Handgun Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using the Right Firearms for Big and Small Game

By Kat Ainsworth and Bryce M. Towsley

A Go-To Manual for One of the Fastest Growing Shooting Sports, With Invaluable Information for Both Newbies and Seasoned Hunters

Hunting with handguns has seen a huge growth in popularity in recent years, with hunters from all walks of life picking up the sport. In Handgun Hunting, author Kat Ainsworth examines all the game one can hunt in North America, from bears and deer to rabbits and coyotes. In each chapter, she touches upon such topics as:
 

• The habits and habitats of each game animal
• Recommended firearms and cartridges
• Techniques and tactics
• Shot placement
• Game edibility
• And much more

Aside from analyzing each game animal and the tactics required to take it, Ainsworth gets into skills and drills, care and maintenance of the different platforms, plus the pros and cons of various holsters and scabbards. There is also advice on building your own handguns and creating your own loads; it is easier than many people think! With information useful to beginners and veterans alike, Handgun Hunting sets the new standard for this challenging sport.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Skyhorse
• Release date: Oct 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9781510739291

Kat Ainsworth

Kat Ainsworth is a seasoned hunter and somewhat zealous tactician with a penchant for big bores. Her written work can be found both online and in print in a wide variety of industry publications. Prior to her years in the gun industry, she worked in emergency veterinary medicine and even trained as a farrier during her undergraduate work. Kat can be found hunting everything from feral hogs to pheasants but is also regularly at the range honing Mozambique drills and shoot-and-move techniques. She is equally at home talking tactics and trauma triage as she is run-and-gunning turkeys.

Book preview

1

Why We Hunt

You have only to sit among the pine trees and watch the sunrise paint broad swathes of tangerine, lilac, and magenta across the sky to appreciate a morning in the woods. The peace and stillness we enjoy in the fields and woods is matched only by the thrill of a successful hunt. What hunter hasn’t photographed a sunrise—or twenty—during deer season? The deer woods present a unique opportunity for a hunter to enjoy nature in ways many people never will. We live with the cool, quiet knowledge we are there to experience the full spectrum of the outdoors. We’ll marvel at the sunrise, breathe deeply of the dew-wet bluegrass, and be at the ready to aim our gun should a shooter deer appear. Then we’ll marvel at the stunning beauty of the deer and be grateful for the venison. We might not be grateful for the time and effort it takes to field dress and process the deer, but that’s another story entirely.

The Gift

Hunting is an amazing gift. Whether you hunt public or private land, the opportunities are vast. And there are countless game animals and predators that need to be hunted. Yes, I said need.

One of the greatest aspects of hunting is the role it plays in wildlife management. Hunters help keep the ecosystem balanced so habitats are not overwhelmed by disproportionate numbers of prey animals versus predators. For those who question this, there are endless examples of what happens when a deer population is allowed to reproduce unchecked. Of course, it isn’t always handled well. When Staten Island (New York) found itself with an oversized herd causing frequent car accidents and spreading tick-borne illnesses, local officials didn’t turn to hunters. Instead they spent millions of dollars capturing and neutering whitetail bucks and launched a campaign to educate the locals about the dangers of having a 150-pound animal slam through their windshield. Their advice? To try not to hit the deer! A simpler—and more cost-effective—solution would have been to bring in hunters. Hunters do not damage populations, they balance them.

The sunrise over the Sierra Nevadas is a gift in itself.

Conservation

Then there’s conservation. No one does more to further conservation than hunters. Thanks to the conservation efforts of those of us who enjoy hunting, the United States went from a whitetail deer population of 500,000 in the year 1900 to more than 32 million whitetails nationwide today. Thanks to hunters, the North American elk population grew from 41,000 in 1907 to more than one million now. Then there are the funds raised by hunters: License fees, applicable taxes on related gear, and charitable donations amount to not millions but billions of dollars towards conservation each year. Hunting also supports around 700,000 jobs, reduces the spread of disease due to overpopulation, and protects public land.

A stunning whitetail buck captured on a trail camera by a farmer’s cornfield. (Photo courtesy of Clint McCoy)

Mississippi whitetail hunting includes spectacular sunsets.

The preservation of public land is an issue hunters should readily unite on. There should be no debate, no argument, only a force to be reckoned with. As time has gone on, public lands have been increasingly threatened by the laziness and greed of federal agencies. In addition, there has been a significant reduction in public hearings, comments are being ignored, and land is disappearing. The federal government is handing public land over to the states, a move that often results in the state selling off the land to the highest bidder. Even when a state keeps the land for public use, they frequently restrict access, which is how millions of acres have recently been lost for hunting. At the time of this writing we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg for the public land fight. The fight for hunting access to public land meant to be used by, yes, the public will not end anytime soon. If you’re reading this, go do something to preserve your rights—and your children’s rights—to hunt public land.

Hunting is at risk of becoming elitist. Many hunters cannot afford the price of hunting private land and do not have access to public land—that or they’re concerned about the virtual shooting gallery small tracts of land become during the limited days of rifle season. So, what are we going to do about it? Aside from working to keep public land open to hunters—and to the public in general—we need to branch out. The methods used to hunt have evolved over the years. No longer are we limited to an old 30-30 bolt-action rifle or a weathered 12-gauge shotgun. Now we have access to all manner of well-made firearms. Now we hunt with handguns.

The public land view in the Nevada desert.

Here we come to the heart of the matter. Using handguns to hunt requires greater stealth, skill, and stamina. It’s the gun world version of archery hunting only much cooler and with bullets. You should not just grab the nearest handgun and wander into the woods with it, though. Take the time to hone your skills, remembering it is the responsibility of all hunters to make clean, ethical shots, and pause to learn what calibers are ideal for which animals. Prepare yourself, because this is going to be awesome.

Public land hunting is often especially hard work but there isn’t much more rewarding than a successful DIY hunt on public land.

Chapter 2

Safety First

Consider this chapter the opening salvo on safety. Before anyone handles firearms or goes hunting they must not only be aware of the four golden safety rules of firearms but be capable of consistently following them. There are a few versions of the safety rules but perhaps the most reliable version is found at Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona:

1. All guns are always loaded.

2. Never let the muzzle cover anything which you are not willing to destroy.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

4. Always be sure of your target (I’ll add, and what is beyond it).

As long as you and those you shoot and hunt with follow these four rules, you will be safe. It’s in situations where multiple safety rules are violated that people get hurt, sometimes fatally. The instances of guns firing without human involvement are incredibly rare so do your part to handle your firearms responsibly. For the sake of vigilance, let’s take a closer look at the four rules.

A rules reminder on the South Range at Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona.

A Rules Breakdown

Number one: All guns are always loaded. This translates somewhat obviously to mean you should always assume all firearms are loaded—at all times. If your buddy was just handling a gun and claims it’s unloaded when he hands it to you, what do you do? You check its status yourself, both visually and by feel. If you’re at your local gun store checking out the latest Plastic Fantastic 3000—a gun it might seem safe to assume is empty since it’s been sitting in a display case—you check to verify it is unloaded. In addition, even after checking and verifying whether or not a gun is loaded with live ammunition, you must continue to follow the four rules. That means you do not, under any circumstances, blindly swing the barrel of the gun around. Treat the gun as if it is loaded at all times.

Number two: Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. This means you do not aim your gun—the gun you are going to assume is always loaded—at your significant other, your dog, or the flimsy wall separating you from your child in the next room. If you are aiming a gun at something, it must be something you are willing to shoot. If you’re wondering how this applies to dryfire practice, we’ll cover that later. For the sake of brevity, let’s say keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, no matter the circumstances.

Unless you are on target, index your finger aggressively away from the trigger.

Number three: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. A relatively simple concept, right? It certainly should be, but it seems difficult for many people to keep their fingers off the triggers of their guns. When an individual without training or discipline picks up a firearm and curls his or her fingers around the grip, the pointer finger immediately goes for the trigger and curves. This is why training and discipline are so important: You must learn to automatically index your trigger finger along the gun’s frame. How much should you index your finger? A person standing on your support-hand side looking at the gun from the side should not be able to see your pointer finger through the trigger guard. Your finger should not simply be straightened alongside the trigger guard; it needs to be aimed up and away from the guard entirely. With practice, it becomes second nature. And when you’re shooting, your finger should not touch the trigger until your sights are on target, be it paper or deer. Not a single moment before.

Number four: Always be sure of your target (and what is beyond it). Terrible tragedies have occurred because a person with a gun in their hands failed to pay attention to their surroundings. You must be confident in not only the target you are aiming at but what is behind that target. At the range, that means your target should have a solid backstop behind it like a sand berm; on a hunt, you must be as sure as possible that nothing but your intended target is in line with the bullet you’re about to fire. That includes other hunters, animals other than your intended game, vehicles, homes, and pets.

There is no excuse for irresponsible behavior with a firearm. Guns are not toys, they’re tools, and their use requires adherence to a strict set of standards. If you are too tired to handle a firearm safely, stop handling it. If that means cutting a hunt short, then so be it. Better you miss a set or stalk than wander into the woods with a loaded gun without your wits about you.

Know your target and what is beyond it whether hunting or at the range.

You are Responsible for Your Own Safety

This brings us to something far too many gun owners and hunters disregard. Knowing the abilities and behavior of the people around you during a hunt is another of your responsibilities. Yes, yours. If you are aware that someone is too inexperienced to carry a loaded gun or simply lazy with safety measures, address it. Inexperience can be worked with and taught but a flip attitude toward gun safety is another problem entirely. There are people I refuse to hunt with and some I try to avoid if I find myself on a work-related hunt with them. As for those who are inexperienced, offer to take them to the range and help their skills along. Odds are they’ll be excited for the opportunity.

Remember: You are responsible for your own safety. No one is coming to save you.

Chapter 3

The Unthinkable Happens: First Aid

If the unthinkable occurs and you find yourself facing an emergency, hit pause. Take a deep breath. You’ll have the necessary first aid items on hand and you’ll be prepared to use them. As a hunter, your responsibilities are multifaceted; one of your most vital responsibilities—along with gun safety—is having a first aid kit available. Carry a smaller IFAK—Individual First Aid Kit—in your pack and a larger kit in your vehicle.

Building a Kit

Here’s a breakdown of items for your IFAK:

•Tourniquet (SOFTT-W or CATT)

•Rolled gauze

•Nitrile gloves

•SAM splint

•Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot BCD)

•Silk Tape (3M Durapore 1-inch-by-10-yards)

•Tape (3M Micropore Paper Tape)

•Band-Aids

•Tweezers

•Trauma shears

•Survival Blanket (also called space blanket)

•Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, name brand)

•Aspirin

Additional IFAK items if you are trained in their use:

•Chest seal

•Decompression needle

Tourniquets: You Should Have Them

Not all tourniquets are created equal. And no, your belt is not a tourniquet. Neither are your boot laces. Articles of clothing like belts do not apply enough pressure to properly occlude arterial bleeding and boot laces are too thin, making them more likely to do harm than good. There are countless quality tourniquets on the market, so why wouldn’t you carry during a hunt, at the range, and in your truck?

Of the available options, the SOFTT-W—W for Wide—and CATT are two solid choices. The SOFTT is a viable option, but the wider strap of the SOFTT-W is more versatile and effective overall. A company by the name of Tactical Medical Solutions manufactures a high-quality SOFTT-W that is the result of more than two years of research and development. Their tourniquet features a strong hook-and-buckle system that works quickly with no need to re-route the strap through the buckle. Eliminating a step during a high-stress situation isn’t just helpful, it can be life-saving.

Additional features of the SOFTT-W, which you should look for on any tourniquet, include its 1.5-inch-wide constricting band and a durable windlass machined from aluminum bar stock. Rapid constriction is of the utmost importance, just as a tough windlass that’s easy to use is vital.

A tourniquet should be part of every hunter’s first aid kit.

The PHLster FlatPack is designed to contain your tourniquet and includes loops so it can be carried on your belt or on the MOLLE loops of your backpack.

Using the PHLster FlatPack to carry your ­tourniquet in your belt is a good idea both at the range and on hunts because it’s readily available in one specific location.

Assess

Wound identification can be challenging without the field experience to back it up. Should you find yourself in an emergency situation involving a severely bleeding wound, you must do your best based on the experience and training you have acquired. This is, of course, why you must take the initiative to get quality first-aid training. A life-threatening arterial wound can be identified both by the way the blood pulses and spurts and by its bright red, oxygen-rich color. Conversely, veins are returning blood to the heart, so the blood will be a darker red and produce a steady flow without spurting. However, this does not mean a venous injury cannot be life-threatening. Remember: Arteries pump and veins dump.

Apply

How do you know whether to apply a tourniquet? First, put on the nitrile gloves from your IFAK. If you are on a hunt and it is blatantly obvious that the injured person has an arterial bleed, go ahead and go straight to applying the tourniquet. You’re going to be in the woods or mountains potentially miles from help, so do not waste time debating. Seconds matter. Tourniquets are immediately applied in cases of traumatic limb amputation and are otherwise applied in situations where the bleeding cannot be slowed and stopped with direct, consistent pressure in a reasonable amount of time. Although there used to be a school of thought claiming the use of a tourniquet was a direct route to limb amputation, that has since been disproven. Localized tissue damage is a risk but considering you would not be applying it in the first place if there was not already a grievous injury, the benefits far outweigh the risks. You are trying to save someone’s life—or your own life—so get to it.

If, however, there is sufficient evidence to convince you the injury is venous rather than arterial, there is the option of first applying pressure directly to the wound. Using gauze, press down firmly and do not back off. Consistent pressure needs to be applied to slow the bleeding; a venous bleed can take a minimum of three minutes to stop. If it is impossible to press directly down on the wound, apply pressure distally—just below the wound. Should the bleeding fail to stop or worsen, you need to make a judgment call regarding the application of a tourniquet.

If QuikClot is called for, pack it tightly into the open wound. It can also be used for junction bleeding such as at the groin, neck, or pelvis.

Ideally you will take a moment to use shears to cut clothing away from the wound prior to applying a tourniquet, because it should be applied to bare skin. Place the tourniquet as high as possible on the affected limb. Keep in mind that arteries retract after being severed, meaning the open, bleeding edge of the artery will not be at the visible edge of the wound, it will be higher.

This is going to hurt. Whether or not you warn the victim is a matter of time and personal opinion.

Slide the tourniquet over the limb or, if it cannot be slipped onto the limb, unbuckle it and pull it under the limb above the wound and buckle it. Quickly pull the strap tight and twist the windlass to increase constriction until the bleeding stops.

Use your Sharpie to write the time the tourniquet was placed directly on it if your brand has a location for such a notation. If it does not, write it on a piece of tape or even directly onto a clean, dry space on the victim’s skin.

Other considerations: A second tourniquet can be placed overlapping the first for further constriction. In addition, a R.A.T.S. tourniquet can be useful for children and hunting dogs, so consider including one in your pack. Do not, however, use a R.A.T.S. as your go-to tourniquet for general use.

Do NOT loosen and re-tighten the tourniquet periodically. Do monitor the victim for shock and treat them accordingly until help arrives or you reach someone who can help.

Vehicle First Aid Kit

The first aid kit you leave in your vehicle will be necessarily large. Packing it into a bag containing dividers is ideal for ease of use but you can also pack it in a backpack or duffel bag. It might seem a daunting task to put together a complete truck kit, but it can be done over time.

Vehicle First Aid Kit List

For severe bleeding:

•Tourniquet (SOFTT-W or CATT)

•Nitrile gloves

•Hemostatic gauze (QuikClot BCD)

•Silk Tape (3M Durapore 1-inch-by-10-yards)

•Band-Aids

•Tweezers

•Trauma shears

•Survival Blanket (also called space blanket or mylar blanket)

•ABD Pads (Abdominal Gauze Pads, 5-inch-by-9-inch)

•Celox Rapid Ribbon Hemostatic Gauze

For minor wound care:

•Rolled gauze

•Compressed gauze

•Tegaderm (4-inch-by-4.5-inch)

•Adhesive Bandages

•Band-Aids (various sizes)

•Paper Tape (3M Micropore)

•Modular Bandage (4-inch OLAES)

•Tweezers

For breaks and sprains:

•SAM Splint

•SAM Finger Splints

•Elastic Bandages

•Triangular Bandages (40-inches-by-40-inches-by-56-inches)

•Cold Packs (Instant and Disposable)

For burns:

•Fluff Roll Gauze (4-inch-by-4-yards)

•Water-Jel Burn Gel (Best for minor burns.)

•Silvadene (Requires prescription, excellent for serious burns)

Miscellaneous:

•Eyewash

•Diphenhydramine (Benadryl, brand name)

•Aspirin

•Polysporin (Remember, some people are allergic to triple antibiotics)

•Eye shields

•Eye pads

•Baby wipes

•CPR Pocket mask

•Sharpie

For use with training:

•Chest seals (NAR Hyfin or SAM)

•Decompression needle (ARS 14 gauge by 3.25-inches)

•Latex-Free Nasopharyngeal Airway (Selection of sizes)

•Duct tape

Chapter 4

The Apex Predator: Alligator

Whether your vision of an alligator hinges on a childhood memory of the clock-eating gator from Peter Pan or is centered around the drama of wildlife shows, you undoubtedly have a preconceived notion of them. And while it might seem unfair to hunt them through baiting—dragging water with raw meat on a hook until an alligator literally takes the bait or at least shows itself—there is one detail you must keep in mind when considering alligators: Alligators are apex predators. They aren’t just carnivores; they eat carnivores.

The author with a ten-foot-long bull shot in a pond on a dairy farm.

Making the Shot

The first alligator I shot, years ago, was living in a large pond on a dairy farm. When we spotted the sizeable bull he was cruising ever closer to the apparently oblivious cows grazing near the water’s edge. Those were some convenient raw steaks he had, all clueless stares and long eyelashes. And then we spotted his mate. Yes, studies have shown that female alligators—cows—do indeed exhibit monogamous behavior. Females seek out one male to breed as the weather heats up in the month of June; as luck would have it, it was June.

The moment the bull’s head began to rise from the murky pond water, I took the shot. A single shot of .308 Win, aimed at his brain, took him down on the spot. We then spent the next hour working to bait the cow to the surface. On an alligator there’s only one reliable spot to shoot for a single-shot kill: a quarter-sized soft space over their brain located dead center on the top of their heads. The kill spot can be identified visually by the semi-circular indentation located a few inches behind their eyes and in front of their necks. By touch—a method I don’t suggest until after you shoot them—you can easily feel the soft tissue in that area, especially when compared to the firm feel of their skull around it. Bear in mind alligators move quickly so you must be ready to shoot and possess the skills to get on target fast and precisely. There is no hesitation in alligator hunting.

A bull alligator shot by the author.

This young bull the author caught was battle-scarred and undersized, so he was returned to the canal alive.

Consider the Legalities

Check out the laws in the area you intend to hunt. Firearms cannot be used in every state or on every tract of land; in many areas only bang sticks can be used. In other places you can use firearms only on private land. With a little effort you can find a place where it’s legal to take an alligator using a handgun and I’m here to tell you it’s an epic experience. Consider taking a larger-caliber gun. Although smaller cartridges such as the .22 Magnum can technically get the job done with precise placement, it’s a safer bet to use a gun chambered in a larger caliber.

Fast Tips:

Shot Placement: Quarter-sized, semi-circular area of soft tissue on top of the head, above the brain

Cartridge possibilities: .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 10mm, .44 Magnum; .22 Magnum possible with precise aim, .308 Win, .223 Remington, .30-06

Meat: Yes, eat it

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Reptilia

Order: Crocodilia

Family: Alligatoridae

Subfamily: Alligatorinae

Genus: Alligator

Species: A. mississippiensis

Trophic Level: Apex predator

Average size: 550–1000 pounds

Average length: 9–14 feet

Lifespan: Unknown, thought to be 70–100 years

Gestation: 65 days

Clutch: 35–90 eggs

Speed: 11 MPH on land, 20 MPH in water

Tapetum lucidum: Red

Activity: Cathemeral

The author fishing for alligators in canals with a Glock 20 on her hip.

Chapter 5

The Exotic: Axis

They’re known by many names—chital, cheetal, spotted deer—but here in the United States we know them best as axis deer. And although their roots reach all the way to India, they can be found in many states here in the US (they’re most plentiful in the Lone Star State, though). In the 1860s a herd of axis was given to King Kamehameha V by Hong Kong; Kamehameha was on Molokai, Hawaii, but enjoyed the deer so much he also introduced them to Lanai, yet another Hawaiian island. A century later they were also transplanted to Maui, strictly for hunting purposes. Their introduction to Texas took place in 1932, and by 1988 there were self-sustaining herds in twenty-seven counties across the Lone Star State. One minor detail: Axis first entered Texas for game meat and were kept at controlled properties—well, they were meant to be controlled. As animals tend to do, the chital broke free of their fences and established what can only be described as invasive species dominance. Today there are thousands of axis roaming freely around Texas and tens of thousands more kept on high-fence properties. The good news is that since axis are considered exotics—and an invasive species—they can be hunted year-round in Texas. So if you want to hunt one of these gorgeous spotted deer, that’s the place to be.

An axis buck immediately after being shot.

Axis are readily identifiable thanks to not one but two outstanding features: their brightly spotted rust-colored coats and the enormous upright racks on the bucks (sidenote: axis bucks are also sometimes referred to as stags). Then there’s the distinctive sound axis bucks make, known as the axis roar. Rather than a roar, it tends to sound like more of a bark; however you define it, it’s unique. Bucks roar during the rut, filling the woods and fields with bellowing barks in their quest to find an estrous doe. One of the excellent things about roaring is the way you can use it to pinpoint their location and work your way closer. When you’re handgun hunting, close isn’t just good, it’s great.

Calling

Currently the practice of calling axis is not common. However, there is a call on the market specifically designed for axis hunting. It’s called the Ezy-Axis and it was created by Eric Harrison, an avid axis hunter and guide. The Ezy-Axis does replicate the hoarse nature of an axis buck’s roar but the pitch is a bit different. It does, however, often get the job done. After all, axis does come into heat year-round—the nonstop ability to reproduce is one reason there are so many self-sustaining herds—so there are excited bucks more than just once a year. In fact, hunters can find roaring axis bucks year-round. When using the Ezy-Axis, take care to mimic the bucks as closely as possible. On average, mature axis bucks roar in short bursts in clusters of one to three roars. They do it for the usual reasons: to display dominance and impress the does. Immature bucks roar with greater frequency.

Making the Shot

Since axis are deer, shot placement mirrors that of other deer such as mulies and whitetails. Aim for the area often called the boilermaker: the heart and lungs. If you are using a handgun chambered in a cartridge like 10mm, do not aim directly at their shoulder blade, aim immediately behind it. If you are using a bolt-action pistol or a large-bore revolver loaded with sufficiently powerful ammunition such as .454 Casull, you can aim at the shoulder blade with less concern over the bullet being deflected. This does depend on distance, which is just one of many reasons to know what your gun and ammo of choice can do in advance. It is technically possible to make a headshot on an axis deer but there isn’t typically a reason to do so. If you do take a headshot and the axis is facing you, mentally draw a line from one tear duct to the other and then aim about 2.5 inches above it, dead center of their skull. If they’re facing away, the headshot aiming point would be at the base of the skull through the uppermost cervical vertebrae. There are situations where head shots are called for, such as a cull hunt where a high number of deer are shot and speed is a necessity, but typically you have the time for a good double-lung or heart shot.

Why We Hunt Them

There are many awesome reasons to hunt axis. They’re year-round in Texas thanks to their high birth rate, have spectacularly beautiful white-spotted rust-colored coats—a feature whitetail fawns outgrow but axis keep forever—and their meat is 1 percent fat. Axis meat has gifted me with some of the best backstrap and chili I’ve ever made. Then there are their antlers. Bucks shed their racks on their own schedule based on their birthdate, meaning there’s always an opportunity to take a mature, antlered buck rather than being limited to one season a year. Those racks are big too. Axis antlers have a main beam and two to three additional points including the brow tine. Standard main beam length is twenty-two to twenty-eight inches; anything beyond thirty inches in length is considered a trophy buck. The current world record trophy axis had forty-one-inch main beams, but if you can top thirty-seven inches, dry, here in the United States, you’ll have a potential claim to hunting fame.

Fast Tips:

Shot placement: Vital zone immediately behind the shoulder unless using a gun chambered in a cartridge with enough power to blow through the scapula without being deflected. Head shot located 2.5 inches above the edge of the tear ducts, dead center.

Cartridge possibilities: 10mm, .44 Magnum, .41 Special, .460 Rowland, .454 Casull; .260 Remington, .308 Winchester, .35 Remington, 6.8 SPC, .243 Winchester

Meat: Yes, eat it! Axis is phenomenal.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Artiodactyla

Family: Cervidae

Subfamily: Cervinae

Genus: Axis

Species: A. axis

Trophic Level: Herbivorous

Average size: 50–175 pounds

Lifespan: 9–13 years

Gestation: 210–238 days

Birth: Typically singles

Speed: 40 MPH

Tapetum lucidum: Yellow/Green.

Activity: Diurnal

Chapter 6

The Bad Attitude: American Badger

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about shooting badgers, it’s that you’ll probably be chastised by those who are uneducated for the sin of shooting such an adorable, harmless creature. So let’s start right there: Why shoot a badger? I’m glad you asked.

Why We Hunt Them

Badgers may seem unassuming at first but they’re ferocious fighters.

An American badger’s teeth are sharp and pointed.

American badgers may have an adorable countenance but they are far from cuddly. Their claws alone do enormous damage in a fight and their sharp teeth add an element of uh-oh to any battle. It is true badgers are highly unlikely to bother a human unless they are pushed into it, but there are situations where either the human unwittingly challenges one or a particular badger possesses an especially bad attitude. No, we do not really hunt badgers just because they’re cranky—but sometimes it plays out like that.

American badgers have extremely long, curved claws perfect for digging. (Pictured: American badger with a round of the Inceptor 10mm 90 grain ARX used to shoot him.)