Bucket List

by Jared, Friday, October 17, 2014, 21:42 (3630 days ago) @ Dave B

So, there have been some friends, military brethren, who have passed on from this world, who have become a reminder that I shouldn't have a bucket list, but still I do. One of the items is a big game animal with a traditional muzzleloader, I currently do not own one, but a very close second (virtual tie), is to do the same thing with a handgun, which I do happen to own. Now, I have been unsuccessful in my hunting endeavors since leaving Alaska, due in large part to my lack of being in the best shape I can, due in part to me being not the best of woodsman. So I have a cow elk tag for a late hunt here, first week of December, in my head, I want to leave the rifle at home, and try to blood my FA 454, my heart says another year of tag soup, take the rifle and increase the odds. I know as long as I bring the rifle, I will never fulfill my dream of being a true handgun hunter. I am walking 4-6 days a week, trying to increase my distance, riding my bicycle, spending more time on the mountain. I hate that I only have a 5 day season, so, I have 6 weeks or so to decide. On the plus side, I see an increase in 454 trigger time.

Dave

I have killed over dozen deer and hogs with handguns while a rifle is within easy reach or slung over my shoulder. If I was going on a rare or once in a lifetime hunt I would probably have a rifle with me at all times. I consider myself a handgun hunter, but use a rifle when I need to. The last few hogs I have shot were with Rifles because of the low light and the need for a scope. So if you set your mind to it, it is very easy to shoot something with a handgun when a rifle is present.

The last deer I killed came up from behind the stand. I pulled the TLA up and had it cocked, then I looked and saw my #1 .35 Whelen setting there all lonely since it had never killed anything. I quietly payed the TLA down and shot her with the rifle. The TLA had taken a doe out of the same stand at almost the exact same spot the previous year. It was the rifles turn.

I really enjoy using different guns for hunting. When I was young I always thought I would be like my dad and grandfather and use one rifle for years.

My best year hunting I shot 12 Deer and hogs in about 3 months. The first 7 were with 7 different guns and 7 shots. 3pistols and 4 rifles. After that we got into several groups of hogs and had multiple shots fired.