Welcome aboard Vintageguy. Did you pick that moniker because you've been around the block a time or two, or because you like old firearms, or both. Re "trolls" they don't last long around here. We get them from time to time, but they are short-lived. Please tell us a little more about yourself as a hunter. Things like what have you hunted in the past, what kind and caliber rifles do you own, do you reload. Stick around here, and we'll help you scratch that itch. Most likely sooner rather than later. You will find that knowledge and courtesy abounds amongst our members.
You're right, a little more info is appropriate. As far as the Vintageguy goes, it's more to do with interests but I'm 54 so it could apply to me too I guess. In the past as a young man I started out gun collecting by acquiring old interesting guns past being desirable as collector pieces but sound and restoring them, mostly side by side shotguns then later rifles too. I'm a big fan of damascus.
I'm a bird hunter as well as big game and most of my trips have been around the country chasing various birds. I also have a kennel of short hairs and Labs I raise, train and hunt with. I have hunted out west for big game but only antelope. Of course, there's the whitetails here that always get my attention. One unusual and fun thing I do is hunt spring turkey here in the mountains of Virginia from horseback. It's funny but the horse even figures it out and listens for a gobble when I call to locate a tom.
As far as rifles go, I'm a Winchester guy and love my 54's and Model 70's. My favorite caliber is 30-06 but wasn't always. It wasn't until discovering it's versatility that it hooked me. I have a pre 64 model 70 in 300 H&H just because it's cool and a model 70 in 375 H&H that if I only could have one rifle for all big game would be it. It's also the most accurate rifle I own, strangely enough. I enjoy loading for everything from blackpowder cartridges for damascus shotguns and rifles to modern rifle. Lastly, I'm a flintlock nut. Not the dress up as a red coat or Daniel Boone type, but I love using them for everything I hunt. I love the reenacting stuff but leave it to others.
As a kid I read Capstick, Ruark, Selous, and Carmichel. They planted the desire to see and hunt Africa in me. Now that I've got my son started in this world it's time to turn some dreams into memories of things done.
