Hill Country whitetail, axis deer in the cedar and live oak, and hogs that never seem to run out keep South Texas rifles busy most of the year. Shots off a ranch blind or down a feeder lane tend to be moderate, which suits a light, quick-handling rifle.

Fierce Firearms built the Mini Rogue line for youth, women and smaller-framed hunters. It has a carbon fiber stock, a shorter length of pull and an adjustable comb or push-button cheek piece, and the CT Mini Rogue XP is about 6 lb. For whitetail and axis, 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 Remington works well, and 308 Winchester adds punch on big boars. A youth hunter from Boerne to Floresville can carry it all morning without complaint.

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 shooter; a 6.5 Creedmoor or 7mm-08 is the gentler start.

Fierce builds the Carbon Mini Rogue on its stainless steel two-lug action. A short 70-degree bolt throw keeps the scope clear, and the Bix'n Andy Dakota trigger can be adjusted to suit the shooter.

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

Inside a tight box blind, a long stock bumps the wall and forces a young shooter into a cramped hold. A shorter length of pull lets the rifle come to the window cleanly. Adjust the comb until the eye meets the scope with the cheek relaxed. Starting on a 6mm Creedmoor builds steady habits before the shooter moves up to 308.

Texas issues no purchase permit and sets no waiting period. Choose your Texas dealer at checkout, anywhere from San Antonio to the Hill Country, and the rifle ships there. Your dealer runs the background check at pickup. Ammunition and gear go straight to your house.

Questions buyers ask: Which caliber works for axis deer and hogs? 7mm-08 Remington or 308 Winchester gives a bit more weight for axis and big hogs, while 6.5 Creedmoor stays easier on a young shooter. Is there a waiting period in Texas? Texas has no purchase permit and no waiting period, so the only step at the counter is the dealer's background check. What caliber is this Fierce rifle? 308 Winchester, 4+1 capacity.

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