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10 Classic Hunting Rifles Every Hunter Should Own (Part 3)
8. Remington Model 760 Gamemaster
The 760 is a box magazine-fed pump-action with similar looks to Remington’s 870 and 1100 shotgun lines. It began production somewhere around 1952, and naturally became a very popular deer woods rifle.
Not a style of rifle that’s commonly associated with Alaska or western-style hunting, the Model 760 is a quick-pointing, quick-shooting bush rifle. It’s great for hunting in thick timber where shot distances are limited, but shots might be fleeting.
Model 760 Gamemaster in .30/06 would be a great for bear hunting over bait.
9. Browning BAR
Designed by Bruce Browning, grandson of John M. Browning, the sporting BAR is a semi-automatic hunting rifle that was introduced in 1968 and first produced in Belgium. It’s box magazine fed and features a hinged trap-door floorplate that’s opened to insert the magazine.
The BAR has been highly successful, and different models are still in production today—including variants with larger detachable magazines. It’s an elegant rifle and the older models are some of the finest-looking semi-automatic sporting rifles there are.
10. Weatherby Mark V
Among iconic names and brands in the firearms industry, Weatherby is one that continues to stand out. After outsourcing his actions and being unhappy with the coned Mauser actions that didn’t fully support the case head, Roy Weatherby set out to have a completely new action designed to handle his high-pressure, speedy cartridges.
The Mark V was introduced in 1957 and features a robust action that is the basis for many of Weatherby’s rifles even today. The basic Mark V action is heavy-duty and features full case support, nine locking lugs, and a short bolt throw.
Chambered in .300 Weatherby Magnum, you wouldn’t be under-powered to take on anything in North America—and much of the world with the Mark V.
Nullarbor Plain Hunting: Unique Challenges and Rewards of Open Terrain, Demographics, Legislation System, Associations and Clubs, Laws and Hunting Seasons
The Nullarbor Plain, stretching across southern Australia from Western Australia to South Australia, is a vast, arid wilderness that offers hunters a unique and challenging experience. Known for its treeless limestone landscape, extreme climate, and rich biodiversity, this region demands resilience, preparation, and respect for its harsh yet fragile environment. Here’s your comprehensive guide to hunting in the Nullarbor.
1. Geographical & Natural Features: A Hunter’s Perspective
The Nullarbor spans 200,000 square kilometers, making it the world’s largest limestone karst landscape. Its name derives from Latin (nullus arbor ), meaning “no trees,” though hardy shrubs like saltbush and bluebush dominate the terrain. The region’s flat, open plains offer unparalleled visibility, ideal for spotting game, but the lack of cover demands stealth and patience.
Water is scarce, with seasonal rock holes and occasional soakages critical for wildlife. The Great Australian Bight borders the south, while the Gibson and Great Victoria Deserts lie to the north. Temperatures range from freezing nights to scorching 50°C days, requiring hunters to carry ample water, UV protection, and reliable gear.
2. Hunter Demographics: A Niche Community
Exact hunter numbers for the Nullarbor are unavailable, but the region attracts a mix of:
Local enthusiasts from nearby towns like Ceduna (SA) and Norseman (WA).
Tourists seeking remote adventures (guided hunts are popular).
Indigenous communities practicing traditional hunting.
The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) estimates several thousand hunters annually in WA and SA, though the Nullarbor’s remoteness limits visitation to a dedicated few.
3. Hunting Characteristics: Adapt or Perish
Survival skills are non-negotiable here. Challenges include:
Extreme heat and dehydration : Carry 5+ liters of water daily.
Navigation : GPS and topographic maps are essential in the featureless terrain.
Stalking : Open plains require long-range shooting skills (300+ meters).
Ethics : Leave no trace; fragile ecosystems recover slowly.
4. Game Species & Hunting Styles
Native Wildlife :
Kangaroos : Euros (Macropus robustus ) and red kangaroos (Osphranter rufus ) are primary targets. Spotlighting at night is common.
Emus : Hunted for meat and hides; require accurate shooting to avoid crippling.
Feral Species :
Camels : Over 1 million roam the Nullarbor; culling is encouraged to protect water sources.
Goats and foxes : Managed as invasive pests.
Hunting Methods :
Spot-and-stalk for kangaroos and goats.
Vehicle-based hunting (4WDs are vital for accessing remote areas).
Bowhunting : Increasingly popular for kangaroos, requiring close-range precision.
5. Seasons & Regulations
Kangaroos : No closed season in WA or SA, but permits (e.g., WA’s “Kangaroo Harvesting License”) are mandatory.
Emus : Seasonal restrictions apply (e.g., SA’s open season Aug–Oct).
Feral camels : Year-round culling with landowner permission.
Avoid hunting during extreme heat (Dec–Feb) to prevent meat spoilage and animal stress.
6. Clubs & Organizations
SSAA branches in WA and SA offer safety training and advocacy.
Indigenous Ranger Programs : Collaborate with local Aboriginal groups for cultural and land management hunts.
Tour Operators : Companies like Outback Hunting Adventures provide guided trips, handling permits and logistics.
7. Legislation: Know the Rules
Licensing : State-specific permits required (e.g., WA’s “Reciprocal License” for interstate hunters).
Bag Limits : Strict quotas for kangaroos (e.g., 15 euros/day in WA).
Weapons : Firearms must comply with state laws; bows require specific draw weights.
Cultural Respect : Obtain permission to hunt on Aboriginal lands (e.g., Maralinga Tjarutja in SA).
8. Traditions: Ancient and Modern
Indigenous Australians have hunted the Nullarbor for millennia, using tracking skills and sustainable practices. Modern hunters often partner with Indigenous rangers, blending traditional knowledge with contemporary ethics. Annual community culls for pest control double as social events, fostering camaraderie and conservation.
9. Fascinating Facts
The Nullarbor’s caves house fossils of ancient megafauna, including giant wombats.
The region’s “Edge of the World” cliffs drop 100m to the Southern Ocean, a dramatic backdrop for coastal hunts.
In 2019, a hunter captured rare footage of a dingo pack hunting a camel—a testament to the ecosystem’s raw dynamics.
Partner with local guides for safety and cultural insight.
Pack for extremes: UV gear, thermal layers, and recovery kits.
Respect the land—it’s as unforgiving as it is awe-inspiring.
The Nullarbor isn’t for the faint-hearted, but for those who dare, it offers a primal hunting experience unlike any other.
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