Predator Xtreme - Predator Hunting, Gear, Guides & More

Zeiss Conquest V6 riflescope models in 3-18x50mm and 5-30x50mm are now available with an external elevation turret and capped windage turret configuration.

A bill sponsored by a South Carolina legislator would allow drones to be used, with regulations, for management of feral swine.

Predator Xtreme asked the industry’s foremost for the key ingredients hunters need in a bipod. Here’s a look at their answers, along with tips they offered to maximize their utility and effectiveness.

Mossberg has released a dedicated version of its popular Patriot bolt-action rifle with shorter barrel lengths, optimized for use with suppressors.

Proposed changes include increasing the number of days allowed for use of artificial light, night vision, and thermal imagery equipment when harvesting coyotes, and adding trapping tools.

There were some innovative and interesting new airguns at the annual SHOT Show in Las Vegas this year. Here’s what the author found on the exhibition floor and why he thinks they stand out from the crowd.

Firefield’s Rapidstrike 1-10x24mm LPVO Riflescope is the latest addition to its Rapidstrike series.

Federal and state officials have renewed their efforts to eliminate feral pigs on the Land Between the Lakes in western Kentucky.

“Uncle! Uncle! There’s a raccoon on Mimi’s bird feeder!”

Burris has expanded its FastFire Series of Red-Dot Sights with the all-new FastFire E — the company’s first fully enclosed emitter reflex sight.

At least eight opossums have been caught in Hawaii, sparking concerns about the impacts of the animals on other animal species on the island.

As confrontations between humans and coyotes continue to rise in urban and suburban areas, it’s time to take a proactive approach to prevent attacks on pets and children.

The Shadow 100 digital night vision mini-viewer is compact and comes ready for action.

A bill in the Oklahoma Senate would eliminate permits for hunting feral hogs to more easily help with management and control.

Predator Ammunition Fur hunters have never had it so good — with a full array of bullet types available across a wide range of predator calibers a short ride to the local sporting goods store away. These range from the various Mighty Mouse .17- and .22-caliber centerfires on the low end to musclebound cartridges such as .22-250 Rem., .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor and others on the high end. Most ardent predator hunters own several centerfire rifles dedicated to the task of collecting fur, and make their cartridge choices based on the animals they’re targeting — in what terrain and at what range. If they’re targeting gray foxes in South Texas brush country or red foxes in a North Dakota slough — where shot opportunities are likely to be short and quick follow-up shots often necessary — they might be best served by low-recoiling cartridges loaded with fur-friendly bullets — or even a shotgun. If hunting open country for coyotes, more muscle might be the ticket. Today’s ammunition manufacturers recognize the need for this variety and have delivered in spades. So, in a sense, it essentially comes down to a marriage of performance requirements and personal preference. And just like when purchasing a new pickup, neglecting to put adequate forethought into the options available — which bullet/cartridge combo will perform best for the type of hunting — could mean diminishing returns in the field, as well as a deflated fur check. Do your homework and make sensible ammunition decisions using the available data and past experiences. Here are some top shelf ammo options to get you started.Barnes Ammunition .223 Rem. JHP BTThe 55-grain JHP Boattail Multi-purpose Ammo offering from Barnes Ammunition produces a muzzle velocity of 3,240 fps and has a BC of .225, designed to deliver impressive downrange accuracy and terminal performance — which makes it a great choice for hunters who are pursuing varmints and predators. Constructed with premium components under stringent quality control, its jacketed, lead core bullet has Barnes precision in its DNA, engineered to help hunters realize their highest potential as a marksman. This ammunition is non-corrosive, in boxer-primed, reloadable brass cases carefully engineered for maximum versatility. Other JHP BT offerings from Barnes include .243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, .270 Win., .308 Win. and .300 Blackout. MSRP: $25.99/Box of 20www.barnesbullets.comBenjamin eXTREME .357 BulletThe Benjamin 145-grain, Ballistic-Tip eXTREME .357-caliber bullet delivers exceptional performance. Engineered by Nosler, this ballistic-tip bullet expands upon impact for immense accuracy and power. The mouth of the bullet features Nosler’s famous Ballistic Tip technology — the first airgun bullet of its kind. The red polymer tip boosts terminal velocities while resisting deformation for superb downrange accuracy. The hollow base allows hunters to optimize the use of air pressure and maintain precise control in the barrel. Hunters can use this projectile with the Benjamin Bulldog .357 to take down predators and big-game animals with confidence. MSRP: $30.99/25 countwww.benjaminairguns.comBlack Hills 6 ARC 90-Grain Dual PerformanceThe Black Hills 6 ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) 90-grain Dual Performance load is designed to shoot flatter to 600 yards compared to its 103-grain ELD-X, plus opens immediately upon impact to create a large wound channel. It leaves the barrel at 2,650 fps and generates over 1,400 food-pounds of energy. The monolithic solid-copper bullet is designed to separate after impact and penetration, its fragments spreading to create their own wound tracks through the stretched tissue, significantly adding to terminal performance. The solid-copper shank continues to penetrate deeply (18+ inches) to ensure game stopping performance. Compared to even the best 5.56mm cartridges, the 6 ARC has a higher ballistic coefficient, more energy and less wind drift. MSRP: NA www.black-hills.com Doubletap DT VarmintMoving at an astonishing 3,600 fps out of a 22-inch barrel, the lightning fast .223 Rem. 40-grain DT Varmint round from Doubletap Ammunition is a great choice when targeting coyotes and other predators. This load was designed to open up quickly, penetrating 7 inches in ballistic gelatin; perfect for punching thin-skinned predators. With this type of penetration hunters won’t have to worry about an exit wound damaging the pelt. And with that amount of speed and power, they won’t have to worry about critters getting back up either. MSRP: $33.22/Box of 20 www.doubletapammo.com Federal Hammerdown 360 BuckhammerHunters in pursuit of wild hogs can now get optimum performance from their lever-action rifles, with ammunition designed for improved cycling and overall performance from the time-tested rifle platform. Velocities of Federal Premium HammerDown loads — now available in 220-grain 360 Buckhammer — are customized to produce superior ballistics and terminal performance through lever-action barrel lengths. Designed in partnership with Henry Repeating Arms, the construction of the molecularly bonded soft-point bullets has also been adjusted for the best accuracy and expansion at those velocities. The geometry of each round’s case, bullet and cartridge ensures flawless cycling through side gate loading tubular magazines and typical lever-action feeding systems. Hammerdown 360 Buckhammer loads feature nickel-plated cases and optimum expansion and weight retention on impact. MSRP: $52.99/Box of 20 www.federalpremium.com Fort Scott Munitions 8.6 Blackout TUIFort Scott Munitions 285-grain 8.6 Blackout TUI Sun-Sonic Ammo features a non-lead solid copper spun SCS bullet engineered to tumble upon impact to provide devastating terminal performance. Machined from premium materials using precision CNC lathes, it adheres to the highest quality standards and is precision machined and loaded with the utmost care within tight tolerances for dependable accuracy, ensuring excellent penetration and devastating internal damage. Designed for versatility, the 8.6 Blackout excels in hunting. The TUI technology enables the bullet to tumble end-over-end upon impact with water-based tissue, creating a more effective and destructive wound channel, and the solid copper projectile provides hunters with the freedom to pursue wild game where lead ammo is prohibited. MSRP: $65.98/Box of 20 www.fortscottmunitions.com Hornady V-Match AmmunitionWhether it’s taking aim in competition or outwitting varmints, V-Match Ammunition from Hornady combines exceptional aerodynamics with high-quality components for match-grade accuracy and violent expansion. Every round is meticulously loaded to exacting specifications, and modern clean-burning propellants are carefully chosen for their consistency no matter the temperature, so users can shoot with confidence, knowing that every trigger pull will be met with the same exceptional performance, whether they’re competition shooting in the heat of summer or varmint hunting in the chill of winter. Hornaday V-Match ammunition is available in the following calibers: 22 ARC (62-grain), 6mm ARC (80-grain), 6mm Creedmoor (80-grain), 6.5 Grendel (100-grain) and 6.5 Creedmoor (100-grain). MSRP: $39.41-$53.65/Box of 20 www.hornady.com HSM Ammunition Tipping Point 2HSM’s Tipping Point 2 Ammunition combines the Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) bullet with HSM’s 50+ years of crafting highly accurate and reliable ammunition. This bullet features an HSM orange polymer tip that upon impact drives into the lead core like a wedge, initiating lightning-fast yet controlled expansion. Its secant ogive design, the tapered point, increased bearing surface and more aerodynamic profile combined with a boattail base makes the SST more efficient with less drag and greater stability. The new Tipping Point 2 is flat shooting and deadly accurate, and the Hornady SST bullet creates a devastatingly large wound channel. It is available in .243 Win., 6.5mm Creedmoor, .270 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., .308 Win. and .30-06 Springfield. MSRP: $34.99-$75.99www.hsmammunition.comLiberty Ammunition 5.56mm NATOThe new 77-grain 5.56mm NATO offering from Liberty Ammunition was requested by a special forces group for use in combat. They specifically wanted a round to be used at longer distances with maximum lethality. Liberty Ammunition designed this 100 percent copper hollow point to be the most accurate and perfect for 1:7 twist rifles chambered in 5.56mm NATO. This round is also perfect for furry predators. Designed, machined and tuned for accuracy, features include a nickel-plated casing, smooth feeding and corrosion resistance. The 77-grain round generates 2,800 fps velocity and produces terminal performance that will stop any predator in its tracks. Liberty Ammunition is a 100 percent USA company. MSRP: $29.99/Box of 20 www.libertyammo.com Wilson Combat .300 HAM’R At the heart of Wilson Combat’s .300 HAM’R Ammunition is the innovative 115-grain Tipped Xtreme Chaos (TXC) bullet from Lehigh Defense. Like the proven Controlled Chaos and Xtreme Chaos bullets, the Tipped Xtreme Chaos bullet offers the best of both and has a higher ballistic coefficient. Once fluid is impacted, it sheds the front portion of the bullet into four petals that radiate outward away from the bullet’s initial trajectory path resulting in a massive energy spike. Then the base of the bullet expands, continuing in a straight line and penetrating deeply. The wound cavity created by this bullet separation is dramatic, resulting in quick incapacitation, and the expanded solid base creates additional tissue damage. MSRP: $60.95/Box of 20 www.wilsoncombat.com Apex Predator TSSShotshells designed for predator hunting traditionally meant massive lead pellets and a low pattern count, which unfortunately delivered limited performance. Not anymore. Suitable for anchoring wild hogs and all sorts of predators, Predator TSS Shotgun Ammunition from Apex turns any shotgun into a big-game/predator hunting machine. Apex’s Predator TSS loads — available in Nos. 4, 2 and BB shot sizes in 20- and 12-gauge 2.75- 3- and 3.5-inch loads — capitalize on superior density to deliver extended range and penetration while maximizing pattern retention. MSRP: $32.99-$74.99/Box of fivewww.apexmunition.comFiocchi .223 Rem. Hyperformance HuntFiocchi has added another specialized cartridge to its Hyperformance Hunt series — a .223 Rem. load designed for lights out performance on predators and varmints. The new cartridge is built on the same foundation as all centerfire cartridges in the Hyperformance Hunt line — top-quality brass cases, reliable primers, carefully selected powder to ensure shot-to-shot accuracy and precision-manufactured bullets that deliver exceptional terminal performance. What separates the Hyperformance Hunt .223 Rem. from the pack is its lead-free hollow point projectile — part of Fiocchi’s EnviroShield initiative. The Barnes Varmint Grenade bullet is based on a frangible copper-tin powdered metal core surrounded by a hollow point gilding metal jacket, designed to fragment quickly while delivering devastating terminal performance that leaves pelts relatively undamaged. MSRP: NA www.fiocchiusa.comSuppressors Attending stadium rock concerts and shooting firearms without some form of ear protection are two of the most surefire ways to sustain hearing loss. I’m betting there are very few Dead Heads (Grateful Dead fans) out there who don’t answer every question with, “What?” Same goes for those predator hunters who take to the field without giving their ears a second thought. Studies show that prolonged sounds above 70 dB can cause hearing damage — everyday activities such as listening to loud music, frequenting loud bars and restaurants, mowing the lawn or operating power tools, for example. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the maximum level humans can tolerate without doing damage to their ears is 70 dB over a 24-hour period. And loud noises above 120 dB can cause immediate harm — even a single extremely loud noise event such as close proximity to the discharge of a firearm. Here are some other examples: Rock Concert = 110-120 dB; Nearby Thunder = 120 dB; Jet Engine Takeoff = 140 dB; Power Tools 100-110 dB. Even noisy workplaces with a decibel rating of over 85 dB can damage ears over the course of time. Wearing hearing protection devices, such as earmuffs, plugs and such reduce gun reports by roughly 20 to 30 dB. Unfortunately, these devices can be cumbersome in the field. A better solution for hunters is to tame muzzle blast at the source — reducing the sound signature of their firearms by equipping them with a suppressor. Suppressors decrease the acoustic intensity and recoil of the shot by modulating the speed and pressure of the propellant gas from the muzzle and suppressing the muzzle blast — anywhere from around 23 to 36 dB sound reduction depending on the type of suppressor. Suppressors turn the mighty roar of that favorite high-octane rifle into a muffled snarl. Many rifles today come factory threaded for adding muzzle brakes or suppressors, which can be easily attached. Here are several models you might want to check out.Dead Air Silencers Lazarus 6The Lazarus 6 from Dead Air Silencers was designed to withstand the most demanding firing schedules and harshest environments. Featuring the innovative Triskelion Gas Management System, this silencer offers exceptional acoustic performance and minimal back pressure, keeping gas away from the face while reducing wear on firearms. Crafted from advanced Haynes 282 material and utilizing the company’s proven Triskelion Baffle technology, the Lazarus 6 optimizes sound suppression across a wide range of frequencies. It is HUB compatible, allowing the use of a variety of industry mounting systems, including the KeyMo, Xeno and direct thread options. The enhanced thermal management system rapidly conducts heat from the core to the outer skin, cooling it quickly and maintaining optimal performance even under intense conditions. MSRP: $990-$1,050www.deadairsilencers.comElite Iron Thud LiteThe Thud Lite from Elite Iron boasts a newer skinless design, featuring a meticulously crafted suppressor sealed with laser-welded Grade 5 titanium baffles. This achieves an unparalleled level of lightweight construction and guarantees exceptional durability, ruggedness and superior sound suppression. Crafted with versatility in mind, the Thud Lite is purpose-built to accommodate semi-automatic and bolt-action rifles. Its adaptability is further enhanced by interchangeable direct thread mounts utilizing a standard HUB system, allowing seamless integration with various platforms spanning from 5.56mm to .300 Win. Mag. For those seeking extraordinary performance, the Thud Lite M variant extends compatibility to the formidable .338 Lapua Mag. The Thud Lite features swappable end caps that empower users to optimize sound reduction performance. MSRP: $995 www.eliteiron.com Huxwrx Flow 762 TiBy 3D-printing with Grade 5 titanium, the Flow 762 Ti is the lightest rifle suppressor available from Huxwrx Safety Company, with zero sacrifice to quality, longevity, durability and functionality. The Flow 762 Ti is the latest evolution in Flow-Through technology, delivering above and beyond toxic fume mitigation, accuracy and repeatability. This innovative multi-caliber suppressor utilizes proven Flow-Through and Torque Lock technologies. The integrated GeoFlash Cap geometry effectively mitigates flash as part of its overall signature reduction functionality. The Flow 762 Ti is full-auto rated and compatible with 5.56mm, 6.5 and 7.62mm platforms with no barrel restrictions. No modifications (other than QD muzzle device) to the platform or gas system are required to install or operate this suppressor. MSRP: $1,623 www.huxwrx.com Maxim Defense QD Suppressor SystemThe Maxim Defense QD Suppressor System utilizes a proprietary flash hider to quickly attach and remove the suppressor without the use of tools. The system is multi-caliber compatible, making it perfect for military, law enforcement, hunters, sports shooters and firearm enthusiasts. Available in the DSX, DS and DS-K models, the QD suppressor system allows for use across multiple calibers, making it easy for customers to use one suppressor for several different firearms, saving both time and money by needing only one tax stamp. Utilizing M-Kore technology, the QD ensures unmatched durability and optimized performance. This suppressor is UTM safe and passed SOCOM’s rigorous endurance and destruction tests — finished with a CR-DLC coating, providing better resistance to wear, heat and carbon buildup; making maintenance easier and less frequent. MSRP: $1,150-$1,550/Includes suppressor and QD muzzle device www.maximdefense.com Nosler SR-30K CompactThe SR-30K Suppressor is based on Nosler’s SR-30AlTi, which features aluminum and titanium construction for the lightest possible weight, striking a balance between overall length and noise reduction. At less than 6 inches long and weighing 7.2 ounces, the K-Can is a pleasure to carry and easier to maneuver than a full-size suppressor, making it ideal in a treestand, ground blind or on longer rifles. It incorporates the same attachment system as the rest of the Nosler suppressor line and can be mounted either over a brake or direct-threaded to the muzzle with the use of the included adaptor. When space and weight are at a premium, the K-Can is a great, economical solution for noise and blast reduction. MSRP: $729 www.nosler.com SilencerCo Scythe-TiThe Scythe-Ti is SilencerCo’s first suppressor completely constructed from titanium. This premium .30-caliber silencer is extremely lightweight and short, with the body of the suppressor weighing just over 6 ounces and measuring under 6 inches in length. The real magic, however, is that the Scythe-Ti boasts impressive sound suppression while maintaining this featherlight quality — a unique accomplishment for suppressors in its class. It’s the optimal choice for suppressed hunting, long-range precision shooting or days at the range. With no barrel length restrictions and rated for calibers all the way up to .300 RUM, the capabilities of the Scythe-Ti are extensive. It ships with a new radial tool, Bravo tool, basic tool, 5/8x24 titanium direct thread mount and .30-caliber aluminum single-port anchor brake. MSRP: $1,174 www.silencerco.com Silencer Central/Meateater SuppressorSilencer Central has teamed up with MeatEater to launch the new MeatEater by Banish suppressor. Designed for hunting, this .30-caliber suppressor is rated for cartridges up to .300 RUM. It features an anchor brake that reduces recoil by up to 40 percent in the open position and 30 percent when closed, while also delivering an additional 5dB of sound reduction. Overall, the suppressor cuts average sound levels by 32dB, ensuring a quieter shooting experience. With a muzzle cap insert to accommodate various calibers, users can optimize the suppressor for their specific rifle setup. Constructed from lightweight titanium, the suppressor weighs just 10.3 ounces, measures 5.85 inches in length and has a 1.73-inch diameter with an industry-standard hub mount. MSRP: $1,299 www.silencercentral.com Yankee Hill Machine Victra-12 Modular Shotgun SuppressorYankee Hill Machine has announced the debut of the Victra-12, a new modular sound suppressor designed for 12-gauge shotguns. It is nearly 50 percent lighter than competitors’ models, user-configurable to a range of sizes and offers outstanding dB reduction, all at a value price.The Victra-12 has a robust modular design, and users can easily configure it to a 12-, 10-, 8- or 6-inch suppressor. It ships with an improved cylinder choke, and full and modified chokes will be available later in 2025. The host mount and choke are at opposite ends of the suppressor, so the Victra-12 requires only one mount, and users can add lower-cost chokes as desired. MSRP: $929.95. www.yhm.net

The LRP S3 FFP riflescope from Zeiss delivers accurate and precise bullet impact on the most distant targets.

Badger State officials hope hunters take another 6 percent of the state’s black bear population during this year’s seasons that begin in September.