Big country-While a heavier rifle certainly doesn't help the key is to be in shape when hunting where you may have to walk or climb.My own rifles weigh around 9 to 9-1/2 lbs fully equipped and I have no problems hunting sheep or backpacking.I have however seen people carrying lighter rifles that didn't put enough effort into preparing themselves physically and they came to regret it.If you think moose hunting is tough try a goat or bighorn huntwhere you must climb with a pack and also have to deal with altitude.