grampy

Santa aka my wonderful wife of 30 years totally surprised me this morning with the savage axis in 7mm-08. I really had no idea she was going to do this! She even contacted my best bud and hunting partner as to the caliber and all. I still can't believe he didn't slip up and tell me! It is my first actual deer rifle and I can't wait to shoot it. I'll take wildcat's advice and upgrade the glass and perhaps a timiney trigger in the future. But even as it is, it's a big jump up from my old deerslayer ll. Going hunting for ammo tomorrow, and from the info on this thread the 140 gr Federal ballistic tip should be a good round for this gun, if I can find it. Right?

Thanks guy's, it will be the axis ll in 7mm-08 for me. You can always count on the people here when trying to nail down a hunting or shooting decision.

I'm hoping to get one of these very soon. It will be my first deer rifle. I have always been in a shotgun wmu. I really want the 7mm-08,but have been told the 270 may be better. Will use it for yote's as well as deer. Never having shot ether caliber is there a big difference comparing the two? I would just like something accurate out to 200-250 yards that will drop deer with a well placed shot. And not cost more than $500. Have it down to the savage axis or ruger american. Any advice from you more knowledgeable guys is appreciated.

If I give you my word,consider it done.

Very nice,sounds like you got a great deal on some camo. Those birds better watch out! Good luck in your hunting adventures!

Merry Christmas to you grow. I admire your grit, hunting this year with a bum knee and still got it done! Way to hang in there!

Hope you have a nice Birthday bubba!

Way to go Paula,they are also very tasty little buggers!

Emmmm....Emmmm....Bet it smells and tastes as good as it looks! Can I just drop in?

It's great to see new guys and gals really getting into hunting! I have put more than forty hunting seasons behind me and the best advice I can give is to always be adaptable. Nothing stays the same forever. Not us,the deer and their patterns,the woods we hunt,and the way we hunt. Things will change and we as hunters need to be adaptable to remain or be successful. If a certain set up,position,or style of hunting isn't working for you don't be afraid to change it up even if it did work in the past. As I said in a prior post "if hunters were only half as adaptable as deer,there would be a lot more deer killed."

Very nice southern buck! Congratulations! Love the picture with the little guy too!

I agree with most here that a tree stand will offer more advantages as far as scent,line of sight in some areas and being able to get away with more movement when deer are close. Over the years I have spent many many hours in tree stands. But as I get a bit older,the last few years have been spent 90% on the ground. Since making the switch, my success rate has actually gone up. Simply put,I'm more comfortable on the ground so tend to spend more time hunting. More time in the deer woods = more deer seen and killed. I build natural blinds from stuff found laying nearby or in blow downs and in thick areas near stands of hemlock. Doc really nailed it talking about the close encounters with deer on the ground. There is nothing else like it!

I somehow missed this thread until now. Congratulations! What a wonderful talent you have Jennifer! Are you selling any prints of the duck stamp?

I have in the past bought her emerald(her birth stone) and diamond rings and bracelets and she loved them. But i don't do very well picking out clothes for her. So now I just give her money and she picks out exactly what she wants. I then wrap it and put it under the tree and she doesn't have to return anything. It works for us!

A new rifle in 7mm-08 would be nice. But I'll most likely get a under armor sweatshirt. As long as we are all happy,healthy and together,that is the best present one could ask for. My wife and I spend Christmas eve at my son and d.i.l. house and are there when my grandsons open their presents. Seeing Christmas through the eyes of kids,it just does not get any better than that!

Welcome,good group here. Just join in anytime!

Happy Birthday letinmfly! 50 is a great milestone. Hope you enjoy your special day!

This just kind of came to me. So here it is. Why I hunt. Early alarm clock, out of warm bed to brew a cup of hot jo. Put on my camo and boots then head out the door. Out to the woods with crunchy leaves on the floor. I'm thinking where will they be and where should I go. Stars in the sky a nip in the air. Woods waking up, crows and jays calling. By the end of the day perhaps some snow falling. Deer in the thick stuff, snow will show where. Slowly and quietly sneak into my stand. Got the wind in my face, a squirrel chatters overhead. I just hope that a deer will get out of it's bed. Just then there is movement,a buck with antlers so grand. Watching as he looks all around and puts his nose in the air. He makes his way ever closer, my heart beats like a drum. I get ready to shoot, the moment of truth has come. Pick a spot, release my arrow, the hunt ends and it's fair. With a mix of gladness and sadness I hold my prize. I'll have meat for my table, a rack on the wall. Deep down in my soul I hear the hunters call. To be back in the forest on the next fall sunrise.

Congratulations,very nice buck. Awesome job hanging in there too!

I really like my Barnett Raptor. And I too am hoping for full inclusion for 2015. Don't know if DEC will have the authority to make the change or if politicians with little to no knowledge of crossbows will have to vote a change. Just have to wait and see. I do think full inclusion will come sooner rather than later. Although I have practiced out to 60 yards, my crossbow maximum is still the same as my compound at 30 yards. Even at 330 fps it takes a long time for that bolt to reach 60 yards and a deer can move a foot or more in that time frame even when not on alert.

Years ago when I first started hunting I was so excited I would be in my stand at least an hour before sunrise. I now prefer to scout my way in at the first grey light. I look for any fresh sign like new rubs and scrapes fresh tracks and of course any deer that may be up and moving through the area. It may be well after sunrise before I finally get to my stand/blind. I killed one of my best bucks doing this a few years ago. I spotted him moving up the ridge towards me,so I got down behind a big hemlock tree and watched as he slowly made his way up to me. I put an arrow through him at twelve yards well after sunrise. I never would have seen him if I was in my stand before light.

Welcome,great site here and some good folks too! Couple of nice deer you and the Mrs. have there.

Way to go! I would have loved to see a picture of his face after you ran him down! Lol...

Will keep them in my thoughts and prayers. Hoping for a speedy and full recovery.

Congratulations! Way to go! Glad your persistence payed off.