I’ve been looking at getting a .22 rifle to practice plinking with up in the Adirondacks backcountry this summer, prior to hunting season. Also would be good to have, as I planning to purchase my trapping license for 2014-2015. I’ve been carefully studying the reviews for various not-super expensive .22s (e.g. under $500), but come to the conclusion it’s a lot like asking the internet on whether it’s better to be a Democrat or Republican, much less drive a Chevy or a Ford. In other words, it’s mostly a matter of preference.

I am staying in town this weekend, plan to go around looking at .22s this weekend. While certainly not the biggest purchase ever, they aren’t free either, and would like to find a good shop. I’ve been making a list of places, and probably will look around. In the fall, thinking of getting something like a Mossberg 500 or  other lower-end shotgun for hunting — something with different chokes that will give me options depending on what I end up deciding to use it for hunting with.

Thinking of spending a week hunting and trapping (and camping) in the Adirondacks, after the southern zone has opened up and taken some of the pressure of the northern zone. Probably just small game like squirrels and rabbits — and maybe turkey if I get the gear to that, but also an excuse to spend some quality time camping in the woods in a quiet time at work, when I have the time to cash in prior to losing it on December 31st, when I can’t carry over any more vacation time.