For many, the days leading up to Thanksgiving are among the busiest. Here in Ohio—like much of the Midwest—they also mark something more—hunting season. While archery season for deer started in September, the Monday after Thanksgiving is, for Ohioans, a holiday all its own. It’s opening day for gun season in the Buckeye State this year. While the feast was being prepared, hunters checked their gear and sighted in their rifles while the excitement of meeting up with friends at deer camp was building.
Some have spent months preparing, working food plots and checking trail cameras. For others, it’s not just about a successful hunt. The time away from everyday life spent with hunting buddies is what gets them going. I’ve heard more than one hunter say that being in the woods is their equivalent of church. It’s where they talk to God or reflect on their lives. It’s those moments of inner peace that keep them coming back.
States like Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, and the state up north had long been shotgun-only states, with exceptions made for muzzleloaders or handguns that met certain specific requirements. Hunters have relied on their trusty old Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 shotguns equipped with slug barrels to hunt main game animal for decades. Others used an old single-shot from Harrington & Richardson, while more advanced shooters opted for a custom-built shotguns from Hastings or one of Savage’s highly accurate (by slug gun standards) 212 or 220 bolt-action models .
Although seen as outdated by many in the west or south who lack such restrictions, these guns have taken countless ungulates. More importantly, they’re passed down through generations for kids or grandkids to harvest their own first deer.
Straight-Wall
Fortunately, over the past decade, these Midwest states have made some improvements to their hunting regulations. While higher-powered bottleneck cartridges remain illegal for deer, straight-wall cartridges are now permitted for use. These include classics like the .45-70 Gov’t, .444 Marlin, and .44 Remington Magnum.
As the popularity of these guns have grown, so have the options. The .450 Bushmaster gained popularity in both both bolt-action and AR-15 platforms marking a major shift. Manufacturers saw an opportunity to develop purpose-built cartridges specifically for straight-wall only states. That led to the rise of the 350 Legend, 360 Buckhammer, and 400 Legend. Each of these rounds signifies a step forward in modernizing deer hunting in these states. Never before has a Midwest deer hunter had so many good choices.
With these new cartridges, hunters can ethically hunt deer at much greater distances. Shots beyond 200 to 300 yards are now very achievable. The market once dominated by Mossberg and Remington has expanded, too. Now, brands like Winchester, Ruger, CVA, Weatherby, Franchi, Bergara, Christensen, and many others turn out rifles suited for modern Midwestern hunters.
Circling Back to Tradition
This is when new traditions begin. That old pump shotgun or single-shot is moved to the back of the safe, only taken out to enjoy some memories from the past and passed down through generations. It’s through these traditions that hunters eagerly anticipate opening day. While the tools and regulations may change, the pastime of gathering with friends and sharing the experience of deer camp remains the same.
The aroma of turkey, the clatter of serving spoons dishing out helpings of mashed potatoes, and the laughter of family and friends gathered around the table fill the house now. It’s time to be thankful for all of it and share it with the people we love. For the deer hunters, their time of thankfulness is almost here.
Happy Thanksgiving.