed in the Picatinny style to help you do just that.
Compared to a weaver rail, a Picatinny rail shares plenty of common characteristics but there is a series of ridges located in precise intervals along the rail.
This type of rail gives you lots of benefits:
First, you have more mounting options and you can swap scopes from one gun to another, using different scopes in one air rifle.
And yes, no more worrying about tube length, eye relief, etc. since you can place a scope ring at any point you want.
Normal rut expected this season with the help of timely cold fronts
This rut prediction is based on the timing of scrape initiation for each area, which from my years of observations, always occurs during the new moon phase. Scrape initiation is that time when bucks will open up traditional scrape sites for the upcoming season. It’s probably a result of an increase of testosterone and the bucks will not check or work the scrapes again until another month, when the major rut period begins.
Deer seasons are established based upon the breeding season of deer in a particular area. The southwest parishes of the state generally have the earliest dates and therefore open early. Area 2, one of the largest deer sections in the state, has the typical breeding season like many of the Midwest and northern deer states. November is the peak month of breeding activity in this Area. Areas 4 and 9 have December as the major month and Areas 1, 5 and 6 have a late rut in January.
Based on the timing of scrape initiation, I am predicting a 2022-23 rut with the major breeding periods occurring during the early weeks of their breeding range.
What happened in 2021?
An early rut was also predicted for 2021, but based upon hunter harvests and examination of female reproductive tracts, the rut was about a month later than predicted. Now generally these days when things go astray, folks jump to blame climate change, but in this case I don’t think that is the culprit. What did happen was a major hurricane. Hurricane Ida came into the state and left a path of destruction as it moved northward from the coast into the Florida Parishes.
I distinctly remember sitting in my chair that night in the Clinton area watching the storm when the power went out. I tried to contact several friends in north Louisiana to see what they could tell me about the path of the storm and then realized there was no phone service. I knew that wasn’t good. While we had damage on our property, we were spared the destruction that so many received.
After the storm, the weather during September and October was very hot and dry. What really got my attention was the out-of-season flowering of numerous fruit tree species. Our big Red Mulberry tree leafed out and flowered again and actually produced a crop of mulberries. Pears and mayhaws also flowered along with other species of trees that leafed out again.
The storm, with its stressful weather that followed, had an effect on the landscape. I believe it had an impact on the animal ecology and was responsible for a later than anticipated rut. Of course, that’s just me and what I observed.
I hunted the early season in Area 2 in Union and Bossier Parishes and experienced poor deer movement and no success. My prediction for the major rut period in Area 2 last year was mid-October. But based upon breeding dates of does from Bossier Parish that I looked at in early January, it showed that breeding began on Nov. 15, a month later than predicted. Most of my deer hunting is done in Area 4 where I live. In 2021, I had predicted the major breeding to begin in late November. The limited data I was able to collect showed it to be later. I examined a 1 ½-year-old doe that bred on Dec. 8, an older adult doe that was bred on Dec. 20, and a 10-month-old doe that cycled and was bred on Feb. 6.
Late December was predicted for the start of Area 6 breeding and based on data from 10 does that I examined, major breeding began in mid to late January. While deer movement, particularly buck movement, appeared slow, the 2021-22 harvest report showed an increase in the deer harvest when compared to the 2020-21 deer season. While I saw plenty of deer, my sightings of adult bucks was down. It seems they were always a step ahead of me!
It’s just a prediction
Generally scrapes and rubs are often on separate trees but this buck rubbed the tree while also working a scrape. During the minor rut period buck fawns will begin working scrapes.
Therefore, keep in mind that the rut prediction is just that, a prediction.
Weather conditions and changes in the landscape or habitat will affect deer movement and activity. During the major breeding period, most of the does in the population will be bred, at least 70 to 80 percent of them. During the minor breeding period the remainder of the does should be bred. Some of these deer are just young, like a road kill doe that I examined back in May.
This doe was bred as a fawn on Feb. 6; apparently it became sexually active at that time and had its first estrus cycle. Over the years, I have examined 1 ½-year-old harvested does that had fawned based on evidence of lactation, but this was the first fawn that I ever examined with a fetus in the uterus. This is an indicator of a healthy deer herd.
Both the Major Rut and Minor Rut periods are divided into a time of scraping and a time of breeding. Both periods are approximately two weeks long, although the scraping period could only last 5-10 days. Once does begin visiting scrapes and leaving their scent, the bucks will leave the scrapes and start following them. The chase is on followed by a period we often call lockdown, when the breeding takes place and deer seem to disappear from the landscape.
Now, on with the prediction.
Area summaries
Black staining of the tarsal gland is an indication that a deer has been urinating in scrapes.
Southwest Louisiana is the early rut region of the state and the seasons open early to allow hunters to hunt during the rut. All hunters should carefully read the regulations and season literature to know the exact location, dates and limits for each area. There are several public land areas in this region and these generally have different season dates and hunting schedules.
West Bay WMA is always a good area to hunt and last year the early October hunt produced a deer kill per every seven hunter efforts, which is good. The October hunt on Peason Ridge had a deer killed per every 4.5 hunter efforts. This region of the state is best known for waterfowl hunting, but the deer population in these parishes is good as well. They do not produce the true trophy bucks, but will produce a lot of quality adult bucks. The breeding range in these areas is September thru December, but don’t wait until November to start hunting or you may miss out on the best deer movement.
Northwest and Central Louisiana is known as Area 2 and many of these parishes have some of the state’s highest deer kills. Bienville, Union, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Winn, Jackson, Rapides and Webster are in the top 10 deer kill parishes. Bossier, Sabine, LaSalle and Grant are in the top 20. It is evident that there are good deer populations in this region and the major rut occurs in November, so hunting is generally excellent. Many hunters take time off from work on Thanksgiving week, hoping to catch it at its peak over the holidays. The breeding range is October through January, but generally by the end of December, bucks are beginning to drop their antlers. Bodcau and Loggy Bayou WMAs are two great areas to hunt.
The breeding range for Areas 4 and 9 is November through February. Generally December is the peak month of breeding activity and that is the prediction for this year. For whatever reason, Area 4 has been anointed with a three-deer limit, so hunters must be aware of this. This region of the state has been hit hard by hurricanes and for some reason the biologists at LDWF believe deer numbers are down. However, I would suggest that they need to take a closer look at these parishes and re-evaluate the situation. Deer numbers are not down in East Feliciana and some of the surrounding parishes. Public WMAs are limited in this region and an examination of the WMA harvest data won’t get hunters too excited!
Decline in participation
Perhaps providing more hunter opportunity on some of these areas might attract more attention. It appears that the overall trend on the state’s management areas is a decline in hunter participation.
The author said the story of his 2021 deer season was the right place at the wrong time. He said he just could not get on the adult bucks schedule.
Areas 1, 5 and 6 are the trophy buck areas of the state and this is due to a combination of soil, agriculture and bottomland hardwoods.
It also is the area of late breeding and it is not uncommon for hunters to find active scrapes in the woods during February and March in many of these parishes. Unfortunately, one case of CWD has been discovered in a small portion of Area 1, which has resulted in LDWF taking action to prevent its spread. The area of precaution for CWD includes portions of Tensas, Madison and Franklin parishes and hunters should know the detailed rules and regulations for hunting in this area. The primary focus of LDWF is to prevent the spread of CWD into other regions of the state. The western mountain states have been dealing with it since 1967, and it is a problem we do not need in Louisiana. If you look at the map of the CWD outbreak in the U.S., what began as a problem in one deer pen in Colorado, has become a national problem.
I attended a recent legislative hearing regarding the CWD ban in Tensas, Madison and Franklin parishes. All of the legislators wanted to know when would the ban end, how long will this last? Well, the basic answer is it does not end, once you get it, you have it, and it does not go away. Look at the CWD map; the problem just expands and gets worse. Consequently efforts to contain the disease must be made.
This is an agriculture region with bottomland hardwood and batture land, the river’s actual active floodplain, and there is no need to bait, in my opinion. Hunters can plant and hunt over food plots. However, if the disease expands from here into the piney woods, hunters will be facing troubles because of the popularity of baiting.
Many hunters around the state will use deer scents and urine when hunting and the state has enacted specific rules and regulations to address this. Hunters should be aware of this when purchasing these natural deer lures for hunting and use only approved products. It is up to us to do our part and help prevent this serious disease from expanding further into the state.
Hopefully my predictions will provide you with some insight as to the best time to hunt. Some will say that any time someone can hunt is a good time, but I can say with confidence that there are times when you are just wasting your time. The deer are just not going to move! Hunt hard and be safe; share your success with others and help teach the next generation of hunters how to hunt the right way.
Venison usually refers to deer meat but it can also include any wild game meat such as elk, carabao, and antelope. Canning venison is a great way to preserve the fall harvest and fill your shelves with shelf stable foods for quick meals.
It will also free up freezer space and help prepare you for power outages.
Neither my husband nor I grew up in a hunting family, fishing yes, hunting no. However, when we moved to this area we met many people who hunt and over the years we have become a family who eats wild game. Each fall you’ll find me canning venison as it’s my favorite way to preserve venison (and beef).
I’ve had a love/hate relationship with venison since the first time I ate it at a friend’s house. There have been times I had it and it was wonderful and at times hardly edible. There are a lot of variables such as the age of the deer and how it was butchered that will determine how “gamey” the meat is. We (as in I) do not like the “gamey” taste although I know many people who do.
Canning venison seems to remove the gamey flavor and once you add onions and garlic it really makes for a nice quick main dish.
In full disclosure, I have to say that I was a bit worried about eating canned venison the first time. The finished product doesn’t look very appealing (in the jar). However, when I opened the jar my daughter said “That smells good!” and you know what? It did.
I put it in a skillet, simmered it for 15 minutes and added some flour to make a gravy. The meat was very tender and tasty. I’ve been canning venison (and lots of other meats) ever since.
Tips for canning venison
Contrary to what some sites say, you do have to use a pressure canner to can meat. It is a low-acid food which is not safe to can in a water bath canner.
Also, you cannot put the flour in the jar to make the gravy ahead of time – the flour can coat the jar and mess up the process.
If you’re worried about the meat tasting strong or gamey, you can add a little tomato juice or sauce to the jars before canning. This will mellow the flavor of strong-flavored wild meats.
Canning venison is just like canning any other meat and you can use these same directions for canning wild game, such as elk or moose, and beef or chicken. The process is the same.
Even though venison doesn’t have much fat, remove any excess fat and any silver skin, which is the connective tissue. It can seem tedious but it really does go quickly and will make for a better end product.
Each quart jar will hold about 1 1/2 pounds of cubed venison or beef. That should help you figure out how many jars you need.
It’s recommended that salt be added to the canned meat, it’s just for flavor not for safety so it can be omitted if you want to. Also, you don’t have to use canning salt, any pure salt is just fine.
You can also add any dry spices such as black pepper, garlic or onion powder to the jars without compromising the safety.
Here are some tips for using a pressure canner. Pressure canning is super easy, just follow the directions that came with your canner. This is the pressure canner I have and I really like it. I like that it doesn’t have a gasket I have to worry about and that I can can 7 quarts or 18-19 pints in one batch.
I also like to use Tattle reusable lids for our canned venison. I try to use them for any canning that I do for our family as it really cuts down on the cost of canning. If you’re using metal disposable lids, make sure to use new lids as they are for single use only.
I like to keep track of all my home preserved food with these worksheets. You can get a copy emailed to you by filling out the form below.
Raw pack vs hot pack for canned venison
There are two ways to can venison (or beef) and both result in super tender meat. You can either raw pack or hot pack the venison.
Sometimes I choose to raw pack the meat simply because it’s faster, but I do think I get a better end product for storing when I hot pack the venison. Sometimes when I raw pack venison there isn’t enough natural meat juices to cover the meat.
You don’t need to add water or broth when you raw pack venison as the meat will make it’s own juice during the canning process.
Just know that it might not make enough juice to fully cover the meat in the jars, and it’s totally fine. The meat is still safe, but the meat not covered will darken over time.
Canning venison with the hot pack method means that you precook the meat in a small amount of fat before you put in the jars. Then you pour the drippings, broth, or hot water over the meat. This helps you know that there will be enough liquid to cover the meat in the finished product but it takes a little longer.
When you serve the meat you need to heat it up, some resources recommend boiling home canned meat and vegetables for 10 minutes before serving but that is no longer the recommendation from the National Center for Home Food Preservation. But it’s probably not very tasty straight out of the can, so go ahead and heat it up.
How to can venison with the raw pack method
Wash canning jars and lids in hot soapy water.
Put the pressure canner on the stove and add water according to the manufacturer directions.
Turn the heat to medium high to heat the water – you want it hot but not boiling (about 140F)
Put the clean canning jars in the pressure canner to keep them hot while you prepare the venison.
Cut the raw venison into cubes, remove any excess fat and muscle tissue (silver skin)
One by one, remove the jars from the canner and fill each jar with the raw meat and leave a 1-inch headspace. You’ll want to firmly pack the meat down.
Add onion and garlic to each jar if desired, if you add onion and garlic you might need to remove some meat so you still have a 1-inch headspace.
Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt per pint and 1 teaspoon of salt per quart, if desired.
Wipe jar rims with a clean damp cloth.
Top the jars with lids and screw bands on. I really like to use canning reusable lids on these because I don’t normally give these as gifts.
Place filled jars into the pressure canner (prepared per manufacturer guidelines).
Lock the lid
Turn up the heat to medium-high
Once it’s boiling and you hear steam coming from the vent, let the steam vent from canner for 7 minutes, then put weight on the vent,
Continue heating until you reach 10 pounds pressure (adjusting for altitude if necessary)
Process pint jars at 10 pounds of pressure for 75 minute, and quart jars for 90 minutes
After processing time is finished, turn off heat and let pressure go all the way to zero psi
Once the canner is completely depressurized, remove lid.
Let the jars cool in the canner for about 10 minutes.
Remove jars with a jar lifter and put them on a towel on the counter to cool overnight.
Once they’re cool, remove bands, wipe jars, and store in a cool, dry place.
How to can venison with the hot pack method
Wash canning jars and lids in hot soapy water. The jars will need to stay hot while you prepare the meat.
Turn the heat to medium high to heat the water – you want it hot but not boiling (about 140F)
Put the clean jars in the pressure canner to keep them hot while you prepare the venison.
Cut the raw venison into cubes, remove any excess fat and muscle tissue (silver skin)
Brown raw meat in a small amount of oil. No need to cook it all the way through, just until it’s at the rare stage and releasing it’s juices.
One by one, remove the hot jars from the canner and add the partially cooked venison to each jar.
Add onion and garlic to each jar if desired.
Add 1/2 tsp salt per pint and 1 tsp salt per quart if desired.
Fill each jar with the hot venison and leave a 1-inch headspace.
Pour the drippings over the meat leaving a 1-inch headspace.
Use a bubble remover or silicone spatula to get air bubbles out of the jar by sliding the bubble remover between the jar and the meat and gently pressing the meat towards the opposite side of the jar.
Add hot water, broth or tomato juice to the jar to cover the meat.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean damp cloth.
Top jars with lids and screw the bands on. I really like to use canning reusable lids on these because I don’t normally give these as gifts.
Place filled jars into water in pressure canner (prepared per manufacturer guidelines).
Lock the lid
Turn up the heat to medium-high
Once it’s boiling and you hear steam coming from the vent, let the steam vent from canner for 7 minutes, then put weight on vent
Continue heating until you reach 10 pounds pressure (adjusting for higher elevations if necessary)
Process pint jars for 75 minute, and quart jars for 90 minutes
After processing time is finished, turn off heat and let pressure go all the way to zero psi
Once the canner is completely depressurized, remove lid.
Let the jars cool in the canner for about 10 minutes.
Remove jars with a jar lifter and put them on a towel on the counter to cool overnight.
Once they’re cool, remove bands, wipe jars, and store properly.
Adjusting Pressure for Altitude:
If you live 1000 feet or more above sea level you’ll need to use a pressure higher than 10psi for canning meats. Use the graph below which is from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
How to cook canned venison
Home-canned- venison is wonderful even if it doesn’t look so tasty in the jar. There are three ways I like to use canned venison.
Our favorite way is to put it in a skillet and add flour to make a gravy. I just put a bit of water in the empty mason jar and add a heaping tablespoon of flour. I mix is up to get rid of clumps. Then slowly pour it into the hot meat and stir. If it needs to be thicker I add more flour, if it’s too thick I add a bit of water. I add salt and pepper. If I want something more like Mexican carne guisada, I add cumin and a bit of chili powder. I serve it over mashed potatoes, using canned potatoes when I’m short on time.
Sometimes, we’ll cook the meat and let the juices evaporate then add bar b que sauce for bar b que sandwiches.
Lastly, I’ll sometimes use canned venison and other home canned vegetables to make a quick stew.
More Venison Recipes
Venison can be used as an alternative in any recipe that calls for red meat, although the flavor may be a little different since wild game meat is leaner than beef and most other red meats.
If you have a freezer full of venison and don’t want to can it all, there are plenty of other ways to prepare it. We love making venison jerky with some of our deer meat.
Here are 50 recipes to make delicious venison burgers, steaks, stews, chili and much more!
Do you can venison or other meats? If so, share your ideas in the comments.
Taking big game is one of the few areas that a standard AR-15 doesn’t do well in, but combine an AR with 450 Bushmaster and you have a whole new ballgame.
How does it stack up to a legendary classic like .308 Winchester? We got that info, ballistics, recommendations, and a lot more!
Sure, But Why
To a lot of you, this comparison might seem kind of… odd. I mean, even someone casually familiar with these two calibers can likely tell that these are not similar.
The answer is simple: A lot of readers are interested in this exact comparison. I don’t know why, but who am I to judge.
Y’all asked for it, so you get it.
Holla in the comments with more suggestions of what we should cover!
Story Behind The Cartridges
450 Bushmaster
Who likes big bullets and cannot lie? Jeff Cooper. The man touched many facets of the firearms world and this is yet one more where he left his mark.
While actually designed by Tim LeGendre of LeMAG Firearms, the inspiration for the idea came from Cooper’s support for a “Thumper” cartridge.
Basically, a “Thumper” was a big bullet moving as fast as they could push it so that an AR could take big game at 200ish yards.
Keep in mind that this was before things like the .458 SOCOM and .50 Beowulf were invented.
LeGendre designed what he called the .45 Professional and delivered an AR chambered in that to Cooper himself.
Bushmaster was highly interested in producing the new design, but they needed ammo for it.
When LeGendre approached Hornady about making ammo for it, they requested a slight change to the design of the case – shortening it slightly so they could load the 250gr SST in it.
The change was approved and the final cartridge was renamed to .450 Bushmaster.
.308 Winchester
After a cool story like 450 Bushmaster, the history of .308 Winchester can be kind of boring. Maybe I should have saved the good story for last… oh well.
Back in the 1940s 300 Savage was used for a series of tests for the US military, Frankford Arsenal (the actual US Arsenal, no connection to the brand/company that operates today) saw the tests and liked the results.
They started playing with the design a little and created a case that was slightly shorter, with a little less taper, and thicker walls.
Really liking what they saw, they lengthed the case back to its original specs. Using more modern powders (“modern” by 1940s standards) they created a cartridge that was effectively almost identical to the performance of milspec .30-06 Springfield but with a much smaller cartridge.
Smaller means lighter, lighter means you can carry more of it, so all in all – a lot better.
Winchester saw the potential for this new cartridge and introduced it to the hunting world in 1952.
Two short years later, NATO adopted the 7.62x51mm cartridge as a standard.
Practical Applications
450 Bushmaster
Hunting.
That’s it, that’s the list. The end.
Okay, 450 Bushmaster was designed as a hunting cartridge that could take big game (talking moose-sized “big”) at 200 yards or closer. And if nothing else, 450 Bushmaster does that.
If you’re in a fairly close environment and you need a really big bullet moving quickly to drop something large and four-legged, .450 Bushmaster is a solid option.
However, it comes with some major downsides that make it pretty much useless in all other applications.
Recoil is a beast. 250 grains moving at 2,200 FPS out of a 7ish pound AR means you’re getting the felt recoil roughly equivalent to 12ga slugs.
You can mitigate this with a brake and a good stock, but it’s still a hard hitter.
While you can do things like zeroing at 200 yards to have a point-blank zero out to that distance, 450 Bushmaster is an elephant fighting gravity – and it ain’t no Dumbo.
You are very limited on range and 250 yards starts to push it.
While it starts off with almost 2700 ft.lbf at the muzzle, 450 Bushmaster falls below 1,000 ft.lbf before it hits 300 yards.
.308 Winchester
Everything.
Because of the age of the cartridge and how widely it was adopted by NATO, the military, LEO, and more, .308 Winchester can do basically everything.
Hunting? Oh ya, .308 Winchester has taken every game animal in North America in droves.
Long range precision? Sure, while newer 6mm cartridges are the newest hotness, .308 Win is still widely used by sport shooters, LEO, and competition shooters – although most people running .308 Win in competition do so in special divisions built for it.
SHTF? .308 Win can take game, defend your post-apocalypse bunker, put down mutants (I mean, probably), and is so massively produced and used that refilling your stockpile should be fairly easy.
You can handload .308 Win with every type of bullet under the sun, you can find factory ammo for it in every gunstore and bait shop in the nation, you can find replacement parts basically everywhere, and any rifle you want that is large enough can and probably does come with a .308 Win option.
It is the definitive do-all cartridge in North America.
I would argue that 6.5 Creedmoor is better, but there is no denying that .308 Winchester has achieved unparalleled success. [For more on that, check out our article 6.5 Creedmoor vs 308.]
Ballistics
The real meat and potatoes of these comparisons are how they actually stack up against each other ballistically. Well, in most ways – .308 Win kicks the snot out of 450 Bushmaster.
At the muzzle they are basically the same, .308 Win has around 2700 ft.lbf and 450 Bushmaster has just a few pounds under that.
The big difference is that .308 Winchester keeps at least 1,000 ft.lbf out to about 600 yards, 450 Bushmaster loses it by 300 yards.
While .308 can reach out accurately to 1,200 yards (if you’re pretty good), 450 Bushmaster is on life support by the time it gets past 500.
[To learn more about 450 Bushmaster ballistics and why it was created, see our recent article]
AR-10 Vs. AR-15
I’m going to assume that you’re looking at both of these calibers in an AR platform. While both can be found in bolt-action rifles also, 450 Bushmaster in a bolt gun is kind of silly.
The AR-10 is at least a couple of pounds heavier than an AR-15. It’s larger, less handy, and can quickly become a beast to hike with.
Generally speaking, an AR-10 is also more expensive to build or buy.
This is why “thumper” cartridges like 450 Bushmaster, 458 SOCOM, and 50 Beowulf exist. They give you basically the same punch as a short-action cartridge (at least for a couple of hundred yards) but keep the package small.
Personally, I say get both.
Wild Animal Defense
I’m a big believer in the idea that guns are not your best defense against most wild animals. For black bears, nothing beats a hiking song and some bear spray. For mountain lions, bringing a mule is technically the best but a hiking song and a sharp stick is a decent second option.
However, there are those times when nothing else will do. Maybe you tend animals that are looking really juicy this time of year, maybe you have a particularly mean set of critters in your area, whatever the case – you need a bigger stick.
.450 Bushmaster is one hell of a stick and in this role, it can really shine.
Most of the professional guides I’ve spoken with that live and hike in grizzly country say they choose a 12ga 3” magnum slugs as their last line of defense against a bear – that gives them about 2950 ft.lbf at the muzzle.
450 Bushmaster comes in around 2700 ft.lbf… but you can have 10 rounds in a magazine and less recoil.
If grizzly is your worst-case scenario, you might want to really consider a 450 Bushmaster or some other thumper as your next move.
What Is Better?
If you can stand the size and weight of an AR-10, then 308 Winchester is the clear winner.
But if you need something smaller and lighter – 450 Bushmaster is the ticket.
Really though, 450 Bushmaster is basically in the exact same boat as 50 Beowulf and .458 SOCOM.
They are all basically the same ballistically, they all have basically the same amount of ammo per magazine, they all cost basically the same, and more or less have the same issues.
I would give .458 SOCOM a slight edge in terms of reliability, but everything else really isn’t enough difference to make a difference.
Converting An AR-15 To 450 Bushmaster
The easy method is a new upper and modifying your magazines.
Magazines are standard AR-15 5.56 NATO mags, but with a new single stack follower. You can also get a dedicated 450 Bushmaster magazine.
For the upper, you’ll need a new barrel and a new bolt. 450 Bushmaster and .458 SOCOM use the same bolt face so it’s pretty easy to find.
A normal BCG can be used, it just needs the new bolt.
Overall, like most other AR conversions – 450 Bushmaster is pretty easy.
[Of course you can also buy a 450 Bushmaster complete upper and all the work is done for you. Just drop it on your standard AR-15 lower, pop 2 pins, and you’re ready to rock!]
Parting Shots
When it comes down to it – the “thumper” cartridges are all basically the same, just slightly different flavors.
If you need one, pick the one you like most and go for it!
But .308 Winchester will give you a lot more options and a lot more range. But that comes at the cost of a heavier rifle.
Let me know what you picked!
And let us know what caliber comparisons you want to see next!
Designers have tried to make use of human nature by combining a circular front sight with a circular rear aperture sight.
It becomes easy for most hunters to fit a circle within a bigger circle.
3. Optic sights
These can also be referred to as telescopic sights or simply, ‘tele’.
They are also more popularly known as scopes.
The name tells you its operation closely resembles that of a real telescope.
As such, it consists of two lenses, the front, and the rear.
The front lens, also known as the objective lens, allows light into the scope.
The rear lens, also known as the ocular lens, is the one into which the shooter looks.
Conventionally, both the front and rear ends of the scope are widened to house the lenses.
The two lenses are connected through a narrowed cylinder referred to as the tube of the scope.
Scope tubes are mostly designed to be 25 mm or 30 mm in diameter.
The 1-inch tube dominated the market for decades until manufacturers saw the need for a larger tube to accommodate bigger lenses which are better.
Some have even gone a step further and made scopes with a 34 mm scope tube – e.g. the Discovery HD 3-18X50 FFP SS.
The scope tube houses reticles.
Perhaps a more familiar term is the crosshairs.
Again, there are quite a variety of reticles to choose from.
It all depends on how you are wired.
a. Fine crosshair
This must be the simplest of all, in that it comprises two thin lines intersecting at the center of the field of view.
With this, you can view a larger part of the target without obstruction.
The only downside is that the thin crosshairs may be difficult to view when the target is somewhat dark.
However, they work well in high contrast backgrounds – think of bright targets like a yellow metal plate or a bright green soda can.
To solve the problem of sighting against dark backgrounds, some manufacturers illuminate the reticles with battery power to bright colors such as red, green, or blue.
You can then comfortably switch to the color you see best against the current background.
b. Duplex crosshair
Considering the disadvantages of the fine crosshairs, designers thought of thickening the hairs along the periphery of the field of view and leaving the hairs thin around the intersection.
Small dots are added to the thin hairs towards the intersection, simply to boost visibility against dark backgrounds.
Ted’s HoldOver shows you how to use the mil-dot reticle to determine the distance to your target here:
d. Target dot
This is a modification of the fine crosshairs with a dot added at the center.
The center dot is meant to rest at the center of the target.
This improves the fine crosshairs but it may not prove useful where the target is very small, as the dot is likely to cover the entire target.
c. Circle
Instead of the center dot described above, this comprises a full circle around the intersection of the crosshairs.
This is meant to improve visibility but has the unexpected effect of cluttering the target.
Pros of optic sights
Perfect for long-range hunting
Perfect for tiny targets
Comes in fixed and variable varieties
Hundreds of options to choose from
Easy to use
Cons of optic sights
Can prove difficult to use if the target keeps moving
Adjustment settings change quickly with every turn of the several knobs
Other variations
From the basic optic sights with front and rear lens and reticles, designers have added a whole battalion of features to scopes to enhance the hunter’s experience.
Let us look at some of these.
Lasers
These basically project a beam with the aim to assist in rangefinding.
A rangefinder calculates the exact distance between you and the target and additionally presents a crystal-clear image of the target
So that you are not left guessing what you are aiming at.
It enables you to pull the trigger with a high degree of surety.
Pros
Great for situations where you are likely to be jerked out of the shooting position
Gives you a perfect aim at the target in the shortest time possible
Cons
Makes new shooters poor at aiming
Visibility problems arise when the sun shines too brightly
Red dot sight
A red dot sight likewise allows the hunter to view a holographic sight picture of the target within the optic.
It becomes quite easy to place the red dot right on the target.
Depending on the model, you are able to enlarge the target up to sixteen times, or even eighty times for more advanced scopes.
All this does is provide a clearer picture of the target – you see the stomach, head, shoulders, legs, back, etc.
You then narrow down to the specific part you are interested in and pull the trigger with higher chance of hitting the intended part.
To adjust the magnification power, you simply need to rotate the power ring to the desired magnification level.
You will mostly find the power ring at the rear end of the scope near your eye.
Additionally, most scopes with magnification ability come with the ocular focus ring.
This is used to ensure the reticle is in focus, however far or near the target is.
And now to the two variations of scopes in regards to magnification ability:
Variable scopes – This is what we just discussed. You can alter the magnification power to a value of your choice, basically by rotating an adjustment knob.
Fixed scopes – These do not allow you to change the magnification. For this reason, you better use them for targets that are not too far away – preferably for plinking and target shooting practice. If used for hunting, ensure that the prey is at close range.
As much as they seem limited, fixed scopes have the one advantage of requiring no adjustment once they are mounted.
Pros of Red Dot sights
Can be used for varying light conditions
The prey can’t view the red dot and so will never know it’s being aimed at.
Cons of red dot sights
With hundreds of brands and models to choose from, you feel confused right away
Can prove a bit pricey if you fancy more advanced features
Fiber optic sights
The crosshairs for this sight are made of an optical fiber that is transparent and flexible, usually of a diameter next to that of human hair.
The optical fiber allows light to pass through it, thus enhancing the visibility of the target.
It is interesting how optical fibers interact with light.
They’re usually made from an inner core and outer covering.
Both the inner and outer components have a low refractive index, implying that they do not bend light.
However, the outer covering has high reflectivity, so it reflects light along its entire length.
Even in conditions of poor light, the optical fiber is able to pick up the little light and transmit it along the full length of the cable.
This makes it ideal for foresight.
You can place the well-lit fiber on the target without much problem.
As such, they find great use in low-light settings.
Better still, they come in two main colors – red and green.
Which one strikes a chord with you? Go for it!
In case your eyes are not that good, consider purchasing a fiber-optic sight with a bigger circumference.
At least you won’t strain a lot.
Here is a list of some popular air rifles that come bundled with fiber optic sights:
Great for beginner shooters who are just starting out
Very useful in poor light conditions
Budget-friendly
Have easy-to-change rods
Cons
Some are fragile – you can easily break the glass tubes
Fiber optic rods may be affected by a number of cleaning solutions – with some like acetone bleaching the rod
Understanding scope models
You can get easily confused by the numerous numerical numbers you see on different scope models.
Take the example of the CenterPoint 6-20X50 AO Rifle Scope.
The numbers 6-20 mean that you can magnify the target 6-20 times, while the number 50 points to the size of the objective lens in mm.
The larger the objective lens, the larger the objective bell.
You need this information before you make the purchase so that you can ensure the scope will fit onto the mounting rails of your air rifle.
In addition to that, the bigger the lens, the stronger the magnification.
Go for the largest objective lens if you intend to go hunting at dusk or dawn.
Lastly, AO means Adjustable Objective, implying that the adjustment feature for parallax is fitted onto the objective bell of the scope.
You will also find some scopes with the suffix AOE – lightly meaning Around the Objective End.
Other terms you may come across in scopes include:
IR – Illuminated reticle
SF – Side Focus – the turret for adjustment of parallax is mounted on one side of the scope tube.
HD – High Definition
MOA – Minute of angle – refers to the accuracy of groupings at a particular range. MOA is actually 1/60th of a degree. 1 MOA implies groupings of 1” at 100 yards.
SWAT – Special weapons and tactics
Air rifle scopes vs firearm scopes
It would seem an incredible hack to simply mount your old firearm scope onto your new air rifle.
Don’t! Air rifle scopes are specially designed to counteract the unique vibration and double recoil of airguns.
As a matter of fact, spring-powered airguns require especially rated air rifles that can withstand the sometimes high recoil.
Springers are known to easily damage other scopes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a 6 o’clock sight picture?
There are quite a number of sight pictures that shooters use to improve their shooting accuracy.
This is especially so if you are working with open sights.
Sight pictures are obtained by aligning the rear and front sights in a specific relationship with the target.
The best one is that which allows you to have the smallest groupings.
Some of the popular sight pictures are elaborated below:
Center hold – this involves placing the front sight directly in the center of the target.
6 O’clock – this involves placing the front sight at the lower part of the aiming black.
Sub 6 – this favors those shooters who experience difficulties with the 6 O’clock hold by including a small white line between the front sight and the aiming black.
Frame hold – this involves placing the front sight at the center of the rear sight. In case there is no distinct aiming point, the front sight can be adjusted to the 6 or 12 O’clock position. This works quite well in low-light settings.
2. Why should you aim with your dominant eye?
Think of it this way – you are either left-handed or right-handed.
If left-handed, your dominant hand is the left one, with which you easily handle many tasks.
The opposite is true for right-handed persons.
This concept also applies to the eyes.
FYI, One of your eyes is stronger than the other.
In most cases, right-handed persons have the right eye as the dominant one
But there are instances where the dominant eye can be the opposite of the dominant hand.
To know your dominant eye, Hunter-Ed proposes the 5 steps below:
Use your four fingers and the thumb to create a triangular opening.
Extend the arms away from your eyes.
Try looking at a far object through the opening with both eyes open.
Gradually pull the arms towards your eyes, ensuring your focus on the object does not waver.
The opening will naturally land on your dominant eye.
You may also try closing one eye at a time.
The dominant eye tends to remain focused on the object while the other eye sees the back of your hands.
To keep your shooting as accurate as possible, always use the dominant eye.
I am right-handed and my right eye is dominant. What about you?
3. What is proper sight alignment?
Sight alignment is basically the link between the front and rear sights.
You ideally peep through the rear sight with the intention of seeing the front sight right at the center.
On the other hand, the sight picture refers to the link between the aligned sights and the aiming bull on the target, which may be in the form of a post or bead.
Before I sign off, I’ll add yet another term for your keeps – eye relief. This refers to the distance between your eye and the rear sight.
You should master keeping a relatively constant distance between your eye and the sight.
You don’t want to bump the sight with your eye or place it very far away.
As a rule of thumb, aim at a minimum of 2 inches, and don’t go beyond 5 inches.
The Air Arms TX200 MKIII stands as a testament to precision engineering in the world of spring-piston air rifles. Since its introduction in the mid-1980s, this British-made masterpiece has earned its reputation as “The Spring-piston rifle to which all are compared.” This comprehensive review explores why the TX200 continues to dominate the field target competition scene and remains a coveted choice for serious airgunners worldwide.
Design and Construction
Engineering Excellence
The TX200 MKIII embodies a philosophy of achieving quality through simplicity. Rather than pursuing complexity, Air Arms has refined the traditional spring-piston design to near perfection. The underlever cocking mechanism, requiring approximately 27-34 pounds of force, operates with remarkable smoothness and incorporates an essential anti-bear trap safety device introduced in the MKII iteration.
The heart of the rifle features a precision-machined compression chamber housing a high-grade spring steel powerplant. This system is optimized for consistency rather than maximum velocity, delivering an ideal balance of power and accuracy that serious shooters demand.
Premium Materials and Finish
The rifle’s exterior showcases Air Arms’ commitment to quality. The metal surfaces feature what many consider the finest bluing in the airgun industry, with a glossy black finish that literally reflects the company’s attention to detail. Available in both walnut and beech stocks, each version offers distinct advantages:
Walnut: Lighter weight, superior aesthetics, traditional appeal
Beech: Greater durability, increased stability, more affordable option
Both stock variants feature exquisitely carved fish scale checkering patterns on the forearm and grip, providing both functional grip enhancement and aesthetic beauty. The stock design includes a tall Monte Carlo cheek piece optimized for scope use and a flat spot on the forearm that proves invaluable for off-hand shooting.
Perhaps the TX200’s most celebrated feature is its trigger mechanism, a refined version of the famous Rekord design. Air Arms has enhanced the original concept with several notable improvements:
Riveted steel construction replacing bent sheet metal
Addition of bearing-supported pivot points
Adjustable first-stage pre-travel
Exceptionally consistent pull weight (varying only ±4 oz)
Out of the box, the trigger typically breaks at around 1.65 pounds, with a clear distinction between stages and a glass-like break. While adjustable, most users find the factory setting nearly perfect for both competition and field use.
Competition and Field Use
Field Target Optimization
The TX200’s design clearly reflects its competition heritage:
Weight distribution aids stability in various shooting positions
Stock geometry accommodates both seated and standing shots
Precision trigger control enables fine shot placement
Consistent point of impact across temperature ranges
At approximately 11 pounds with scope mounted, the rifle is decidedly heavy. However, this mass contributes to stability and helps manage recoil, making it easier to maintain accuracy during extended shooting sessions.
Maintenance
Maintenance requirements are minimal but important:
Periodic stock screw checking, particularly the rear trigger guard screw
Annual spring lubrication with appropriate products
Basic cleaning after extensive use
Regular scope mount verification
Noise and Neighbor Considerations
The MKIII’s barrel shroud effectively manages sound levels, producing approximately 71 dB at the muzzle. This places it firmly in the “backyard friendly” category, though shooters should note that the powerplant’s operation will be more noticeable to the shooter than to others downrange.
Areas for Improvement
Despite its excellence, the TX200 MKIII has a few minor issues:
Difficult underlever release mechanism
Tendency for the rear stock screw to loosen
Fragile rubber bumper on the barrel (easily resolved with O-ring mod)
Weight may be excessive for extended field carry
Target Market and Value Proposition
The TX200 MKIII clearly targets serious airgunners:
Competition shooters
Precision hunting enthusiasts
Collectors valuing quality
Dedicated target shooters
While the price point exceeds many spring-piston rifles, the combination of accuracy, quality, and longevity provides excellent value for the dedicated shooter.
Features
Spring-piston
Underlever
Single-shot
Sliding breech cover exposes loading port during cocking cycle
2-stage adjustable match trigger
Lothar Walther barrel
11mm optics dovetail grooves
No open sights
Beech Monte Carlo stock
Raised right-hand cheekpiece
Checkered forearm and pistol grip
Ventilated rubber recoil pad
Shrouded barrel
Recommended uses:
Target shooting/Plinking
Pest Control/ Small game hunting: Armadillos, Chipmunks, Grey Foxs, Possums, Porcupines, Prairie Dogs, Crows, Pigeons, Raccoons, Rabbits, Rats, Skunks, Squirrels, and Turkeys.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Underlever design and fixed barrel for accuracy and consistency
For shooters seeking the finest in spring-piston powerplant, who value precision engineering and are willing to invest in quality, the TX200 MKIII offers an unmatched shooting experience. Its continued success in field target competition and enduring popularity among serious airgunners testify to its exceptional design and execution. The TX200 MKIII isn’t just an air rifle; it’s a precision instrument that rewards proper technique with outstanding performance.
"Unlock the Perfect Shot: Discover the Best Scope for Break Barrel Air Rifles. Enhance your shooting experience with precision and accuracy, as we delve...
An early rut was also predicted for 2021, but based upon hunter harvests and examination of female reproductive tracts, the rut was about a month later than predicted. Now generally these days when things go astray, folks jump to blame climate change, but in this case I don’t think that is the culprit. What did happen was a major hurricane. Hurricane Ida came into the state and left a path of destruction as it moved northward from the coast into the Florida Parishes.
West Bay WMA is always a good area to hunt and last year the early October hunt produced a deer kill per every seven hunter efforts, which is good. The October hunt on Peason Ridge had a deer killed per every 4.5 hunter efforts. This region of the state is best known for waterfowl hunting, but the deer population in these parishes is good as well. They do not produce the true trophy bucks, but will produce a lot of quality adult bucks. The breeding range in these areas is September thru December, but don’t wait until November to start hunting or you may miss out on the best deer movement.
Northwest and Central Louisiana is known as Area 2 and many of these parishes have some of the state’s highest deer kills. Bienville, Union, Claiborne, Natchitoches, Winn, Jackson, Rapides and Webster are in the top 10 deer kill parishes. Bossier, Sabine, LaSalle and Grant are in the top 20. It is evident that there are good deer populations in this region and the major rut occurs in November, so hunting is generally excellent. Many hunters take time off from work on Thanksgiving week, hoping to catch it at its peak over the holidays. The breeding range is October through January, but generally by the end of December, bucks are beginning to drop their antlers. Bodcau and Loggy Bayou WMAs are two great areas to hunt.
The breeding range for Areas 4 and 9 is November through February. Generally December is the peak month of breeding activity and that is the prediction for this year. For whatever reason, Area 4 has been anointed with a three-deer limit, so hunters must be aware of this. This region of the state has been hit hard by hurricanes and for some reason the biologists at LDWF believe deer numbers are down. However, I would suggest that they need to take a closer look at these parishes and re-evaluate the situation. Deer numbers are not down in East Feliciana and some of the surrounding parishes. Public WMAs are limited in this region and an examination of the WMA harvest data won’t get hunters too excited!
