Duke that is a nice buck I don't care where you are.

Congrats Duke! Good eating there.

Tom Flynn

Thanks fella’s! Was 4-5 years ago. pretty certain his genetics continue into this fall as there’s one big body buck with very similar antler characteristics that I’m watching. I’ve seen that same pattern in 2-3 bucks each year since.
Looks like a very healthy big rack fall with the “boys” I’m watching.....3-5 still running together, in velvet, sparing with each other BUT, only playing & not trying to draw blood......yet!

Duke it won't be long before they are going for blood! Good times coming.

I noticed the first post was made in 2009, but I will play along. I keep a small rife assortment of hunting rifles for all sizes of critters:
.375H&H, shooting 300g
.7mm Rem. Mag shooting 150g
.243 shooting 75g

I also have Dad's .44 mag, Ruger .44 Carbine with an International stock. That was Ruger's term for a Mannlicher style Stock. Ive never seen another like it, other than pictures.

There are also a few AR platforms to fill in as needed, but we don't hunt with them.

Pitmaster,
That Ruger 44 carbine sounds interesting.
When Ruger first came out with the carbine (I think they named it the Deerswlayer but later had to change it) it was pretty much a success.

They later came out with the International stocked version but later on,sales dwindled and Ruger dopped it from the line up.

Typical (and wisely) of Ruger,if a product does not sell,they don't keep on making it. Bad business.

Do you handload for it or only use factory loads??

Wayne

You described everything accurately, to the best of my knowledge, Wayne. Traveling across the state on business about 30 years ago, always back roads and not on the interstate, to enhance my life and decrease my stress, I happened upon a “Mom & Pop’s Guns” going outta’ business Sale. Was happily able to purchase 2 of those Ruger .44 Deerslayers & 1 Ruana skinner. Another time I’ve been glad that I’ve been fortunate enough to carry my “mad money” for just such an “emergency”
These carbines, the Marlin lever action, Ruger 6 gun and S&W #629 have all happily shot only my hand loads. Same loads, always, without failure or difficulty; whether 240 or 300gr. It’s always been my plan and part of the beauty of this caliber, to hit the woods, trail, camp, and just grab the rifle and handgun that does it all with one load.
No worries.
Still does.

My friends dad had a Ruger DeerStalker back in the 70’s when I was a teen and he let me shoot it, it was the first pistol carbine I fired and I fell in love with the compact, hard hitting model. Never got around to adding one to my safe but one day I’d like to

Wayne i do hand load for the .44 revolvers but have not for Dad's rifle. It does not get shot much, but it may make an appearance this deer season. Michigan changed the allowed guns in my part of the state. As a straight wall pistol caliber rifle it is now legal. My .44 handgun load is a Hard Cast Oregon Trails RNFP @ 1200fps. Cant shoot cast from the carbine though.

First atempt at posting a picture, this is Dad's Ruger .44, I believe it is 1966.