Maybe someday, when my freezer is full and after I have shoot hundreds of deer throughout the years, I will work up a load for the hawken and try it traditional. Hunting is expensive and a lot of work, going a few years without a kill (like I have) will leave you wanting every advantage.

For some its just about the hunt

He's still young.

I also work 45 hours a week and live two hours away from my hunting spot.. I do enjoy just hunting though, the last few years have just left me frustrated really. But, a bad day in the woods is better than the best day at the office!

No doubt, the hunt is enjoyable whether you make a kill or not. But dang it Josh, going two or three years without scoring has got to be frustrating. I don't blame you for using whatever gun you think gives you the best chance. There's nothing wrong with reserving the sidelock for a little fun plinking and target shooting.

I agree 100%. I much like you don't get to hunt near as much as I would like and because of that, I usally take a weapon I feel most comfortable with. Don't let close minded people change your ways.

I won't. My way has always worked.

While its true the people that live in the wide open spaces are giving up a bit of advantage people who hunt in the woods really are not losing anything. I hunted where the choice was between a slug gun and a muzzleloader before they started rifling the slug gun barrels and the capability of using a 54 and dropping a deer at 150 yards was a major advantage and I do not normally see any shots where I live now over 100 yds. Of course there is a learning curve with any gun to get the most out of it but I think as a rule PRB it underestimated substantially.

It has been frustrating. In years past I have been working everyday and going to school so really I have only been able to get out one or two days a year to hunt. I'm out of college now and my weekends are free, so I will be spending as much time as possible in the woods! I have a feeling that the T/H Mountaineer that I have on the way should give me the best chance!

When I was young and working. I always saved my vacation time for hunting.

If I was told I couldn't have the time I asked for. I got a new job.

I worked so I could hunt. What did they think i'd do?