Guns and Gear for a Midwest Whitetail Hunt

by
posted on March 8, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
guns-and-gear-for-midwest-whitetails_lead.jpg

Editor's Note: Managing Editor Rose Bier put the following gear to use on a recent Kansas whitetail hunt. You can catch up on that story here

Mossberg Patriot Predator Cerakote/Strata Camo Rifle


Mossberg 
Patriot Predator Cerakote/Strata Camo
Mossberg’s Patriot series of rifles has gained a reputation for accuracy, reliability and affordability among American hunters. I used one of the latest additions to the lineup on my Kansas whitetail hunt, the Patriot Predator Cerakote/Strata Camo, chambered in .308 Win. and weighing just 6.5 pounds. The rifle boasts several upgrades from standard Predator rifles. Its synthetic stock is covered in TrueTimber Strata camo, which pairs well with the Patriot Brown Cerakote finish that protects the barrel, oversized bolt handle and receiver from corrosion and wear. The 22-inch free-floated, fluted barrel is fitted with a ⅝x24-inch threaded muzzle. A Picatinny rail sits atop the action for quick and easy mounting of optics. In addition to .308 Win., this particular Patriot Predator rifle is currently available in .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .22-250 Rem. and 6.5 PRC. MSRP: $574; mossberg.com.

SIG Sauer Elite Hunter Tipped .308 Winchester 165-grain Ammunition


SIG Sauer Elite Hunter Tipped Ammo

The 165-grain SIG Sauer Elite Hunter Tipped ammo I fired from the Mossberg performed superbly. The bullet's concentric, blackened jacket delivers reliable expansion, while its yellow tip and boattail design increase ballistic coefficient, improve terminal performance and aid in consistent, reliable chambering. The buck was slightly quartered away at 200 yards when I shot, and it dropped in less than 10 yards. The bullet entered through the rib cage, penetrated the heart and lungs, and came to rest on the off-side shoulder. It expanded perfectly, more than doubling in diameter to .75 inch. MSRP: $45.99 per 20-rnd. box; sigsauer.com.

Swarovski EL Range 10x42 Binoculars


Swarovski Optics

My rifle was topped with Swarovski’s Z5i 5x-25x-52mm P riflescope, an illuminated-reticle version of the company’s popular Z5 1-inch main tube riflescopes introduced in 2009. The illuminated reticle makes a world of difference in those critical low-light situations at the beginning or end of a day. The scope weighs just 17.5 ounces and boasts 90 percent light transmission, lateral parallax correction for a faultless, clear image at higher magnification ranges and an optional ballistic turret.

Swarovski Z5i Riflescope


The EL Range 10x42 binocular I used displayed a crystal-clear image; its easily adjustable focus wheel made focusing on deer and discerning their size, even as they were emerging from the shadows of a woodline, a simple task. The convenience of its built-in rangefinder, which delivers one-touch readings, and ballistic-reference and inclinometer functions to 1,500 yards, eliminates the need to carry a separate device—or to look for one when time matters most. MSRP: $1,888 (Z5i riflescope), $4,032 (EL Range 10x42 binocular); swarovskioptik.com.


Tall Tine Outfitters
To book a Kansas whitetail hunt, contact Ted Jaycox of Tall Tine Outfitters. (352) 895-6736; talltine.com.

Latest

BTB 7Mm RUM Lead
BTB 7Mm RUM Lead

Behind the Bullet: 7mm Remington Ultra Magnum

Launching a 160-grain bullet in excess of 3200 fps, the 7mm RUM is among the fastest commercially loaded 7mm cartridges available.

USFWS Debuts 2025-2026 Federal and Junior Duck Stamps

The 2025-2026 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly known as the Duck Stamp—became available for purchase on June 27, 2025.

Tested: Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

Digital Associate Editor walks viewers through the features of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener, the perfect tool for a hunter looking to keep all his knives factory sharp season after season.

Recipe: Green Curried Black Bear

Green curry sauce is an excellent base for simmering bear meat, making it flavorful, tender, and safe to consume. Read on for another instant classic recipe from Brad Fenson.

Coyotes to Competitions: An AR-Build for Accuracy

ARs make great coyote guns. But what would the absolute best coyote rifle look like? Digital Associate Editor David Herman builds his take on the best AR for shooters who like to plug coyotes in the winter, and ring steel all summer long.

Pennsylvania Governor Signs Sunday Hunting Bill

Legislation that will fully repeal Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban was signed into law on July 9.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.