Wow, sounds like you got some use out of it this year... nice job!
When the pack is empty the rifle is a little off balance. If we know we're going to be using the rifle mount without a big load, we'll put the heavy stuff in our daypack like water and food on the opposite side... it doesn't take much to balance it out, but it does ride better with some weight on the off side. And like you said, once you have a load of meat and/or gear it all evens out.
We'll be at the Puyallup Show, the Portland Show and the Sacramento Show, so swing by and say hello if you get a chance.
Thanks!