Choosing your first deer rifle can feel more complicated than it needs to be. There are different calibers, action types, barrel lengths, stocks, magazines and finishes. Add in opinions from family, friends, online forums and deer camp, and a simple purchase can quickly become overwhelming. The good news is that most hunters do not need […]
Buying Your First Deer Rifle: What Actually Matters Read More »
For generations, shotguns have been the standard firearm in deer camps across southern Minnesota. Beginning with the 2026 deer season, hunters in many former shotgun-zone counties will also be able to use legal rifles. That gives hunters more options, but it does not mean everyone needs to replace the shotgun that has worked for years.
Rifle or Shotgun for Minnesota Deer? Choosing What Fits Your Hunt Read More »
When someone asks about the best rifle caliber for Minnesota deer hunting, cartridges such as the .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Winchester and .308 Winchester usually enter the conversation. Then someone brings up the magnums. Two increasingly popular options are the 7mm PRC and .300 PRC. Both are powerful, modern cartridges designed to deliver excellent
Are 7mm PRC and .300 PRC Too Big for Deer Hunting in Minnesota? Read More »
For generations, many deer hunters in southern Minnesota have carried shotguns into the field. Beginning with the 2026 deer season, hunters in many former shotgun-zone counties will also be able to use legal rifles. That change creates an exciting opportunity, but it also creates a big question: What rifle caliber should you choose for deer
What Is the Best Rifle Caliber for Deer Hunting in Southern Minnesota? Read More »
Hunters need equipment that is accurate, dependable and manageable in changing conditions. The Bergara BTi30 combines lightweight titanium construction, adaptable performance and precision-focused engineering in a compact package. The BTi30 measures 6.5 inches long, has a 1.75-inch diameter and weighs 12.9 ounces. Extra length and weight at the muzzle affect how a rifle carries and
Built for the Hunt: Why the Bergara BTi30 Deserves a look Read More »
August 13, 2026 Today could be a very big day for suppressor owners, dealers and Second Amendment supporters. There is plenty of reason to celebrate, but we also need to be patient while the legal and regulatory details are worked out. On August 5, 2026, Judge James Wesley Hendrix of the United States District Court
A Major Suppressor Ruling, but No Immediate Change at River Valley Arms & Ammo Read More »
Minnesota deer hunters, welcome to the newest episode of “Well, That Got Complicated.” The old statewide shotgun zone is officially changing for the 2026 deer season. During the 2025 legislative session, Minnesota eliminated the state’s shotgun-only deer hunting zone. That means, unless a county passes its own shotgun-only ordinance, hunters will be able to use
Rifle vs. Shotgun Map Update: Counties, Deer Zones, and the May 1 Deadline Read More »
If your brain has been doing gymnastics trying to keep up with Minnesota’s deer hunting rule changes, you are not alone. This whole rifle-versus-shotgun situation has gone from “simple old map” to “better check that county board agenda.” So, we updated our map again to help make sense of it. The big statewide change is
Minnesota Rifle v Shotgun Hunting Map Update Read More »
Following in the footsteps of our neighbors in Redwood, Chippewa, and Yellow Medicine counties, the Renville County Board of Commissioners has reached a definitive decision regarding the future of deer hunting in our area. After gathering community voices and holding a public forum, the board met to decide whether to implement a local ordinance to
Renville County Deer Hunting: Commissioners Vote to Allow Rifles Read More »
If you have been paying attention to county meetings or just listening to conversations around town, one topic keeps coming up: counties going shotgun only for deer hunting. What used to be a long-running debate is now turning into real decisions that will shape the 2026 season and beyond. The state of Minnesota has legalized
Counties Going Shotgun Only for Deer Hunting: What Local Votes Mean for Hunters Read More »
The conversation surrounding deer hunting regulations in our neck of the woods continues to be a top priority for hunters and landowners alike. Following the recent discussions and subsequent changes in Lyon and Redwood counties, the spotlight turned to Renville County this week for a highly anticipated public forum. With the 2026 season on the
Renville County Deer Hunting: Community Voices and the Future of the Rifle Read More »
The landscape of deer season in our neck of the woods is about to look a little different. For years, the debate over whether to allow rifles or keep things restricted to shotguns has been a hot topic at the shop and around the kitchen table. Following the county commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 17,
Redwood County Deer Hunting: Rifles are Coming Read More »
