What Are The Best Firearms for Hunting by Species

With a variety of rifle calibers & shotguns to choose from for every type of game, you may question which gun is right to bring along for your next hunt. You may ask fellow hunters and quickly come to realize that everyone has their own preferences. While the best gun to hunt with truly comes down to personal opinion, the experts at NEMO Arms have created a guide that will help you determine the best caliber rifles and shotgun gauges for hunting any species of small and big game.

Rifle Hunting Game Chart

If you live in a flat area, where you will likely be taking long distance shots, which means you will need a rifle for hunting. It should be noted that there are some places where it’s illegal to hunt with a rifle, in which you may want to opt for a shotgun with slugs instead.

Short & Medium Range

QUARRY Recommended Caliber(s)
Deer .243 Win, 30-30, .300 Savage
Varmints .17 HMR, .22 Hornet
Small Game .22 LR, .22 WMR

Short & Medium Range

QUARRY Recommended Caliber(s)
Deer, Sheep, Goats .25.06 Rem, .270 Win, .308 Win, 30-06, 7mm .300 Win Mag, 6.5 Creedmoor
Predators .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .220 Swift, .243 Win
Elk, Stag, Plains Game .270 Win, .308 Win, .30-06. 7mm, .300 Win Mag
Black Bear .30-30 and up, .444 Marlin, .45-70 Govt

Shotgun Hunting Game Chart

Shotguns are some of the most versatile weapons. By simply switching up your shot shells, you can hunt birds and big game with the exact same weapon.

Game Gauge
Bear 12
Deer 12, 16
Dove, Partridge, Grouse 12, 16, 20
Duck, Goose 10, 12, 16
Pheasant 12, 16
Quail, Snipe, Woodcock 20, 28
Rabbit, Squirrel 16, 20, 28, .410
Turkey 10, 12, 16

Now that you know which guns are appropriate for hunting various species, it’s time to get out in the field and determine what your unique preferences are. We offer a variety of firearms, ammunition, as well as cleaning kits to get you ready for the season. To browse our selection of premium firearms and gear, visit our website at www.nemoarms.com.

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Compliance

All NFA Rules Apply.

These items are controlled by the U.S. Government and authorized for export only to the country of ultimate destination for use by the ultimate consignee or end-user(s) herein identified. They may not be resold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any person other than the authorized ultimate consignee or end-user(s), either in their original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations.

Magazines will be removed from firearms when shipping to states with magazine capacity restrictions.

Compliance - Military Ordnance

These items are controlled by the U.S. Government and authorized for export only to the country of ultimate destination for us by the ultimate consignee or end-user (s) herein identified. They may not be resold, transferred, or otherwise disposed of, to any other country or to any user(s), either in their original form or after being incorporated into other items, without first obtaining approval from the U.S. government or as otherwise authorized by U.S. law and regulations.

Brace Notice

On November 8, 2023, the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas granted the Plaintiff’s motion for a preliminary injunction staying ATF’s recently enacted rule regarding stabilizing/arm braces for pistols in its entirety. A copy of the court’s order has been made available to me.

ATF appealed this decision to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on November 29, 2023, and that appeal is currently pending. As a result, the legal status of stabilizing/arm braces for pistols has not been resolved with finality and is subject to change via this appeal, or otherwise, without warning or notice. Buyer accepts sole responsibility for any such legal changes and their impact on the status of the purchased firearm, and acknowledges that all sales of stabilizing/arm brace equipped firearms are final.

Firearm request for proposal

If there are any questions regarding this document please do not hesitate to contact us.

Law Enforcement Pricing request

The Process:
  • Fill out the Price Quote Request Form and submit the form; (Specify whether the quote is for Law Enforcement Agency or Law Enforcement Duty Officer. LE Agency Pricing and LE Duty Officer Pricing are different.)
  • Anyone requesting LE Duty Officer pricing must provide valid law enforcement credentials and provide, on agency letterhead, a letter stating that the rifle will be used as the purchaser’s “duty weapon.”