Upland Hunting with Family and Friends

  National Hunting and Fishing Day is this Saturday, September 27, and NSSF, as founder and now a major sponsor, encourages all sportsmen and sportswomen to participate.  

Celebrating National Hunting and Fishing Day!

On the fourth Saturday of every September, NHF Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. One of the main goals of National Hunting and Fishing Day is to recruit new hunters and anglers by encouraging participation and increasing public awareness of the connection between hunting, angling, and conservation. Through self-imposed fees and excise taxes, sportsmen and women have raised more than $57 billion--that’s more than $100,000 every 30 minutes being raised for conservation. Now in its 52nd year, NHF Day is the largest, most effective grassroots movement ever undertaken to promote outdoor sports and conservation. Launched by Congress in 1971 and heavily promoted by NSSF for decades, NHF Day is now administered by Wonders of Wildlife Museum and has consistently recognized hunters and anglers for their leadership in wildlife and conservation. Find national, state, regional and local organizations hosting related events.  

Get Started

Hunting, Fishing, and Shooting Sports are not just great American pastimes – they are the very foundation that supports the model of wildlife conservation created more than a century ago in this country. By introducing new audiences to these activities, we ensure that wildlife and wild places will be protected for generations to come. Hunting is a useful and beneficial wildlife management tool that ensures and maintains the health and abundance of game species and the balance of our natural resources. There are a number of species, from upland birds to big game animals to hunt. Learn more about these species from game bird and game animal organizations.  

Take the Pledge

Take the pledge and submit a photo of you engaging in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, or shooting to be entered to win one of 20 Bass Pro Shops gift cards ranging from $50 up to $500!  

Share Your Images

Upload an image of you hunting, fishing or target shooting and tag @NHFday on social media using the hashtag #GuideToOutside or Upload an image to be featured here!

Choosing your first deer rifle can feel overwhelming. With so many calibers, actions, and features available, it's hard to know where to start. The good news? By focusing on a few key decisions, you can find a rifle that fits your needs and builds your confidence in the field.

 

By Phil Massaro

So, you've decided to join the millions who head afield each fall for whitetail deer season-welcome to a time-honored tradition!

If you plan on hunting deer with a rifle, you'll find a wide and varied selection of styles, sizes and applications. You'll want to choose wisely, for this rifle is going to accompany you on some wonderful adventures and will help you make some fantastic memories.

Deer Hunting Regulations: What You Need to Know

Before you head to your local firearms retail store to do some shopping, you'll need to become acquainted with your local game laws, to ensure that the area in which you will be hunting allows the use of a rifle. There are states and counties that prohibit rifles for deer hunting, while others restrict the type of rifle cartridge permitted for hunting deer.

Check Hunting Regulations by State There are plenty of choices among the deer rifles, and the correct choice is a personal one.

How Do You Choose the Right Action for a Deer Rifle?

The first thing to consider in your selection of a deer rifle is the action you prefer. There are four to choose from.

Bolt-Action Rifle
The bolt-action rifle is undoubtedly the most popular choice among today's deer hunters. Using a bolt with locking lugs to secure the breech when the action is closed and ready to fire, a bolt-action rifle is strong enough to handle the most powerful cartridges. Follow-up shots are fast in practiced hands.

A popular example is the Savage Model 110 bolt-action rifle.

Semi-Automatic Rifle
The autoloading, or semi-automatic, rifle is another popular choice, whether in one of the traditional configurations or in a modern sporting rifle (MSR). They offer the advantage of a faster follow-up shot and are usually reserved for shorter cartridges of medium velocity, which are among the most popular for deer hunting.

Learn more about the functionality customizable nature of MSRs.

Lever-Action Rifle
The lever-action rifles that were so popular in the first half of the 20th century still make a great choice for deer season, as they are light, handy and are chambered in cartridges that offer enough energy to effectively kill deer. There are modern variations that are chambered for some of the more powerful cartridges like the .30-'06 Springfield and .270 Winchester, while you'll find traditional models chambered for lower pressure cartridges like the .30-30 Winchester and .35 Remington. In the more traditional chamberings like the latter, effective range is generally less than that of the more powerful cartridges chambered in bolt-action rifles, so these lever-actions remain a favorite with hunters hunting in thick cover and where shots are not long.

A good example is the Winchester Model '94 lever-action rifle.

Single-Shot Action
The last action you have for consideration is the single-shot. While they are often the choice for adults mentoring youth hunters because they break open to easily show an unloaded gun and can, as the name implies, hold only one shot, there are a number of highly accurate, sophisticated single-shot firearms on the market that any adult deer hunter would enjoy. They tend to be lighter in weight than their bolt-action and semi-auto counterparts, making them a great option for still hunters, stalkers and those hiking miles of wilderness. Many offer a switch-barrel option, which means you can fire different cartridges simply by swapping out the barrel, and that provides, essentially, for many guns in one.

A good example is the Ruger No. 1 single-shot rifle.

What Stock Options Work Best for Beginners?

While shopping, you'll find deer rifles outfitted with a variety of stock types. There will be the classic wood stock (usually of walnut), but there are also laminate wood stocks that are both snazzy looking and durable, and many rifles intended to stand up to the rigors of hunting in all the elements wear a synthetic or polymer stock. All make a good choice, so it will come down to your personal preference. Just know that the synthetics will better resist the effects of the elements, but there is something warm and comforting about the feel of a walnut stock, and wood stocks are easier for a gunsmith to alter when it comes to adjusting length for a proper fit. If you like a blend of both ideas, a laminate wood stock makes a great compromise, offering a weather-resistant package yet retaining the feel of natural wood.

I mentioned the fit of a rifle. That's an important consideration in choosing a deer rifle (or any firearm). An ill-fitting rifle will invariably be uncomfortable to shoot-and it can also make shooting unsafe if you can't handle the rifle properly. If the rifle's stock is too long or too short, it will not come up to your shoulder properly, and that can pose a problem if a quick shot presents itself-sometimes one quick opportunity may be all you have at a deer.

Stocks that don't fit can cause poor shooting habits, as the felt recoil can intensify, especially when practicing with the rifle. Any firearms retail store with knowledgeable salespeople will encourage you to shoulder any rifle you're considering to ensure the fit and balance work with your frame. When evaluating fit that way, also keep in mind the weather in your area during deer season, as a heavy hunting coat and layers underneath will absolutely affect the way your rifle fits. Even if you're shopping in summer, bringing along the coat and other upper body layers you might be wearing in November could make the difference in choosing a gun that's a joy to shoot and one that's awkward.

A short-action Savage Model 11, chambered in .308 Winchester and stocked in the LadyHunter configuration with a shorter buttstock, is a perfect choice for women heading to the deer woods.

Do You Need a Scope for Deer Hunting?

Unless your hunting area is thickly wooded and shots will be very close, odds are you'll want to take full advantage of a telescopic sight mounted on top of your rifle. They allow for precise shot placement, and there are models available for all sorts of hunting scenarios and in prices from budget-saver to budget-buster. For your first deer rifle, I'd make sure that your choice can easily accommodate having a scope mounted on it.

Rifle Scope Resources

Mounting a Rifle Scope The Parts of a Rifle Scope The Numbers on Your Scope Rifle Scope Reticle Options A pair of bolt-action rifles, the Winchester Model 70 and Ruger Model 77 MkII, each a great choice for general deer hunting.

Which Caliber Is Best for a First Deer Rifle?

You'll see many different cartridges available among the deer rifles, so many that it can be almost overwhelming. My recommendation for a first deer rifle would be to choose one of the more popular calibers, so that ammunition will be readily available at all times. The classic .30-'06 Springfield, the .308 Winchester, the 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester and .270 Winchester all make excellent choices for all-around deer hunting, as they are just as effective at longer ranges as they are up-close and personal. For the lever-action, the .30-30, .444 Marlin and even the .45-70 are great choices and should also be readily available at retailers. All are easy enough on the shoulder for a shooter to become proficient, and all are readily available in almost all sporting goods stores that sell ammunition.

There are dozens and dozens and dozens of cartridges out there old, new and in between, and every year a new crop is introduced. Get your first hunts in with a rifle that's easy for you to shoot and chambered in a cartridge that you can find at just about any retail store. Then, once you have that first venison burger or tenderloin wrapped in bacon, I can almost guarantee you'll be hooked on deer hunting and exploring new places to hunt and ways to be more successful. Cartridge choice is one way to improve your success when tailored to the habitat your hunting and how your hunting, so while the get-'em-done cartridges I listed above will indeed get the job done, trying a new cartridge and rifle combination ups the entertainment quotient considerably.

The Winchester Model 94, chambered in .30-30 Winchester, still makes a solid deer rifle, especially in the East where shots tend to be closer in thick forest habitat.

How Much Should You Spend on Your First Deer Rifle?

The cost of a deer rifle can easily range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your budget and taste. The good news is that many rifles models referred to as "entry-level" are better now than they ever have been. While they may lack some frills, you will find that they are as dependable and accurate as their fancier upgraded versions, able to literally serve for a lifetime of deer hunting. In fact, many times, models in a manufacturer's series lineup will all be the same rifle mechanically, but the upgraded versions will be dressed up with a camo-clad or higher grade wood stock or wear a Cerakote finish on their metal parts. Cosmetics are nice, and some do help ward off wear and tear, but they don't make the gun shoot any better. Perusing the used gun racks of your favorite area retails should also be something to consider. Not only can a great find there net you a bargain, finding them with scopes already mounted is commonplace, and many retailers these days are carefully vetting their used guns before they offer them for sale and offering warranties.

While I have hunted with models up and down the price range, I've noticed that none of the deer I've killed were much concerned with the price tag or pedigree of the rifle I carried. Yes, I do enjoy the finer points of a classic rifle, the upgraded wood, high-polished blue metal, and finely tuned action and trigger, but I'll will readily head to the deer woods with any current production rifle right off the rack-and I won't wince when the stock gets a scratch on it.

Shopping for your deer rifle is one of the best parts of deer hunting. It is one that's a very personal choice, and once you find the one that's you-and you kind of know it when you shoulder it, it's just that kind of feeling-your rifle will invariably become an old friend quickly.

Conclusion: Confidence Over Complexity

Choosing your first deer rifle can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Focus on the fundamentals-action, stock, optics, caliber, and budget-and you'll end up with a rifle that fits you, not just your wallet.

More than the gear itself, what matters most is practice and confidence. The best rifle for you is the one you can shoot comfortably and accurately every time. Pair that rifle with safe handling, plenty of range time, and a respect for the hunt, and you'll be well on your way to building lasting deer hunting memories.

About the Author

Phil Massaro's expertise both with firearm and sentence has quickly given him a hard-earned reputation in the outdoor industry. Hunting in his native New York state since the age of 14, Massaro now travels the world, pursuing everything from the whitetails and black bears of New England to red stag in Scotland, Cape buffalo in Zambia and Mozambique, elephant in Zimbabwe and water buffalo in Australia. His work appears regularly in the NRA's American Hunter and Shooting Illustrated, Gun Digest, Guns & Ammo and Dallas Safari Club's Game Trails Magazine, often accompanied by the photography of his wife, Suzie, also an avid hunter. When not writing or hunting, he works as a professional land surveyor alongside his father, and he also manages to squeeze in time at the reloading bench of Massaro Ballistic Laboratories, the custom ammunition company he founded.

Phil Massaro

Quick Takeaways: Choosing Your First Deer Rifle

Action Stock Optics Caliber Budget Action

Bolt-action rifles are reliable, simple and beginner-friendly.

Stock

Synthetic stocks are durable; wood stocks offer classic feel but need more care.

Optics

A quality scope makes a big difference for accuracy and confidence.

Caliber

.243, .270 and .308 are proven beginner calibers for deer hunting.

Budget

A reliable entry-level rifle costs less than you might think-focus on fit, not flash.

FAQ: Beginner Deer Rifle Questions

Hunters often ask practical questions about adapting their tactics to different landscapes. These answers cover the most common terrain-specific challenges and strategies.

What is the best type of rifle for a beginner deer hunter? Expand

Most new hunters start with a bolt-action rifle. It's dependable, easy to maintain, and widely available in beginner-friendly calibers.

Which caliber should I choose for my first deer rifle? Expand

Popular beginner calibers include .243, .270, and .308. They balance manageable recoil with enough power for ethical deer harvests.

Do I really need a scope as a beginner? Expand

Yes. A good entry-level scope improves accuracy and builds confidence. Even a basic 3-9x scope can make a big difference for new hunters.

How much should I spend on my first deer rifle? Expand

You don't need the most expensive rifle to be successful. Many reliable models fall between $400-$700. Prioritize fit, comfort, and dependability.

Should I buy new or used for my first rifle? Expand

Both options can work. A new rifle ensures warranty and reliability, while a used rifle may save money if purchased from a trusted source.

Deer Hunting Strategies

Deer Hunting 101
Online Course

The Official NDA Deer Hunting Course will teach you where to hunt, deer hunting tips and strategies, the best rifle for hunting deer, and much more.

LEARN MORE

Field to Fork: Venison Recipes

Venison is lean, healthy, and full of flavor. From simple burgers and chili to roasts and stews, it's a versatile meat that turns your harvest into delicious meals for family and friends.

Smoked Venison Meatloaf Recipe

Everyone needs a little comfort food from time to time, and meatloaf definitely fits the bill.

Read more

BBQ Venison and Sauerkraut Sandwiches

These quick and easy BBQ sandwiches are perfect for a quick venison meal.

Read more

Stuffed Shells with Venison Meat Sauce

This Stuffed Shells with Venison Meat Sauce recipe will hit the spot.

Read more

Hunt Like a Girl and Beretta USA: Champions of the +ONE Movement.

 

By Daphane Cassidy, NSSF Content Manager

There are moments in life that stay with you, not because of grand spectacle, but because of stillness, presence and a kind of quiet reverence that settles deep in your bones. For me, one of those moments didn't come during the shot or the celebration, but in the still blue hour before it all began, standing in a sunken pond blind, surrounded by reeds and mist, with a shotgun in hand and half a dozen women breathing deeply beside me.

Sharing our experience of the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt: Sponsored by Beretta. (Videography by: Sara Liberte)

Hunt Like A Girl +ONE^® Waterfowl Hunt

There's something uniquely powerful about watching someone experience their first hunt. As a long-time advocate of the shooting sports and a proud representative of NSSF's +ONE Movement, I've mentored many newcomers over the years but every hunt feels new again when you're guiding someone who's never stepped afield before. That's exactly what happened during the Hunt Like A Girl +ONE Waterfowl Hunt, held in partnership with Shoot Like a Girl, Beretta USA and NSSF, at Rocky Creek Retrievers in El Campo, Texas.

From the moment we arrived, the energy was electric, an eager blend of nervous anticipation and pure excitement. This wasn't just another event. It was a culmination of passion, mentorship and legacy-building. Four women, ranging from seasoned professionals to industry newcomers, had each invited a guest who had never duck hunted before. Some of these first-timers had never held a firearm. Some had been around hunting their whole lives, but just never had the opportunity to go. One of our newbies was here at the request of her sister, two were brought by colleagues and one was a friend chosen by our passionate +ONE contest winner. While coming from different backgrounds and comfort levels, what united them all was an openness to try something new and the courage to step outside their comfort zones.

The whole +ONE group together in the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)

As part of NSSF's +ONE Movement, the goal was simple but transformational: bring someone new afield. The idea that if every hunter took just one person with them, we could change the trajectory of America's hunting heritage. And on this trip, we didn't just talk about it, we lived it.

The +ONE Vision in Action

The +ONE Movement is built on a simple truth: When we invite others to hunt or shoot for the first time, we pass down something deeper than skill; we pass down a way of life. It's not just a campaign, it's a cultural shift. And this hunt was a living, breathing embodiment of that vision.

(Photography by: Alexis Greene)

For me, mentoring is more than just a responsibility; it's a gift. You get to share in the adrenaline of a first shot, the quiet reverence of a morning sunrise over decoys and the genuine pride that comes from helping someone do something they never imagined themselves capable of. You see, the moment fear dissolves into confidence, when a woman who was hesitant to pick up a shotgun now smiles after folding her first bird over open water. You see self-doubt replaced with laughter and stories, shared around the fire or while walking through the field.

I had the honor of mentoring a few of the first-time hunters, guiding them through safety basics, shotgun handling and what to expect in a duck blind. Their nerves were real and completely understandable. But what never fails to inspire me is how fast that anxiety turns to exhilaration with the right encouragement and support.

The magic wasn't in instruction alone; it was in companionship. We laughed, learned, whispered advice and encouragement across the decoys. I watched one guest who was hesitant to even pick up her shotgun on day one light up when she successfully harvested a bird on day two. Another guest cried, not out of sorrow, but from the emotional weight of doing something she never thought she could do. She was joyful, overwhelmed, respectful of the life taken and empowered all at once. And honestly? So were we.

As mentors, we got to witness the +ONE movement from both sides: as seasoned hunters and as students once more, reminded of the awe and responsibility that comes with every shot.

 

The Morning Grounding: Becoming Present in the Blind

Each day began with what I can only describe as a grounding ritual, from the guidance of Karen Butler, Shoot Like a Girl founder, I was encouraged to create this moment for our hunters and step strongly into my role as a "Hunt Like a Girl" Mentor. Before any shots were fired, before any birds came into sight, we paused. We sat in that sunken blind, dew still clinging to the grass around us, fog curling low over the water and the horizon just starting to burn with the blush of sunrise.

Mornings from the duck blind. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)

We took a breath together.

We felt the wind on our faces and the earth beneath our boots. We noticed the weight of our shotguns in our hands. We listened to the reeds rustling, to the wings above, to each other. And we reminded ourselves to be here. Fully present. We were not just having an experience but creating this peaceful memory in nature, which we could always return to in our minds. It wasn't just about what happened, but how deeply we felt it.

I watched women with no prior hunting experience close their eyes and take it in. Later, several people came to me and said they felt goosebumps during that moment, as if something within them had shifted. They were completely present.

As a mentor, it was powerful beyond words. We weren't just preparing for a hunt; we were stepping into a moment that could anchor us for years to come.

Processing the Harvest: Turning Experience into Ownership

For many, the idea of cleaning and processing a harvested duck is intimidating. But that, too, is where empowerment lives, in the doing. Duck hunting, especially for first-timers, offers a uniquely approachable transition into game processing. With a small knife, a clear technique and a little guidance, anyone can go from uncertainty to capability in a single afternoon.

Learning the full process from hunt to harvest. (Photography by: Alexis Greene)

I watched it happen over and over. Women who hesitated at first now worked with focused hands and growing confidence, processing their ducks with care and purpose. You could see it on their faces: I did this. Not just the shot, but the follow-through. They were now providers in the most primitive sense.

That evening, we ate what we had harvested. It wasn't just dinner, it was a culmination. A celebration. The connection from blind to table made it real in a way no words or photos could. One participant turned to me and said, "I didn't know I could feel this way, so full, so proud, so connected."

The Power of Partnership

It's important to say that this hunt wouldn't have been possible without the deep collaboration between Beretta USA, Hunt Like A Girl and NSSF. Beretta didn't just provide equipment; they brought legacy. Their 500-year tradition in firearms was woven into everything we touched, from the smooth action of their 20-gauge shotguns to the warmth and functionality of the women's tactical and hunting gear. The women didn't just use Beretta gear; we lived in it.

And Hunt Like A Girl, what a force. Their team of women brought experience, mentorship and soul to every corner of the field. Their approach to safety, empowerment and connection reshaped how many of our first-time hunters viewed themselves, not just as students, but as emerging participants in something powerful.

Bringing Women In: Changing the Invitation

For generations, women were often excluded from hunts. Fathers and brothers hunted, but the girls stayed home. That's changing and Hunt Like A Girl is at the front of that shift.

One participant told me she'd always been curious about hunting, but no one had ever invited her. Another said, "My dad hunted my whole life, but he never thought to bring me."

That's what +ONE is here to fix. We don't need to talk people into loving the outdoors. We need to invite them in.

Your Invitation

If you've ever wondered whether inviting someone afield makes a difference, let me assure you - it does, because I've seen it. I've seen it in the eyes of women who once said, "I could never do that," and now say, "When can I go again?"

So, I'll leave you with this: Take the pledge. Invite someone. Be the +ONE that changes everything.

 

Want to experience this hunt from a Newbie's Perspective? Check out this article:

Into the Blind with a +ONE: A Newbie's First Duck Hunt

More photos from this +ONE Experience