Lovers of nature and outdoor activities, respectful of the environment and biodiversity… Who are the young hunters of today and what are their preferences: shotgun or rifle?
Hunting is an activity that has ancient and deep roots, it came to exist with man himself, accompanying his journey throughout history, transforming and evolving to become, from the main tool for survival, a real passion that animates hunters from all over the world. Frequent questions are: “Do young hunters really exist? And if so, do they prefer a shotgun or a rifle?” … Of course they exist!
Hunting is a passion that is passed down in many ways. Often a generation skips, and young people approach the hunting world thanks to the charm of a shotgun or of their grandfather’s stories. An irresistible call and a promise of emotions to be experienced.
Many others are passionate about hunting thanks to a friend. This is the case of Giulia Taboga, Franchi testimonial since 2013, who has managed to make hunting a real profession.
What does hunting mean for a young hunter? This is the question we have asked many of them. Based on their answers it seems that the figure of today’s hunter is in all respects, and perhaps unexpectedly, a great part of our generation.
“Hunting is love for the environment and nature; it is knowledge of the area. What I like is to discover habits and behaviors of the local fauna, the search and monitoring of the wild takes a turn so interesting and stimulating” says a Friulan hunter.
And again: “Being outdoors, spending time with your father and dear friends, finding no sleep in the evening, getting up in the morning with a smile happy to spend the day with your dog… this is hunting!”.
Hunting as a passion and sharing life experiences, a moment to escape from everyday life and rediscover a genuine relationship with nature.
An activity that translates into a profound respect for the environment: boys and girls with an open and “green” mentality, who reflect on the importance of safeguarding biodiversity, because practicing this passion in the center of Milan is impossible, while the hunters need green spaces, becoming de facto “guardians” of the environment.
The hunt won’t end with the hunting season, but it goes on throughout the year in the management of the fauna and the territory, protecting wild species at risk and controlling those in overpopulation.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN TYPES OF HUNTING THAT YOUNG HUNTERS LIKE? DO YOU PREFER HUNTING WITH SHOTGUNS OR BOLT ACTION RIFLES?
Among the most voted types of hunting by young people there is woodcock hunting, often practiced with specific over and under shotguns, such as the Feeling Woodcock Select.
The charm of the “queen of the forest” is timeless, because it leads hunters to explore inaccessible places and take challenging shots. It is a difficult hunt, practiced with a pointing breed and allows dog lover hunters to share unforgettable moments with their four-legged companions.
The woodcock dog will need to have a wide search and the right psychological aptitude to keep pointing despite the tricks that the queen of the forest will put in place… and you know, it is always a pleasure to observe your hunting companions!
Especially in central Italy, wild boar hunting is also very popular among young hunters, who often approach this activity by hunting with their father.
The emotions and adrenaline that the challenge to the wild boar gives rise to are unique! Among the highly appreciated shotguns by young people, there is Feeling Slug, a real gem among specialistic over and under hunting shotgun. Available in 12 gauge with 55 cm steel shot barrels, black anodized aluminum alloy action and dedicated engraving, it is an extremely handy and light gun (2.5 kg), perfect for moving in cramped environments that the boar chooses as home.
Among the smooth-bore shotguns most chosen by new hunters, the Affinity 3 Black Synt is where the choice goes, a magnum semiauto shotgun in black Technopolymer available in 12 and 20 gauge, with flat or step rib in many configurations and three chokes supplied (F, M, C), characterized by great versatility, which allows different types of hunting and find out where passion belongs with.
However, the rifled barrel is still young people’s favorite, used for ungulates hunt and big game hunt. An unexpected choice, which says a lot about the approach and mentality of the new hunters.
UNGULATES HUNT, WHICH CAN BE PRACTICED BY STALKING OR HUNTING FROM HIGH SEAT, IS NOT REDUCED TO THE VENATORY ACTION, BUT IT BRINGS DAYS AND DAYS OF OBSERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE WILDERNESS TO BE COLLECTED AND LIVED IN ITS ETHICAL DIMENSION.
On this type of hunting, you can go with semi-automatic and bolt action rifles… but whatever partner you choose, the thrill of sighting a roe deer overlooking the woods, or the powerful muscles of a wild boar, always leaves you breathless.
The essential characteristics of a bolt action rifle for hunting ungulates are precision and reliability.
All Horizon rifles guarantee 3 shots in 1 M.O.A. and have an adjustable click by screw from 800 to 1,900 grams, to perfectly respond to the shooting habits of each hunter.
Horizon is available in different models and types, from the more classic sporter to varmint rifles and the newer Horizon All Terrain, which are inspired by American scout rifles and feature great compactness and versatility in any hunting environment.
Horizon All Terrain is available in black technopolymer or True Timber Strata camo with Cerakote paint on the barrel and action. This distinctive camouflage, combining micro and macro-design patterns, allows the bolt action to be completely camouflaged with the environment and escape the perception of the ungulates, with a field of view twice as wide as that of a man.
And the Cerakote treatment on the barrel and action, typical of the Elite line, improves the bolt action resistance to weather conditions.
What positively amazes in young people is to observe a full awareness of the importance of staying united and fighting to keep the hunting culture alive.
Maybe this is why today’s hunters have a social approach and there are many communities on the web where they tell, even with a simple photo or video, the passion that unites them… and yet, in the end, isn’t that part of the hunting? Sense of belonging to a community.
