You've just completed an epic cross-country hunt and shot the bull elk of your dreams. Now comes one of the more important parts of a successful hunt: transporting pounds of precious edible meat from that mature bull back home. This might seem overwhelming, but with the right approach, it's quite manageable.
Read MoreIt's February, which means it's cold and there isn't much hunting to be done. However, now is the time that I begin to dream of hunting bears out west.
Spring is an amazing time to be in bear country. As temperatures start to rise around North America and snow melts, bears begin to emerge, looking for the greenest thing they can find to eat. It's a magical time to be in the mountains and it's one of my favorite hunts of the year.
Read MoreChoosing the Best Stabilizer Setup for Bowhunting
Read MoreScouting for deer in the postseason is a crucial activity for any serious deer hunter. While many hunters are ready to hang up their gear after the deer season ends, the importance of post-season scouting cannot be overstated. This time provides some distinct advantages that can greatly increase the chances of a successful hunt in the following season.
Read MoreSmoking venison offers a variety of benefits that enhance the overall flavor and tenderness of this lean meat. One of the primary advantages of smoking is the ability to infuse a rich and smoky flavor into the venison. To achieve this, hardwoods such as oak, maple, and hickory are ideal choices. These woods provide a robust and distinct flavor that complements the taste of venison, creating a truly delicious and satisfying dish.
Read MoreThe deer rut, or breeding season, is triggered by the changing photoperiod, or length of daylight, in the fall. As the days become shorter, does are influenced by the decreasing light, which triggers the release of hormones that signal the onset of estrus. This is the period when does are receptive to breeding and bucks become more active in their pursuit.
Read MoreUpdating gear is an exciting part of the hunting offseason - the summer. Whether it's for mule deer, elk hunting, or other big game, we hunters are continuously searching for that edge that can make a difference in the field. Gear can play an important role in your success this fall, whether it be things like bows or boots. However, there is one often underestimated item that deserves your attention: a top-quality pair of glassing binoculars.
Read MoreNo matter if you're navigating the rugged mountains of Montana or perched high in a tree stand in Michigan, one thing is sure - the type of clothing you wear, particularly your base layers, can significantly impact your comfort, efficiency, and overall performance during your hunting expedition.
One topic that stirs spirited debates among hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike is the crucial decision between choosing merino wool vs. synthetic base layers
Read MoreIf you're as serious about bowhunting as we you, you probably understand the vital role physical fitness plays in hunting. Obviously this is critical for the guys and gals out in the backcountry but it's often even a critical element in a successful hunt in the big woods back east.
Staying fit enhances your ability to get into your stand, control your heartbeat, and prolong your hunting season (and seasons). While there are a plethora of fantastic workout programs out there, we want to share a workout routine that we've found to be a great addition to anyone's regimen. It's simple, it's fun and it'll get you sweating.
Read MoreWe absolutely love the challenge that comes with hunting big mature bucks on public land. It's not easy, but it's addictive. We think about it all year round, but as the summer months roll in and fall is around the corner, we really start dreaming about finding that monster public land buck. In fact, now is a critical time for many hunters.
But, as most experienced deer hunters will tell you, a successful hunt isn't just about showing up on opening day in the early fall and hoping for the best, especially when it comes to deer hunting on public land.
The yelp is a fundamental turkey communication call utilized by both hens and gobblers, making it an essential skill for hunters to master. This vocalization typically consists of a series of short, rhythmic notes that can convey various messages, such as a hen indicating her location to a potential mate or a gobbler asserting his dominance within the flock.
As a hunter, understanding the nuances of the yelp and effectively mimicking it can significantly improve your chances of attracting and calling turkeys, and eliciting a response. To achieve a realistic yelp, practice using different types of calls, such as box calls, pot calls, or diaphragm calls, and pay close attention to the pitch, cadence, and volume of the natural yelps you hear in the field.
Read MoreDetermining the proper draw length for your bow is crucial for achieving accuracy and efficiency in your shots. In order to find the correct draw length, you must first understand what it is and how to measure it.
Draw length is the total length, in inches, that a bow is set to be drawn. It runs from the nock point to the frontmost part of the grip. To measure your draw length, there are a few different methods that can be used. One popular method is to visit an archery shop and have a specially marked arrow shot to determine your exact draw length. Another method is to measure your wingspan at home and divide it by 2.5.
Read MoreAre you looking to switch up your hunting game and try something new? Saddle hunting might be just what you're looking for. Saddle hunting involves hunting out of a tree saddle, which is a specialized seat that allows you to hunt from the trunk of a tree rather than a tree stand.
If you're used to hunting out of a tree stand, the transition to being a saddle hunter may take some getting used to. But with a little practice and the right gear, you'll be a pro in no time.
Here are the biggest differences between of saddle hunting vs hunting out of a deer stand
Read MoreMost bowhunters are often looking for ways to improve their physical fitness and maintain a strong upper body to carry their equipment, stay longer in the field, and ultimately be a more accurate shot.
One great way to do this is through strength training via archery exercises, which are specifically designed to target the muscles used in bowhunting. These workouts and exercise can be done at home or at the gym and can help bowhunters improve their accuracy and endurance.
Read MoreWhen most hunters think of the perfect conditions for whitetail deer hunting, they imagine a calm, cool day with little to no wind.
But what about when mother nature doesn't cooperate and it rains during deer season?
Should you pack up and head back to deer camp? Can you still be successful in pursing whitetail bucks? The answer is yes!
With a few adjustments to your normal hunting routine, you can make the most of a rainy day and find yourself in the middle of a few big bucks.
Read MoreOctober is an exciting month for deer hunters looking for a mature buck moving during daylight hours. You've put the late summer and early fall behind you and all that goes with it - sweat, heat, bugs, etc. By this point, the leaves are changing, the cool air is invigorating and deer season is well underway. For the average whitetail hunter in the midwest, deer movement tends to change in a magical way as you get closer to the rut.
Read MoreStart it out by smoking the shoulder at low temperature (225F) for a few hours, then transfer it over to a large aluminum pan, add onions, peppers, spices, and a beer (or broth) for a bit of moisture, then seal it all up with foil and continue cooking until the meat falls from the bone. All that connective tissue in the shoulder melts into the meat for a wonderful flavor.
Read MoreIn recent years the demand for highly mobile elevated whitetail deer hunting equipment has exploded. Hunters want to go deeper into the woods, but not be burdened by the weight and noise associated with hang-on and climber tree stands. Enter the hunting saddle. Three seasons ago I picked up my first saddle and have been through an entirely new iteration of my setup each year based on changing personal preferences and advancements in the equipment coming to market. Where I have landed today is what I would consider my “ultimate mobile hunting setup for whitetail”. Here’s a quick overview:
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