To the OP, I don't believe you mentioned what you are hunting. As a practical matter, I probably wouldn't use an air gun in this scenario, but knowing the game would be helpful.
If I owned a Slayer, it would go with me into any hunting situation, practical or not..
Here is what concerns me about the trend of game hunting with air guns. The .357 Slayer produces a ME of up to 275 fpe. A .357 handgun can generate over 500 fpe. Many people who would hunt with the Slayer, would believe the handgun was marginal in its effectiveness for humane kills on game, although it is twice as powerful. My point, a powerful air gun is not necessarily an adequate weapon for hunting medium-to-large game. It can be done, of course, but it requires conscientious use by the hunter.
Don't really understand your point, OP has taken the time to plan his backpacking/ hunting trip. If they didn't feel comfortable in whatever they were after, they probably wouldn't be bringing the slayer.
Hunting with air power imo is similar to bow hunting, there's going to be times where you just don't have an ethical shot, so the hunt now turns into a long nature walk, which is fine by me.
I didn't mean it critical of the OP. I am certainly willing to assume he is a conscientious hunter who knows the limits of his skill and weapon, and will not try to exceed them. But my point is simple. I have observed many people who hunt with weapons of limited power,whether bow, handgun, or air gun, and who are either not aware of the limits, or, do not adhere to them. Certainly the same can be said of any weapon. Maybe my observations are not representative, but I have seen a disproportionately larger number of hunters overestimate the effectiveness of their bow/handgun/air gun, when compared to those using firearms of greater power. Again, I mean no criticism of anyone specifically, and I probably should not have posted my comment. My apology to anyone offended.
Upvote 0