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Lynx hunting requires careful preparation If you intend to go lynx hunting, you should start tracking lynx movements immediately after the first snowfall. This way the hunters can find out the number of lynxes in the area and the structure of the population. A keen eye is needed in deciphering lynx tracks, as the lynx likes to take advantage of hard pathways formed on the snow during soft snow season. In lynx hunting one hunter acts as a beater chasing the animal towards the shooters, or you can use a dog. Dog breeds that like to go after foxes will usually also eagerly chase lynxes. Big game dogs with pointed ears are also well suited for lynx hunting. A shotgun loaded with 4 mm shot is a good weapon for the purpose. A snow suit allows a shooter to better blend in with the wintry landscape. The lynx has excellent hearing. One should always remember this during a hunt. The shooters must remain as quiet as possible as they lie in wait. The lynx picks up gun loading sounds, the creakin

Post: 29 November 18:15

Heavy bodied and long-legged, with a drooping nose, moose (Alces alces) are the largest members of the deer family. They range in color from golden brown to almost black, depending upon the season and the age of the animal. Full-grown males (bulls) stand almost 6 ft (1.8 m) tall at the shoulder, and males in prime condition weigh from 1,200 to 1,600 lbs (542 –725 kg). Adult females are somewhat smaller and weigh 800 to 1,300 lbs (364 – 591 kg). A 1,600-lb (726-kg) moose will dress out at about 950 lbs (431 kg), yielding approximately 500 lbs (227 kg) of meat. Alaskans and nonresidents annually harvest 6,000 to 8,000 moose, which translates into about 3.5 million pounds of usable meat. Only bull moose have antlers. The largest moose antlers in North America come from Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and the Northwest Territories of Canada. Trophy class bulls are found throughout Alaska, but the largest come from the western portion of the state. Moose occasionally produce trophy-size antle

Post: 18 November 20:09

Driven Hunt Season: Sighting in Your Gun and Preparing for the Active Season The driven hunt season is the time when hunters prepare their guns and optics for a successful hunt. It is important to remember that an effective hunt begins with quality sighting in. In this article, we will tell you about the process of preparing guns and optics, which was demonstrated by our colleague Sergey Gribov from Belarus. Preparing Guns for the Driven Hunt Season Before the start of the driven hunt season, hunters should pay attention to preparing their guns. This includes checking the condition of the barrel, mechanism, and other important elements. Proper adjustment and maintenance of the gun is the key to a successful hunt. Sighting in a Gun: A Key Stage Sighting in a gun is a process that allows you to fine-tune the sight and ensure that all systems are working properly. This stage is especially important for hunting, as the accuracy of the shot can determine the success of the entire hunt. S

Post: 5 November 09:30

Snow Tours: Kuban I want to be surprised, looking at the photo, that it is not winter yet! 🔜There is still so much interesting ahead, the season is in full swing and it is still a long way to the New Year holidays. But in fact, winter is already really in a month, and the Caucasus Mountains are already covered with snow ❄️ Our hunters on the slopes of the Caucasus Range 🏔 made their way through snowdrifts, froze and got wet, but got their Kuban tour! We are proud, well done 🩵 And to make it easier to overcome, Stalker before each trip of our hunter to any country and time of year provides information about the weather at the point and ⛅️🌧🌦 a forecast for the entire hunt, about the required equipment. So that the snow in October is not "like snow on the head". 🏹 Stalker will help you choose a hunt, prepare it, prepare you properly and conduct the tour with success! Stay in touch ⬇️ 💬 write to Telegram (https://t.me/safari_stalker) #охода_на_кубанских_тур

Post: 1 November 09:30

Roe deer hunting in Belarus: a great shot and tips for choosing a thermal imaging scope Roe deer hunting is an exciting activity that requires patience and skill. In our hunting club in Belarus, we are always happy to share experiences and successes. In this post, we will tell you about a recent hunt, where a hunter made a great shot in tall grass, and also provide useful tips for choosing a thermal imaging scope. Recently, one of our hunters shared a video of a successful roe deer hunt. After observing a pair of roe deer for a long time, he was able to make an accurate shot, which was possible thanks to high-quality optics and a careful approach to the hunting process. This is an example of how important it is to properly prepare and choose the right equipment. A reliable thermal imaging scope is necessary for successful roe deer hunting. We recommend paying attention to the RikaNV Lesnik 350L thermal imaging scope. This device provides excellent visibility in low light conditions

Post: 24 October 10:18

🚨 New Arkon Arma thermal imaging sights are coming soon! 🚨 📅 Early booking is open! Be among the first to own them! Dear hunters and connoisseurs of high-quality optics! The latest Arkon Arma thermal imaging sights will soon appear on the market. If you are planning to update your hunting gear, then you have a unique opportunity to reserve one of these devices from the first batch. Don't miss your chance to become the owner of innovative optics from Arkon! Dear friends, we are pleased to inform you about the imminent release of the new Arkon Arma thermal imaging sights. These devices are equipped with modern technologies and are designed for those who value quality and reliability. If you are planning to purchase one of these sights, now is the time to reserve it from the first shipment, expected at the end of October. Arkon Arma is presented in several models, each of which has its own unique characteristics. Let's take a quick look at each of them: Arkon Arma SR25 and Arkon Ar

Post: 8 October 09:28

Capturing the Curiosity of a Majestic Jackal in Romania In the rugged landscapes of Romania, where nature thrives in all its untamed glory, a curious young golden jackal emerges, captivating the lens of the Canon 90D and the powerful reach of the Canon 100-400mm Mark II lens. It's September 2024, and this moment is a testament to the beauty and wonder of the wildlife that calls this region home. The golden jackal's inquisitive gaze reflects a world of untold stories, as it navigates the diverse terrain with a grace and agility that leaves onlookers in awe. With the precision of the Canon 90D and the impressive telephoto capabilities of the Canon 100-400mm Mark II, the photographer is able to capture the essence of this magnificent creature, preserving a fleeting moment in time that will inspire and enchant all who witness it. From the rocky outcroppings to the lush, verdant forests, the golden jackal's habitat is a tapestry of vibrant colors and captivating textures, all of which ar

Post: 4 October 13:11

🦌 Top Hunting Tips & Tricks for a Successful Season! 🦌 Hey hunters! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these tips will help you make the most of your hunting adventures: 1. Know Your Area: Scout your hunting grounds before the season starts. Look for signs of animal activity and plan your spots accordingly. 2. Play the Wind: Always hunt with the wind in your favor to avoid being detected by your scent. 3. Stay Quiet: Move slowly and quietly. Animals have keen senses and can detect even the slightest noise. 4. Use the Right Gear: Make sure your equipment is in top shape. Practice with your bow or rifle to ensure accuracy. 5. Scent Control: Use scent-free soaps and sprays to minimize your scent. Deer have an incredible sense of smell! 6. Be Patient: Hunting requires patience. Stay still and be ready to wait for the perfect shot. 7. Safety First: Always follow safety guidelines. Wear blaze orange during firearm seasons and let someone know your hunting plans. Happy hu

Post: 12 September 17:02

The sound of gunshot will have been echoing across the moorlands on the "Glorious Twelfth" – the start of the annual grouse shooting season on August 12 and lasting through to December 10. Managing the "Glorious Twelfth" originated in 1773 when a shooting law was introduced to restrict when one could and could not hunt or even buy game. The biggest growth in grouse hunting came about during WWII and through the 1950s. With food supplies cut off because of attacks on shipping, the UK's food imports dropped from pre-war fifty-five million tons to barely twelve million tons by the end of 1939, barely enough to feed the nation. Even today in the 21st century, shot birds often end up in restaurants, butchers' shelves, and supermarkets. So, what impact and benefits does grouse shooting have on today's economy and where do the royals fit in? For the protection of the land, shooting provides essential income for the Moorlands Association. It is responsible for over 1,500 jobs in the heart

Post: 23 August 15:33

Barbuda is a wildlife paradise Barbuda’s small population, with large areas of undeveloped land and a once pristine coastline interspersed with natural salt-ponds make it the perfect habitat for hundreds of species of sea birds and animals, many of them now lost or endangered elsewhere in the Caribbean. After a shower of rain you might see a land turtle looking for a drink, and after a big seasonal rain there will be land crabs marching by the hundreds. Any large development disturbs this incredible natural environment and Barbudans have always sought to keep it this way. The island has long been home to nesting sea turtles whose tracks can be seen in the sand on nearly every beach of our coastline, and a short drive into the bush in Barbuda is a wonderful opportunity to see many different animals living – often in harsh drought conditions – in their own space, mostly undisturbed. There are guinea birds, too many donkeys and large cattle that are brought in occasionally to be slaught

Post: 7 December 17:53

Albania, new law to extend the hunting ban by 5 years After the opening of the last few days, the Tirana government has started the process for the regulatory text: it could come into force starting from September 2016. The news on international hunting concerns again theAlbania: a few days ago there was talk of a possible stop to the ban imposed by Tirana to hunting in the Balkan nation, but now the local media have explained how the government is preparing a new law to extend this ban by another five years. According to reports from BIRN Albania, the Ministry of the Environment has already prepared the draft of the legislative text, which will be examined by Parliament next July. So the new provision would come into force from September 2016. The last two years have been characterized by a moratorium regarding this hunting ban and animal rights activists have claimed the excellent results achieved in this period. However, it must be said that the law has not stopped poachers, with

Post: 6 December 17:53

PRIME ELK MANAGEMENT ZONE BULL ELK ARCHERY RUT HUNTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR 2024!!! FULLY GUIDED WITH HORSE PACKOUT AND TROPHY PREP SERVICE!!! UNIT 36 ALTO NEW MEXICO!!! GUARANTEED LANDOWNER TAGS!!! NO DRAW REQUIRED!!! ZERO TROPHY FEES!!! 100% SHOT OPPORTUNITY!!! NO ORANGE ARMY! NO DOUBLE BOOKING! You will be the only party on the ranch GUARANTEED! FREE TRANSPORTATION WHILE ON THE RANCH!!! Save your ⛽️! $10,000 plus tax compared to 14-20k for other local outfitters! Also I’ll give you a cougar tag for the price it costs from the state and if you see one while we’re hunting you can kill it for free! 3-5k for a cougar hunt with outfitters, with me, you can kill one for free! WE ALSO PROVIDE A SPOTTER that keeps in contact with me during the entirety of the hunt via 2 way radio that glasses the other areas of the property we aren’t able to see! You are not going to find that anywhere else. Period. PRIVATE RANCH bordering the famed LINCOLN NATIONAL FOREST and very near the MESCALERO APACHE RESE

Post: 19 October 17:56

This is a close up shot from my living room window in Ancient Olympia, Greece. I have a five month old daughter who adores birds and looking at them got me pondering. Most of them are migratory birds and I am about to embark on a similar move. This is not my hometown, I moved here two and a half years ago, this was essentially the first place I rented. I came here single and in a matter of two months I got married and a year later I got pregnant. A number of adversities have come my way, the harshest of which is my current state of unemployment. We have decided to move to a place far away from here, to my grandmother's place. It's a small cottage but it will be our home by the sea on a Greek island. I wish I could let those birds know where we are moving so they can visit and have a rest. Inner peace and love to everyone

Post: 18 July 17:24

The SPAS-12 was designed to function primarily in semi-automatic mode, with the pump-action mode used to reliably fire low-pressure ammunition such as tear gas rounds or less-lethal bean bags. The firing mode is switched by depressing the button under the fore-grip and also sliding it forwards or backwards until it clicks into position allowing the rotating sleeve to open or close the two gas ports. The semi-automatic mode functions with a short-stroke gas piston system. When a shell is fired, the pressure makes the bolt move rearward but the bolt will stop before opening as it deploys a single top locking lug. The gas vents into the barrel and the gas port is located towards the end of the barrel. From the gas port, the gas vents downwards into the gas block where it pushes the piston rearward. Because of the presence of the magazine tube and to avoid the use of a top-mounted gas system, the gas block and the piston are annular, along with the piston spring they enclose the magazine

Post: 7 July 15:41

Teen hunter shoots record Virginia bull elk Congratulations to Austin Prieskorn! The 15-year-old hunter is now the proud record holder of the only Boone & Crockett (B&C) bull elk for Virginia with a score of 413-7/8” after his dad, Bo, won a Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) raffle. As GOHUNT previously reported, Virginia announced its first historic elk season last year following a successful reintroduction effort spearheaded by RMEF. Out of the five tags available, four went to Virginia residents lucky to draw and the fifth was raffled off by RMEF. Almost 32,000 applicants vied for their chance at a once-in-a-lifetime tag, generating $513,000 for the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources general fund, according to B&C. The RMEF tag raised $93,000 and the monies will be used for elk habitat management. Bo was excited to hear that he won. “I haven’t hunted myself in seven years. It’s been all about my boys.” The Prieskorns live in New Mexico and Bo was an outfitter for 30 ye

Post: 20 February 10:44

What is Lorem Ipsum? Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry's standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged. It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum. Why do we use it? It is a long established fact that a reader will be distracted by the readable content of a page when looking at its layout. The point of using Lorem Ipsum is that it has a more-or-less normal distribution of letters, as opposed to using 'Content here, content here', making it look like readable English. Many desktop publishing packages and web page editors now use Lorem Ipsum as th

Post: 20 December 13:35

Hunting With Dogs: Training & Safety Tips Hunting with your dog is an exhilarating way to experience outdoor life with your furred friend. Dogs have been hunting with humans for millennia. Many hunting breeds were actually developed specifically to find, flush out, or retrieve game. But that doesn’t mean that your dog will automatically know what to do on a hunt. Before you head out in search of game with your canine companion, you’ll need to train your dog. Aside from helping you find and retrieve the quarry you’re after, dogs also must become used to loud sounds like gunshots. You’ll also need to bring along the proper hunting gear necessary to keep your dog safe and satisfied in the field. Get Your Dog Used To Gunshots Gunshots are loud and can spook your dog into running off in the middle of a hunt. That’s why gun training is so important. Cara Harper is an expert in the field who regularly hunts with her Labrador Retrievers, Nita and Rou. Harper and her husband trained their pu

Post: 24 November 17:47

St. Clair County Sheriff shares safety tips for deer firearms season Always tell someone where you are hunting and when you should be expected back home. Wear as much hunter's orange as possible to increase your visibility. Hunter's orange should be worn on the outermost layer of clothes and visible from all directions. For those recreating outdoors near hunting areas, such as hikers, wear orange so you can be seen by hunters. Obey "No Trespassing" signs. Check the forecast and dress for the weather. Carry some type of two-way communication device that receives service in remote areas. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded and do not put your finger on the trigger unless you are prepared to shoot. Check your equipment regularly and keep it well-maintained. Be sure of your target and what is in front of it, immediately behind it, and beyond it. Wear hearing and eye protection − this will help protect your sight and hearing from damage. Do not hunt while under the influence of drugs or

Post: 14 November 17:41

5 Factors for Rut Hunting Success 1. Weather Having the right weather can influence how much rutting activity you see — or don't see — on any given hunt. A cold front with a little rain to break a stale weather pattern, followed by a clear, crisp morning can seem to bring deer out of the woodwork. On the flip side, warm weather can slow the action to a crawl. Contrary to popular belief, the weather doesn't determine when deer breed. But it does influence how much of that breeding activity you see out in the open during daylight. Does often hug tight to thick cover when in estrus anyway, and they move even less when it's warmer than average. Bucks don't seem to cruise in the open as often, or for as long, during those unseasonably warm days, either. Don’t Miss: Big Bucks in Nasty Places 2. Available Bedding Cover Rut tactics are almost always terrain-based. So if you aren’t hunting around the type of quality bedding cover deer need this time of year, action will likely be minimal. Fi

Post: 8 November 12:14

Animal welfare organisations speak out against German outdoor cat ban Cat owners in the German town of Walldorf have been ordered this week to keep their pets indoors until the end of August to protect a rare bird during its breeding season. The decree is designed to help save the crested lark, which makes its nest on the ground and is therefore easy prey for feline hunters. The bird’s population in Western Europe has declined sharply in recent decades. Although it is listed as a species of least concern in Europe by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). "Among other things, the survival of the species depends on every single chick," authorities in Walldorf said. The rule applies to all cats in the southern part of the town and will be repeated for the next three years from April to August. Should I keep my cat indoors? If you live in Walldorf the decision is no longer in your hands. But for those elsewhere the answer may not be so clear-cut. “Suddenly preventin

Post: 18 October 10:20

4 Ways to Manage Buck Fever “Buck fever” is a real thing, and for some hunters it becomes a terrible monster. Just last fall I watched as one of my hunting buddies unraveled at the seams while trying to shoot a mature Coues whitetail. Despite having a stable shooting position and plenty of time, the hunter simply couldn’t execute a precise shot. Adrenaline, doubt and emotion combined to make a steady hold and calm trigger squeeze as elusive as the legendary Loch Ness monster. Adrenaline, when it hits our system, gives us extra strength and energy to combat dangerous situations or attackers, or lift cars off babies, or run and swim faster than we’re usually capable of. It also makes our heart race, our limbs tremble and our vision blur. These conditions make good shooting extremely difficult. Once we’ve missed a shot these problems rapidly escalate, because fear that the buck or bull we’re shooting at will escape sends another big adrenaline dump. Frustration and anger jump into the me

Post: 17 October 10:47

Field Tested: Browning Trail Cameras Trail cameras serve two purposes: tracking and security. Slimline options do their best at remaining undetected to human beings who might be trespassing on your property, while larger, higher-definition models will draw the most detail out of whatever sets it off. Earlier this year, my wife and I obtained an eight-acre piece of property that has remained untouched for nearly a decade. As such, it has become a bit of a sanctuary for animals that run off from the adjacent state game lands abutting its corner. Property of this nature is often desirable, as it typically makes for an easy hunt due to its long vacancy. However, for the same reason, it becomes attractive to those that want to have a private hunting experience without paying for land of their own. With that in mind, I scoured Browning’s website to find affordable cameras to serve my purposes, and came up with the Strike Force Gen 5 and the Dark Ops HD Max.Features The features on both came

Post: 23 September 18:43

The Long Game There is still no cure for CWD, and unfortunately, the short-term outlook isn’t positive. Yet CWD won’t seriously affect herd numbers until a sufficiently high percentage of deer contract it, and that just hasn’t happened yet in most places. Each summer, I get excellent trail camera photos of outwardly healthy whitetails meandering through the hills and valleys of our farm, masking the CWD issues at hand. We still have high deer densities and mostly healthy looking whitetails, with no signs of a population decline. I asked Sumners when we might see whitetail populations decline in southern Wisconsin. “In areas like that, with such a large population of deer, the proportion of the population that will have to die from CWD for the average hunter to see a visible decline would have to be significant," he said. "It’s a numbers game, and we haven’t gotten to the point of the disease where population decline is occurring.” Still, knowing what we know, we’re torn about how to

Post: 19 September 18:47

Will Brantley and Mike Hanback talk long-range glassing, big bucks in Indiana, and pre-season plans in the Realtree Outpost podcast It's late August and still hot, but there's hope in the air, too. Kentucky's squirrel season opened this past weekend, and Tennessee's early three-day "velvet" archery season opened today. With luck, I'll be in a treestand this weekend. We're right on the eve of one of the best times of year, and there's no better time to debut Season 3 of Realtree's Outpost Podcast. This week, I joined fellow blogger and Big Deer TV host Mike Hanback to discuss a variety of pre-season topics. We covered long-range glassing tactics (as detailed here), and discussed why they're still so effective, especially in the early season, and even more so than trail cameras. We discussed plans for this fall, strategies for hunting the drought-stricken West, and personal goals for another season. Then we shifted gears to talk about Josh Honeycutt's recent (and fascinating) story on

Post: 18 September 11:33

Dove Hunting 101: From Cornfield to Kitchen Flying targets are very difficult for most people, and dove are some of the most challenging of them all. With that in mind, let’s take a few minutes to ensure your shots count this year in the dove field. The fundamentals of shooting a shotgun are vital to becoming a successful dove hunter, as there are many things that contribute to actually hitting the target. You must avoid mental breakdowns and learn how to keep your mind from getting in the way of your fundamentals. In this article we will look in-depth at what those fundamentals are. Stance Your stance when shooting a shotgun should be different from shooting other guns. The placement of your feet is critical in having a smooth motion when taking a shot. For right-handed shooters, stand with your left foot in front of your right, about shoulder width apart or just under. Shift your weight slightly toward your lead foot to help brace yourself for the recoil of the shotgun. If the bir

Post: 16 September 19:23

Animal welfare organisations speak out against German outdoor cat ban Cat owners in the German town of Walldorf have been ordered this week to keep their pets indoors until the end of August to protect a rare bird during its breeding season. The decree is designed to help save the crested lark, which makes its nest on the ground and is therefore easy prey for feline hunters. The bird’s population in Western Europe has declined sharply in recent decades. Although it is listed as a species of least concern in Europe by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). "Among other things, the survival of the species depends on every single chick," authorities in Walldorf said. The rule applies to all cats in the southern part of the town and will be repeated for the next three years from April to August. Owners risk a fine of €500 if their cat is found roaming outside and could be slapped with a penalty of up to €50,000 if their pet injures or kills a crested lark.

Post: 9 August 10:24

Lamb Karahi Lamb Karahi is one of our favourite lamb curry dishes, and we're telling you now, it is well worth the time and effort to make. Why is it our favourite? The combinations of ingredients make a flavour that's hard to resist. It has a good amount of heat, while the sweet tomatoes, combined with the thick, rich, gravy-like sauce, is pretty moreish. We also love it because you can use cheaper cuts of lamb, which lends itself perfectly to the longer cooking time, meaning you're left with tender pieces of meat at the end. Where is Lamb Karahi from? Mughlai Karahi Gosht gets its name from the deep, circular pots it's traditionally cooked in (like a wok with two handles). It's particularly popular in North Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani cuisine (although ingredients will always differ). It's essentially a fragrant, slow-cooked lamb stew made with a rich tomato, garlic, green chilli and garam masala curry base. What other meat can be used in a Karahi dish? Chicken kara

Post: 8 August 17:29

How to Introduce Your Older Hunting Dog to a Puppy Some Tips for Young and Old Dogs Living Together You're likely pretty excited about bringing your new puppy home. Your older hunting dog might not share the same feelings. Ways to introduce your adult dog to the new pup in your life follow here. Short, Positive Interactions Your adult dog has learned plenty in your time together. It's the pup that needs some schooling. Dogs of course have instinctive ways of sorting out the pecking order. An older canine has earned territorial rights over your home, yard, truck and where you exercise (and hunt) this dog. Enter the puppy. S/he has no rules and is full of endless energy. The older dog is set in his or her ways. A hard-charging, wildly running pup changes this. Read their body language as they interact. The older dog will likely growl when the pup pushes things too far. Slowly, surely, the young dog should get the message, and show increasing respect for its elder. You've introduced this

Post: 26 July 11:01

How to Track a Buck in the Snow Have You Ever Slipped Up on a Deer in the Snow? No doubt about it, the vast majority of whitetail hunting today is done from some type of elevated platform – treestand, tripod or shooting house. That wasn’t always the case. To this day, many northwoods hunters still practice the age-old art of tracking in the snow. So can you, and here are a few tips to help you along the trail. To follow a track you first need to find one, and the more ground you cover the better the odds. Typically, the big woods hunters will drive the backwoods roads before daylight. These are often dirt logging roads, some accessible only by 4WD vehicle, which is what you want. Less Traffic, More Deer You’ll usually find an inverse correlation – the less vehicle traffic, the more deer traffic. If you really want to get away from the crowd, and back where the big bucks roam, unload your ATV and ride the least-accessible roads and trails into the more remote areas. Reading Tracks Once

Post: 7 July 10:34

Picking Your Puppy: Traits to Look for in Your Next Hunting Dog Are You Looking for a Hunting Dog Puppy? You wouldn’t walk into a sporting goods store and purchase the first shotgun you saw without doing some background research first, so why then would you skip that step when selecting a puppy that you’ll be hunting with for the next 10 to 12 years? Many hunters make that mistake and end up regretting later. In addition to being your most valuable hunting asset, your hunting dog is likely to become your closest companion. Not only will it share some of the best moments of your life with you, it’ll make many of them possible. You’ll spend hours with your dog during training and in the field, so you want to take great care in choosing the puppy that is perfect for you. Tim Nichols of Fall Flight Retrievers says not every puppy has what it takes to become an outstanding hunting dog. So you need to know what qualities and traits to look for, specifically when it comes to health and traina

Post: 5 July 10:27

Life on the Ledge: Judging Yardage Shooting at Alaska big game presents a unique set of problems for the bowhunter. They live in such diverse terrain; they are frequently hunted in extreme weather and they vary dramatically in size from hundred-pound deer to nearly a ton of bison. And, regardless of size, habitat or weather, one of the biggest challenges of bowhunting is judging distance to the target animal. Mis-guessing the distance to the target, by only a few yards, is perhaps the most common reason archers miss game when bowhunting. Even with high tech, modern bows, there is still plenty of arc in an arrow’s flight path. Without question, the best way to judge yardage is to make use of a modern laser range finder, preferably one with angle-compensation features. However, there are many hunting scenarios when laser ranging is not practical or too time consuming. So, nothing will ever take the place of being able to accurately gauge distance by eyeballing it quickly. Learning to

Post: 22 June 12:47

WHAT IS HARE HUNTING? Hare hunting involves the pursuing of hares by a pack of harriers, beagles, or bassets with followers either on foot or on horseback. The Association of Masters of Harriers and Beagles lists 71 current hare hunts that are still operating. Similar to the fox hunting season, hare hunting takes place between late August until March. However, whilst fox hunting takes place all over the country, hare hunting tends to be limited to certain areas and this is because hares stay within their territory. Hares spend the entirety of their lives above ground and so during the chase they do not seek safety underground like foxes do. This means they tend to stick to the area that they know and run in loops whilst being pursued by the hounds. Hare hunts can often last up to an hour with hares desperately doing everything they can to escape. Ultimately the hare being hunted will give up from exhaustion and be caught by the faster hounds before it is ripped to pieces.

Post: 17 June 09:44

Field Butchering Tips and Tactics Blog by Marcus Weiner Photos by Brian Woobank Butchering big game is a skill earned from experience and can be daunting to the new hunter. But it doesn’t need to be. Ungulates are constructed the same way, so learning how to break down a deer will give you the introductory skills needed to tackle larger animals like caribou, elk and moose. Here are some field butchering tips and tactics. There are two school of thought on butchering big game in the field – the gutless method or the gutting method. I prefer the gutless method of field butchering big game. Since most of the animals I take in Alaska require them to be packed out, then breaking them down into four quarters; two backstraps; two tenderloins; two sets of ribs, briskets, flank and skirt steaks; and neck meat are the usually butchering method. With that fact in mind, the only reason to gut the animal is if you don’t have the ability to break it down immediately. My goal with every animal is

Post: 14 June 13:31

These are one of the most important hunting tips for starters. Stealth and Silence Always be as quiet as you possibly can. Even the faintest twig, branch, clothing and equipment rattling will alert the animals. Dress appropriately, gear up lightly, and don’t use velcro clothing or anything that would make a lot of noise. Navigating Your Surroundings Become acquainted and scout out the hunting area. Depending on which game animals you hunt, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the perimeter, and use landmarks so you won’t get lost. Patience Goes a Long Way Many hunters don’t have the patience to acquire a clean shot. There’s a lot of waiting, but it pays off in the end when a deer appears on your scope. Persistence is key. Mind Your Scent Animals have heightened senses, and it’s a good idea to become as odorless as possible. There are many chemicals and cosmetic products that mask your scents. That means no smoking, no alcohol, and no smelly food. The wind factor is a

Post: 13 June 18:22

10 Amazing Facts About Velvet Antlers Did you know velvet is hot to the touch and has its own insect repellent? Over the next three months, buck racks will grow at a fast and furious pace, and the process is nothing short of amazing. Here’s a look at 10 interesting facts. 1. Growing antlers consist of a core of developing bone and cartilage covered with velvet. The antlers grow out and up from the tips, as cartilage is replaced by bone. 2. According to scientists at the Mississippi State Deer Lab, velvet antlers grow rapidly in late spring and summer, as much as 3/4 inch a week for yearling bucks and 1 1/2 inches per week for adults. 3. Did you know that velvet antlers, which grow via a complex system of blood vessels, are hot to the touch? Top whitetail scientist Dr. Grant Woods says, “There is so much blood carrying protein and minerals to a buck’s antlers this time of year that even small racks are easily detected by thermal imaging devices. Antlers glow like neon signs when [you’

Post: 10 June 09:38

Sitka Sitka has to be one of the most well-known and most talked about hunting clothing brands around the world. They've been in the hunting clothing business for many years and have clothed some of the best well-known hunters in the world. Whether you're an experienced hunter with years of hunting to your credit or just starting to really get into the hunting spirit, one thing that every hunter knows is the importance of having all the necessary hunting gear, and the right hunting clothing for the hunting conditions you may face. We all know that the right pair of hunting pants, and the right hunting jacket will get us through any weather condition we might encounter. There's also no doubt that a solid comfortable pair of hunting boots are necessary for a successful hunt, so knowing the top hunting clothing brands are a key to having an enjoyable and successful hunting trip. What Makes Sitka Gear Unique? SITKA Gear understands the value of technology and how to use it to benefit

Post: 8 June 09:42

Hardest Deer to Hunt Every hunter loves to boast about their stories on how hard hunting their buck was. But are those really that difficult? Today we will be talking about the hardest deer to hunt out there in the wilderness. When it comes to hunting, it is not just about finding the animal. This journey involves a lot of other challenges like facing bitter mountain winds, climbing over boulders. Such hunts are enough for reducing even those with reasonable fitness to a broken-hearted, weak-kneed puddle if the hunter is not aware of the challenges that come when hunting the hardest animals. Coues Deer The big deal for hunting Coues deer is to pursue them in the rough region where they thrive. These slight gray whitetail bucks rarely grow more than 130 in of antler, however, they are adept at disappearing into the cover. They use cactus vegetation and a scant thorn in the desert to stay hidden. Another challenging part about hunting this deer is they don’t offer large targets and al

Post: 23 May 14:49

Use These Tips – Woodcock and Grouse Hunting in Michigan Pick out a few GEMS you might want to visit. Use the GPS points, the general directions and a county atlas to get a feel for the area. Print off or save to your phone the very detailed GEMS map. Don’t forget to have your base license and free woodcock stamp in your pocket! Drive to the informational parking area, get your bearings and a feel for the area. At the kiosk, read about grouse and woodcock, timber activity and the acres of land nearby that you can also hunt. Note, there are businesses that will give you a great discount because they support GEMS. Get out and explore. Repeat over and over and take others with you! See each of the species below for season information and bag limits. License requirements to hunt small game: Base License All woodcock hunters must obtain a free woodcock stamp which includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP) Sharp-tailed grouse requires a

Post: 16 May 12:21

Air Rifles Continue Hunting’s Quiet Revolution I’ll never forget my first morning deer hunting on public land near my childhood home in southern Wisconsin, a state with more than 600,000 deer hunters. For nine days a year, the state could field the world’s seventh largest army. Since hunters are required to wear blaze orange during the gun deer season, come November the Wisconsin woods and fields take on the look of a never-ending pumpkin patch—a loud one at that. As I sat in a makeshift stand consisting of a board wedged between two branches about 15 feet off the ground, dawn brought a nearly steady barrage of rifle reports on the order of an Antietam reenactment. Until that time, I had no idea whitetail deer could run that fast. A blast from a .30-30, .270, or .30-06 (all common calibers used for deer hunting) will carry for miles, like gunpowder-induced thunder. The notion of a quiet morning communing with nature in the deer woods was, instead, something more akin to a day at the

Post: 15 May 23:23

Grandfather accidentally shoots grandson while on a turkey hunting in Asheboro Winston-Salem, N.C. — A turkey hunting trip almost turned deadly after grandfather accidentally shot his grandson over the weekend. The Randolph County Sheriff's Office says the a juvenile and his grandfather were loading up the car when the accident occurred. They say the juvenile entered the front passenger area of the car while the grandfather was loading the remaining items in the back of the car. Investigators say when he closed the door he heard the gun go off and realized his grandson was shot. They say he tried to call for help, but didn't have cellular reception and had to drive until he got a signal. Emergency responders were able to meet him with an ambulance at Dawson Miller Road and U.S. 220. The department says the victim initially went to Randolph Health and was airlifted to UNC by air care. They say no charges will be filed as the incident was deemed an accident. The grandchild is recovering

Post: 10 May 15:19

Even kids can brag about owning a Tesla. The electric car maker launched Cyberquad for Kids, a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle inspired by the design of Cybertruck, Tesla's futuristic take on the pickup truck. The $1,900 Cyberquad features a full-steel frame, cushioned seat and an adjustable suspension with rear disk braking and LED light bars, Tesla said on its website. Tesla says the electric ATV is suitable for children ages 8 and up. It can hold a maximum weight of 150 pounds. The Cyberquad's battery has an estimated range of 15 miles, and can recharge in about five hours. It can reach a top speed of 10 mph on one speed setting, and can reverse at a max speed of 5 mph. The company said the Cyberquad will start shipping in two to four weeks. Tesla CEO Elon Musk introduced the Cybertruck in 2019, which drew polarizing reactions for its unusual design. According to the web page for Cybertruck, production on the vehicle is expected to start next year.

Post: 6 December 13:56

Your November Rut Playbook In the northern and central states and Canada, the whitetail rut is about to explode in a frenzy that anyone with their eyes open will notice as bucks heedlessly cross farm fields, suburban yards and roads in their furious search for does in estrus. But the rut isn’t just a time of frenzy. The seeking, chasing and breeding phases of the rut that occur in November across much of the whitetail’s range often require different strategies. Here’s a week-by-week guide to staying in step with the rut this month to up your odds of tagging the buck you want. November 1-7 Halloween is just gone but some of the trees are still pumpkin orange. The fallen leaves have a fresh, damp, musky smell in the early morning. Saplings have been rubbed raw along field edges and all over the woods, and scrapes seem to be everywhere. The young bucks are harassing does now like exuberant teenagers, but the older bucks, though they are scraping and rubbing, aren’t yet moving hard in sea

Post: 3 November 19:14

Hour-to-Hour Elk Hunting Tactics. Elk hunting differs from a traditional whitetail hunt in many ways. Elevation, rugged terrain and extraction adversities separate the two, just to name a handful of complicating distinctions. Another difference is the fact elk keep a schedule that offers hunting opportunities throughout the day, whereas whitetails may shut down. Focus on meeting locations that vary by the hour to engage your leggy quarry instead of napping under an old pine tree. 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. If I had to rate one period as the Holy Grail, it would be dawn through midmorning. Elk seem to be anxious, agitated and goal-oriented. That equals noise, and noisy elk are easy to track. The "anxious" issue arises from elk being exposed at sunrise to potential hunting pressure. They are anxious to move to private digs most hunters will be pressed to reach. Herd bulls are anxious to keep the harem together while moving through a barrage of tag-along satellite bulls. What is the goal? By midmo

Post: 17 September 18:10

Wines to Pair with Fowl Turkey, goose, pheasant? A free-range chicken, or even a capon? The time of the season seems to indicate fowl. We kind of like the idea, since it is out of the ordinary to roast a big bird for a festive feast, the kind of bird that can feed a dozen. With that comes wine challenges, though to say “challenge” is stretching the truth. That truth is almost any wine can match nicely with a big bird roast, plenty of vegetables, maybe a grilled romaine salad with parmesan and homemade croutons. Some choices: Evolve Cellars pinot blanc ($15), almost Alsatian in style with its crispness, but it is distinctively Okanagan as well, with its viscosity and herbal notes, surrounded by delightful stone fruit elements. A sensationally good sparkling wine, the Cipes Blanc de Franc ($45) from Summerhill Pyramid Winery, is a sparkling cabernet franc, which will turn heads, and have people coming back for more, so you may need to have two bottles. It is a delightful, fruit-driven wi

Post: 17 September 18:10

Deer hunting in Russia With a rich and at times tumultuous history stretching back centuries, the land of the tsars is a fascinating land to explore. Russia is a biggest country in the world and covers up to 1/8 of the Earth’s land surface. This expansive area allows it to neighbour more countries than anywhere else on earth, as well as touch twenty-two bodies of water and hold twelve seas within its borders. Most of the country has a continental climate with distinct periods of warm and cold weather that increases as you travel east. Temperatures for Moscow and St. Petersburg range from highs of 32 C in the summer to lows of -25 C in the winter. 320 mammal species and about 730 bird species inhabit Russia. Hunting is allowed for about 60 mammal species and 70 bird species. Come and hunt Red Stag and Sika Deer (Axis) with us – you will bring home a great trophy and unforgettable memories. A visa is required to visit Russia. It can be obtained at the nearest Embassy or Consulate.

Post: 16 September 18:39

ELK RETURN TO NORTH CAROLINA It took about 20 years, but elk have returned to the Cataloochee Valley in North Carolina. Once native to the Tar Heel State, eastern elk vanished in the 1800s due to human encroachment on key habitat. However, now, while exact numbers are still to be determined, elk are back in the Great Smoky Mountains in Southern Appalachian, the Citizen Times reports. Wildlife biologist Joseph Yarkovich has been involved with the project since its beginnings and hopes to one day “have one large, contiguous population throughout the East Coast again,” but adds, “that’s still way, way down the road.” For now, those involved with the elk recovery project are hoping to obtain an accurate population count. “What we’ve been doing up until now is conducting a minimum count,” said Yarkovich. “The park in collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the North Carolina Wildlife Commission will coordinate for three days in a row to count as many elk as we can s

Post: 16 September 18:34

Russian hunter and a red deer. Hand-to-hand combat… Many so-called animal defenders, after watching this video, would start to panic. "A bloodthirsty hunter mocks and torments a kind deer." But only hunters and real experts in the field of fauna will be able to really understand what is happening on the video: None of the 3 hunters present are trying to shoot the deer. One hunter is trying to defend himself, and the hunter in white wants to scare the deer. The third one films the fight between a deer and a hunter on video and is very amused by what is happening. It is obvious that the deer is in the rut, it has a mating season. At this time, they are very aggressive and, under the influence of hormones, attack everything they see. And the hunters, apparently, do not have the appropriate license to kill deer, and they do not want to break the law, they are just trying to protect themselves. During the rut period, which is the mating season for deer, male deer (bucks) can become high

Post: 14 February 16:07

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HUNTING KNIFE 1. CLIP POINT KNIFE The tip on this knife curves upward and allows you to pierce the hide and cut a pattern. The pattern is the initial cut you make down each leg and up the belly before removing the skin. You can skin your animal with this knife but the shape of the blade tends to cut holes in the hide while skinning. This particular knife is a folding model, easy to carry in a pocket. 2. DROP POINT KNIFE This is your skinning knife. You’ll notice the tip doesn’t sweep upwards like a clip point knife. A drop point knife is less likely to accidentally poke through the hide. You can skin faster, without being as careful. Also notice the blade length. You don’t want too much blade on a skinning knife, it will just get in the way. This little knife has skinned an entire elk on more than one occasion. 3. CAPING KNIFE If you’re going to keep the hide or mount the head you’ll want a caping knife. A caping knife has a shorter, narrower blade with a distinct

Post: 12 December 17:52

Moose Hunt in Icy Bay DIY Moose Hunt in Icy Bay For the last three minutes, “Young Guns” has been on a beeline to my cow call. My loud calls, bolstered by the use of Wayne Kubat’s “Bull Magnet,” which is essentially a fiberglass megaphone that allows me to amplify both cow calls and bull grunts, has drawn in this big bull from far away. At first, far in the distance, I could hear the faint vocalizations of a bull drawn to a cow. The rhythmic “Ooh-Waa” sounds are repeated by the bull every few seconds. Finally, at about 400 yards across the swamp, I get a visual on the bull as he milled around. At first it appears that the bull is going to head off in another direction, but my persistent calling has him coming on a string. The topography of the location makes it so I won’t be able to get a shot until he comes clear of the brush that separates us, which will put him broadside at 20 yards. I experience a full adrenaline rush after so much communication with this bull, and have enough tim

Post: 25 November 10:52

Picking the Best Rifle and Caliber for Pig Hunting Do you need a magnum setup or a fast-shooting semi-auto? Probably, your deer rifle will work just fine Pig Reality There’s a reason gun nuts love pig hunting. In southern states like Texas and Florida, hogs aren’t subject to many game laws, which means you can hunt them with about whatever you please. If you have a magnum rifle that never sees the light of day because, after buying it, you realized cracked clavicles are no fun at all, you can use it on pigs. In fact, some of the advice out there suggests that you need a really big gun for hog hunting, because you never know when a true Hogzilla might make an appearance. On the other hand, plenty of would-be hog hunters show up with high-capacity semi-autos and visions of a mag dump against a marauding horde of pork. Those rifles are fun to shoot and plenty accurate enough, but unless you’re shooting from a helicopter, they rarely give you much of an advantage while pig hunting. Tru

Post: 23 November 17:33

Related to request “Wild duck”