Derek Rodgers is the current F-TR World Champion AND the reigning King of 2 Miles. He’s also a member of the Berger SWN-winning McMillan F-TR team. But when it comes to rifles, competition is only one of Derek’s interests. He’s also an avid hunter. He enjoys getting out in the back-country in his home state of New Mexico.
Recently Derek went coyote hunting with his daughter, Dereka. They spotted some ‘yotes, but the real treat was seeing Oryx, a long-horned species native to Africa. Some time ago, a herd of Oryx was transplanted to a “secret spot” in New Mexico not too far from Albuquerque. Permission to hunt the Oryx is hard to obtain, but possible.
Derek and his daughter could not shoot Oryx on this occasion because the timing wasn’t right. But he noted: “Calling for coyotes can get exciting when your daughter has an oryx hunt just weeks away.” You can see the animals in the video below. Derek says: “It would have been a successful morning if this was March 1st [when Oryx hunting would be allowed with her tag].” Derek’s wife Hope tells us that “Oryx meat is delicious — much better than deer or elk.” Good luck to Dereka and her famous father next month.
Derek’s Coyote rifle (for this trip) was an AR-platform rig. Despite being a world-champion F-Class shooter, Derek had a number of coyote misses on this trip, which did NOT impress young Miss Dereka. It just shows that even the best can easily miss on a moving target.
Hunters, here’s a great FREE mobile APP for Apple and Android devices. The new ZEISS Hunting App offers many practical functions: full-featured ballistics calculator, field notes with photo archive, compass function, GPS tagging for documentation of hunting experiences, and a detailed weather forecast service. The Hunting App is offered as a FREE download, in both English and German versions.
We are impressed at how this new App integrates multiple useful features — ballistics solver, compass, GPS tagging, hunt history. The “Field Notes” function can record a wide variety of info — you can save photos, record your shots and hits, log animal sightings during the hunt, and even plot game locations on a map. Zeiss explains: “This allows users to optimally record events, the game population in the hunting territory, and their own hunting experiences.” Shots can be tagged via GPS through the shooter’s and the target’s position, and then displayed on a map. The Field Notes hunt diary shows all entries in chronological order.
KEY FEATURES: Ballistics Solver, GPS Tagging, Weather Forecast, Field Notes with Photos
Full-Featured Ballistics Solver
The integrated ballistic calculator allows hunters to easily customize the settings to suit their favorite cartridges. You can enter your own data, or choose bullet/cartridge info from a database containing over 7000 ammunition types from a variety of manufacturers. The ballistics solver can be programmed for for current weather conditions (temp/humidity), and the angle (inclination) of the shot.
Weather Functions
The weather tool offers a Five-Day Forecast, and you can choose multiple locations. In addition to the current location, users can also display the weather for their hunting areas of choice. The weather forecast includes temperature, precipitation, wind direction, wind speed, humidity, and air pressure. (Note: For precise ballistics solutions, you must input the ACTUAL conditions at your shooting location).
Hunt Log and Photos
The Field Notes function can do many things. You can log all your shots and hits, and you can plot game sightings during the hunt. Events can be augmented with photos and GPS data. With the Field Notes mapping function, you can even locate game populations in the hunting territory. A compass and automatic night mode round off the list of smart features.
Product Tip from EdLongrange. We welcome reader submissions.
The Air Armor Tech Long Gun Case (LGC) holds multiple firearms up to 52″ OAL. When deflated, the 8-lb LGC stows in a 18″ x 9″ diameter roll. The LGC easily holds two long rifles with optics. The LGC comes complete with internal tie-downs for rifle and pistol, plus external shoulder straps for field carry.
Here’s something new and clever — a gun case with inflatable air chambers to protect the rifle. This definitely could have benefits for hunters and tactical shooters. This new Air Armor Tech military-grade gun case was recently tested by American Rifleman magazine. This gun case was developed by Blaine “Rock” Tompkins, a retired fighter pilot.
American Rifleman’s tester liked the product: “Typical foam-filled soft cases are inexpensive but don’t offer all that much padding. While hard cases provide more protection, they are bulky and take up a lot of storage space. Air Armor Tech’s inflatable gun cases … provide plenty of padding while being lightweight and easy to store. The three-pipe inflation system allows both of the 3-inch-thick (when fully inflated) air bladders to be quickly inflated.” Air Armor Tech offers two sizes, the Long Gun Case (LGC) that holds guns up to 52″ OAL, and the Mid-Length Gun Case (MLGC) that holds firearms up to 42″ OAL.
Air Armor Tech’s cases aren’t cheap — the LGC is $549 while the smaller MLGC is $499 — but when you consider your investment in rifle and optics, maybe this makes sense, particularly for hunters. Inside the bag are twin air bladders (see photo above) that cushion your guns. When deflated, the Air Armor Tech case can be rolled into a something the size of a sleeping bag.
Here are three videos that show the Air Armor Tech case works — and how it even floats. This air-cushioned bag definitely offers added protection for expensive firearms and optics.
Air Armor Tech Gun Case Features
Air Armor Tech Case on River Trip
Air Armor Tech Extended Field Test Report
“Air Armor Tech sent me a military grade inflatable rifle case to review. I’ve been using it for a couple of months on hunting trips, trips to the range and just about anything else I take a rifle or shotgun to. After using it for months, I can state without hesitation that the Air Armor Tech rifle and shotgun case is the toughest, lightest, handiest and best-made rifle case I have ever owned. It also protects my long guns better than anything I have ever tried. Besides, it even floats.” — Gun Guy, 09/25/17
Looking for culinary inspiration for your holiday gatherings? The NRA Blog offers three special (and delicious) Wild Game Recipes for your family feasts: Honey Mustard Planked Wild Turkey Breast, Mushroom-Stuffed Wild Boar Roast with Black Truffle Sauce, and BBQ Brined Pigeon. These recipes come from some of the country’s best chefs, and they all seem mouth-watering. You’ll find a full list of ingredients plus step-by-step cooking tips.
One of the many advantages to hunting is the assortment of game you can gather that lasts for an extended period of time. Just because it’s Thanksgiving doesn’t mean you have to stick with a whole turkey from the store and a ham hock.
We have three unique spins on wild game recipes that will suit your dining table perfectly. Even if you’re one of those hunters who enjoys a quick hunt the morning of Thanksgiving, these recipes will make your holiday more delicious than ever. — NRABlog.com
We support Hunters for the Hungry, a program that feeds needy families in the USA. Hunters for the Hungry (HFTH) is an NRA program that gives back to communities by supplying meals throughout the country. The NRA works closely with state agencies that supervise meat donations. Since the program’s inception, Hunters for the Hungry has brought millions of pounds of venison to homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks across the United States. This program has been in place for 24 years. In 2013, HFTH affiliates donated 2.6 million pounds of meat, equating to 10.3 million meals.
Hunt and Help Others
Many American hunters are able to harvest more than they can eat or share with friends and family. Through Hunters for the Hungry you can help share your bounty with those in need.
Donation Rules and Regulations
All donated game must be field dressed and legally harvested. Note that each state has different rules and regulations for donations, please check with your local drop off location prior to donating.
To learn more about Hunters for the Hungry, call (800) 492-4868 (option3) or email hservices@nrahq.org for more information.
Many hunters work with organizations dedicated to the cause of helping the hungry, such as Hunters for the Hungry, Farmers & Hunters Feeding the Hungry, Hunt to Feed, and Buckmasters, among others. The game meat satisfies shelters’ need for nutritious food items. Dave Williams, who manages food resources for a Georgia food bank, said that “Deer venison is such a low-fat, high-protein item, agencies greatly appreciate getting it.” Another recent news report pointed out that one deer can feed up to 200 people. Ground venison is a versatile food, with cooks using it in pasta sauces, chili, tacos, meatloaf, burgers and other dishes.
Need something for the walls of your “man cave” or reloading room? The creators of the Cartridge Comparison Guide offer a nice poster showing 85 classic varmint and hunting cartridges. Along with cartridges (from 17 Mach2 all the way up to the 517 Nitro Express), this full-color 18″ x 24″ wall poster shows dozens of game animal types, including all the great African species. This unique Game & Ammo Hunting Poster opens reveals the range and breadth of game animals that can be hunted on the world stage, while providing a comprehensive sampling of proven cartridges for hunting these animals. Priced at $14.99, this poster was developed in cooperation with Hunter Education instructors.
In addition to the Game & Ammo Poster, ChamberIt.com offers 15 other large wall posters that display a variety of cartridge types. For example, the Rifleman’s Classic Poster, a full 38 inches wide and 27 inches tall, is the most comprehensive. This $15.99 poster displays 272 rifle cartridge types at true size (within 4/1000 of an inch). Cartridges shown range from .17 caliber all the way up to the big boomers (including some cannon shells). The Rifleman’s Classic Poster includes all American Standardized Rifle Cartridges (as of 2013) and many European rifle cartridges.
Rifleman’s Classic Poster Click to view large size poster.
Ammunition Performance Specifications Poster
There is also an interesting Ammo Performance Specs poster. This shows dozens of popular hunting cartridges with the velocity, energy, momentum and recoil for each cartridge displayed in a bar graph.
This shows the actual size of the Ammo Performance Poster as displayed on a wall.
At the request of our readers, we provide select “Deals of the Week”. Every Monday morning we offer our Best Bargain selections. Here are some of the best deals on firearms, hardware, reloading components, optics, and shooting accessories. Be aware that sale prices are subject to change, and once clearance inventory is sold, it’s gone for good. You snooze you lose.
1. Natchez — Special 5 Reloading Press Kit, $199.99
Looking for a great holiday gift for a family member getting started in metallic cartridge reloading? This RCBS Kit has everything a new reloader needs: single-stage press, powder measure, scale, powder trickler, priming tool, cartridge tray, “rocket” chamfer tool, case lube and more. This is an excellent entry-level reloading kit, on sale for just $199.99 at Natchez Shooters Supplies. We like the relatively compact Special 5 press for most reloading duties. Eventually you may want to add an additional, large heavy press, but this will get the job done. For the combined package, with all the tools one needs to hand-load quality ammo — this is a stunningly good deal at $199.99.
2. Amazon — RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press, $112.49
We said this was a good deal when priced around $135.00. Well now the Rock Chucker is just $112.49 at Amazon — matching the lowest price we’ve seen in years. The RCBS Rock Chucker remains a classic — a big, strong, versatile press that can handle most reloading chores with ease. And now you can get a genuine Rock Chucker Supreme for $112.49 — an insanely great deal. The Rock Chucker offers plenty of leverage for case-sizing and the “O” is tall enough for long cartridges. The Rock Chucker has a very strong base and should last a lifetime.
If you’re looking for an ultrasonic cleaning machine — here’s a very good deal. On sale now at MidwayUSA for $104.99, this same unit sells for $139.99 on Amazon. With a powerful 60-watt transducer, this unit can process hundreds of cases at once. The machine boasts a 3.2 quart stainless tank with drain valve, five temp settings, and a 1-to-30 minute timer. There’s even a built-in sensor showing when to change solution. Here’s a verified buyer’s review: “Worth the money… it can heat the solution up to 140° F. The best thing about this cleaner… is that it has a drain port and valve — SO MUCH EASIER to drain compared to [other units].” NOTE: MidwayUSA has been offering free shipping for orders over $99.00 in recent days — check when you order.
4. Whittaker Guns — Howa Lightning 6.5 Creedmoor Rifle, $329.99
With this deal you can get a complete 6.5 Creedmoor Howa 1500 Rifle with HACT 2-Stage Trigger for just $329.99. That’s $80.00 less than the price of a Howa 1500 barreled action by itself! ($409.99 at Brownells). This is a no-frills rifle, but its hard to beat the $299.99 price for a solid, multi-purpose rifle. Use “As-Is” for hunting or drop it into a modular stock for tactical/practical games.
You don’t need to spend big bucks for an effective spotting scope to view mirage. You can get the Kowa TSN-501 Angled Spotting Scope for just $349.00 from B&H Photo. This is a super-compact scope with 50mm objective and built-in 20-40X eyepiece. Though relatively new, the small, light-weight TSN-501 can perform basic spotting tasks effectively. This doesn’t have the resolution of the $1500+ spotters but this is fine for viewing mirage and shot markers. Put the money you save into barrels and bullets.
6. CMP — ELEY .22 LR CMP Standard Ammo, 7 Cents per Round
ELEY, the UK-based rimfire ammo-maker, has teamed up with the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) here in the USA. Now you can purchase quality ELEY-made ammo for just seven cents a round. This new “ELEY CMP Standard” ammunition, available exclusively through the CMP, propels an accurate 40-grain bullet with an average velocity of 1090 fps. These particular paraffin-coated bullets are designed feed reliably through all .22 LR firearm platforms.
ELEY CMP standard will be available exclusively through the CMP. Though budget-priced, it “will still be incredibly accurate compared to other ammo at this price point”. There is a limit of two (2) cases per individual per year, priced at $354.95 for 5000 rounds, with Free Shipping to all contiguous U.S. States. NOTE: To purchase this ammo you must register and provide proof of eligibility.
7. MidwayUSA — Packable Shooting Mat, $19.99
Here’s a heck of a deal on a good light-weight shooting mat. MidwayUSA has slashed the price on its Packable Shooting Mat. Available in Coyote Tan or Olive Drab, this 67″ Long x 31″ Wide padded mat is now just $19.99. This Packable Mat has some nice features, such as 12″ front flap, elbow pads, 0.15″ thick padding, and six staking grommets. It’s easy to transport, rolling up to a 9″ x 4.5″ package, secured with a heavy strap. If you need a low-cost, basic shooting mat, check out this deal. Weighing just 1.5 pounds, this a good, light-weight mat to keep in a vehicle or to use on a “walk-around” varminting hunt.
8. Amazon — Neiko Digital Calipers, $16.85
Even if you have a good set of calipers, you may want to get one of these Neiko 01407A Digital Calipers. The #1 best-selling digital caliper on Amazon.com, this Neiko tool features a large LCD Screen and measures up to 6.0 inches. With over 3000 customer reviews, this product has earned an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars. It’s hard to go wrong for $16.85, even if you just use these as a spare set for measuring group sizes and case trim lengths.
9. Mystery Deal — Big Name Product with Lifetime Guarantee
If you have a hunting rifle, this item will help you spot your game. With a best-in-industry, transferable lifetime warranty, you can put your trust in this product. It doesn’t have all the “bells and whistles” but it has the key features and performance a hunter needs. For shooters looking for quality construction, simple but 100% reliable controls, this unit (from a big Oregon-based manufacturer) will get the job done, and last a lifetime. CLICK HERE to see Mystery Deal of the Week.
Are you a safe hunter? Go through this checklist to find out. The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has created a helpful Safety Checklist for hunters. This Hunting Safety Checklist was produced as part of the NSSF’s “Hunt S.A.F.E.” campaign which encourages hunters (and all firearm owners) to secure their firearms when not in use, and to focus on safe firearm handling and storage. The Hunting Safey Checklist helps hunters follow good, safe practices in the field and at home.
“Hunting is a time-honored tradition for many Americans, and the hunting season brings a wave of excitement and activity for all enthusiasts,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “It’s also a good time of year to remind firearm owners about … safe and responsible gun handling and storage.”
It’s hunting season, and we know many readers will be pursuing a prize buck this fall. But how will your hunting load perform? That depends on shot placement, energy, and terminal ballistics.
You’ve probably heard the term “Terminal Ballistics”. But do you really know what this refers to? Fundamentally, “Terminal Ballistics” describes the behavior of a projectile as it strikes, enters, and penetrates a target. Terminal Ballistics, then, can be said to describe projectile behavior in a target including the transfer of kinetic energy. Contrast this with “External Ballistics” which, generally speaking, describes and predicts how projectiles travel in flight. One way to look at this is that External Ballistics covers bullet behavior before impact, while terminal ballistics covers bullet behavior after impact.
The study of Terminal Ballistics is important for hunters, because it can predict how pellets, bullets, and slugs can perform on game. This NRA Firearm Science video illustrates Terminal Ballistics basics, defining key terms such as Impact Crater, Temporary Cavity, and Primary Cavity.
External Ballistics, also called “exterior ballistics”, is the part of ballistics that deals with the behavior of a non-powered projectile in flight.
Terminal Ballistics, a sub-field of ballistics, is the study of the behavior and effects of a projectile when it hits its target.
National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day) takes place on Saturday, September 23, 2017. The annual celebration serves as a reminder that conservation succeeds because of leadership and funding from hunters, shooters and anglers. National, regional, state and local organizations will run thousands of “open house” hunting- and fishing-related events around the country. Events will include Fishing Derbys, Hunting Expos, Wing-shooting tournaments, and much more. Over four million Americans will participate.
Take the Pledge to take someone hunting or fishing on or before September 23, and you can enter a sweepstakes with valuable prizes. ENTER Contest HERE.
Find Events in Your State
For info on NHF Day, visit www.nhfday.org. To find NHF Day events in your state, click links below:
Hunters Aid Conservation Efforts
The contributions of hunters, in the form of excise taxes paid on firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment, benefit every state. These taxes have generated approximately $5.6 billion for wildlife conservation since 1939.
