Big-woods deer hunting in Maine means carrying a rifle through cedar swamps, cutovers and long ridges, often in cold and wet weather. A light carbon rifle that fits the hunter makes those days in the North Woods easier, and the Mini Rogue line from Fierce Firearms was shaped for exactly that kind of shooter.

Fierce designed these rifles for youth, women and anyone with a smaller frame. You get a carbon fiber stock, a shorter length of pull and a comb that adjusts so a young hunter can sit behind the scope with ease. Dual-lug actions, adjustable triggers and an integral bipod rail come standard. Calibers run from 22 and 6.5 Creedmoor to 7mm-08 and 308, which gives a growing hunter room to step up for bear or a moose permit later.

308 Winchester is the classic all-round hunting round: proven on deer, hogs and black bear, with factory ammunition available everywhere. In a rifle this light, 308 recoil is noticeable for a small owner; a 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 is the gentler start.

Under the carbon stock sits Fierce's stainless steel dual-lug action with a 70-degree bolt throw and a spiral-fluted bolt. The trigger is a Bix'n Andy Dakota, adjustable, and the barrel is match grade and hand lapped.

This rifle has a 20 in barrel, 4+1 capacity, and weighs about 5.8 lb. Finish: Forest Carbon Fiber Camo.

In a tree stand or a ground blind, a rifle that is too long gets caught on a coat sleeve and slows the shot. Fit the length of pull to the shooter in winter clothes, not a T-shirt. Then raise the comb until the eye lines up with the scope without craning the neck. A first deer rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor or smaller keeps flinch out of it.

Maine has no permit to purchase and no owner card, but the state's 72-hour waiting period applies at the dealer. Your rifle ships to the Maine FFL you choose, who handles the check and the wait. Ammunition and gear come straight to your home. Checkout confirms live price and stock before any payment.

Questions buyers ask: What caliber suits a young hunter after Maine whitetail? 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 Remington handles deer in thick woods with recoil a smaller shooter can manage. The lighter 22 and 25 Creedmoor chamberings are best kept for practice and smaller game. Is there a wait when I pick up a rifle in Maine? Yes. Maine's 72-hour waiting period is in force at the dealer, though there is no permit to purchase. Your Maine FFL will tell you when the rifle can go home. What caliber is this Fierce rifle? 308 Winchester, 4+1 capacity.

Specifications come from Fierce Firearms' published data for part number ROGM308WIN20BF, UPC 853418908174.