Louis: The rifle I seem to end up with in my hands on these interstate trips where hunting in the rain is inevitable, is my everyday culling rifle. Its a Ruger M77 Mk.II RSI in .308, with a 2-7x28 VX2 Leupold Ultralight. The good points are modern build, so not worried about dings in the stock, or surface rust on the metal (although I have to say, despite being chrome-moly it just doesn't rust!). The short barrel makes it safe to carry muzzle-down in steep country with plenty of ground clearance, and I can carry it one-handed like a pistol with the bolt-handle in the web of my thumb and forefinger. That ability to carry it safely with a round in the chamber and bolt-handle 'locked' in the open position when approaching game is a big advantage over a Mauser. Closing the bolt to make the shot is absolutely silent.

Every year though, I contemplate taking my .275 Rigby, Kurz Mauser, or a 6.5 Mannlicher from the collection, but they would definitely be subjected to a bit of wear and tear, and possibly even damage, so my tardiness in prepping those classics for the hills is not necessarily a bad thing!

Tinker: the little fridge in our camper-van was absolutely chockers with venison when we headed home!
Barely enough room to chill a bottle of shiraz!
(yes, I know... but the inside of a fridge is room-temperature in wine country!

)