Greetings from Springfield, VA

[chfaunce]

Greetings everyone -

Howdy from Springfield! I've been a VA resident for some time now and am kicking myself for not finding this forum earlier. I'm more of a target shooter (fixed (handgun and rifle) and sporting clay / skeet) but would very much like to get into hunting either this fall or the next. I am also fortunate to have a wonderful wife that supports my interest and has told me on no uncertain terms not to "come back empty", even if that means having to stop by the butcher on the way home.

I've hunted small game (squirrel, rabbit, and it's been years ago now - currently I'm really only a paper puncher and I make occasional treks to Bull Run) previously but have never hunted large game - the only time I've hit a deer with anything was while driving a white conversion van with the brights on and the horn blowing. I didn't even kill it. Fail, I know. True story, though I know I'm more or less plagarizing the great Ron White.

I'm currently in the process of buying my gear. Any suggestions, pointers would be appreciated.

If anyone is open to showing a newbie the ropes, I'd really like to hear from you. I should probably specify - I've not yet delved into bowhunting or muzzleloading - currently I own a Remington 870 and a Ruger M77 Mark II chambered in .300 Win Mag (in addition to my SKS which is really more of a collection piece, and my beloved Beeman 1000SS air rifle) and unfortunately my other expensive hobbies (mountain biking, golf, and photography) require an even distribution of disposable income - well, that, and we just bought our first house. Working as a defense contractor has NOT landed me in the 'rich and famous' category.

Ok, I've rambled enough. I'll look forward to being a member of your forum.

Craig
chfaunce at gmail dot com

[OakRidgeStars]

Welcome to VGOF, Craig

[acguy45]

this is a good place.

[allingeneral]

Hi Craig - Welcome aboard!

I'm sure all of your questions can be answered here. If you don't find answers here in your introductory post, please try posting each question in the appropriate forums and I'm sure you'll get responses there.

I haven't been hunting in VA yet either. Although I did buy a hunting license last year, I never got a chance to use it. Maybe we can get a hunt together this season for some camaraderie and some "show the newbies the ropes" kinda stuff. I know I could use it as well.

I have an OLD 870 with a shot barrel. I guess I'd better go buy a slug barrel soon and get that puppy sighted in!

[chfaunce]

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome!

I'm also glad to hear that someone else has the no frills 870. I actually really like mine. I bought it second hand (with 2 barrels - one appears to be an open choke 20" (I don't *see* any apparent rifling, so I'm guessing it's *not* a slug barrel), and the other is what looks to be a 26" or 28" shot barrel with a modified choke that's been pretty spot on for sporting clays - both are 2-3/4") for $250, I think. Works well, and I think I got a pretty screamin' deal. Or so I like to think.

Anyhoo, the mission is to put some meat in the freezer and I'd like to have a gander at putting it there myself.

Oh, yeah, and this: That's awesome

[zephyp]

Craig. I'm in Springfield too and do hunt. Theres a relatively decent place for deer about an hour away. Phelps WMA. I'll be hitting it in the fall...

[UDT]

to VGOF.

[Oldtimer]

to the forum

[chfaunce]

Craig. I'm in Springfield too and do hunt. Theres a relatively decent place for deer about an hour away. Phelps WMA. I'll be hitting it in the fall...

Well, I'm not usually one to invite myself to the party...

Nice to meet you! I'm looking forward to getting out somewhere eventually, if you're ever looking for company. Or just someone to help schlep dinner out of the woods. What I can offer: an extra set of eyes / ears / hands, endless sarcasm, a pretty mean cup of coffee, tips on how to take a deer down with a conversion van....

[zephyp]

Craig. I'm in Springfield too and do hunt. Theres a relatively decent place for deer about an hour away. Phelps WMA. I'll be hitting it in the fall...

Well, I'm not usually one to invite myself to the party...

Nice to meet you! I'm looking forward to getting out somewhere eventually, if you're ever looking for company. Or just someone to help schlep dinner out of the woods. What I can offer: an extra set of eyes / ears / hands, endless sarcasm, a pretty mean cup of coffee, tips on how to take a deer down with a conversion van....

Hey, I dont invite myself to parties either...guess maybe I'm old fashioned, but you've got one...squirrel season is almost upon us and thats good for scouting deer...and here in the land of lefties its hard to find a good hunting partner...now, how bout more info on using a van for deer hunting...

[chfaunce]

Hey, I dont invite myself to parties either...guess maybe I'm old fashioned, but you've got one...squirrel season is almost upon us and thats good for scouting deer...and here in the land of lefties its hard to find a good hunting partner...now, how bout more info on using a van for deer hunting...

Awesome! Time to head to Gilberts to see what they have in the way of .22's.

Conversion vans are GREAT for deer hunting. You can do it anytime, so it's a great option for us multitaskers. No having to negotiate with the wife weeks beforehand. No sitting up in a treestand before the sun comes up. It's climate controlled, and you don't really need camo. The cushy captain's chairs are really nice. Usually the deer will stop right in front of you, even with the horn blaring. The best part is you can just pop the seats out and load 'em up! All one really needs to do is pour some coffee, hop in, and drive up and down Rte 29, or 522, and just wait! The bigger, louder, and brighter the van, the better. I have no idea why this has not caught on already.

[baz]

and hope you are enjoying!