[bcarver]

It appears to be left handed but I am sure that is a camera effect.
Considering he was a blue collar guy and it was in the 70's I would guess a 30-06.
That animal was a red stag if I remember correctly and cannot be found anywhere near where they were located.

Younger meat is more tender but good cleaning is more important to having good cuts.
A well harvested and prepared old buck can be great eating but will not be as good as a well harvested and prepared yearling.

The location was in Washington(mount baker) but the story was set in Pennsylvania(allengany mountains).