How did I know this thread was going to be a Stocker special, just by the title?
Couldn't have possibly been the name tag underneath it in the sidebar... nope, definitely not. :D
I skipped several pages but I can definitively answer this particular question. YES. It is worth going from vortex diamondbacks to something in the 700 dollar range. Get on an LL Bean email list and pick up some Nikon Monarch HG's for $750 dollars when they give out their 25% discount coupons...
It appears to me that we need a nice reconciliation session betwixt the two of you. I'm no counselor, but maybe we can nominate a HuntTalker with some mediation skills to bridge this gap?
So did I miss the part where you played Washington crossing the Delaware? Or is there more to be told?
And how has this not yet received a benediction from @Ben Lamb?
So... at this point I'm just basically assuming there will be no more deer or elk in 10 years. It's no wonder to me that we see people arguing against the existing science when no one offers solutions other than kill all the deer before the CWD does.
3-5 minute session, max.. start with a challenge grunt before. Big smash of antlers, then lots of clicking and shoving... just like real bucks would fight. Maybe throw in a snort wheeze at the end.
Glad to hear that tarp treated you so well! Especially since my season has been a total bust. Haven't spent a single night in mountainous regions, let alone in a tent.
'22 gear that worked: N/A
I've heard the stories and believe them, but gotta say that all the elk I've shot (minus a leg wound) dropped in ten seconds or less. Fast moving .30 cal barnes TTSX in the deadly V has been potent for me.
No stories from me, other than an extended hospital stay and a mystery illness that wiped out my trip before it began. Been a quiet season so far, kill wise, other than 501.
All things considered, elk populations are a lot healthier than deer... You usually don't get to hunt the elk rut with a rifle, so a better age class persists... and I love elk backstraps!
Well, it generally helps if you get the broadhead tipped darts... or make your own. Those are quite effective on squirrels. But I totally agree about not using one on grouse when there are so many other options.
Heck, you can get an 11oz 22 mag revolver from S&W! That would be a SWEET grouse...