Then and now, things that are better.

Status
Not open for further replies.
H&Hhunter

H&Hhunter

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jan 28, 2003
Messages
13,325
1. Precise range finding. Gone are the days of guessing range and that has been a giant leap forward in being able to put game on the ground with fewer misses and or wounded critters.

2. Reliable and precise scopes. I can’t tell you how many times I had to deal with a foggy scope and or scopes that wouldn’t hold a reliable zero back in the day. That is almost unheard of today with even mid quality scopes. Bottom end is still bottom end though.

3. Easy to use ranging scope dials. In conjunction with a laser range finder you can make what was once a really iffy shot into a chip shot, within reason of course and with a bit of practice.

4. Modern machining and manufacturing. It’s pretty rare to find a rifle that won’t shoot pretty well from the factory now days. Though some manufacturers seem to be able to pull it off. But CNC easily gives tolerances that were tough to achieve by hand.

5. Controlled expansion and high BC bullets are a game changer, especially on larger critters like elk and moose. Between easily applied accuracy and good bullets we are able to do more with less. Calibers that you wouldn’t dream of using on big stuff are perfectly adequate in many cases and many of the old larger bore stand by’s are withering on the vine.

6. Tech clothing. It’s lighter, it’s warmer, it’s got a much better functional temperature range, it drys faster and it’s just better. Boots included, if you are willing to spend the money on the good stuff it’ll change your whole outdoor experience. I don’t miss the days of jeans and uninsulated leather boots one single tiny little bit. One of the prime memories I have of hunting the high country as a young man is always being wet and half frozen to death.

7. Optics, both binos and spotting scopes. The quality and clarity of optics today is amazing. Optical clarity is not something you can fully understand until you’ve spent some time glassing through mediocre stuff and then put your eye into something really good.

These are just a few of the things that have made our lives better as hunters. What are your thoughts?
 
Last edited:
I'm 100% in agreement with your OP. I've taken advantage of all of those items.

I went on a rough country backpack hunt in the 1970's about the same time quality fiberglass stocks were being introduced. I ordered one for my rifle in 1983 and haven't looked back. My current go-to rifle has a McMillan on it, but there are several options today for decent quality synthetic stocks on factory rifles. I still have some decent looking wood stocked lever guns, 22's and shotguns. But haven't hunted with a wood stocked bolt rifle in over 30 years and wouldn't go back.

GPS and Google Earth are great. I've scouted areas using Google Earth when it was impossible to do it in person. I used it extensively prior to, and during my last hunt in Colorado. When I got there I knew exactly what to expect.

I can track my movements on my GPS and download them onto Google Earth at home or in camp. I was able to identify a good looking spot on Google Earth and record the coordinates into my GPS before leaving GA. When I got to Colorado knew where to park the truck and was able to take the easiest route to a location where I'd never been. And do it in the dark.
 
I shoot old tech bullets, but nothing I shoot is particularly large or tough. Im also less inclined to burn 300-500 bucks on boots anymore just because they are always shredded in a year or less....In that case, usage isn't critical and not mater how much I LIKED my good boots, the 150 dollar VaporTreks I've been buying for the last few years do well enough and I dont bleed twice when lava rocks shred the sides of the uppers.

I also really like having my ballistics, GPS, and all muh other "stuff" on my phone.
 
I prefer to get close enough to game that range estimation is not a factor. I like old rifles and iron sights. Cast bullets have always worked well and still do. Wool maintains 70% of its insulating qualities soaking wet. I prefer old school gentlemen but I don’t disparage those who choose to embrace modern tech.Come to think of it I do own a down vest:)
 
LoonWulf said:
I shoot old tech bullets, but nothing I shoot is particularly large or tough. Im also less inclined to burn 300-500 bucks on boots anymore just because they are always shredded in a year or less....In that case, usage isn't critical and not mater how much I LIKED my good boots, the 150 dollar VaporTreks I've been buying for the last few years do well enough and I dont bleed twice when lava rocks shred the sides of the uppers.

I also really like having my ballistics, GPS, and all muh other "stuff" on my phone.
Click to expand...

Where you hunt and what you hunt makes a difference in gear needs for sure.
 
Thermal Weapon Sights!
For hog hunting, it's a huge difference. Being able to spot hogs a half mile away in total darkness, and then sneak up on them from downwind to within <100 yards and shoot accurately is an amazing thing.
 
der Teufel said:
Thermal Weapon Sights!
For hog hunting, it's a huge difference. Being able to spot hogs a half mile away in total darkness, and then sneak up on them from downwind to within <100 yards and shoot accurately is an amazing thing.
Click to expand...
I’d love to give that a try!
 
tws3b2 said:
A warm coat. A good gun. A sharp knife. Patience.
I learned years ago keep it simple. Be where the deer are when they are. Have fun. Everything else are just excuses.
Click to expand...

Yep but try that at tree line in November in the Rockies. By the time you get up there on foot you’ll understand why layering is more important than a single warm coat as you break out into a sweat climbing from base camp at 9,000 feet on the way up to 11,000 feet. You’ll understand why jeans are almost useless and in fact dangerous whe they get soaked up to your knees in the snow and then start to freeze later in the day. And that good waterproof insulated hiking boots with proper ankle support are a requirement after your leather boots turn into blocks of ice and you get frost bit toes. And when that 600+ lb bull shows himself cross canyon at 400 or was that 500 or 600 yards, I can’t tell for sure? A range finder becomes paramount. The range finder is as a much a tool to know you can’t make the shot as it is a tool know an exact hold for making the shot. And if you do take that shot and you misjudged the wind and your bullet hits the the shoulder knuckle instead of behind the shoulder. You’ll be wishing for a good controlled expansion bullet or you may be chasing a three legged wounded elk across some of the roughest country you can imagine.

My point being different hunting requires different gear. Stand hunting a 200 acre patch of hardwoods that you walk to from your truck is a whole different thing than spot and stalk hunting in the high country.I absolutely agree that wearing $1,000 bucks of Sitka gear while sitting in you heated stand on your lease in Texas is nothing more than a fashion statement. I’m talking about using this stuff for what it’s designed for.
 
Last edited:
H&Hhunter said:
My point being different hunting requires different gear
Click to expand...
I wholeheartedly agree!
My specific usage would make none of those particular pieces of equipment advantageous.
Give me a set of waterproof, light and breathable hunting boots. Hunting clothes that are light, cool, and preferably capable of fending off jagged lava rock (high-end paintball pants are fantastic for that but they're heavy and hot). Add a nice rifle/scope combo in a small bore fast cartridge, launching high BC bullets that expand quickly and open gaping wounds in the relatively small animals I shoot and you'll have a very happy Wulf.

I also believe that we hunt because we enjoy it, and if equipment makes you more comfortable, and you enjoy what you're doing more, It could well be worth it to pay the premium.
I could be just as successful with $14 Walmart hunting gear, $35 boots (which I currently have a pair of since I shredded my last vaportrek), $7 pocket knife, and a $300 savage axis package chambered for the 308 (both of which I absolutely hate).

I'm much happier with my $125 midways sale hunting gear, $180 boots, $100 knife, and nice 280AI topped with a zeiss.
 
LoonWulf said:
I wholeheartedly agree!
My specific usage would make none of those particular pieces of equipment advantageous.
Give me a set of waterproof, light and breathable hunting boots. Hunting clothes that are light, cool, and preferably capable of fending off jagged lava rock (high-end paintball pants are fantastic for that but they're heavy and hot). Add a nice rifle/scope combo in a small bore fast cartridge, launching high BC bullets that expand quickly and open gaping wounds in the relatively small animals I shoot and you'll have a very happy Wulf.

I also believe that we hunt because we enjoy it, and if equipment makes you more comfortable, and you enjoy what you're doing more, It could well be worth it to pay the premium.
I could be just as successful with $14 Walmart hunting gear, $35 boots (which I currently have a pair of since I shredded my last vaportrek), $7 pocket knife, and a $300 savage axis package chambered for the 308 (both of which I absolutely hate).

I'm much happier with my $125 midways sale hunting gear, $180 boots, $100 knife, and nice 280AI topped with a zeiss.
Click to expand...

Besides the rifle which I’ve got a few bucks into, when I hunt DG in sub tropical Africa the gear is cheap, cotton clothes, basically shorts or jeans or light cotton pants, a tee shirt and a light pair of hiking boots or tennis shoes and one light cotton jacket are all that’s needed. I personally use a pair of elephant skin Courtney boots that I bought in Zimbabwe for about $100.00 because they are light, rugged and thorn proof. And they are now illegal to bring back into to country so I’m looking for a new pair made from politically correct critter.

Add in your rifle and a cap for the sun and you’re ready to go. The big island of Hawaii very much reminds me of the Zambezi valley as far as terrain, temperature and jagged rocks go. Hawaii has the edge on horribly jagged rocks, Africa has an edge on horribly deep penetrating spines everywhere you go.

Hunting the Brooks Range in late September on the other hand. If you don’t have the right gear it will darn well kill you. Same goes for a pack in wilderness hunt just about anywhere in the Rockies.

If you are hunting within a mile or three of your truck or in a mild climate you can get away with much different gear. When I hunt on my buddies ranch where we are never more than about 500 yards from a truck I’ll wear jeans and tennis shoes because it doesn’t matter.
 
H&Hhunter said:
Hunting the Brooks Range in late September on the other hand. If you don’t have the right gear it will darn well kill you. Same goes for a pack in wilderness hunt just about anywhere in the Rockies.

If you are hunting within a mile or three of your truck or in a mild climate you can get away with much different gear. When I hunt on my buddies ranch where we are never more than about 500 yards from a truck I’ll wear jeans and tennis shoes because it doesn’t matter.
Click to expand...


^^^This. Even when one is within a mile of their truck, the new Gore-Tex type boots and outerwear makes for a much more dryer and comfortable hunt. Old rubber overshoes and early pac boots kept your feet dry from outside water sources, but at the end of the day, your feet were soaked from sweat and would lead to cold feet. Same with warm outerwear. The new breathable and wicking cold weather garments make for less weight and greater comfort, making sitting on stand all day more of a possibility. Still hunting is quieter and less prone to sweat filled undergarments. More time in the woods/on stand, while being able to focus on the hunt instead of discomfort, means more success. I remember the days of wool mackinaws, warm, even when wet, but hunting in the rain, meant the coat itself would weigh 40 pounds. Those old rubber/poly rain suits were noisy as all get out walking in, not at all like with the new rain gear with the membrane inside the soft outer layer. Part of a quality hunt is being able to enjoy the hunt, comfortably. Today's clothing makes for a much more enjoyable experience.
 
H&Hhunter said:
Besides the rifle which I’ve got a few bucks into, when I hunt DG in sub tropical Africa the gear is cheap, cotton clothes, basically shorts or jeans or light cotton pants, a tee shirt and a light pair of hiking boots or tennis shoes and one light cotton jacket are all that’s needed. I personally use a pair of elephant skin Courtney boots that I bought in Zimbabwe for about $100.00 because they are light, rugged and thorn proof. And they are now illegal to bring back into to country so I’m looking for a new pair made from politically correct critter.

Add in your rifle and a cap for the sun and you’re ready to go. The big island of Hawaii very much reminds me of the Zambezi valley as far as terrain, temperature and jagged rocks go. Hawaii has the edge on horribly jagged rocks, Africa has an edge on horribly deep penetrating spines everywhere you go.

Hunting the Brooks Range in late September on the other hand. If you don’t have the right gear it will darn well kill you. Same goes for a pack in wilderness hunt just about anywhere in the Rockies.

If you are hunting within a mile or three of your truck or in a mild climate you can get away with much different gear. When I hunt on my buddies ranch where we are never more than about 500 yards from a truck I’ll wear jeans and tennis shoes because it doesn’t matter.
Click to expand...
One of the guys that used to come hunt our farm on Molokai said the same thing about his trips to Africa, though I think he only went after plains game. He was actually the guy that got me to spend real money on boots for the first time a number of years later, planning for an elk hunt that never happened.

Your last paragraph defines all the hunting I do pretty well lol!
I'm hoping at some point in the future to have the opportunity to hunt other places. Part of the enjoyment of that is the opportunity to geek out on new gear lol.
 
Last edited:
H&Hhunter said:
6. Tech clothing. It’s lighter...
These are just a few of the things that have made our lives better as hunters. What are your thoughts?
Click to expand...

I'll add a 6.b. Tech gear. Titanium everything. Ultralight (UL) stoves, packs, tents, sleep pads and bags (although, nothing really beats a down bag yet). For some of us, camping is half of hunting. I have, or am in the process of, replacing every piece of kit with the lightest version available.

Also, I would add ATVs and UTVs. My Polaris Ranger is a game changer. Myself and a friend took a total of four caribou, 30 miles from the road, last season. It would have been impossible, in the time allotted, (actually, for me, it would have been impossible in any amount of time) to do that hunt-especially being that successful.

I would also add Personal Locator Beacons (PLB), Spot/InReach devices, and Satellite Phones, which, to be honest, makes people a little more braver than they might otherwise be. But they have saved quite a few lives. It's the hunting equivalent of going out on the ocean without a life jacket and marine radio.
 
Steve Milbocker said:
Wool maintains 70% of its insulating qualities soaking wet.
Click to expand...

I agree with all of the above. But I still think that wool is a great outdoors fabric; quiet, warm, even when wet, and the dirt brushes right off after it dries due to the lanolin in the fabric. Maybe a little bit heavier to be sure. I used to fit into surplus military pants but have grown into more girth than most soldiers of that era. Anyone know of a pair of Sgt. Schultz's old pants on the market?
 
H&Hhunter said:
7. Optics, both binos and spotting scopes. The quality and clarity of optics today is amazing. Optical clarity is not something you can fully understand until you’ve didn’t some time glassing through mediocre stuff and then put your eye into something really good.
Click to expand...

I can really relate to this. It wasn't that long ago for me that "good enough" was what I purchased. After blowing the budget on some top end target scopes and a Kowa spotter for rifle matches, I did the same for my next hunting rifle with a Swaro purchase. Next was a pair of Leica RF binos. Just the difference in eye fatigue is a noticeable and welcome benefit. I almost want to say, "do it, but don't do it" because you'll end up hating every cheap optic you own.
 
Nature Boy said:
I can really relate to this. It wasn't that long ago for me that "good enough" was what I purchased. After blowing the budget on some top end target scopes and a Kowa spotter for rifle matches, I did the same for my next hunting rifle with a Swaro purchase. Next was a pair of Leica RF binos. Just the difference in eye fatigue is a noticeable and welcome benefit. I almost want to say, "do it, but don't do it" because you'll end up hating every cheap optic you own.
Click to expand...

The AHAA moment for me was years ago looking for Barbary Sheep on a Boulder filled hillside. I was using a cheap older pair of Stieners and an ancient Swift 20x spotting scope.

My buddy was using a pair of Swaro SLC 7x42’s. He picked up a ram and a few ewe’s amongst the boulders. They were exactly the same color as the rock. I couldn’t find them until I put the Swaros to my face the clarity and detail of those binos was life changing. I was immediately able to pick up the sheep. When I went back to mid quality glass, even knowing where the sheep were I had a hard time picking them up.

As you said above, once you’ve looked through top end glass it’s almost impossible to go back to lesser quality glass.
I now run Leica RF binos and a Swaro 20x65 spotter.
 
All of the above, but here's another: I'm in Kansas and I believe it wasn't until about 1970 that we had a deer season. Even when it started, you might draw a tag every third year. Not any more.
 
A 60 bill hunting blind i can carry in and set up anywhere is nice.

Affordable good clothes are the biggest plus though along with cheap and effective warmers you can buy for very little. I kinda miss climbing up in the old oak tree stand before dawn with cotton long johns and key coveralls though.
 
H&Hhunter said:
The AHAA moment for me was years ago looking for Barbary Sheep on a Boulder filled hillside. I was using a cheap older pair of Stieners and an ancient Swift 20x spotting scope.

My buddy was using a pair of Swaro SLC 7x42’s. He picked up a ram and a few ewe’s amongst the boulders. They were exactly the same color as the rock. I couldn’t find them until I put the Swaros to my face the clarity and detail of those binos was life changing. I was immediately able to pick up the sheep. When I went back to mid quality glass, even knowing where the sheep were I had a hard time picking them up.

As you said above, once you’ve looked through top end glass it’s almost impossible to go back to lesser quality glass.
I now run Leica RF binos and a Swaro 20x65 spotter.
Click to expand...

I had a similar experience in the Ruby Mountains of Nevada, except my buddies optics were no better than mine. I told him we were “optically challenged” on that hunt. As soon as I got home I purchased some 15x56 Swaros and a quality tri-pod. Then a quality spotter.

The OP nailed it!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

B
  • Locked
CZ550FS Fixed Power Hunting Scope
Replies
8
Views
835
lgsracer
L
J
  • Locked
US Optics SN-3 3.2-17x44mm TPal
Replies
1
Views
633
taliv
T
M
  • Locked
Hunting w/Maximum Point Blank Range (MPBR) vs BDC scopes
Replies
18
Views
2K
Random 8
Random 8
D
  • Locked
Hunting Eastern Coyotes...How and what gun
Replies
22
Views
2K
Hawken50
H
H&Hhunter
  • Locked
Pre season thoughts on equipment, rifles ETC..
Replies
10
Views
490
One_Jackal
O
Back
Top