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Sytong XM 03-50 LRF Review I recently had the opportunity to test the Sytong XM 03-50 LRF, and here's my honest assessment of this product. Firstly, the build quality of the scope is commendable. It feels robust and well-made, able to withstand rough handling in the field. The design is sleek and modern, which is a plus for those who appreciate aesthetics in their gear. The optics are impressive for the price point. The clarity and brightness of the image are noticeable, even in low-light conditions. The 50mm objective lens does a great job of gathering light, making it suitable for dawn and dusk hunting trips. However, I did find some distortion at the edges at full zoom, which may be a downside for some users. The integrated laser rangefinder (LRF) is a significant feature that adds value to the XM 03-50. It delivers accurate readings relatively quickly, which is essential for making precise shots. However, I experienced some occasional lag in the reading, especially at longer di

Post: 22 November 01:18

Leupold VX-3 4.5-14x50 Scope Review I recently had the opportunity to test the Leupold VX-3 4.5-14x50 rifle scope, and I wanted to share my thoughts on this product after extensive use in various hunting scenarios. Build Quality and Design First and foremost, the build quality of the VX-3 is top-notch. Leupold is known for its durable optics, and the VX-3 is no exception. The housing is made from a solid aluminum alloy, and it feels robust and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The matte finish reduces glare, which is a nice touch for hunters looking to remain undetected. One of the standout features of this scope is its weight. At just over 14 ounces, it strikes a balance between being lightweight for easy carry and sturdy for reliable performance. The 50mm objective lens is a significant factor as well, allowing for excellent light transmission, which is crucial for low-light conditions like early dawn or late dusk. Optical Performance When it comes to optical performanc

Post: 20 November 13:25

Review: CZ 557 LUX .308 Win Rifle When it comes to precision and reliability in the world of rifles, the CZ 557 LUX in .308 Win truly stands out. As an avid hunter and shooting enthusiast, I had the opportunity to test this rifle extensively, and I’m eager to share my thoughts. Design and Build Quality CZ 557 LUX .308 Win Rifle The CZ 557 LUX boasts a classic design that resonates with traditional rifle enthusiasts. Its beautifully crafted stock, made from high-quality walnut, gives it a timeless appeal while providing a solid grip. The attention to detail is evident, from the checkering to the polished finish. Weighing in at around 6.6 pounds, it strikes a perfect balance between portability and stability, making it a great companion for long hunting trips. Performance and Accuracy What really sets the CZ 557 LUX apart is its performance. Chambered in .308 Win, this rifle delivers impressive accuracy even at longer ranges. The cold hammer-forged barrel contributes to its superior

Post: 15 November 18:47

Review of the HEYM SR21 Bolt-Action Rifle (.30-06) The HEYM SR21 is a beautifully crafted bolt-action rifle that truly embodies the precision and quality that the HEYM brand is known for. My experience with this firearm has been overwhelmingly positive, and I would like to share my thoughts based on several aspects. Build Quality and Design: From the moment I picked up the SR21, I was impressed by its solid construction. The rifle feels robust and well-balanced, which enhances stability when aiming. The attention to detail in its craftsmanship is evident, with a smooth finish on the wood stock and a finely engineered metalwork. The adjustable cheek piece and ergonomic grip allow for a comfortable shooting experience, whether you are in the field or at the range. Performance: In terms of performance, the .30-06 caliber is a versatile choice for both hunting and sport shooting. The recoil is manageable, allowing for quick follow-up shots without much discomfort. I have found the rif

Post: 9 November 13:29

Review of the ATA ARMS NEO 12 Gauge Shotgun with 760mm Barrel I recently had the chance to test the ATA ARMS NEO 12-gauge shotgun with a 760mm barrel, and I have to say, it left a solid impression on me. Here are my thoughts based on my experience with this firearm. Build Quality: The first thing that stands out is the overall build quality. The shotgun feels robust and well-made, with a solid construction that can withstand regular use. The finish is smooth, and the wood and metal components appear to be of high quality, giving the gun a pleasing aesthetic appeal. Ergonomics: The design of the NEO is user-friendly. It has a comfortable grip, and the weight distribution feels balanced, which is essential for a shotgun, especially during extended shooting sessions. The shotgun's overall length is manageable, making it suitable for various shooting applications, from clay pigeon shooting to hunting. Performance: When it comes to performance, the ATA ARMS NEO does not disappoint. T

Post: 8 November 23:45

Sauer 202 in .30-06 - Honest Review I recently had the opportunity to test the Sauer 202 in .30-06, and overall, my experience has been quite positive. Build Quality: The first thing that stands out about the Sauer 202 is its exceptional build quality. The craftsmanship is evident, with a beautiful finish and attention to detail. The stock is made from high-quality wood, and the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and aim. The rifle feels sturdy and well-balanced, which is essential for accuracy. Performance: In terms of performance, the .30-06 caliber is a versatile choice. Whether you’re hunting large game or just enjoying a day at the range, the Sauer 202 delivers. The recoil is manageable, and I found the rifle to be incredibly accurate. With the right ammunition, I was able to shoot tight groups even at longer distances. Customization: One of the standout features of the Sauer 202 is its modularity. The rifle can be easily customized to suit different preference

Post: 7 November 14:48

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

ATA Arms Turqua Gen2 in .308 Win review I recently had the opportunity to try out the ATA Arms Turqua Gen2 in .308 Win with a 61 cm barrel and a 1:11 twist rate, and I wanted to share my thoughts on this rifle. First off, I was really impressed with the build quality of the Turqua Gen2. The materials used feel solid, and the overall construction seems robust. This rifle has a nice balance to it, which makes it quite comfortable to handle. The 61 cm barrel provides a good compromise between accuracy and maneuverability, making it suitable for both range shooting and hunting applications. When it comes to accuracy, the 1:11 twist rate has proven effective. During my testing, I was able to achieve tight groups with a variety of .308 ammunition types. It seems to stabilize the bullets well, giving me confidence in its performance at various distances. The ergonomics of the rifle are quite good. The stock is comfortable, and the controls are intuitive and easy to operate. I appreciated

Post: 5 November 01:08

🚨 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

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

There's magic in the air. The first frosts of the year greet us each morning, and the tops of the highest peaks are dusted with snow. The colours are changing, and the Yukon's landscape is something to behold. It's moose hunting season, and I'm excited. What you'll see in these images is how tall the buckbrush in the valley is. You will have a few challenges if you want to stand in here and hunt moose. If you're lucky, the brush will make it impossible to see any bulls or cows further than a few hundred yards. Taking a shot? It's almost impossible unless the bull comes in hot to your call. I much prefer getting up on the hillsides around the valley where I can call effectively and glass massive areas. You can see one image of my father with the bull he shot. While we were down in the valley, we found a small hill to shoot from, and it gave use a fantastic shooting angle above the brush.

Post: 30 May 09:14

SUMMER PREP EQUALS A BETTER FALL DEER SEASON Don't wait until the season starts. It’s hard to think about frosty mornings at hunting camp this time of the year. The outside temperature for many of us is still hovering around the triple-digit mark, and the air is so thick you could probably squeeze water out of it if you made a fist. But now is exactly when you need to be putting in the work for the upcoming season. UPGRADE YOUR GEAR Think back to last season. Did a fogged scope cost you a big buck? Did your treestand squeak when you tried to get into position for a shot? Did you leave a hunt early or skip going out altogether because of inclement weather? Now is the time to remedy all those problems. Available stock on sporting goods always seems to be in short supply just before season. Don’t wait until the gear you need is sold out before you start shopping. Purchasing early also allows you to get familiar with your new equipment, particularly firearms and optics. Not having to

Post: 13 December 09:33

Ontario set to expand areas where dogs can learn to hunt live coyotes in penned areas Ontario wants to expand a licensing regime that allows residents to unleash dogs in an enclosed area to teach them how to hunt captive coyotes, foxes and rabbits. Hunters say there is a growing demand for the dog sport, which is often referred to as training and trialing, while animal advocates call it a cruel practice for the captive prey. The province’s natural resources and forestry minister said the government wants to allow more of the hunting facilities to prevent the sport from moving underground. “These facilities are going to become less and less over time unless we take some level of intervention,” Graydon Smith said in an interview. “The one thing that we also wouldn’t want to see is in the absence of these facilities that dog owners and their handlers are out doing this on other private land or Crown land where there could be unwanted interactions with both people and wildlife.” In

Post: 27 November 17:48

Jamaica Inn calls time on 100 years of hunts meeting on its land This article is more than 1 year old Cornish pub used in Daphne du Maurier novel says there are no pluses, just minuses to hunt visits A pub that was the setting for a novel by Daphne du Maurier has banned hunts from meeting on its land after 100 years of the practice. The Jamaica Inn in Cornwall – immortalised in the 1936 novel of the same name about smuggling – announced the decision after the East Cornwall Hunt invited the Beaufort Hunt to meet there on Saturday, a move the pub called “extremely ill-advised”. Both hunts said the venue on Bodmin Moor, its staff and customers had been targeted by “activists” online. The Jamaica Inn, which was built in 1750 as a coaching inn for travellers, wrote on Facebook that it had never supported hunting but had allowed “hunts to start from the inn because of the 100-year tradition of doing so”. It said: “Last Saturday the local hunt invited the Beaufort Hunt to join their usua

Post: 24 November 09:10

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

Colorado Parks and Wildlife seeks elk poacher It’s definitely offseason for elk hunting, but someone didn’t get the message. Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is looking for any leads in a recent poaching incident that occurred in Park County, Colorado around June 26. A large bull elk carcass was left to waste with the majority of the meat still there, according to Channel 9 News. CPW believes the elk was illegally shot between June 24 and 26 in the area between Como and Hartsel, west of Colorado Springs. The carcass was dumped along Pike National Forest Road 146. A high-power rifle was used and only the backstraps and one antler was removed. The rest of the carcass was left to rot. CPW is hopeful that campers or residents in the Tarryall area or the Indian Mountain Buffalo subdivisions may have seen something related to the crime. “This was a senseless and disgraceful act which demonstrates a complete disregard for Colorado’s wildlife,” said Ian Petkash, CPW District Wildlife Mana

Post: 12 July 14:23

While I’ve been blessed to travel North America in search of big whitetails, I live and hunt mostly in Kentucky. But, growing up, I didn’t have enough access to let properties soak until gun season. I only had one or two places to go, and I wanted to hunt. I’m more avid about bowhunting than gun hunting anyway. So, it just never made sense to not hunt at the earliest opportunity. Then, in 2015, I started leasing another property, which gave me additional access here at home. Since then, except for a few seasons, the practice has been to leave the property unhunted until rifle season in November. My anecdotal theory is that whitetails will get pressured by neighboring bowhunters, which will push deer onto the lease, ultimately “stacking” deer onto it for gun season. Furthermore, if I or another lease member happen to pressure a mature deer once gun season opens, it’s less likely to vacate the area given that the rut is already in motion. Interestingly, studies show bucks are less lik

Post: 26 December 18:06

The Immortal: .30/06 Springfield The .30/06 is the Captain America of big-game cartridges. It’s been around forever, packs a punch, and helped us defeat the Nazis in World War II. Without question, it is the number-one big-game round of the 20th Century. And it’s still going strong. Like many other hunters, my first real deer rifle was chambered in the ought-six. Shooting 165-grain ballistic tips I put hundreds of pounds of corn-fed Michigan venison in the freezer over the years. I’ve also hunted with it across North America and in Africa, using 150-grain soft points, 180-grain Triple Shocks, 200-grain Trophy Bonded Bear Claws, 180-grain Accubonds, and a bunch of other bullets I can’t think of at the moment. You won’t find another round with a more versatile array of offerings. It really is the best all-around hunting rifle caliber. Physics plays a big part in the .30/06’s success. It strikes a good balance between power and shootability. The recoil generated by the ought-six is at t

Post: 19 December 17:51

The rise of the German Empire under Prussian leadership was in full swing during the mid 1800’s. For the first time, the army, which up to this time had been made up chiefly of the Prussian aristocracy and peasantry, was opened up to the middle class. This, combined with sweeping economic and political changes occurring throughout Europe, led to a rise in the status of the middle class within the Empire. With this rise came increased privileges regarding land ownership and hunting. In previous centuries, it was usually only the kings, prices and nobles who had the right to hunt, and they owned vast tracks of land for this purpose. However, as the wealth of middle-class Prussia grew during the 1800’s, merchants, professionals, and other middle-class citizens were able to purchase or lease land for themselves on which, of course, they could hunt. Fulfilling a Need In Germany dense forests blended with open fields and housed all types of feather and fur, including grouse, rabbit, fox, dee

Post: 24 November 11:03

New Jersey to reinstate black bear season New Jersey’s annual black bear hunt is back on. The announcement came yesterday from Governor Phil Murphy, who opposed the hunt, after an increase in bear sightings and bear-human interactions as well as a potential population tipping point of over 4,000 bears within the next two years, according to WPVI ABC News. If approved, the hunt could be held as early as next month from Dec. 5 to 10 with an additional hunt slated for Dec. 14 to 17 if the reduction quota of 20% isn’t met during the first hunt. “While I committed to ending the bear hunt, the data demands that we act now to prevent tragic bear-human interactions,” said Murphy. As GOHUNT previously reported, Murphy canceled the controversial annual bear hunts as part of his campaign promise. As a result, the state canceled the hunt in 2020 and didn’t hold one in 2021. “Bear hunting in New Jersey has been a highly controversial topic for several decades, but only because officials like Mu

Post: 15 November 12:47

Shotguns, Bows & Fool Hens by E. Donnall Thomas Jr. Although the termination dust had yet to fall, it was the kind of September day that demands the acknowledgement of the seasons’ passage. Although fresh silvers were still entering the streams, the heart of the fishing season lay behind me. Bull moose were starting to round up their cows, and lines of migrating geese undulated against the crisp, azure sky. Since I’d been in Alaska long enough to know what lay just around the corner, I felt determined to wring as much experience as possible from the outdoors before the sun disappeared and winter seized the North Country in its icy grip. And on that particular day, I meant to do it with my shotgun. If I had nothing else with me as I walked out the door of our remote Kenai Peninsula home, I certainly enjoyed plenty of confidence in my dog. I regarded Skykomish as the best hunting Lab I’ve ever owned, and the passage of three more decades—and a number of very good retrievers—has yet to

Post: 3 November 15:54

Talarik Creek Lodge: Hunting for Trophy Rainbow Trout I answered him that it was not, and he shrugged off the 18-inch Arctic grayling on the end of my line like it was a piece of weed. My wife had sent us fishing that evening to catch some fresh grayling for dinner and our goal was now achieved, with four large, translucent-white-fleshed fish having been plucked from the cold waters of the Newhalen River. The author’s son Lucas with what he calls “a real fish” also defined as any rainbow trout over 20 inches caught on a fly rod. What is it about rainbow trout that incites such excitement? Why is it that when fishing guides congregate around a fire the conversation always finds its way to rainbows, not salmon, not char, not pike, but definitely rainbows? “Keep it in the water,” “Careful, don’t drop it,” and “Nice release,” are all phrases I’ve heard said and spoken myself. I have a personal admiration for the green-speckled creatures, and rainbow trout fishing has a cult following tha

Post: 2 November 10:03

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

Do Biologists Listen to Hunters? Reality is, wildlife managers listen more than many believe — but hunters have to listen in return, too Although such situations can be frustrating, officials say open dialogue is the key to bridging the gap between hunters and biologists. Butler believes that starts with giving hunters real-world numbers. “Here in Mississippi, we have great deal of data on what real hunters see and hear while in the field based on the observations they record as a part of our Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey,” he said. “Over the past 20 years, hunters in Mississippi hear between one and two gobblers per hunt, on average. Hunts in which more than four gobblers are heard only happen on about six to eight trips out of every 100. Most properties only harvest about one gobbler per 500 acres, on average. These numbers don’t sound eye-popping, but they’ve been pretty consistent through time and should help us all really appreciate those rare days when the woods are on fire and

Post: 19 September 18:45

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

How to Hunt Alaska on a Budget Have You Ever Tried This? Alaska hunting is the stuff of dreams, yet many convince themselves it’s beyond their reach. This is easy to understand, as guided Alaska hunts are some of the most expensive around. Single-species hunts for mountain goat, dall sheep and brown bear run anywhere from $9,000 to $14,000. A guided hunt for even “commonplace” barren ground caribou might finance a multi-species hunt in southern Africa. For the average working stiff, a do-it-yourself hunt is the only way to enjoy such an expedition. If daunted by such an adventure, especially its costs, I understand. Yet, after 10 Alaska forays of my own, I’m here to say that with plenty of advanced planning and a meager savings-account grab-stake, an Alaska hunt is well within grasp. While the sexiest Alaskan species require the non-resident to hire an outfitter by law, many don’t. These include barren ground caribou, Alaska-Yukon moose, Sitka blacktail deer and black bear — all anima

Post: 19 August 09:47

4 Tips to Prevent and Treat Snakebites in Dogs Do You Know How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Snakes? A dog encounters all sorts of hazards in the field when you open the crate, drop the tailgate and start hunting. Venomous snakes are but one. Some states around the country present a more perilous scenario for such interactions, while others provide less. Ways to prevent and treat snake bites, shared courtesy of Purina Pro Plan, follow: 1. Know Before You Go Familiarize yourself with the types of snakes native to the area in which you live or are traveling to for a hunt or field trial. Learn which species of venomous snakes are present, the habitats they prefer, and their “personalities.” 2. Snakeproof Your Dog Although you can’t completely eliminate the risk of a snakebite, you can prepare your dog to react to an offensive strike by enrolling him or her in a snake-avoidance clinic. This training conditions a dog to give any snake he or she encounters via sight, smell or sound the widest

Post: 19 July 10:37

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

PHEASANT (COMMON) A large, long-tailed game bird. Males have rich chestnut, golden-brown and black markings on body and tail, with a dark green head and red face wattling. Females are mottled with paler brown and black. They were introduced in France long ago and more recent introductions have brought in a variety of races and breeds for sport shooting. It flies fast and in a rolling countryside it is a very difficult bird to shoot. In some of our hunting estates there are also some Reeve’s pheasant. This boldly patterned pheasant is instantly recognizable, having some of the longest tail feathers of any bird species. The male has bright golden-chestnut upper parts, with black borders to each feather creating a strongly scaled appearance, while the upper breast is darker chestnut to black, and the lower breast and side feathers are white, tipped in black. The female is much more light is color with a short tail. The males when they fly make a very characteristic sound (like a smal

Post: 5 July 13:25

How to Plant a Deer Orchard Should fruit trees be part of your program? Check out these tips for starting new trees Lush fields of clover, alfalfa and brassicas aren’t the only crops that will hold deer on your property. Once established, fruit trees can produce highly attractive forage for 40 years or more. The right trees produce edible fruit throughout the entire hunting season, drawing deer from a distance and holding them on your property. Select the Right Tree Deer will readily consume apples, pears, plums, persimmons, and mulberries. By planting a variety of trees, you can ensure at least one ripe food source throughout the season. Most fruit varieties are available in dwarf, semi-dwarf and standard sizes. Dwarf varieties mature around 8- to 10-feet tall and wide. They’re suitable for small spaces and can stand up to high winds better than larger trees. Their height also makes it easier for deer to reach fruit before it falls to the ground, though the small size of these trees

Post: 30 June 10:43

Tennessee Moves to Later Turkey Season, 2-Bird Bag Limit, No Fanning on Public Land After extensive discussion and comment, the Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission approved big changes for next year's turkey hunters The Tennessee Fish & Wildlife Commission voted on a slew of big changes for the 2023 spring turkey season during a series of open meetings June 2 and 3, 2022. You can watch the full meetings here and here. So what do the changes look like? The first is actually a change to the trapping regulations, with a year-round trapping season now allowed for raccoons and opossums — critters that are considered among the worst nest predators of wild turkeys. The hunting season for those animals will remain as-is (July 1 to March 15), but the daily bag limit for both species will be doubled for hunters. As for turkeys, the Spring 2023 bag limit will be reduced from three birds to two, only one of which can be a jake. There was a lengthy discussion about stopping the harvest of jake

Post: 29 June 11:29

The Roadless Rule in the Tongass National Forest is Vital for Both Hunters and Brown Bears There’s a long history of Alaskan hunting guides stepping up to protect the Tongass. In the mid-1980s an old, dying bear hunter named Ralph Young sat in the back of a skiff, squinting through the rain at the ocean and mountains of Southeast Alaska. In the bow, huddled against the wind and rain, sat a teenager named Klas Stolpe. The two would be out for a month or two, until most of the salmon had spawned and the bears had left the streams for the high country. The old man didn’t especially enjoy the kid’s company but, due his to declining health and old age, he needed his help for basic things like getting in and out of the boat. They motored past once pristine bays, where years ago the old man guided legendary hunters like Warren Page and Jack O’Connor. Now, those lands were clear-cut logged. He pointed the skiff toward Admiralty Island, the heart of rainforest grizzly country, and opened the

Post: 24 June 16:19

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

How to Call in a Bull Elk Like a Calling Champion Do You Use These Techniques? You might expect a top elk caller to focus his hunting advice on proper call selection, volume, tone, timing or teamwork. But one Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation World Elk Calling Championship winner says perhaps the most critical step to calling in elk is how you set up to intercept an approaching bull. Corey Jacobsen of Boise, Idaho, is one of the most decorated world champion elk callers in the country, as well as a consistently successful bowhunter. Jacobsen offers the following key advice on calling elk into bow range: “The setup might be the most critical step," Jacobsen said. "It always plays a major role in determining the outcome of a hunt. I can’t count how many hunts have been blown by a bad setup — too much brush to shoot through, not enough cover to hide in, no shooting lanes, inconsistent wind currents, caught in the open, the list goes on and on. “I always repeat one word to myself when I’m s

Post: 13 June 11:47

How To Take Better Hunting Photos You’ve just shot a big-game animal. The adrenaline is pumping; you and your buddies are stoked, and then the reality sets in that the work is now upon you to butcher and pack-out the caribou, moose, bear, sheep, deer, goat, elk, bison or musk ox. In the haste to get started butchering, you snap off a few photos, trying to capture the animal and moment, but without forethought, the photos rarely end up capturing the elation and satisfaction of the hunt or the image of the quarry. To prevent that bad news from hitting you when you get home from your next trip and start scrolling through your images to pique the memory, here are some thoughts on how to maximize your photos of the hunt. Fill most of the frame with the hunter and animal Take photos that fill the entire frame with hunter and animal. Have the hunter change positions in relation to the animal. Try different poses crouched near the animal, holding its head, propping up the head or body, and

Post: 10 June 12:51

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

Wyoming reduces number of mule deer and antelope tags There will be fewer tags for Wyoming mule deer and antelope this year. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) decided to reduce the number of tags due to disease and drought, according to Wyoming Public Radio. EHD, or blue tongue, has impacted herds and continuing drought means more competition for available forage. Ian Tator, WGFD’s terrestrial habitat manager, says that “elk will out compete mule deer and [antelope] for vegetation.” “We had an outbreak of blue tongue this last summer, which just means there are that many less animals available,” says Tator. “If those animals aren't there to begin with, we're not going to issue licenses for them.” This means that WGFD will cut the number of antelope licenses by 8,000 and mule deer licenses by 3,300 for the 2022 hunting season. However, there will be an increase in elk tags, which Tator hopes will “give the mule deer and [antelope] populations a chance to grow.” “We're trying t

Post: 16 May 09:38

10 Elk Hunting Tips from the RMEF Do You Use These Tips? All tips were condensed from past features in RMEF's bi-monthly member magazine, Bugle. A subscription comes with an annual RMEF membership for $35. To join, call 800-CALL ELK or visit www.rmef.org. 1. Scout from Space If you've looked into the night sky, you've noticed the many satellites now orbiting our planet. They're great tools for today's hunter. Google Earth uses satellite images and aerial photography to give bird's-eye views of elk country. Locate meadows, burns, roads, water, heavy-timber escape areas and more. You can even find places where the forest canopy thins to suggest hidden grazing spots for elk. Newer GPS units accept uploaded coordinates from Google Earth, allowing you to walk directly to and more efficiently ground-truth potential honeyholes. 2. Count Points Quickly In good habitat, a bull normally has a 5-point rack as a 2-1/2-year-old and a small 6-point rack the following year. Instantly distinguishi

Post: 13 May 22:19

When is the right time to restrict your aging hunting dog from the field? With shaking hands and nervous anticipation, I slipped the GPS collar around Winchester’s neck and felt the subtle trembling always present prior to launch. For a moment, I considered leaving the collar in the truck, knowing my big running partner wouldn’t be running strong enough for me to fear him going over the edge of nowhere, one of the defining characteristics of our 12-year relationship. He sat quietly, except for the gentle thumping of his tail on the seat, while I assembled the Winchester 101, 12-gauge, I had also considered leaving in the truck. But, Winchester knew that the gun and the collar meant a hunt, and their absence meant the outing was only a walk. The March morning had dawned clear and cold, suggesting the snow cover in the mountains would present a crust that would support Winchester’s weight. Opportunities for the perfect conditions that once were a luxury had become a necessity for Winc

Post: 18 April 12:51

No Ammo? No Problem As the ammo shortage continues, these five drills can help you keep sharp ahead of hunting season without burning any powder Some hunters never practice with their firearms until the weekend before opening day, when they take it out and shoot a few rounds to ensure it’s still sighted in. Even if the gun is still on, the hunter’s skills might not be. Shooting skills are perishable, but currently, firing a few rounds can cost you. The ammo shortage continues, and it’s making it difficult for hunters to not only find ammunition, but afford to buy it when they do find it. If you’re the hunter who only has a box or two stashed away, you’ll want to make every shot count, which means there’s not much wiggle room for range practice. Luckily, there are still ways to sharpen your shooting skills without sending a bullet downrange. 1. Dry Firing It’s OK to dry fire most firearms. Dry firing means pulling the trigger without a bullet in the chamber, and it won’t hurt most mode

Post: 11 April 15:18

3 EASY WAYS TO MAKE ANY WILD HOG DELICIOUS A lot of folks get nervous when you start throwing wild pig into the dinner table conversation. Log onto any hunting forum and the majority of people will say they don’t bother eating hogs for any number of reasons—smell, taste, unfounded rumors, you name it. It’s simply the majority mindset, or at least it was. Where I live in Texas, we’re inundated with these feral critters, but there’s a love/hate relationship at play. I hate that they destroy our hay fields, but I love cooking these beasts and do so on a regular basis. Like me, Jesse Griffiths thinks the pig detractors are ill-informed if not crazy, so much so that he wrote a book dedicated to cooking wild hogs. As the owner of the renowned Dai Due in Austin, as well as the mind behind The New School of Traditional Cookery, he’s been waving the banner for wild hogs since before it was fashionable. And people are beginning to catch on. Regardless, there still are some mental and actual ob

Post: 8 April 14:52

Top 5 Upland Bird Hunting Shotguns from Pheasant Fest 2022 With a few new shotguns for 2022 and other time-tested favorites, here are our top scattergun selections. Weatherby – Orion 20-Gauge Built upon the legacy and success of the Orion 12-gauge platform, this crowd favorite is now available in three 20-gauge models, including two field-oriented versions. The Orion I is a 28-inch with stylish gloss finish and the Orion Matte Blue is a 26-inch with a sleek matte finish. There is also a sporting clays version with 30-inch ported barrels, extended chokes, and a four-way adjustable comb. The shorter and slimmer side-locking lug action makes this stackbarrel feel right at home with a perfect balance point and lighter form factor for those notable, all-day forays. The Orion I and Matte Blue come equipped with a 3-inch chamber, chrome-lined bores, ejectors, vented ribs, single bead front sight, and a trio of interchangeable choke tubes. Benelli – Super Black Eagle 3 28-Gauge With over te

Post: 22 March 10:11

HatsanUSA Debuts .50 Caliber Air Rifle The PileDriver is Hatsan’s first .50-caliber air rifle, and at its inception, is the market’s most powerful production PCP rifle. It is designed exclusively for high-powered hunting applications, and is capable of producing over 800 ft-lb. of energy in .50 caliber, though it is also available in a 700+ ft-lb.-generating .45-caliber model. Although this rifle utilizes a 33-inch barrel, its bullpup design keeps the maximum length under four feet, while the side lever cocking mechanism is easy to reach and operate. A 480cc carbon-fiber bottle fills to 4350 psi and will provide up to six high-powered shots on a single fill. The PileDriver’s unique, patented hammer design eliminates traditional steel-coil springs in favor of a smoother, easier-to-cock, gas-piston mechanism. This top-loading single-shot rifle also features an extra-large loading port that will accommodate ammo up to 34mm in length. The all-weather synthetic bullpup stock features an e

Post: 18 November 20:12

Hardware: Colt Anaconda by Dick Williams - Monday, November 15, 2021 Hardware: Colt Anaconda More SUBSCRIBE For some folks, the sight of a scoped bolt-action rifle or elegant over/under shotgun instantly makes them think of hunting. For me, the glimpse of a long-barreled big-bore revolver does the same thing. In the case of Colt’s new stainless steel Anaconda with an 8-inch barrel, visions of big-game animals immediately popped into my mind. Knowing the Anaconda is chambered in .44 Magnum, and seeing the overall size of the new revolver up close, made me focus on the largest of the animals I’ve hunted. This is clearly a handgun and caliber one could use worldwide on any land animal. Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver Yes, the Anaconda does remind you of its smaller relative, the new Python, with its world-famous ventilated rib, full-length lug and highly polished stainless-steel finish. A little closer look reveals the fully adjustable rear sight, wide hammer spur, open-back rubber

Post: 18 November 15:58

Hardware: Colt Anaconda by Dick Williams - Monday, November 15, 2021 Hardware: Colt Anaconda More SUBSCRIBE For some folks, the sight of a scoped bolt-action rifle or elegant over/under shotgun instantly makes them think of hunting. For me, the glimpse of a long-barreled big-bore revolver does the same thing. In the case of Colt’s new stainless steel Anaconda with an 8-inch barrel, visions of big-game animals immediately popped into my mind. Knowing the Anaconda is chambered in .44 Magnum, and seeing the overall size of the new revolver up close, made me focus on the largest of the animals I’ve hunted. This is clearly a handgun and caliber one could use worldwide on any land animal. Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver Yes, the Anaconda does remind you of its smaller relative, the new Python, with its world-famous ventilated rib, full-length lug and highly polished stainless-steel finish. A little closer look reveals the fully adjustable rear sight, wide hammer spur, open-back rubber

Post: 18 November 15:56

Hardware: Colt Anaconda by Dick Williams - Monday, November 15, 2021 Hardware: Colt Anaconda For some folks, the sight of a scoped bolt-action rifle or elegant over/under shotgun instantly makes them think of hunting. For me, the glimpse of a long-barreled big-bore revolver does the same thing. In the case of Colt’s new stainless steel Anaconda with an 8-inch barrel, visions of big-game animals immediately popped into my mind. Knowing the Anaconda is chambered in .44 Magnum, and seeing the overall size of the new revolver up close, made me focus on the largest of the animals I’ve hunted. This is clearly a handgun and caliber one could use worldwide on any land animal. Colt Anaconda .44 Magnum Revolver Yes, the Anaconda does remind you of its smaller relative, the new Python, with its world-famous ventilated rib, full-length lug and highly polished stainless-steel finish. A little closer look reveals the fully adjustable rear sight, wide hammer spur, open-back rubber Hogue grips, re

Post: 18 November 15:22

Related to request “Wolf hunting”