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Avid shooter, firearm enthusiast, competitor, EDC'er and occasional instructor
I have never hunted anything larger than a rabbit and am keen to get involved (Deer and Elk), I have a couple questions if I may.
I have a number of firearms but the only thing I have remotely acceptable (in WA) is a Scout/Squad M1A. Currently has a 2-7x Vortex Crossfire on it, mounted scout style (forward of the receiver). I'm comfortable out to about 200-225 yards with that set up. I know its not an ideal set up but before I drop more money on a Deer/Elk specific rifle and glass, will the M1A do for now? The downside to the scope is its low light capability being questionable and, being a scout scope, the eye relief at 5X+ magnification can be a challenge. Thoughts, opinions?
In regards to gearing and other prep. I'm an avid outdoors sort and have the gear that comes with such but noting in camo other than role specific items like my plate carrier (which, I dunno, do the deer have rifles these days?!)
Will this gear work? I know everything seems to like the camo but aren't we wearing a crap ton of orange anyway?
Other gear you would suggest that may not be apparent to someone like me?
Finally, I'm a little confused on WHERE exactly I can hunt. I'm very familiar with the bulk of the Teanaway River area as I have camped, fished and hiked the area for 30+ years. Can I just drive up a forest service road on government owned land, park and head out? Or is it more complicated than that. I looked up various sites and maps but had a bit of trouble determining where to hunt. I'm looking at GMU 335, is this a decent and legal area during season?
I have taken and passed the Hunters Safety Course
Side note, I work in bio-tech, specifically in veterinary related tissue processing (large animal, necropsy type stuff) Like Liam Neeson...."I have a very particular set of skills" that I hope helps out if I get lucky.
Any other info, links or advice is absolutely appreciated and thank you folks!
I have never hunted anything larger than a rabbit and am keen to get involved (Deer and Elk), I have a couple questions if I may.
I have a number of firearms but the only thing I have remotely acceptable (in WA) is a Scout/Squad M1A. Currently has a 2-7x Vortex Crossfire on it, mounted scout style (forward of the receiver). I'm comfortable out to about 200-225 yards with that set up. I know its not an ideal set up but before I drop more money on a Deer/Elk specific rifle and glass, will the M1A do for now? The downside to the scope is its low light capability being questionable and, being a scout scope, the eye relief at 5X+ magnification can be a challenge. Thoughts, opinions?
In regards to gearing and other prep. I'm an avid outdoors sort and have the gear that comes with such but noting in camo other than role specific items like my plate carrier (which, I dunno, do the deer have rifles these days?!)
Will this gear work? I know everything seems to like the camo but aren't we wearing a crap ton of orange anyway?
Other gear you would suggest that may not be apparent to someone like me?
Finally, I'm a little confused on WHERE exactly I can hunt. I'm very familiar with the bulk of the Teanaway River area as I have camped, fished and hiked the area for 30+ years. Can I just drive up a forest service road on government owned land, park and head out? Or is it more complicated than that. I looked up various sites and maps but had a bit of trouble determining where to hunt. I'm looking at GMU 335, is this a decent and legal area during season?
I have taken and passed the Hunters Safety Course
Side note, I work in bio-tech, specifically in veterinary related tissue processing (large animal, necropsy type stuff) Like Liam Neeson...."I have a very particular set of skills" that I hope helps out if I get lucky.
Any other info, links or advice is absolutely appreciated and thank you folks!