Hunting With .41 Great Lakes

Hunting is a family tradition—its heritage is passed down through generations. In the Midwest, hunting is intrinsic to the fabric of everyday life. Its various seasons are considered holidays, representing a thanksgiving of comradery and family. But it's the youth who are integral to the survival of any tradition. Gabe VanWormer of Full Quiver Outdoors takes that seriously. Gabe is a Michigander through and through, and in Michigan, like the rest of the Midwest, whitetail reigns supreme. What's unique to Michigan and other states like Ohio (O-H!), Iowa, Illinois, and recently, Wisconsin and Maryland is that only straight-wall rifle cartridges are legal.

For those unfamiliar with the unique law, these states formerly were shotgun-only (slugs). Now, calibers without a shoulder and over .35 caliber in diameter are legal. Some states, like Michigan, go further and have cartridge length limitations—no longer than 1.80 inches. This led to the rise in popularity of the .450 Bushmaster and the creation of the .350 Legend. But Michigan's unique situation has led to unique locally crafted ammunition, like the .41 Great Lakes offers ballistic superiority over the .350 Legend but has less recoil than the .450 Bushmaster—perfect for younger hunters. For Gabe, the cartridge formed the foundation of a custom hunting rifle. Built from a Ruger American Gen II using a Douglas barrel, the barreled action was set in an MDT LSS chassis, a perfect addition to adapt to a wide range of shooters. Additionally, Bear Creek Ballistics loaded ammunition, and to keep things polite, Gabe opted for a GSL GT-450 suppressor. As for glass, he went with the Burris Veracity Ph to help limit the guesswork.

More: Obsidian Rifle Works: 41 Great Lakes Bolt Action Rifle

In a recent video, VanWormer takes us through his hunting setup for late-season deer and its importance for continuing the hunting tradition. But first, let's talk hunting in style. VanWormers Killin' Kabin—built off an old gravity wagon—is a haven for late-season hunts, especially with kids, when the weather becomes too hostile. The tenement on wheels is decked out with comfortable seating, shooting stations, hooks for heavy winter jackets, a name board for successful hunters, a card table to pass the time (with a custom laser engraved logo on it to boot), and even a makeshift urinal in the corner! The blind is meant for fun and companionship, something that is lacking when hunting from a tree stand. While the Killin' Kabin is the envy of every winter hunter, the show's stars are Gabe's girls, Brooke and Finley. What makes Full Quiver Outdoors a unique hunting channel is Gabe's focus on family and spreading the ideals and importance of hunting to younger generations.

ABOUT FULL QUIVER OUTDOORS

Full Quiver Outdoors YouTube channel highlights friends and family hunting and fishing together in God's great outdoors. Based in mid-Michigan, the crew travels worldwide in search of adventure.

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