I hunt mostly private property,But state land is behind it,There is also state land on the other side of the mountain.After opening weekend we might try still hunting and stalking after all the gunslingers get cold and tired......
As far as I know you are doing nothing wrong,as long as they are long guns,if there are any handguns then you have to have a handgun permit and the guns have to be on your permit.
Arizona If I had the money I would buy your rifle in a heart beat,I do own an ar but I love rifles.My main deer rifle is in fact a model 70 classic in 30-06 it is not how ever pre 64.
I have shot a couple of birds on the ground and they taste the same as ones that flushed.Yes its easy and its sitting still no much skill,but hey thats part of the game too.
I shoot 100grain charge in my Encore,and the recoil is less then a shotgun.I tried a 150grain charge and the recoil was about the same as a rifle.But as has been said here 1st shot must count.They are tons of fun to shoot.