5 Tips on How to Protect Your Hunting Rifle Scope From the Elements

Just bought a hunting rifle scope and wonder how to protect it when you go on your outdoor adventures? Not sure how to do it or if you need to buy extra equipment?

Hunting isn’t a hobby you can do sitting at home where you’re protected from the elements. It’s a rugged activity where you and your equipment will be exposed to everything mother nature can throw at you.

From things like the rain, heat, or cold to accidents like dropping your rifle and scratching the lenses, there are many ways hunting rifle scopes can get damaged while you’re outside.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can protect and weather-proof your hunting rifle scope without spending a fortune or having to worry about it constantly. In this guide, we’ll teach you how to do it yourself.

5 Ways You Can Protect Your Hunting Rifle Scope

Here are five things you can do to protect your hunting rifle scope from the elements. Whether you’re using an LPVO or a simple scope, you’ll want to check these tips out.

(For more useful information about hunting rifle scopes and firearms in general, check out Shooting Mystery.)

5 Ways You Can Protect Your Hunting Rifle Scope (For more useful information about hunting rifle scopes and firearms in general, check out Shooting Mystery.)

Buy a Scope Lens Cover or Dust Cap

The most effective way to prevent your scope lenses from getting damaged is by getting a scope lens cover (sometimes called a dust cap) for both ends of the scope.

There are an unbelievable number of lens covers that you can find that will fit any size rifle scope. In fact, many rifle scope companies sell it alongside the scope.

If your scope doesn’t come with one, you can get a pair that screws on and off, pops on and off, or flips up and away from the scope’s front and rear, allowing you to push the flaps down when you’re done.

While this part is up to personal preference, the flip-up lens covers are the most convenient — no need to worry about where to store them after use.

Get a Full-Size Scope Cover

Other than the lenses, the scope’s body also needs protection. The best ones are made of a neoprene material that protects the metal parts of the scope from corrosion and scratches.

The neoprene material is usually thick enough to absorb most normal bumps and knocks it can encounter during regular use. These covers also conform tightly to the scope’s housing, providing no extra bulk.

Even if dirt does get stuck between the neoprene cover and the scope, the material’s soft nature means it won’t scratch or damage your scope.

Don’t Store the Scope Outdoors

When you’re done using your hunting rifle and scope, make sure not to leave them exposed to the elements by storing them outdoors.

Factors like humidity, temperature, water, and oxidation will damage your scope over time, especially if you live in a more humid area or near the sea.

The safest thing to do with your hunting rifle scope is to store it indoors, where it won’t be exposed to harsh conditions.

You might also want to consider getting a storage case or bag for your scope and rifle, whether you always take your scope off or keep it on your rifle after use.

Use a Sling With Your Hunting Rifle

Using a sling with a hunting rifle is highly recommended for safety and convenience reasons. It keeps your hands free if you need to do other things like grip on trees for stability or dig the bullet out of your prey’s carcass.

However, using a hunting rifle sling can also prevent damage to your scope. If you accidentally drop the rifle while holding it, the sling prevents it from hitting the ground.

Using a sling with a hunting rifle is highly recommended for safety and convenience reasons.

Imagine if you didn’t have a sling. The rifle would hit the ground hard, most likely damaging the sensitive scope, which would be a very costly mistake.

The sling allows you to be more mobile and walk freely without the rifle getting in your way while keeping it close to the body. This reduces the chances of it bumping into trees.

Clean Your Hunting Rifle Scope After Each Use

One step that can keep your hunting rifle scope looking brand new for years to come is regular cleaning. This is because your scope will be splattered with dirt, dust, moisture, and other external elements.

If you clean your scope each time after hunting and before storing it indoors (and in the case), you’ll prevent any dirt, dust, or particles from sticking to the scope.

You’ll want to remove any excess dirt particles because some are abrasive enough to scratch the material of your rifle scope, even if it’s marketed as scratch-resistant.

Just because your rifle scope is rated to be weather-resistant and scratch-resistant doesn’t mean you can be careless with it. It just means there’s a less likely chance it will get damaged if you are.

How You Can Protect the Rest of Your Rifle

While protecting your hunting rifle scope, you should also take care of the rifle it’s mounted on. Some of these tips and tricks can be done simultaneously to protect both the optic AND the weapon.

Put Muzzle Tape on Your Barrel

Your rifle’s barrel is one of the largest entry points where dirt, dust, and humidity enter. It’s also the part of the rifle most crucial to accuracy.

Having any rust or corrosion inside the barrel isn’t ideal and can lead to irreparable damage. Taping the front end of the barrel with electrical tape can help cover it up.

After shooting, the electrical tape will come off by itself. Then, Remove the extra pieces with your hands (unload the weapon first, of course).

Before you clean the gun and put it back into storage, you can put more muzzle tape again so that you don’t forget it the next time you go hunting.

Use Protective Anti-rust Coatings

Using anti-rust coatings on the outside of the rifle can help keep it rust and corrosion free. Make sure to apply these anti-rust or corrosive solvents on the outer part of your rifle.

Examples of anti-rust coatings are Rem Oil, WD-40, Kroil, and Corrosion-X. You can apply these by putting the liquids on a damp cloth and then rubbing it on your barrel’s exterior.

Disassemble and Clean After Use

You should disassemble and clean the parts of your rifle, especially after a particularly dusty, humid, or wet day in the field. You can do this as part of your end-of-day routine.

Disassembling and cleaning the rifle of all oils and grime helps, especially in icy or dirty conditions. For icy conditions, cleaning up the oil prevents it from freezing and getting too sticky.

For dirty and dusty conditions, the oil might mix with dirt and dry up as the day progresses, causing it to turn into a thick mush that will clog up your rifle.

If you’re hunting in frigid weather, consider disassembling it and leaving it in a cold but covered area. Putting it back in average temperatures might induce condensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

After learning more about how to protect your hunting rifle scope from the elements, you might have some related questions. Here are answers to the most commonly asked ones.

Can You Wrap a Scope?

You can choose to wrap your scope in vinyl skin as an additional layer of protection while you’re out and about instead of using a neoprene cover.

Most people buy it because you can choose custom designs or add camouflage to a plain-looking scope. Functionally, it can also repel some dirt and prevent rusting.

However, remember that it shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a full-size neoprene scope cover. This is because it won’t protect against any bumps or falls.

Can a Rifle Scope Go Bad?

Sometimes, the rifle scope will go bad (losing accuracy, clarity, or reliability) even if you take care of it properly. In this case, take some time to diagnose the problem before going hunting again.

If the rifle has just lost its zero, then all you need to do is zero it in again. However, if it constantly loses zero right after adjusting it, there might be another issue.

If you see fogging or liquids inside the scope, it means that the waterproofing seal has broken, and you won’t be able to trust the scope for any accurate shots.

If it makes weird sounds whenever you move it, like something is loose inside, then you’ll have to replace the scope. Check with your scope’s manufacturer for warranty claims.

Can a Rifle Scope Lose Zero?

If you miss even when your shot should be on target, the most likely cause is that your rifle scope has lost its zero. There are many reasons why a rifle scope loses zero.

Sometimes, it loses zero because of excessive recoil, improper installation, incorrect scope mounts, or because you’ve dropped the scope hard.

Some of these issues require reinstallation or even bringing it in for repairs, but you can try to zero in the rifle scope again to see if it still works well.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your hunting rifle scope from the elements isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Methods like buying covers for the scope and lenses help prevent damage in most cases.

However, the most crucial way to keep your rifle scope (and the hunting rifle itself) clean and working 100% is to clean it after every use. It might take up a bit more time out of your day, but 2-3 years down the road, your optic will look almost as fresh as the day you bought it.

Your Guide to Planning A Successful Hunting Trip

There’s something about hunting trips that’s so addictive. Spending a couple of days in nature is always something to look forward to, of course; but it’s really the thrill and the promise of success that keeps people coming back for more.

As exciting as the idea of going on a hunting trip is, though, the reality of making it happen – not so much. A lot of things need to come together to make a hunting trip work.

Venturing into the wilderness carries a high level of risk. Thus, safety must be top priority, but without sacrificing comfort and productivity. After all, nobody wants to spend several days in the wild and have nothing to show for it.

8 Useful Tips for Your Next Hunting Trip

8 Useful Tips for Your Next Hunting Trip

Hunting trips may vary in length and location, but there are certain universal truths to consider when planning a successful hunt.

No matter the game or season; guided hunting trip or not; these tips will help you make the most of your time in the great outdoors.

1. Plan ahead of time.

It’s never too soon to start preparing for an upcoming hunt. You can use the off-season to inspect, clean, and fix your equipment; renew or apply for hunting licenses; or brush up your shooting skills.

It’s also a good idea to create a checklist and start packing your gear weeks before your trip, so you have time to address any issues that come up and make sure nothing important gets left behind.

2. Pick your prey.

 You need to decide what animal you want to hunt early on for a number of important reasons. Your choice of prey will determine the location, cost, and length of your trip, and also influence the type of equipment you need.

Once you’ve set your mind on an animal, you can then work on improving your hunting technique to increase your chances of success. This is particularly important if you’re hunting larger prey like deer and bears.

3. Decide on a hunting location.

After you’ve decided on a target, it’s time to pick a location. When choosing a hunting location, you need to take into account your budget, the available accommodation, the terrain, and if you need to hire a hunting outfitter.

Also, do some research on what other hunters have to say about your chosen location. Did they have a pleasant time? Is there anything in particular that you need to prepare/watch out for? Have many of them had success? If many of them went home empty-handed, you might want to check out other locations.

Behind every successful hunt is a well-thought-out route and hunting strategy.

4. Map the terrain.

Now that you’ve picked a location, you’ll want to get a detailed look of the terrain – especially if you’re hunting somewhere new. Behind every successful hunt is a well-thought-out route and hunting strategy.

You don’t have to personally visit the location to map the terrain. You can simply go online and look up other people’s detailed plans, recommendations, first-hand accounts of their experiences in the area. Every bit of information you gather will get you one step closer to success.

5. Prepare required permits and licenses.

Hunting laws vary by location, so make sure to check for required permits and licenses, especially if you’re planning to hunt overseas. Note important details like the duration of the validity of a hunting license and if there are any limits in the number of animals you can take per day.

Hunting violations can get very expensive. That said, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the local wildlife agency if you have any questions regarding the rules and regulations. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right?

6. Test your hunting gear and equipment.

Before embarking on a hunting trip, it’s only natural to check that you have all the necessary equipment and that they are in perfect working condition.

Most importantly, keep in mind that the quality of your equipment has a great influence on the outcome of your trip. As such, it will do you a lot of good to avoid low-cost hunting knives and weapons. Their lack of quality might end up jeopardizing the hunt or – worse – put you (or other people) in dangerous situations.

7. Brush up on safety rules.

Having safety precautions in place is crucial during a hunting trip. Even experienced hunters can lose focus and let their guards down, so see to it that everyone is aware and on the same page when it comes to safety rules and regulations.

Groups with inexperienced hunters will have to double down on their safety guidelines. Make sure everyone knows how to use their weapons properly. If you must, impose consequences for breaking safety rules, so nobody takes them lightly.

Having safety precautions in place is crucial during a hunting trip.

8. Check the weather and dress appropriately.

This should have been a no-brainer but, believe it or not, a lot of people fail to check the weather before a hunting trip. While a little rain is no reason to abandon your plans, a little preparation will go a long way – especially when you’re camping out in the middle of the woods.

Also, invest in good hunting boots and wool socks. High-quality wool socks will keep your feet dry and comfortable, allowing you to walk longer distances.

Should you hire a hunting outfitter?

Hunting guides and outfitters are essential to the success of your hunting trip, even more so if it’s your first time to hunt in the area or you’re hunting a game you’re not very familiar with.

Hunting outfitters will make your hunting trip much more convenient and enjoyable. They’ll arrange the details of your trip, locate the best places for hunting, secure the necessary licenses and permits, transport your hunting equipment, and even help you process the animals, in the event of a successful kill.

Hunting guides and outfitters are essential to the success of your hunting trip

Moreover, experienced outfitters know the hunting grounds like the back of their hands and have a vast understanding of guns and the ammunition needed for different types of targets. Their expert guidance and advice could mean the difference between a frustrating and rewarding hunting experience.

Must Have Items to Take Hunting

If you do not have the items you need to get through the day, hunting can be tricky! There are the normal things you need to have on hand like rifle magazines, snacks, extra water, or a small first aid kit. But what are some things you may need that you would not normally think to pack? Forgetting the small things is so easy to do, but it can make a significant impact on the experience you have on your trip. Save yourself some grief and be sure to include the following five things in your hunting pack.

 Must Have Items to Take Hunting

Decoys

Just the thought of lugging around an extra bag or crate of decoys can feel frustrating. However, having a few on hand can increase the amount of game you see in your crosshairs. Either those of deer or of fowl, are made of light materials, but they help your prey feel safer in the area you set the decoy. An important tip to remember is to set the decoy upwind from where you will be. This will help keep your scent from flowing towards the decoy and tipping off the prey of your whereabouts. Decoys look interesting and cause the hunted animals to be curious about who the decoy is (are they from my herd or somewhere else?). If you want to make decoys extra effective, you can purchase decoy smells to add, further luring out the hunted prey. The sense of smell is one that animals rely heavily upon, so adding this layer to your decoys can further increase your daily yield.

Laundry Detergent

You may not think about doing laundry before or after your hunting escapade, but you will if it means further disguising yourself from the animal you are hunting. Wildlife Research Center’s Super Charged Scent Killer Clothing Wash is one of the many options available to kick the nasty scent of “human.” There are body sprays and the like that you can keep in your pack for your trip. However, you will be adding a layer of smell protection when using the detergent, as your clothes will not smell like you, and they will trap in some of the odors that typically emanate from your body. Taking advantage of this will keep animals from suspecting you. Try washing your clothes in a scent killer laundry detergent and you will not be disappointed.

Trail Cameras

If you are new to the hunting scene, you may have never heard of or thought of setting up cameras around where you will have your hunting stand. At face value, this sounds like a lot of work for an unknown yield. However, they can help you keep an eye on your prey, even from a distance. Trail cameras are made rugged so that you can even consider putting them up for extended periods of time, no matter the weather. This gives you the opportunity to plan your hunting patterns on the grazing patterns of your prey. This allows you to create hunting locations based on the areas the animals frequent most. If you have been struggling with your tracking, if you are wanting to bag a certain amount or a specific animal, trail cameras can help you make better plans and properly execute those plans. Investment of time and money will serve you well. Do not let the novelty and the time commitment discourage you from using this helpful tool!

Surveyor’s Tape

Surveyor’s tape or another brightly colored tape or tie off will serve you well in the field. When you make a shot, you want to know you can gather your kill without getting lost in the woods. It can be easy to do, thinking you are on the correct trail then lose sight of both your kill and your stand. This can lead to you heading home emptyhanded. Avoid this tragedy by keeping surveyor’s tape in your pack to brightly mark where you have been. As you follow the blood trail or your trajectory path, put some of the tape on a nearby tree or other standing structure. This will guarantee that you can make it back to your starting point. If you lose track of your kill, you can also go back to the last place you were sure you were on the right track and continue the search from there. Having tape on your person can prove helpful in other situations, too, where you need to tape something back together or ensure you do not lose an item. Brightly colored tape can also be used as a signal to other hunters or emergency personnel in emergencies.

Zip ties

This may be a surprising suggestion, but zip-ties can serve many uses in the field. If you need to attach an extra item to your pack or if a zipper happens to break, zip ties can help you fix that! They can also be useful in tagging your kill or binding up their extremities for easier carry. Zip ties can also be used to help you mark your trek if you run out of or have forgotten your surveyor’s tape. Also, they can help you tie back branches that may be problematic when aiming or looking through your scope. Zip ties are cheap and are easy to use. They are even easier to take apart when you are done with them; just cut them!

Some items on this list may not be what you initially think of when you imagine packing for a hunting trip. However, thinking outside of the box with these items can help you better bag your prey, keep on the trail, and go home successfully. Why work harder when you can work smarter with things like decoys, scent killing detergent, trail cameras, surveyor’s tape, and zip ties? Make it easier for yourself and keep these items in your pack and encourage others to do the same. What are some other out of the box items you like to keep on you?

Hunting Big Game with the AR – Is It the Right Choice?

The AR is a proven hunting option. While many felt it was underpowered and out of place for years, it has become one of the most popular hunting options because of its versatility and multi-use capabilities.

With the availability of a wide selection of upper receivers, you can custom tailor the AR platform to hunting large game with little more than a headspace gauge and a conversion kit. 

unting Big Game with the AR - Is It the Right Choice?

The question remains however – for a rifle that at times was not seen as a perfect fit for hunting, is the AR the right choice for going after very large game? Sure, it’s one thing to take deer from 100lbs to 350 lbs., but is the AR the optimal choice for hunting anything bigger?

Maybe it’s better stated: is it the right choice for you, and what are the parameters of a large game-capable AR build? This article will discuss those parameters and aims to help you decide if it makes sense. 

Did you bring enough gun?

An AR is a gun that isn’t based on a monolithic platform – it’s held together basically by two pins and there is inevitably some play between the two receiver groups.

It’s not necessarily designed for accuracy or long-range precision – even if it doesn’t suffer any major shortcomings with regards to accuracy or precision as a result of not being purpose-built for it. There are also a wide variety of riflescopes designed specifically for hunting with built in holdovers and ranging for the perfect first shot.

Rifle Scopes

With that in mind – it’s not a platform made to handle extremely large cartridges that are capable of taking the largest game animals in the world. But it is also no slouch.

With the “inert” lower receiver setup and a design that focuses recoil forces and pressure into suitable areas of the firearm, you can basically put any cartridge on top of that lower receiver, if you can figure out how to make it fire.

Some time back you could find bolt action upper receivers (mostly received as a novelty) with huge cartridges at the center of the build. 

Even today, you can find very capable rounds like the .300 Winchester Magnum mated to the AR lower. A .300 Winchester Magnum is capable of reliably taking 95%+ of all game types (including dangerous game), in North America under certain conditions.

This article isn’t about a single one-off build, though, it’s more about what the AR can do in a mainstream capacity when it comes to large game targets in North America. Is it enough gun? 

The AR has come a long way in the last 15 years – you can pretty much mount whatever you want on top of a lower receiver

The AR is no longer tied exclusively to the .223 Remington and 5.56×45 (which by the way ARE NOT the same cartridge – you should only fire the .223 out of a.223 or a 5.56 marked barrel or a barrel capable of firing the .223; you SHOULD NOT fire a 5.56 cartridge out of a .223 marked barrel). In this market, you can get more than a dozen, now mainstream loads in an upper receiver build. 

In the case of the premise of this article – below are some compelling options for large game that still fall into the mainstream category and seem reasonable for game animals up to 750 lbs. (and even beyond under certain conditions).

While that size may seem large, it is not a comprehensive indicator that any large game can be taken with the AR platform. One could argue that any cartridge could kill any animal with the right shot placement – but that’s why we don’t judge the dispatching capabilities of a cartridge, or a firearm based on perfect conditions and placement – no one is going to get a perfect shot very often.

Is the cartridge able to comprehensively and cleanly dispatch an animal you intend to target with it? No matter how fast or how close you are to the target, a 55 grain bullet (like used in some mainstream loads for the .223) is not a reasonable bullet to use while hunting a 1,000 lbs. animal. 

6.5 Grendel

A very compelling option for the hunter that wants to shoot big game up to 600 lbs and up to 600 yards. Which seems like a very robust sweet spot. Sub MOA accuracy to 550+ yards and capable of putting significant payload on target at distance with the projectiles ranging from 90 grains to 139 grains, generally.

The option to have such an accurate load shooting out of a 16” or 18” or 20” barrel makes it a nice option to have. 

It shouldn’t be confused with the 6.5 Creedmoor. It’s built for intermediate ranges and slightly beyond, where the Creedmoor is really built for longer ranges. The cartridge is shorter than the Creedmoor.

You can get more out of a shorter barrel when you are comparing apples to apples between the cartridges in the case of the 6.5 Grendel. It’s a lot of bang for your buck if you don’t need 850+ yard capabilities.

accuracy to 550+ yards

.224 Valkyrie

A wind-cutting and highly performant round that offers exceptional retained velocity on target – albeit with a smaller grain weight than some of the options here. Offerings include a 60 grain, 75 grain and 90 grain variant.

The higher velocity on point of impact and the extreme value of the projectile/round comparatively to the 5.56/.223 means that better terminal ballistics will provide better results in the field on bigger game. You could expect to take animals at up to 650 yards; up to about 400 lbs., reasonably. 

A 5.56x45mm or a .223 Remington could be expected to perform on targets to 350 lbs. out to 350 yards or so, reasonably. Again, these are not the far reaches of the extreme parameters, but rather the realistic field performance under a variety of different conditions, if the shooter is experienced and understands the way the round and the firearm behave together. 

6.8SPC

The 6.8SPC, like the 6.5 Grendel was made for military purposes and made to shine in a terminal channel that focuses on intermediate energy at intermediate ranges. It compares favorably to the .308 in that regard, under certain conditions. This, with a smaller overall length and a small caliber bullet. 

Nevertheless, you can still get fantastic ballistic results with grain weights from 80 grains to 120 grains. It is a fantastic round for ranges up to 450 yards and for targets up to 600 lbs. These are sweet spot numbers, not extreme capabilities. 

.300 BLK

A versatile round for deer sized game, the round offers some incredible suppression capabilities in a subsonic load. However, this load is only really suitable out to about 175 yards before you have to factor in some heavy drop considerations. 

Interestingly, though, the full powered supersonic round offers much more capability, pushing it out to 75%+ of the operating terminal range of the .308 Winchester (approximately).

This makes it capable of dispatching 500lb+ game at 450yards or thereabouts. 

.300 HAM’r

Another tack driver, the .300 HAM’r is a viable cartridge for intermediate game and the lower end of the larger game spectrum. It has a very broad range from coyotes, to hogs, to deer, to elk, goats and rams.

It’s probably at the extreme end of performance when stalking something bigger than a medium sized Elk. The round is certainly capable of 1 MOA accuracy to 650 yards and probably capable of taking 550+ lb. game targets, consistently. 

More loads should be coming to the market soon enough and with the favorable comparisons to the 7.62×39 and the .300BLK in supersonic configuration, this is a viable round for moderate and large game targets. 

.350 Legend

The only real drawback to the .350 Legend is the range, comparative to other options on this list. As a standalone option, the range isn’t a factor – as the cartridge was developed to achieve different tasks than the cartridges we have listed above.

The .350 Legend is an interesting option more in the vein of a .30-30, where you can squeeze excellent ballistics out of a shorter cartridge, with a hefty projectile that makes it very performant in a brush-heavy environment. 

You can expect to get excellent capabilities on target out to 225-250 yards and to take game targets of more than 700 lbs. Under normal considerations and can expect great dense brush environment performance. 

The stubbies (.458 SOCOM, .450 Bushmaster & .50 Beowulf)

Along the same lines as the .45-70 GOVT, but out of a 16” barrel, and channeling some of the concepts of the .350 Legend. 

These are doorbusters in the Law Enforcement communities, perfect for shooting through cover. In that same way, they are performant in heavy brush areas as well. 

If you could stalk the largest animals in North America to 125 yards or thereabouts, you should be confident in these rounds being able to dispatch the largest dangerous game on the continent. A 1000 lbs target is reasonable at that range.

Probably the sweet spot for the cartridges is about 50-125 yards and 800-1k lb. targets. 

The Mainstream 308 pattern AR platform options

Again, there are many calibers you can “bolt onto” an AR, especially when you add the extra robust nature of the larger .308 platform variant, but the most mainstream options offer compelling choices for those who want to take a larger range of big game with more confidence and better on-target ballistics – given certain parameters.

Some of the smaller cartridges above compete favorably with the two options listed below, but they do not have the same powder behind the shot to begin with, which can add a lot of value with certain ranges, game types and conditions. 

6.5 Creedmoor

The fact that the 6.5 Creedmoor requires the larger AR308/AR10 platform doesn’t take much away from the extreme capabilities of the cartridge. 

The 6.5 Creedmoor is purpose-built to drive tacks. Up to and including ranges of 1,000 yards. That’s extreme range for a cartridge that utilizes the two part core build of the AR platform. It is also utilizing a significant amount of powder behind a decently sized projectile (e.g. 120 grains, and 143 grains). 

Did you bring enough?

The combination of this extreme precision and the intermediate projectile heft means the 6.5 Creedmoor is capable of dispatching larger game easily. Certainly, a game target up to 750 lbs under realistic conditions is a potential target that could be reasoned. Because of the amount of retained velocity and ultimately, the retained energy as a result, at point of impact, this is a significant option for further targets. 

Would it be a no-brainer on 1k lbs. moose or a grizzly? Not necessarily, but for a wide range of big game, including ram and goats (notoriously tough targets) on distant rocky hillsides, the 6.5 Creedmoor is a realistic long-range option. 

.308 Winchester

The .308 is by no means obsolete – that is a proven fact. But there is a bit of pressure on the round when compared to some of the innovative cartridges developed over the past decade that compete very favorably in certain conditions or for certain tasks.

The availability of cartridges and specific variability of the hunting loads for the .308 Winchester makes it a cartridge that won’t be obsolete for a very long time. 

You can find loads that shoot a 55 grain projectile and some that fire a projectile of more than 200 grains. Given the powder capacity of the case and the wide availability of components, this is still a legitimate hunting round even if it acts more like a “Jack of all trades” rather than a specialty cartridge relative to market competitors. 

What are your state and local jurisdiction regulations regarding minimum caliber and platform for hunting of game?

You must understand your local and state regulations with regards to minimum calibers and “appropriate” calibers or cartridges for the game targets you seek.

Some of these may not be suitable for game in your jurisdiction based on the letter of the law. There is no excuse not to know these regulations – please protect yourself by understanding the specifics in your area.

Are you all squared away on the regulatory aspects?

  • What are the kill zones on the animal?
  • What is the effective range of the load you are bringing?
  • What does the terrain look like and will it impact your shots?
  • Do you need glass on your gun?
  • Are there some esoteric cartridge or bullet limitations you need to be aware of?
  • Are you familiar with the traffic and locations of what is behind your point of aim?

Having said all that – the AR is a fantastic moderate and big game gun, depending on the specific hunt and the specific buildout

In all fairness, the AR platform is most well suited to small and intermediate game targets, with the capability of being built as a longer range, larger game type of rifle. Parts, components and sets including full rifles and upper receiver conversions can make the AR into a special kind of rifle for hunting game of all types. 

It’s about the most perfect option if you desire a multi-use firearm, or need to be able to move up and down the game target spectrum throughout the seasons without having to outfit several different firearms.  

Last minute considerations

  • Knowing the distance can be helpful – but knowing the drops in elevation and the terrain can be even more helpful as in certain calibers, the AR may not be suitable for certain shots or game at certain distances, or when wind directions are changing or drifts are coming from multiple places
  • The .223/5.56 is not super effective in heavy brush or woodlands where a shot needs to be taken through dense foliage
  • The maximum range for a large animal on the smaller caliber builds should be determined before your hunt, and you should decline a shot that isn’t likely to be a lethal one. This could mean limiting a shot to 150 yards in some cases for a .223, a cartridge that normally could be well suited far beyond that and even past double that distance. This may be due to wind conditions, brush conditions, drop of bullet or makeup of the load. Generally, this is an effective cartridge in mainstream hunting loads to 225-250 yards, but most shots would be reconsidered past 250 yards unless conditions dictate an obvious terminal shot.
  • Velocity can be a massive equalizer. If you have a short range shot on a bigger animal, and can get a legitimate breadbasket or other terminal shot, the elevated velocity can have a dramatic positive impact on the terminal ballistics in a real-world way.
  • Don’t go cheap on ammunition on a hunt for big game with small caliber rifles – buy premium ammunition matched closely to your target. 
  • Don’t do unrealistic things like hunt moose with a .223 at 350 yards just because the regulations don’t specifically tell you that you cannot. That’s not the type of thing that makes sense. It is poor sportsman behavior, and is detrimental to the view of AR hunting, and especially to the wildlife conservation and protection concepts. 
  • Yes, somewhere there is a story of just about every animal being killed with a .22LR regardless of size or aggressiveness, but that doesn’t mean it makes sense to do so when you don’t have to. Do your best to exercise exceptional judgment during a hunt.
  • Consider the build of the firearm you are bringing. If you are shooting a 7.5” barrel and trying to harvest a large buck at 225 yards, it’s not a good fit for the situation. 

The idea that the AR was once seen as a slightly anemic rifle in the hunting world, and largely relegated to the target range in many hunter’s minds, seems absurd at this point. But with the proliferation of the parts and components and upper receiver conversion kits and a healthy dose of AR-centric ballistic innovation (thanks to the market popularity of this modular powerhouse), this is the rifle of choice for many hunters now. 

If you pay close enough attention to how you outfit your AR rifle, you can build it to do just about anything in the field against any target, up to and including some dangerous big game animals in North America – certainly it is more than capable of use on 90%+ of the game spectrum in North America. 

Thermal Scopes or Night Vision for Hog Hunting with an AR-15

The AR-15; a limitless weapon designed to be the ultimate survival tool. This weapon has endless ways you can configure it so that it best fits you and your style of competition or hunting. Today we will be looking at the best way to set it up for hog hunting during the nighttime.

Which would you use, Thermal Scopes or Night Vision for Hog Hunting?

Hogs are wild animals, and as such, they are exceptionally good at camouflage. This is especially true during the night. Having a quality thermal scope or night vision apparatus to use when hunting. Scopes, especially thermal ones, are some of the most popular things marketed towards hunters.

With so many options, it can be difficult to decide where to start. What should you look for in a scope when preparing to hog hunting?

Do you need accessories?

If you use more modern thermal scopes that are on the market, you may need to have an addition accessory, such as a colored light, attached to your weapon. The color of the light you add to your weapon can have a tremendous effect on how the hogs react to you.

Red and green lights typically do not create a reaction in hogs and are the best ones to use when you are hunting in predictable places such as at the watering hole or around feeders. If you want to avoid having to mount a light on your AR-15, you can put automatic or remote-controlled lights on the hog feeders or around where you know you will be frequenting during your hunt.

If you do choose to mount a light to your weapon, you will want to be sure you have a handguard to allow for mounting accessories. There are many options for handguards on the market.

What Is the Price of Entry?

Price is not always indicative of what you will receive in a product. With thermal optics, however, you get what you pay for. Quality thermal optics can assist you in hunting from upwards of 400 yards or more away.

Quality thermal optics

This is a fantastic tool to have while hunting at night, as you will be able to sneak up on hogs more easily and you can be sure you are a safe distance away in the case of a stampede or something similar. A quality thermal scope can also help you hunt the hogs when they begin to run.

A downside to using thermal scopes at a distance is that they can play tricks on your eyes. From far away, a pile of large rocks can look eerily like a heard of hogs.

There are ways to ensure you are looking at the right thing and are not trying to hunt something that is not there, but it is an issue you need to be aware of in your hunting endeavors.

What Are the Types of Night Vision?

The best way to figure out what you prefer is to try out many different tools before purchasing your own or deciding on what you want to use the most. Many prefer to use traditional night vision, the kind that you automatically think of when you hear the words “night vision.”

It is a great military technology that has been made available to civilians and using it can help you see why it is so widely used. Traditional night vision uses infrared technology and a variety of combinations of lasers and illuminators. These can become just as pricey as thermal optics with light accessories, but you have the advantages of knowing the traditional night vision works (thank you to our military!), and you can purchase them from several manufacturers for a price in the $3,000 range.

 the advantages of knowing the traditional night vision works

The best part of traditional night vision is that you can mount these goggles to your AR-15 or to a helmet. Having them on a helmet gives you the added benefit of being able to travel around whilst looking for hogs.

How Heavy Is the Set Up?

As with any accessory you put on your weapon, you will want to be keeping in mind how heavy the attachment is. If you are planning to stay in one place while hunting, weight may not matter as much as it would if you are going to be moving around in search of your prey.

Keep this in mind as you modify your AR-15 to meet any standards you have for your new hog hunting hobby.

If you are looking to get involved in hog hunting and are worried about needing to purchase extras for your AR-15 to do its magic, do not fear. The same things that make the AR-15 a great home defense or three-gun competition rifle make it a great hog hunting gun, as well.

The qualities that make this weapon an excellent choice for a myriad of uses include that it is light, accurate, and easy to move from target to target. If you are looking to begin hog hunting or have noticed a few hog “friends” in your back yard that need some taming, look no further than your gun closet. All you need is a new optic to get you started.

In the world of optics, there are many options to choose from. It can quickly become overwhelming trying to figure out what works best for you. Testing out the night vision optics in store or having a friend who will let you test out theirs is the best way to get your foot in the door before making the commitment and purchasing one.

Whether you choose to go with a newer scope or the more traditional night vision, you will want to be sure to choose a night vision that works well for you. It will help you find your prey, capture them, and bring home the bacon, pork tenderloin, and other things you may enjoy from your hog hunt.

If it looks overwhelming at first, do not worry too much. Keeping in mind your price range, the type of night vision you prefer, and the weight of the accessory will help get you farther than you expect in choosing your scope.

Duck Hunting Strategies: 7 Benefits Of Using Camo Nets

A camouflage net is a light net used primarily for concealing and giving a natural look to you and your gear. Camo nets are an essential tool in the duck hunting experience. They could give you an edge over other hunters in any environment.

 camouflage net
Texture military camouflage net hiding shelter in the forest. Day

Here are seven benefits of using a camo net for hunting ducks:

1. Weather Protection

If you’re into duck hunting, then you probably know that the prime duck season is during autumn and winter. This is when most birds begin to migrate to warmer regions. When the weather is wet and windy, ducks usually become more active. You’ll agree that it can be quite a thrill when there’s duck movement during a hunt.

A good camo net can protect you from the many elements you’re exposed to while you hunt. But this is provided you get it from professional suppliers. You could look around and compare options from outlets like Camo Netting Store and many others like them.

2. Optimal Hunting Position

One of the secrets of a successful duck hunting expedition is knowing where to find a paddling of ducks. However, knowing the right hunting spot is nothing without a proper strategy. Once you’ve found the ducks’ assembly place, you have to be well camouflaged, if you want to be successful at catching them.

Without camouflage, ducks could see you and make your hunting experience a stress. Using camo netting, however, allows you to move closer to almost any paddling without worrying about being spotted. If you don’t blend well with the natural environment, you could easily scare away your prey.

3. Protection For Your Hunting Gear

Sometimes you may need to take a little boat ride to get closer to your potential catch. When you go out on your boat, you have to deal with possibly unpleasant elements like water, the sun, and the wind.  These could mess up with your gear, if it’s not safely secure and protected. And that’s when camo nets come in handy.

You can use a camo net to protect your supplies when you’re out on the water. The nets can also be used to give your boat a natural look which could act as a disguise when you draw closer to the ducks.

If you need to cover your boat, you have to make sure you get a length that covers its entirety. If it’s for hunting gear protection, just make sure you have enough length to cover all of it.

Camo Netting
Decoy Ducks Hunting Equipment at Fishing Boat

4. Portability

Going duck hunting with heavy gear might be a turn off for most. If you use a heavy net, it might prove difficult to use–– but you probably already know this.  You’d want to use netting that’s easy to handle.

Camo netting is light and portable. You can fold and pack it in your backpack, for easy carriage. Any support could easily hold camo netting, for whatever purpose you desire. Quality camo netting is resistant to different conditions such as water, so you don’t have to worry about water absorption, which could make it heavy and hard to carry.

5. Durability

If you choose good quality camo material, it could serve you for several seasons. Some are, in fact, reinforced with anti-tear material that prevents them from ripping. If your camo net is ultraviolet- or UV-treated, you can be sure it won’t fade out easily.

UV-treated nets also have the advantage of preventing the sun’s glare. Remember, if you create a glare, your prey will be out paddling away in no time. Camo netting is also typically mold-resistant and waterproof. This is a perfect quality for duck hunting, which happens in or by the water.

6. Variety

There are hundreds of camo nets available out there, which can be an advantage for you. The beauty of it is that you can always choose camo netting that’s ideal for the environment in which you’re hunting.

The nets can have green and brown colorways, or blue and grey. There are many different designs and colorways. You could also get different textures including 3D, which could be perfect camouflage for blending well in any environment.

7. Accessibility

You can easily purchase camo nets online or in selected outlets. Just make sure you buy the right quality so you can get value for your money. Also make sure the one you choose, at least, has all the advantages discussed here.

Conclusion

Shooting your next meal can be fun and exhilarating, but only if you have all your gear and other accessories handy. Camo nets are indeed a necessity when duck hunting. They provide the perfect cover and stealth you need for getting close enough to catch your prey. Camo nets are also versatile, durable, and accessible. It’s an easier way to go duck hunting.

 

Essential Best Gear List for Outdoor Hunting

Whenever you plan outdoors for your hunting, you will need some critical hunting gear during your trip. For hunting, You should never set out to your hunting destination without complete preparation. However, your head into the great outdoors, you should always want the best, although planning for the worst-case scenario.

This is to make certain that in the event of an emergency. In case of any emergency, you are ready to take action to make sure you survive. However, you are miles into the wild with not only your prey but also a vast quantity of predators; you must keep in mind the possibility.

It is not a wonder that the hunting industry is raining strong and ever-growing. The vast amount can see that of new gear that is sold with every hunting season. Although, all frequently, it appears as if product development occurs far quicker than we can keep up.

Here in this article, there is a guide to all essential hunting equipment to take them with the hunting season. From standard accessories to something as important as your gun, and vortex crossfire ii-4-12×44 is also the most common essential of the hunting trip. Anyhow, we have a long list of equipment to prepare.

List of gear for Outdoor Hunting

Here is the list of that gears

  1. Boots
  2. Backpack
  3. Water
  4. Binoculars
  5. Headlamp
  6. Riflescope
  7. Knife
  8. Hunting license
  9. MAP/Compass
  10. Tent/shelter

Boots:

The most important hunting gear boots. Whenever you are certainly going to need a good set of boots, with the menace of cold and vesicles, if you find yourself in a poor pair of boots during hunting, then you are more than likely going to find your hunting excursion to end quite fastly.

It would be best if you kept in your mind that good boots will cost you, but one thing remembers that you are going to get what you pay for. Because a good pair of boots will give you comfort.

There is one reason that hunting boots are the first and important thing on the list. It does not matter if you are duck hunting or tracking down. Your choice of boots can make or break your hunt. For this important notice, we have created a full buyer guide and this article will guide about the essential gears for hunting.

Backpack:

Besides boots, a good backpack can be the difference in being able to hike for miles or a day. The hunting trip will rely on your backpack far more, and just like your boots. A great backpack will certainly set you back a little financially, but there again, you are going to get what you pay. Whenever you are looking for a good or a good pack for hunting, you need to find something that is light in weight and suitable for comfort and a waist strap.

Water:

The other important and essential gear of hunting is water. Water should be at the peak of your list because, in terms of importance, the water is not only to hold you hydrated but also to keep you alive in the event of an emergency. This is something thstĺ you should invest your money in when you first decide to hunt. Its strength is the first thing you should buy. There are several options, but here are a few.

Trail Camera:

Trail cameras assist hunters keep track of games over long periods. The hunter also cannot follow its prey constantly, so the camera chooses up the slack. It uses movement detection to discover when large animals have reached and creates an image with the date and time.

This knowledge is used to help hunters plan and build their hunting patterns. A trail camera is generally a remote camera placed by a hunter to avoid disturbing nearby prey.

Binocular:

A binocular will come in helpful for spotting that deer a football field away, or if you are on very high ground and want to scope out the from afar. Vortex crossfire is a very trusted brand and probably seen as one of the more popular choices.

Riflescope:

Each hunter needs a rifle scope for their trip. A powerful rifle permits very few shots to strike the target when hunting. Shooting a gun needs immediate precision, so it is wise to use a scope to make sure the most accurate images at larger distances.

To place the shot, the viewfinder reveals a reticle. These may vary in design, and some permits for bullet drop compensation, windage compensation, and distance ranging. Vortex crossfire 1-3×90 rifle scope is very important for every hunter. The scope is attached to the rifle with extra equipment, and this process may alter the weight.

Conclusion:

When you are out in the forest, and all you have to rely on for vestige is what is in your hunting gear, you want to bring what is necessary. And it would help if you carried essential equipment with you for your trip, especially without having extra weight. There are recommended best essential equipment lists that every hunter must need if you’re planning for hunting. In this article, we will lead you and tell you the most critical and essential equipment list.

 

5 Must-Have Hunting Tools You Need To Prepare Before The Next Hunt

You have an upcoming hunt and it’s time to prepare. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hunter, a male hunting enthusiast or a woman hunter, it’s important to bring the right hunting tools and gears. Wrong choices can spell the difference between a successful and a failed hunting adventure. Researching ahead of time is, therefore, crucial.

5 Must-Have Hunting Tools You Need To Prepare Before The Next Hunt
Hunter and hunting dogs chasing in the wilderness

There are certain tools and gears that should really make the cut in your list of must-haves. Take a look at them below.

  1. Hunting Backpack

A hunting backpack is just what you need if you want to take that next big step into hunting. First of all, hunting backpacks are designed for one purpose only, and it’s for hunters to have the best quality equipment on them for whatever they’re doing, and hunting in a backpack lets them do just that. They’re also designed to be lightweight and easy to pack away in your vehicle.

A hunting backpack is perfect for someone who doesn’t want to feel like a wimp while hunting. It’s also perfect for those that don’t have the physical strength to carry around all of their equipment. There’s no need to spend hours and days carrying around the same gun, gear, and clothing every time you go out and go hunting. Hunting backpacks are designed to take everything you need for the entire hunting session in a compact manner. The backpack will be big enough to hold everything necessary for you to successfully hunt, but small enough to fit you comfortably and give you the mobility you need.

2. Electronic Hunting Call

If you want to attract an animal when hunting, there’s no better way to do it than to trick the creature into thinking it’s approaching one of its own prey or species in distress. You can lower the guard of an animal on top of attracting the creature to you when you use an effective hunting call. If you’re a photographer, getting a photo becomes easier. If you’re purely a hunter, it becomes possible to get a good shot.

Note that hunting calls actually come in several variations. Some are operated using breath, creating an elk’s bleat or duck’s quack. Others are using specialty rattles to create noise similar to what antlers make when they’re clattering as their bucks tussle. If you’re looking at snow geese for your next hunt, check out Decoy Pro and its guide on how to make a snow goose electronic caller.

Remember that using electronic hunting calls effectively takes practice and patience. If you improperly use these devices, it can scare an animal away instead of attract it.

3. Hunting Binoculars

What’s the significance of a hunting binocular?  This item is used by hunters in order to see their target and track it down. Without a hunting binocular, hunters will have a very hard time locating their target. Most hunters don’t really understand the significance of this device. They’ll only realize its importance when they’re already out hunting for their next kill. With a hunting binocular, hunters can have a clear view of their target and are able to make better shots than they could without it.

The importance of a hunting binocular when hunting should never be underestimated. If you want to get the most out of your hunting trip, you’ll want to invest in a great hunting product like this one.

4. Rifle Scope

There are many rifle scopes available for hunters today. You just need to know what to look for and where to start looking. If you’re going hunting in the woods, you should definitely have a rifle scope with an adjustable reticule. The great thing about this scope is that you can adjust it at any time during the day or night so that you can find the perfect spot to shoot in. If you’re hunting in a small area, then, you should also have a scope that’s made for the purpose. You don’t want to go hunting in a big field only to find out that the scopes in there don’t do what you want them to.

Having the proper scopes for your hunting needs will pay off for you in the long run.

5. Hunting Knife

A hunting knife has many functions other than the simple cutting and skinning of the prey. There are many types of hunting knives: the Bowie knife, the buck knife, the folding hunter knife, and the hunter butterfly knife, among many others.

Hunting knives are very important, whether you’re using a rifle or crossbow for hunting. They’re used to ensure that there’s no confusion during the entire hunting process, and that the hunting and skinning go smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Most people who go hunting have no idea what tools they must bring with them. Hunting is such a specialized activity that it’s important to make sure you have everything in your toolbox that you can use to make sure you don’t mess up your hunt. You wouldn’t want to waste all your time and ammunition and end up not getting a successful kill because you don’t have the right tools with you. This could end up costing you more money than intended.