When I was a kid in CT and for the first 20 years or so it was a lever gun in 30-30,444, 35, and a 12 gauge on public land in CT. Traveled to PA, VT, ME and NH, back then by far lever and Remington pumps filled the gun racks. As time went on, bolt actions took over and the same for me. I still have a couple of lever guns but for the last 20 years its been light carbine length bolt guns and my go to is in 7mm-08, shotgun is a 20 gauge pump or Savage 220. Primary quarry is deer, coyotes and black bears.
As a group we hunt VT now every year, last year 4 guys, all bolt guns, 2 in 7mm-08 and 2 in 308. Still see the occasional lever, pump or semi being carried by other hunters in New England but the vast majority in New England and the Northeast are bolt guns that I see used in 308, 30-06, 270. If I ever draw a moose permit up here, I have no hesitation to use my 7mm-08
