Monster 3 beamer! New youth record? Air guns vs ammo shortage

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> …Barefield settled the crosshairs. The muzzleloader blast echoed throughout the valley…the deer turned, ran back down into the canyon and disappeared. A few seconds later, he spotted the monster through his binos: The deer just stood there, down in the canyon, motionless.

> “I missed the deer,” Barefield said. “No, you didn’t,” Barthel replied. “I heard a thump.”

> “No, I missed him…he’s standing there right now.”

> …he reloaded. “I was losing my mind, getting everything done as fast as possible to get another shot at this deer.” He settled the crosshairs and pulled the trigger…the gun went off but didn’t sound right, like a really loud primer, and it didn’t produce recoil. …the giant buck stood there like a statue….

> Looking down at the ramrod…Barefield realized what had happened. He had put the powder and bullet in the barrel. But in his haste to reload, he didn’t realize that the end of his ramrod stuck to the bullet’s ballistic tip and pulled it back out of the barrel. He’d touched off a charge of powder without a bullet. And now, he only had one powder charge remaining.

> He knocked the old bullet off the ramrod and loaded his 3rd and final shot. “I pulled the trigger…but it sounded like one of those old flintlock muzzleloaders where the hammer hits and it takes about a second before the gun goes off. Total misfire. On video, you actually see the bullet hit the ground about halfway to the deer. I just knew I’d blown my chance.”

> After another minute or two, the buck walked off to the right and out of sight, not giving any indication at all that he’d been hit. 

> “If you leave a deer overnight here, all you recover is a skeleton and rack. The coyotes just smoke them. So we made up our mind to give him a few hours, and try to find him in the snow.”

Sure enough, they began finding blood droplets that soon turned into a good trail that led to a 193″ drop-tined monster buck! The deer was hit in the liver…. Lesson from that deal:

> TX Big Game Awards official: “If there has been a bigger one killed in TX I have never heard anything about it. That’s not to say it hasn’t happened because every deer doesn’t get entered. But as far as our current records go, it would probably be a TX record of some sort.”

> P&Y scoring chairman: “I think it is safe to say it is one of the largest bucks taken by a youth…but we can’t confirm if it is the biggest without doing a hand search of past entries. We can do that, but it will take some time. It’s a heck of a buck, for sure.”

No doubt! Gotta include this quote from a TX biologist:

> “A lot of different things have to come together for something like this to happen. First off, the animal has to exist. Then it has to walk in front of you at close range while you are in the stand.”

Tough to argue with that! 😁 Congrats Jared!

> I hiked through the loudest, crunchiest snow. I sounded like a herd of buffalo. As I snuck into the blind I saw deer were already out in the field. 

> I was shocked to find my target buck, a wide 8-point, already out in the cornfield feeding. Being the hunter and producer that night I scrambled to get my gear and cameras set up, gun loaded, and windows opened. Undetected, I was able to get a shot off and harvest my widest buck!

> The S20 will come in only 1 action length, but the rifle will be chambered in several cartridges, from .243 Win up to .300 Win Mag. All physical action dimensions will remain constant (long-­action), even when the rifle comes chambered in a short-­action cartridge. Standardizing this component has reduced manufacturing costs, and the savings are passed on to us.

> …shares the influence from the vaunted SAKO TRG 22/42 family, one of the most accurate and venerated sniper rifles…employed by various militaries around the world.

> An improvement the S20 was given is an integral scope rail. The Picatinny section of rail is machined directly into the top of the receiver, doing away with those pesky dovetailed rails normally found on SAKO and Tikka rifles.

> The S20 magazine system is comprised of 5-­ and 10-­round injection-­molded polymer magazines. Like previous Tikka offerings [SAKO’s sister brand], the magazines all have the same external dimensions.

> …ability to switch back and forth from hunting rifle to precision rifle. SAKO accomplished this by utilizing a buttstock attachment system very similar to what’s found on the SAKO TRG. Like the buttstock assemblies, SAKO has a couple different forend types for the S20.

> The trigger on the S20 is excellent. It adjusts from 2 lbs up to 4 lbs, and has no discernible creep.

> …the S20 in 6.5 Creedmoor…tested it with match ammunition and had a best 5-shot group at 100 yards measure 0.58″ with the Hornady 147-grain ELD-M. I had a 3-shot group of the same load go into a single 0.33″ hole at 100 yards….

Kinda a cool-looking gun. Rest of the review here, SAKO’s S20 page here.

> …I have a few boxes of the rounds I will be using for my hunting but no longer will I burn a box at the range in target practice. My rifles are sighted in, and the precious few rounds I do have will be used for hunting.

> With the uncertainty of purchasing ammo in upcoming months/years, many shooters are taking a hard look at the PCP airguns that are charged with high pressures…from a fill tank or compressor.

> For shooting and cleanly harvesting game with bullets, I have for years been hunting with my .45-cal Texan manufactured here in Texas by Airforce Airguns. I’ve taken countless hogs, several exotics and a couple of whitetail bucks with my Texan shooting heavy lead bullets. My Texan is capable of cleanly harvesting any big game on the continent at reasonable yardage. I keep my shots at game less than 100 yards…and to date have cleanly harvested everything I’ve shot.

> Another very good game-getter is the .50-cal Seneca Dragon Claw. …less power than the Texan and shoots bullets as well as arrows or “bolts” as they are called. I use my Dragon Claw for shooting Airbolts tipped with fixed broadheads and found it to be absolutely lethal on everything…. This rifle has cleanly taken Cape Buffalo in Africa and bison here in the US.

> The Texan sells for a tad over $1,000 and the Dragon Claw has a price tag of around $700.

> …comes with the need of some manner of supplying 3,000 psi. of compressed air. This can be done via carbon air tank, scuba tank or, even better a compact compressor that runs on either AC or DC power.

> In most instances when hunting deer or hogs, I never have to recharge the rifle on a one day hunt.

> I never plan to stop hunting with my center fire rifles, but in past years, I have also learned to enjoy hunting with the power of air.

Hmm. Maybe an excuse to get another weapon? 😁 Here’s a map of states where big-game airgunning is okay.

From @e_a_outdoors IG – anybody else seen a shed come undone that deep?

Would love to have the other side – @midwest_whitetails_1 posted:

Passed from cancer, age 49:

> Chris spent much of his life chasing whitetails across North America, especially in his home state of MI. He was the son of bowhunting legend John Eberhart, another longtime D&DH contributor. Like his dad, Chris made his mark hunting the wildest of whitetails on public lands and highly-pressured small private parcels. His contributions to the deer hunting industry are many, including as an author of numerous books, magazine articles and online content.

2. NY: Phillip Pless buck is the new state non-typ record.

> The old NY state record was a 23-point buck arrowed by Mike Giarraputo of Suffolk County in 2011. That deer’s gross score was 218 4/8″ with a net score of 210 4/8.

Phil is a disabled vet too – congrats and thanks much for your service brother!

3. IL deer harvest up this year.

> …came in at 162,575, about a 6% increase over the previous year. …compares with a total harvest for all seasons of 153,174 deer in 2019-20.

4. MA: 2nd-highest deer harvest ever?

> Although some data are still being entered, the current statewide deer harvest stands at 14,331. The previous season’s harvest was 13,891.

> “At the moment this looks like the 2nd-highest take in our history”….

5. MT might restrict non-rez DIY tags.

> 60% of the non-resident combination licenses would be reserved for applicants who will hunt with a licensed outfitter.

> Licenses that are not sold to outfitters by March 30 would then go into the general draw.

> Removes the ability for non-resident combination license cost to be adjusted annually.

> Adjusts the non-resident deer combination licenses from 4,600 to 6,600 total licenses.

6. MT bill proposes new 9-day smoke-pole season.

7. MD counties looking at COMMERCIAL harvest of wild deer??

Sounds like they either want to incentivize people to decrease the suburban deer herd or maybe don’t want to just have it as a cost?

8. UT requires “ethics course” before going shed hunting.

It’s free but…🙄 You need the certificate on you when you’re out looking for sheds.

9. MI sharpshooters will spare albino doe in deer cull.

> …an albino that has gained the adoration of the public.

O…kay?

10. IL: The Fallen Outdoors takes vets hunting.

> Their mission is ending veteran suicide.

👊 Here’s TFO’s site, love the support for our vets.

11. UT: Long-range shooting workshop in March.

VIP Precision Hunter Training Event with Christensen Arms, Swarovski Optik and FTW Ranch, Mar 23-26.

12. WY: Gunwerks has new long-range instructors.

13. Todd Wade new Pure Archery mgr for PA/MD/DE.

14. TX: Dallas Safari Club virtual convention starts soon.

Feb 11-14, register to bid in the auctions here.

15. UT/CO: 3D P&Y World Record Course is back.

Simulates the 29 Pope & Young world record shots.

16. ID getting good muley fawn recruitment.

17. WI sued over not establishing wolf season.

18. MT considering various wolf bills.

> The legislation ranges from a bill that would make trapping education mandatory for some MT residents to a bill draft that would permit the killing of wolves without a license year-round.

19. Another movie makes hunters look bad.

Not a big-time movie and guessin’ you’re not surprised, but check this out – about the movie “Run Hide Fight” (from here):

> …walking into a forest clearing where they spot a deer in the high grass. The camera cuts to a crosshair reticle showing the deer’s head peering above the grass. A breath of air is expelled followed by a loud gunshot. The deer’s head jerks back, pulling its body to the ground.

> Jane and May approached the fallen deer. Sounds of an animal whimpering can be heard and the deer’s head moves ever so slightly. Jane says to May, “There’s unfinished business you need to attend to”…. Suddenly May comes into the frame hoisting a giant rock. She lifts it over her head and throws on the deer’s skull.

🙄😡

1. PA publishes interactive CWD dashboard.

Pretty cool – you can see the state’s testing data by region, gender and source (hunter kill or roadkill). If you shot a deer in PA, you can also look up your deer’s results.

2. PA: New CWD cases were in established area.

> …the PA Game Commission since last July has tested samples from 11,373 dead deer, with 125 of those testing positive for CWD.

> Most of the deer that tested positive for CWD in the 2020-21 hunting seasons continue to be from Disease Management Area 2 in southcentral PA.

3. MN testing found low number of CWD deer.

> A total of 22 new cases of CWD were confirmed in MN’s wild deer herd out of 7,682 samples collected after the 2020 hunting seasons and early 2021 special hunts. All confirmed deer came from within current disease management zones.

> With its one-revolution CDS ZeroLock dial, you have a customizable ballistics solution at your fingertips. Simply range your target, turn the dial to that number, and aim dead on.

2. Burris Oracle-X x-bow rangefinding scope.

> …built-in laser rangefinder that can be activated with wireless remote or the range button on the scope. The aiming point will also change to stay accurate no matter where you are within the 2-7 power zoom range.

Weighs just under 2lbs 👀

3. Rambo electric bikes get upgrades.

TrueTimber camo wrap, upgraded batteries, dual 1000w motors, 14-speed internal gear hub, piston brakes, up to 80-mile range:

4. Moultrie has a new Delta cellular game cam.

32MP resolution, invisible infrared, 50% improved battery life over previous gens.

5. StealthCam Reactor wireless cam.

> This new camera is easy to setup, requires less batteries, captures premium-quality images and videos with class-leading performance and program customization anywhere/anytime.

6. 3 new Boss Buck attractants.

> …2 new premium food plot blends – Fatal Funnel and Final Destination, as well as a new Cottonseed Deer Attractant.

7. Fish Monkey gloves now has Hunt Monkey gloves.

> One of the biggest wins…is the major reduction in vibration…Prime says the 2021 flagship has 50% less vibration than previous models.

> The bow draws really smooth. You’ll feel a gradual stack on the back end of the draw cycle, and just about the time you’re expecting a sudden rollover of the cams, you hit full draw. No obnoxious bump or aggressive rollover. It’s really smooth.

> The bow is as balanced as anything you’ll ever find. It just doesn’t move when you’re on hold at full draw.

> The Parallel Cams of the Prime bows are obviously the most unique feature…. But for many the question is, What purpose do they serve? And the short answer is, the parallel cams are designed to eliminate cam lean. It helps in the way the bow tunes, shoots and performs….

> …the Swerve design built into the riser…to add stiffness to the riser. The design also helps sync the top and bottom half of the riser. The end result reduces variations in nock travel. It helps the bow work in unison, from top to bottom.

> I wasn’t sure what to think about the new grip on the Nexus. At first glance, I figured it might cause some subtle distractions in the hand. However, after spending some time with it, I’ve come to realize it’s a really nice design that fits great in the hand and was built to keep you comfortable, no matter what the weather and temperatures throw your way.

> The Prime Nexus 2 is a sweet shooter, no doubt. It’s easily one of the top 5 bows for 2021. It draws smooth and shoots quieter and more vibration-free than ever before.

Sounds nice – looks like it’ll run about $1,000.

Not RUN lol but you do have to be in some kinda shape to get up there. Petersen’s Bowhunting:

> [Ridges] give me good stand locations with dependable winds in a place where deer (especially big bucks) spend a lot of their time during legal shooting hours. 

> Ridges also are a place where mast crops drop just as farm crops are disappearing and breeding season is accelerating. Ridges provide me with places that are hard to get to (think low hunting pressure), scenic and quiet. In such places, rutting bucks feel free to romp around at ease.

> Valleys usually contain the lion’s share of deer sign (tracks, trails, rubs and scrapes). Ridges do not. Valleys are easy to access (roads, trails and flat ground can be found there). Ridges are not. Valleys usually provide many sources of rich food for deer, in the form of crops and rich browse. Ridges do not. 

> …are you hunting deer or deer sign? Deer do most of their moving under cover of darkness. So most of the sign we get excited about is laid down at night. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather spend my hunting time in an area where most of the deer (especially the old bucks) are during the day.

> …when do deer spend most of their time feeding? After dark, and we can’t hunt then, can we?

– SC hunter Gerald Murray sorta quoting 2 Corinthians 5:7 and talkin’ about how he chose the spot where he shot this incredible 12-pointer. The buck won Carolina Sportsman’s Bag-A-Buck Grand Prize:

The DeerBlaster is a weekly roundup of the best, funniest, newest and most important stuff about whitetail deer hunting – culled from around the interwebz for DIEHARD whitetail hunters and blasted into your inbox.

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