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May go big game hunting next year with kids
susie
Member Posts: 7,640 ✭✭✭✭
Will my 30.06 do the job? I have a Bushnell scope on it and have the space to zero it out for a distance. Or do I use this as an excuse to buy a new firearm and scope? Probably hunting in Colorado or Wyoming. Both are within driving distance from Missouri and Arkansas.
Comments
If by 'big game' you mean elk then yes, your antiquated ol' 30-06 will do just dandy.
Ott 6 is an excellent go to round for anything . Great for deer,elk,moose,,,. What are you planning on?
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I'm gonna agree that the ought six will work fine, but hey any excuse for a new gun is also good.
Idea was floated by #2 and her hubby. Haven't decided yet on specific game or state. Still noodling the finer details. Not dragging the camper out there this time. Will actually stay in a permanent structure of some sort.
Some may remember a few years ago I took the camper to the Yellowstone. It was an awesome experience. #2 has multiplied and now has three boys. Would be a tad more crowded to live a week in a camper with all the accoutrements needed for hunting and exploring as well as everything needed to occupy three boys ages 3, 6 and 9.
Susie, I have no idea of the idiosyncrasies of applying in Colorado, but Wyoming is getting difficult to draw if you have no preference points, whether for deer, elk, or antelope.
But if you were to apply in Wyoming choose to apply by party, that way if one draws, you all draw.
All of you would need to visit the below and get in the system with a sportsperson number.
https://wgfd.wyo.gov
here’s another link to application dates
https://wgfd.wyo.gov/licenses-applications/application-dates-deadlines
Idaho is a complete different animal. The nonresident deer and elk tags go on sale in December and you must purchase a 2025 hunting license to buy these, the antelope is by draw later in 2025 as is the limited quota tags.
Both states have the ability to create confusion for first time applicants.
And yes, Aught-6 will handle everything in Wyoming from gophers to grizzlies.
Mule
'06 will definitely take care of business but this is a good excuse to go gun shopping.
Keep the 06 ditch the scope. They are good for the money but I would at least have a 4x12 most likely a Leopoldo or higher end Burris
The ought six is the standard against which all others are judged. If the ought six won't do it probably ain't getting done. This is my opinion of the ought six and it is worth everything you paid for it!😁
Another "yes" vote for the '06!
My Mama bought it for my Dad in the mid 70's. It became mine when he passed. It is priceless.
Keep the gun ,upgrade the scope .If you can't kill it with the 06 ,it don't need killing
Nothing wrong with the scope either, but Im putting Vortex on some of my old shooters.
Susie, as far as distance to zero your gun at, I always just go with an inch high at 100 yards. I also try to get as close as possible in order to ensure a quick clean kill. It's a hell of a lot of fun seeing how close you can get to an elk! I've taken a dozen of them, 2 with a bow and 10 with the rifle (270 Win), but my longest shot on any of them was only about 30 yards. Closest two were with a bow,
36 and 13 yards.Edited to correct distance. 6 yards, not 3!
Another for buying a new rifle. Maybe something in 45-70? I would suggest a Shiloh "Quigley" 45-120 but I believe they're still two years wait. Slap a brass Doc. Brown scope and go reach out.
As a reminder, in my sock feet I stand a whopping 5 feet tall so LOP is maxed with the .06.
Got a saw?
Not a bad idea at all. Cut the stock 2 inches and put on a 1 inch limbsaver recoil pad.
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This is my idea of a fun elk hunt. Like @NeoBlackdog said, getting up close would be very important for my style of hunt.
And to quote ole Bear Claw….."Elk don't know how many legs a horse has!" 😁
Being verticaly challenged at 5'4" myself
I understand the LOP very well
JMHO, I would find a used stock or aftermarket stock. Cut or have it cut to fit better and a nice recoil pad . and still have the original stock to keep with the rife
And best of luck on your hunt i hope all of you do well
it was a wish list item for me when i young Fellow . but i just never see it happening now .
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In reality, the 30.06 will kill anything on the North American continent. Bullet selection is endless, and I’m sure your dad will be looking down smiling knowing that your using his rifle.
One thing I learned from the times I went out west hunting, you don’t need all that much magnification in a scope. A quality 4 or up to 7 power scope is plenty in most cases.
The 06 will certainly do the job BUT if you feel the need to back off the recoil, I can heartily recommend the 6.5 Creedmoor. Mine has done a good job while being much easier on my bum shoulder. With a suppressor, the 6.5 Cr is simply a 'hoot to shoot'. 😍
Never notice the recoil when I'm hunting. Although the first time I pulled the trigger after rotator cuff surgery I was a little hesitant. Again, never noticed since there was a nice buck in the crosshairs.
Looks as if im good to go firepower wise. Now i just need to educate myself on the details of the undertaking.