Here in Illinois, you either hunt with a Slug gun or a Muzzleloader and I know what one has proven itself to me as the better "rifle"..... my Encore Pro Hunter 209x.50. The incredibly consistent groups that this firearm can print amazes me when compared to a shotgun! Coupled with my Nikon with BDC reticle I am shooting better and at longer ranges than I ever imagined I could at an IL deer!