Stories

An experienced hunter gets a close opportunity at a good bull elk, but the vitals are covered and his shooting position is unsupported. Will he take the shot?

A young hunter gets a hard-won opportunity at a magnificent mule deer buck. It’s a long shot in challenging, windy conditions. Should he take the shot?

Perhaps the only thing better than learning from your own mistakes is learning from someone else’s.

I had just shot the biggest black bear of my life. Thirty minutes later, I shot an even bigger one.

Handgun hunting tends to make every animal a memorable trophy. Although I personally prefer to take my handgun game at more sedate or reasonable distances. Knowing that the XP is capable of making solid hits on game at rifle distances allows me to carry it as a backup for those rare instances where getting closer isn’t possible.

In five days we killed five bears, for three of the hunters it was their first. This will keep a few extra elk calves alive through the spring, provide a pile of meat to the hunters, and make some fine memories.

In most of the US, an average boar black bear weighs 250 lbs and a sow 150lbs. The largest sow taken in this region was nearly 450lbs.

Lunging for my rifle where it leaned against a bush, I slammed a cartridge home in the chamber. A big broken-horned kudu bull broke from the brush, racing full speed from right to left. Swinging with him, I watched my crosshairs catch up, swing through, and pass his vitals. My finger closed on the trigger

The author gets a surprise opportunity at a big mule deer. Full of adrenaline, his hands (and everything else) are shaking. The deer is close. Should he take the shot?