I’m not a Vortex fan for my own uses, but those newer diamondback HDs are actually pretty damn decent for the price you can get them for. If I were in your shoes that’s probably what I would buy in some 8x42s. The warranty aspect means a little more with a kid using them as well.
I’ve thought about that option as well. How do the 88 ELD-M hold up at higher velocity/close range impacts? Most of the hunting I’d do with that rifle would be under 350ish yards, and at closer ranges I’d think the 95 NBT would have an edge on penetration on larger animals.
I often feel like I have too many rifles, but I use them all. I like shooting, and I enjoy being able to select the right tool for any job that I have. Most of what I have is pretty old fashioned.
.223 - In an AR, BCM 16” lightweight upper on FN lower
.22-250 - my first rifle, a Winchester...
I don’t know what $15,000 gets you in Alberta or Saskatchewan, and I’ll likely never find out, but if I had to go guided and had the money to burn that’s where I’d go.
I would go to the N Bar ranch headquarters on Flatwillow Rd, knock on the door and introduce yourself, and maybe offer to fix fence or help out with other jobs around the ranch. They’re down to earth folks that should be happy to help you out.
Hope you get a big old bull for cheap. Don’t shoot...
For those of you who bought them, any regrets? I desperately need a new chrono that actually works and isn’t a pain in the ass, and I’m about 99% sold on the garmin. I don’t want to spend the money, but if it really is that much better and easier to use than the competition I’ll bite the bullet.
I have a little stone glacier one that can attach to the inside of my pack so it doesn’t always fall to the bottom, I like it. I am, however, considering upgrading to a Crown Royal drawstring bag. I feel like that’s a boss move and really puts the elk on notice.
I’ve been fishing a lot of old fashioned unweighted pheasant tails of different styles from a rooster I shot last fall that had a really nice tail. The soft hackle has been absolutely deadly behind a stonefly or bugger. Got a few little rainbows to bite today.
I’ve had so many heartbreaking close calls on elk. The worst was a very nice 6 point at 5 yards working his way into a shooting lane while I was at full draw. At the last second he turned around to chase a cow. I pivoted around, he was gone. Never even let the arrow go.
Several other nice bulls...