I'm predominantly a northeast whitetail stillhunter/tracker, though I do hunt out west or Canada once a year. I'm not a backpack hunter, with all the wisdom and qualification that some apparently feel is a necessary requirement to be offering up opinions. I do use a day pack. Does that count? Mostly, I hunt from sun up to sun down with my rifle at the ready, in one position or another, all day long. I don't care who you are, that will take a toll on your arms day in and day out. After more than 40 years of carrying 9 lb+ rifles, these days, a 6 pound Montana or 6 3/4 pound Ruger 77RL, feels just about like heaven. And, non of the game I've taken was ever aware that I couldn't shoot such a light rifle.
Hope I haven't triggered anybody with an old man's 2 cents.
