After finally drawing the Oregon deer tag I'd wanted for so long, it was time to plan out this hunt. As Oregon tag results aren't drawn until nearly mid-June, and the season itself only two weeks at the beginning of October, there was no time to waste.
I quickly found that by spreading the word of what I drew, where I drew, and how I considered it hallowed ground where Robert and I hunted together - responses from others not only helped build excitement, but helped me plan.
First off, I notified my friend/mentor/bowhunter extraordinaire Kent Thomas that I drew the Metolius unit, only to find out that he was going to be up there for archery season. Boom! Advanced scouting. Kent is tech savvy, generous, and a committed OnX user, (The trail cam photos and OnX pins soon followed!). I actually was able to visit Kent in camp during one of my weekend scouting trips and discovered even more excellent areas of the Metolius Unit and the majesty of the Oregon High Cascades.
In Part 1, I illustrated my friendship with Robert and how his passing impacted - then and now - my entire life. As I began to plan my hunt, I was determined that this opportunity was not only a way to celebrate that relationship, but to forge new memories with the man who taught me to love the outdoors in the first place...my father.
Before I get to the gear, I'd like to tell you just a little bit about my dad, (with much more to come in Part 3).
My father, Larry, is a fisherman - preferring that term to "angler" - and he's a damn good one. He's passionate about salmon, trout, and steelhead fishing and has been his entire life. He's a patient fisherman, not only in waiting for strikes, but in playing fish. I've watched him fight sockeye salmon for 20 minutes on light tackle just for the pure joy of letting the fish run, taking up slack, and just bending them to his will. No pressure, no rush, just the chase.
A Vietnam-era Navy vet, my dad is a working man. He's also a family man who would do anything for his kids and grandkids. No questions asked. Anytime. Anywhere. Anything.
Though he hadn't hunted much himself since his 20's, as work and family duties restricted his outdoor pursuits to fishing, he's stepped in has my "new" hunting partner since Robert died. He didn't draw a tag for this Metolius hunt, but true to form, that didn't dampen his spirit for the trip because he was there for his son, and I couldn't be happier to have him as my wingman.
This was not a "sponsored hunt" to be clear. I'm a Gun Talk Media employee, so I do often get access to gear to try, review, and cover, that is not the driving force for the gear that I selected. This was my hunt, my gear choices, and my responsibility. That's not to say that I didn't get some help, because I did.
My "soft gear" is in pretty good shape. I have a bin full of Badlands Approach camo, a trusty set of Danner Pronghorns, and a Tenzing pack that make up my "kit." No plan switch it up for this hunt.
What I needed to focus on was the perfect rifle and optic system, and I had a really good idea of what I was looking for. I wanted a rifle and scope that would be lightweight, adaptable for the varying conditions that Western hunting and this specific unit would present, and I wanted something "new." Sure, I could have grabbed my Savage 110 30.06 / Leupold 3-9x40 setup and been just fine, but...hell, where's the fun in that?
My colleague, Kevin "KJ" Jarnagin, turned me on to 7mm PRC and I was convinced that was the direction I would be going. Beyond the "hotness" of the newish cartridge itself, I'm also stacking Oregon preference points for elk, and the draw of the one-rifle-to-conquer-the-West is real.
Enter the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT chambered in 7mm PRC. Removing the rifle from its shipping box, I could immediately understand and appreciate why the Ridgeline FFT has the fanbase that it does. Yes, this sub-6 lb. rifle is very light, but I also immediately noticed its exceptional balance.
The Ridgeline FFT features Christensen Arms' 416R stainless barrel with Aerograde carbon fiber wrap that flat out looks cool. The model I selected is the Ridgeline FFT with a burnt bronze Cerakote action, and carbon, green and tan stock finish. A stainless (burnt bronze finish) side baffle muzzle brake completes the look.
Functionally, the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT includes a crisp TriggerTech trigger, enlarged aluminum bolt knob, a spiral fluted bolt and internal magazine with an aluminum hinged floor plate - complete with Christensen Arms branding.
This rifle screams "Western Hunting" from the rooftops. I couldn't wait to get it to the range.
As I mentioned with the "system" above, I was very interested in having a setup that would accommodate a myriad of situations in the field. In knowing the Metolius unit's terrain pretty well, I could envision scenarios where a buck could present himself at 50 yards, but also out to 500 yards and beyond.
The solution? The Vortex Optics Razor HD LHT 3-15x42 (second focal plane) with HSR-5i MRAD Reticle.
This precision riflescope, in my opinion, is an excellent choice for open country Western hunts, with a capped windage turret, locking elevation turret w/RevStop Zero Ring option, and an unobtrusive illuminated reticle. The latter is not legal for hunting in Oregon, so the battery has to be removed in the field.
With Vortex Optics Pro Series 30mm rings in hand, along with my handy Fix-It Sticks kit, mounting was a breeze. Wow, this glass is clear!
With the Metolius unit nearly in their backyard, I selected Nosler as the ammo of choice. The famed bulletmaker residing in Bend, OR.
I wanted to be sure to follow Christensen Arms' Barrel Break-In Procedure completely, so I'd need plenty of ammo. For the break-in process, I went with Nosler Match Grade 7mm PRC 185gr. RDF (2875 fps / 3395 ft-lb) and for the hunt itself I selected Nosler Trophy Grade 7mm PRC 160gr. AccuBond (3031 fps / 3264 ft-lb).
Nosler's AccuBond bonded core bullets are legendary for their performance, and I wanted every possible advantage for this hunt. Plus, Nosler is an awesome company with great people and a passion for big game hunting.
For shooters, getting sighted in with a new rifle and optic is one of the better days you can spend on the range. I'm lucky enough to have access to private land, so I could take my time and "nerd out" with my new gear.
My first impression of both the Christensen Arms Ridgeline FFT and the Vortex Razor HD LHT 3-15 were..."Wow, this was the right choice!"
The rifle, not suppressed (yet), was indeed loud with the muzzle brake. However, that brake did it's job and then some. Shooting the Ridgeline FFT with this fast magnum cartridge was, dare I say, pleasant? The factory-installed TriggerTech trigger felt exceptional, and running this rifle felt natural almost immediately. Even running the long-action felt smooth and required minimal effort.
The Vortex Razor also offered immense quality. The glass is exceptionally clear and my sight picture on an overcast September day was vivid, the reticle sharp and clean. All of the controls on the riflescope were sensical and positive.
Overall, between the rifle, the optic, and the Nosler ammunition - not necessarily the shooter himself - sighting-in was a breeze. In fact, as I switched from Nosler's Match Grade ammo - following Christensen Arms' Break-in Procedure - to Nosler's AccuBond hunting ammo for final sighting, needed adjustments were absolutely minimal.
"System" complete.
Let's go hunting.
Continued next week...
Gary Killingsworth
Gary is the Digital Manager for Gun Talk Media and is a proud “Oregunian”. A lifelong shooter, gear hound and student of the gun, he is a staunch advocate for quality, consistent training. When not trying to perfect his trigger press, Killingsworth is an avid baseball fan, bowhunter and salmon & steelhead angler.
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