rivernut

I'll be in the area Thanksgiving. Any idea of what canyon you were in? Were you on the mountain or the foothills by the lake or farther south? I actually lost my GPS (Garmin 60) while hunting 35A out west of the lake 2 years ago. Did you scout up any bucks while you out?

Most guys at our dove hunt camp took their limit or near limit. Worked the tanks at Empire ranch. I was training my one year old GSP. She retrieved several birds in deep grass I would not have found otherwise. Yes, brought home my limit. Saw More birds than we had seen in years even after some rain in the area.

Maybe borrow a Crossbow.

Thanks for all of your opinions. Still went with the Ruger American Rifle x 30.06. Also a Redfield 3x9x40 scope. Waiting for my Free Checkpad to arrive from Ruger. I'm a happy hunter.

Great hunt with a great story.

I picked up my new Ruger American Rifle just last week.

I had some bulk SPEER/180 grain hollow points on hand for ammo. Not sure what would be the best ammo for this application, but hey I gotter done. I'm sure any good home defense load would be appropriate also. As I said this was a average size pig @ 30-35 #'s. I'm just not sure how much processed meat I will end up with. My processor wrote in 30 #'s on my paper work.

This was my first successful hunt in 6 years of trying with a handgun. I used my chritmas present, a new Ruger SR40c. First morning out I picked out a spot infront of a big bush and tree not far from a well used game trail that I had been told should be rewarding. After only a 1/2 hour of relaxing thoughts while sitting in the blind I started hearing a rustle not far away. Moments later about 8 Javi's came into the opening and I had one give me a great profile. Gave him the old double tap, he managed to run about 20 yards where he dropped. Taking down a 30-35 pound male at 10 yards with a 40 cal. handgun is just a whole bunch of fun and so self rewarding. Unfortunately for my friend, who had set up just out of view and range, went home empty handed as the herd broke and run the other way from him. Hopefully I will be getting a phone call in about 2 weeks to pick-up my Italian Suasage after processing. Maybe I will also be rewarded this fall with my first Coues deer.

I have been reading lots of reviews on the new Ruger American Rifle/30.06 for my first deer rifle. One of the main reasons this rifle appeals to me is the weight, due to a skiing shoulder injury several years ago. I don't mind the feel of the synthetic stock. I can probably put a nice Redhead (3x9x40)scope on it and be out the door for under $600.00. Have any members looked at this rifle or perhaps even tested one? Just looking for some comments from some deer experts. No, I don't think I'm looking for a rifle i will be taking those 500-800 yard shots with. http://ruger.com/products/americanRifle/models.html I'm new to this forum and just started my big game hunting this last season, Although I started pheasant/quail hunting 50 years ago and own several shotguns. I have never owned a rifle. Took my first Javelina last month with my Ruger SR40c handgun @ 10 yards.