Am I Just Dreaming?

Colt most states have some means for a person to hunt from a vehicle. I understand that it is not what we prefer but for me being out with the guys in the wind and long grass, even if I shot my deer from the front seat of the crownvic this year, is still better than the recliner. Check out Capable Partners web site for some ideas.
 
If you want a nice big ol' smile, get a 35 Whelen and shoot a deer with it. That'll make you smile. Guaranteed.

:)
 
I think after this operation tomorrow I'd be more apt to be able to do a lot more than I can now. At least, I have high hopes. Still, it would be probably forever before I could get a draw for an Elk hunt here.

When I think of the numerous hunts and exploits of Jack O'Connor, I guess I need to keep in mind that was when he was in his 30's-40's and 50's primarily. I doubt he did much hunting after 65. I think I'd just stay home if I had to hunt from a vehicle. It's no doubt better than nothing but, I couldn't do it but, that's just me. Fortunately I don't have a breathing problem(yet) only a bad leg. I live in hopes the doc will help me get back to some degree of normality tomorrow.
 
Even if you were able to sit in a stand, but need to drive there with a vehicle or ATV, getting out in the woods always does something good for a person.

I just spent some time in the mountains and woods of WV hiking with my wife. She is completely baffled by it, but sees it firsthand that once I'm out in the woods, I am a much happier person.
 
I don't recall the last time I was in the woods. We're surrounded by the Smokey Mountains here but I can't enjoy them because of the leg. I can negotiate level ground for a short distance but uphill, forget it. I remain quite envious of those who can and live in the northwest where there is such an abundance of wildlife and gorgeous scenery.

Bradford O'Connor gave me an invitation to come up to the Hunting Heritage Center in Lewiston, Idaho and said he'd show me the Snake River and Hell's Canyon but I knew it would entail a degree of walking and I knew I couldn't make it...maybe someday as I'd love to meet him and see that beautiful state and all it's wildlife. An Elk or Caribou hunt there would be a dream come true.
 
They just had Jack O'Connor Day on the 7th of this month and I so wanted to go to that being a fan of his since the late 60's. I understand everyone had a fantastic time and there was the winning drawing of Jack's Al Biesen 375 H&H rifle. Ten years ago I would have gone.
 
ColColt,

If you can afford it and if its legal I say go for it. In fact, even if you think you can't afford it, you could still eat PB&J sandwiches to finance it. Don't wait for your state or providence to do what New York did with the "Safe Act". Enjoy what legal pleasures you can while you can.
 
I can afford it if my leg would hold up. NY is one place I'd never live...or CA for that matter.
 
If you make it to Lewiston, a jet boat trip into Hell's Canyon is definitely worth the investment...
 
What would really round off a trip like that would be to be able to get in a little hunting while there. Well, if you're going to dream, dream big. I could just see the cross hairs of that Leupold scope centering just behind the leg of a record Caribou or Elk. Listening to the crack of that 270 150 gr Nosler Partition bullet as it hits home and the sound of a 900 pound majestic animal hitting the ground. At least I still have my imagination. :)
 
I can't say anything the others haven't said, but if you have the desire and the ability to still hunt deer, the Whelen would be just as fun as the others for knocking WT's on their keisters. I love the Whelen a lot. Very versatile cartridge. If you can find a 30-06 in a rifle you'd like to own, send it off to JES for a rebore. Two week turnaround most of the time and you'll have a nicely cut rifled barrel in your choice of twist. JES does great work and will treat you right.

Good luck and I hope you do it. I don't know of any around here that have been disappointed by a good Whelen.

http://www.35caliber.com/
 
My Mod 70, '06 is so accurate that I am not going to touch a hair on it's heady, head, head! However, I had what I need at my age to get the job done on any species that I could hunt now.
 
My 72 year old father in law still shoots his 300wm. He can barely get around and has no intentions of slowing down. It sounds like you have about the same mobility as him. I just have to help him out. We still go elk hunting, though I now pack around his chair... and yes I hang a handicap placard from it 20 miles from the nearest form of civilization... :)

Any rifle will only do a good job if it's in the hands of someone who is confident and comfortable with it. Go with what you feel will be that rifle. Who cares what the masses or whomever thinks of it. If it is the rifle for you, get it!

What you may find is that like my inlaw now looks at it. The kill is not as important as the outing....

Good luck in your decision

WM
 
I kinda have to laugh... coming to this group of enablers... Doc Mike, Fotis, Scotty come to mind... and asking, "Should I?" Like the positive answer isn't a forgone conclusion...

Yeah, maybe I might need to be on that list as well...
 
I still shoot my 9.3x74R with 287 gr bullets at 2550 fps. Plus, I can still walk slowly and carry a rifle and a small O2 bottle. I have to have a hernia and meniscus repair in my motorcycle knee next month but assuming those go okay, I should be able to walk even better, within the constraints of the lungs.

My problem is that my sons have moved or are moving, and I can not go out alone. My oldest son may move to California but that is not firm yet. I keep hoping though and one of my neighbor's is interested in going out with me.
 
A 35 Whelen is never a bad idea for anybody or any mobility. They certainly have a way of planting game too. That way you don't have to waste the energy chasing them! :grin:
 
That 70 SG is beautiful, and especially to a fancier of the newer stuff out of SC. I wonder if my keyboard is drool resistant...
 
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