Tag: hunting

Tips for Game Hunters

Tips for Hunting SeasonHunters in North America have generations of experience in hunting game, whether its small game or larger animals like deer, elk or bear. People hunt with rifles, handguns, muzzleloaders, bow and arrows, and even cameras. Whitetailed deer roam throughout the U.S. Some people hunt for sport while most hunt for food. Deer are located in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, but they differ in size in different areas.

Getting Prepared

Good hunters know the rules of the land long before hunting season begins. You should study safety manuals and local and state laws before setting foot in the woods. Novice hunters often get advice from their elders as well as training instructors. There is no such thing as having too much knowledge.

Know the Rules

Every state has specific laws about hunting. Game wardens protect certain areas of the land and also enforce the rules that should be observed by hunters. You should choose a location that suits your purpose while making sure it’s legal, whether it is on public or private land. Hunters planning to set up on private land must have the owner’s permission. The state must issue a license no matter what you hunt or with what type of weapon. Game Wardens also regulate the type of ammunition that can be used. Old-timers who know the rules should brush up in case of any changes in the law.

Tools

Hunters love guns and accessories, but there are more things that should be on the list to make your hunting trip a success. The list of a hunter’s tools includes the gun using (.30-30, .243 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, handgun or bow), camouflage clothing, weather-proof outer wear, compass, ammunition, food, water, cell phone, and a hunting knife, for starters. Unprepared hunters can often end up injured, missing, or worse.

Location is Everything

Animals have magnificent senses. They count on those senses to survive. Every seasoned hunter has an opinion on how to hunt deer, whether it involves stalking them in the woods or by sitting in a tree stand. Smart hunters know the lay of the land before they go out into the woods, usually in the dark. You should know how to spot and track the signs of different animals. You should learn to listen for rustling in the woods as well as knowing what sounds the animals makes. Don’t get so caught up in tracking your prey that you get lost. It is easy to get lost in the woods, especially in the winter.

Get a Hunting Buddy

Hunters often hunt alone, but it’s not a wise move. You could get injured and not make it home safely. You could break an ankle or be cornered by an animal. If you must travel alone, carry a flare gun and a cell phone to call for help. The buddy system guarantees that you can get help if needed. A buddy also makes the hunting trip more fun.

Enjoy the Experience

Experts call hunting the ultimate sport. No matter what you hunt, ensure that you practice safe habits and are using the right tools. You should never leave an injured animal to die. Most of all, enjoy the experience.

The .243 Winchester as the Ultimate Hunting Cartridge

.243 Winchester is a hunter's dream

The .243 Winchester, AKA 6×52mm,  was introduced in 1955 for its two most popular rifle models, the Model 70 bolt-action and the Model 88 lever-action. Winchester used a case from a .308 Winchester to create a bottle-necked, rimless, centerfire cartridge that was designed to control varmints. Designers reduced the case, necking it down to handle a bullet with a flat trajectory. They wanted to create something that would be able to kill larger varmints, like coyotes, that couldn’t be taken down by a .22 bullet.

An Instant Success

The .243 Win was an instant success with hunters due to its light weight. The 70 to 85 grain round proved to be perfect for varmint hunters. They needed a round that could take long-range shots, as long as 400 yards. Hunters targeting medium-sized game such as whitetail deer, coyotes, mule deer, pronghorns, and wild hogs use a 90 to 105 grain cartridge to ensure a kill. The .243 is considered to be the most popular deer hunting cartridge on the market, therefore it’s always easy to get.

Versatility

Shooters appreciate the .243 for its versatility. It is the first commercially produced round that covers both sides of game hunting. It uses soft point and power point bullets with weights ranging between 55 and 115 grains. Muzzle velocity ranges from about 2,800 feet per second (FPS) to 3,900 feet per second (FPS). The muzzle energy ranges from 1,700 to 2,600 foot pounds (ft-lbs).

.243 Winchester Ackley

Gun enthusiasts are familiar with rounds that have been altered by legendary munitions expert P.O. Ackley. Ackley was a famous wildcatter, writer and firearms expert. He was always after a larger case capacity, and began re-chambering his weapons. He used fireforming on various rounds, decreasing the body taper and increasing the shoulder angle. The result was a higher case capacity. In 1955, he created the .243 Winchester Ackley. The cartridge sported a 10% larger powder capacity with a slightly increased velocity.

Ackley opened his Oregon-based gunsmithing business in 1936. WWII interrupted the operation, and then he re-opened in Colorado in 1945. Ackley adapted over 30 rounds to meet his specifications. Some wildcatters honor Ackley by saying their creations are “Ackley Improved.”

Attributes and Benefits

Many hunters credit the round as the one used to take down their first deer. Shooters like the low recoil and low noise. It makes it easier to use for smaller or less experienced hunters to get a solid bead on their target. High accuracy made it a smart choice for the Los Angeles Police Department Special Weapons And Tactics unit to adopt shortly after it went to market.

While the .243 is popular in the U.S., internationally the round is subjected to UK’s Deer Act of 1963. The legislation restricts weapons and rounds during certain seasons. The law specifies a minimum bullet diameter of .240 inches. This makes the .243 an entry-level cartridge for legal deer-stalking. However, the .243 is available in other countries, such as Spain, where it takes the place of guns using restricted “military calibers.”