5 REASONS TO VARMINT HUNT

Source Credit to guns.com | by Jeromy Knepp
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Varmint hunting offers a bevy of benefits, but we’ve narrowed it down to five. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

Offering a hunt with low pressure and a lot of fun, Guns.com has collected some reasons why you should take to the fields for varmints.

1. GREAT STARTER FOR KIDS

With video games and television inundating kids daily, a trip to the field clears the clutter of life and provides a great bonding moment between parents and children. Unlike deer hunting, you can walk and talk leisurely. Even better, with most varmint seasons running late spring to early fall, staying warm isn’t an issue making it a more comfortable experience. The Savage Rascal is a single-shot, bolt-action 22 LR rifle perfect for little ones learning muzzle discipline and marksmanship. This low-pressure, high success scenario will likely get the kiddos hooked.

2. LEISURE

Varmint hunting can be a leisurely activity for many hunters. (Photo: Jeromy Knepp/Guns.com)

Don’t like sitting in tree stands for long hours? Don’t like standing in snow? Varmint hunting isn’t quite as intense as other hunts, often allowing for time to relax. I often carry a lawn chair and table out to my favorite locations, setting up shop in the morning and actively hunting until around noon. Want to grab a nap? After lunch is the perfect time to get a quick snooze in before shooting picks back up around 3 pm.

3. TEACH HUNTING TECHNIQUES

Varmint hunting teaches and perfects the basics like stalking, spotting, and firearm safety. Additionally, it’s a great way to put your gear to the test. Got a new budget-friendly scope, like a Redfield Rampage or Konus Konusport, you want to test out? Take it to the field. Getting started with some binoculars? Try those out on some unsuspecting groundhogs. Varmint hunting is an awesome and fun way to work on skills and solidify your gun and gear preferences.

Varmint hunting offers gun owners the ability to practice the fundamentals. (Photo: Kristin Alberts/Guns.com)

4. EASE OF RIFLE SELECTION

Rifles for varmint hunting are usually of smaller caliber as varmints tend to be smaller animals. Aside from that delineation, most makes and small-caliber models easily transition into the varmint hunt; though the best rifle is usually the one you are most proficient. Anything from the Savage Mark II TR to Ruger’s 77/22 and the Remington 700 will do for the hunt. Just remember, varmints are small animals so you can forgo large calibers.

5. MAKING MEMORIES

Memories made with our kids, family and friends are at the core of hunting. A day in the woods or the fields provides many life lessons and opportunities to relax and reflect. The earth is a beautiful place, and you can bet you’ll see more than a varmint on your hunt. With beautiful tree lines, picturesque skies and a variety of animals, the wilds of any state make for a memorable mental postcard. Whatever the reason or wherever you go, the journey is the fun part.