New Mexico - News

New Mexico bans scopes on muzzleloaders Earlier this month, the New Mexico State Game Commission voted to ban the use of scopes on all muzzleloaders beginning the 2023 h

New Mexico bans scopes on muzzleloaders Earlier this month, the New Mexico State Game Commission voted to ban the use of scopes on all muzzleloaders beginning the 2023 hunting season. The new ruling specified that muzzleloader hunters are not allowed to use scopes on their muzzleloaders during a hunt, but that scopes are still legal for muzzleloaders during Any Legal Weapon hunts only. Stewart Liley, head biologist for the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, stated in the meeting with the commission that technology improvements have made muzzleloaders nearly as effective as centerfire rifles. Liley went on to note, “what we’re seeing biologically is that the harvest is going to be unsustainable,”. If you are planning to apply for New Mexico in 2023, please remember to take this new rule change into account.

Post: 26 October 15:51

HUNTING SEASONS IN NEW MEXICO 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide Plan your 2025–26 NM hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—sea

HUNTING SEASONS IN NEW MEXICO 2025–26: Deer Hunting, Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide Plan your 2025–26 NM hunt with our state‑by‑state guide—season dates, bag limits, licenses, bow & rifle rules, and key game species from mule deer to elk to pronghorn and ducks. Whether you’re glassing a rutting buck at sunrise in high‑desert basins, slipping into pinyon‑juniper for a bull elk, or running decoys for teal over flooded bosque, New Mexico’s mountains, mesas, and wetlands deliver world‑class big game and small game hunts under clear regulations. What Is There to Hunt in New Mexico? New Mexico supports a diverse array of game: Big Game: Mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, desert bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion Upland & Small Game: Cottontail rabbit, jackrabbit, Gambel’s quail, scaled quail, Merriam’s turkey Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks (mallard, teal, pintail), Canada geese, coots, rails, mourning dove Predators & Furbearers: Coyote, fox, bobcat, beaver, muskrat From Sangre de Cristo slopes to Rio Grande wetlands, New Mexico’s wildlife zones offer year‑round seasons. What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in New Mexico? On private lands with landowner permission—and proper license—you may harvest unprotected or nuisance species such as coyote, bobcat, and beaver year‑round with no bag limits, aiding predator control and fur‑harvest management. Public‑land Wildlife Management Areas enforce posted season dates and method restrictions. New Mexico Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26 Mule Deer Archery: Sept 5 – Oct 4, 2025 (unit dependent) General Rifle: Oct 10 – Nov 15, 2025 Muzzleloader: Nov 20 – Nov 30, 2025 Limited‑Entry Hunts: Vary by Control Area (draw only) Bag limit: one buck per tag. Apply early for draw tags in high‑demand units. Elk Archery: Aug 15 – Sept 15, 2025 (select units) General Rifle: Sept 30 – Nov 10, 2025 Muzzleloader: Nov 15 – Nov 30, 2025 Limited‑Entry: Most high‑country units (draw only) Elk hunts require draw or over‑the‑counter tags per region; one bull or cow per tag. Pronghorn Antelope General Rifle & Bow: Sept 15 – Nov 1, 2025 (East Unit OTC) Limited‑Entry: Sept 20 – Oct 5, 2025 (draw areas) Pronghorn tags manage herd numbers; quota tags ensure sustainable harvest. Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Lion Sheep (draw only): Aug 1 – Dec 31, 2025 Mountain Lion: Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 (quota permits) Sheep require lengthy point accumulation; lion hunts support predator control. New Mexico Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26 Upland Game & Small Mammals Cottontail & Jackrabbit: Oct 1 – Feb 28, 2026 Quail (scaled & Gambel’s): Nov 1 – Feb 28, 2026 Merriam’s Turkey (Fall Archery): Oct 1 – Oct 15, 2025 (limited draw) Shotguns loaded with non‑toxic shot required for upland birds; dogs allowed in designated areas. Waterfowl & Migratory Birds Early Teal: Sept 1 – Sept 30, 2025 Duck & Goose: Nov 15 – Jan 31, 2026 (zones split) Rails & Coots: Sept 1 – Nov 9, 2025 Mourning Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 20, 2025 Youth Waterfowl Day: Oct 10–11, 2025 Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset; Federal Duck Stamp, HIP, and state waterfowl stamp required Bosque del Apache and private wetlands host migrating flocks; bag limit 6 ducks/day with species sub‑limits. Bag Limits by Species Mule Deer & Pronghorn: 1 buck/antelope per tag Elk: 1 bull or cow per tag Sheep: 1 per permit Bear: 1 per permit Ducks: 6/day; 2 teal, 2 mallard sub‑limits Geese: 3/day Rails & Coots: 15 & 25/day Quail: 8/day Rabbit & Jackrabbit: 15 & 5/day Coyote & Furbearers: No limits on private lands Bag limits protect sustainable populations while offering ample hunter opportunity. License & Tags Information for New Mexico Hunters (2025–26) All hunters must carry a valid NM Department of Game & Fish (GD&F) license and appropriate tags: Resident Hunting License: $25; Nonresident: $225 Big Game Tags: $8–$348; OTC or draw application Waterfowl Stamp & HIP: $7; Federal Duck Stamp required Furbearer License: $40; includes predator & fur‑bearer species Hunter Education: Certification mandatory for hunters under 18 and new licensees Licenses fund habitat improvements, wildlife research, and regulation enforcement; apply for draws in spring. Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader NM GD&F authorizes: Archery: Compound and recurve bows, crossbows (archery seasons) Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns (slugs & buckshot) in rifle seasons Muzzleloaders: Single‑shot black‑powder firearms during designated windows Dogs & Bait: Permitted for predator control on private lands; upland dogs in select WMAs Ensure compliance with caliber, draw weight, and non‑toxic shot requirements. Regulations & Resources New Mexico GD&F regulations cover: Shooting Hours: Sunrise – sunset; some archery seasons extend to legal sunset Hunt Unit Maps: Online GIS maps for GMU boundaries and special hunts Harvest Reporting: Mandatory for deer, elk, pronghorn within 48 hrs Special Areas: Wildlife management areas, public land access codes, CWD zones Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official New Mexico Department of Game & Fish website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt. This guide was created based on information from New Mexico Department of Game & Fish (GD&F): https://wildlife.dgf.nm.gov/download/2025-2026-new-mexico-hunting-rules-and-info/?wpdmdl=50250 With defined seasons, clear bag limits, and accessible license structures, New Mexico delivers exceptional hunts for mule deer, elk, pronghorn, ducks, and predators. Prepare your bow or rifle, secure proper tags, and explore the Land of Enchantment’s wild beauty on your 2025–26 hunt.

Post: 22 July 06:45

Seeking Sun Amountain lion kills an elk calf in a wooded area of Taos, New Mexico. It happens in a small clearing that leads to one million undeveloped acres of Carson N

Seeking Sun Amountain lion kills an elk calf in a wooded area of Taos, New Mexico. It happens in a small clearing that leads to one million undeveloped acres of Carson National Forest. That clearing is Garrett Vene Klasen’s front yard and he has a front-row seat for the wildest feast he’s ever witnessed. There’s only one problem. He doesn’t have the right camera. “The right camera would have made a huge difference,” says Garrett Vene Klasen, hunter and New Mexico Wild northern conservation director. “All I had was the camera on my doorbell, which is sad.” The shots from that doorbell camera are low-grade grainy and the audio sounds stuffed with earwax. You can tell what’s going on as long as you’re in range of the home’s Wi-Fi, but the experience is lackluster due to poor resolution and limited capabilities. Bushnell eliminates all that let down with its remote trail camera, CelluCore 20 Solar. “The biggest advantage is it’s real-time information relayed over cellular networks rather than range-limiting Wi-Fi,” says Jacob Thomason, Bushnell senior product manager. Thomason lives in Mississippi, but he has trail cameras on hunting spots in four different states. He can check any of them at any time through the Bushnell app on his phone and he knows the batteries won’t die because the cams are solar-powered. “I have some in Missouri that I haven’t checked in person for 18 months,” he says. “They run year round. They’re in a spot that has good sunlight so I just let them roll.” Bushnell’s CelluCore 20 Solar trail camera comes with an adjustable solar panel. The included rechargeable battery provides enough juice for 70 high-resolution images per day in full sun on its own. The solar panel also extends battery life for the other 12 lithium AAs inside the unit providing more file capture capacity. “In the Southeast, we have deer over bait so 70 images per day is about right,” Thomason says. “In Missouri and South Dakota, deer are not on bait. It’s a water tank and I might get 20 images a day. On a trail, 70 is plenty unless it’s a heavily used trail.” In addition to photos, rely on the unmanned solar cam for HD video with sound plus consistently clear shots at night with a range of 80 feet. As for cellular coverage, the device connects to AT&T and Verizon giving you real-time access on your phone while also allowing you to review images and change camera settings remotely. “Remote trail cams use more batteries than conventional trail cams,” Thomason says. “Solar is great because it maintains battery a lot longer and you don’t have to go to the camera to get data.” As for the October cougar-elk saga in Taos, Vene Klasen wished for a reliable, remote trail cam when he was away and watched the scene from his front room window whenever he was home. That 150-pound elk calf turned into meals for not only the cougar but also bear, bobcat, and birds. The carcass shrunk to a pile of bones in three days. Three days that would have been captured with brilliance by the right camera. “Trail cameras have evolved so much and you just never know when an opportunity is going to present itself,” Vene Klasen says. “Like when there’s this really big bull or buck that shows up or a mountain lion taking down a kill in your fr

Post: 1 December 09:36

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!!! GUARA

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 RESERVATION AND THIS IS THE DESCENDANTS OF THE ORIGINAL MESCALERO ELK HERD!!! I have two 7 day September archery rut hunts available (most places offer you 5 days, I offer 7). Archery hunts are 100% SHOT OPPORTUNITY!!! Everyone has had a shot and you will too! Practice up and make it count! If there’s anything better than a September bull elk rut hunt in this area, the good lord must have kept it for himself! Our ranch is one of the most beautiful places New Mexico has to offer and we want to share the experience with you and your family and friends. Room and board is not included but mom always cooks several meals for our guests and her cooking if off the hook. We also have contacts in the area and can get you deals on cabins, suites, air bnb, camping sights, rv parks, you name it. If you own a self contained RV you can stay on the ranch for free. Whatever suits your budget, big or small, we can accommodate you. We’ll treat you like family while your with us. Something you won’t often find with an outfitter service. I’m familiar with all areas of the property and live here on it much of the time and have hunted my entire life since the age of 6 years old. So… give me a call if you’re serious and let’s get you booked for one of the best hunts in one of the best elk units in the USA.

Post: 19 October 17:56

How Mexico revolutionized the science of antivenom Innovative policies and a diverse scorpion population have led to new treatments in Mexico, providing a model for othe

How Mexico revolutionized the science of antivenom Innovative policies and a diverse scorpion population have led to new treatments in Mexico, providing a model for other developing countries, experts say. PUEBLA STATE, MEXICO Ojo de Agua Ranch, at the edge of the sleepy town of Agua Fria, is home to nine dogs, six geese, 12 canaries, 21 sheep, and 163 horses. The sprawling 400-acre oasis is the inheritance of five brothers, the eldest of which, Alejandro Alagón, bought the equines in 2008 with a specific purpose in mind: Creating antivenom. Nearly 140,000 people die from snakebites annually, many of which are treatable with antivenoms, according to the World Health Organization. Envenomations—the term for bites and stings caused by animals such as snakes and scorpions—are also a silent scourge: In 2017, WHO added snakebite envenomations to its list of neglected tropical diseases. That’s why, throughout the 20th century, Mexican researchers improved and invented over a dozen antivenoms now used in the U.S. and elsewhere. Today, Mexican antivenoms are marketed through the country’s three biggest antivenom firms, Instituto Bioclon, BIRMEX, and Inosan Biopharma, which supplies the U.S. military.

Post: 19 April 13:41

Top 5 Hunting Towns in America Have You Ever Hunted in These Towns? Man, you hate to rank stuff sometimes. Case in point, college football. What makes one team better tha

Top 5 Hunting Towns in America Have You Ever Hunted in These Towns? Man, you hate to rank stuff sometimes. Case in point, college football. What makes one team better than another, anyway — TV time, a difficult schedule, wins and losses? Rankings and choices concerning numero uno lend themselves to loopholes, weak arguments and plenty of opinions. So what exactly qualifies a town as one of the BEST hunting towns in America? To find out, I polled hunters who find themselves in the woods for work and play … biologists, editors and industry folks, and here’s what they said: Every great hunting town needs a variety of game. It has to have cafés, hole-in-the wall restaurants, inexpensive hotels, meat processors, and a game and fish office nearby doesn’t hurt, either. Tons of public hunting land within an hour’s drive. Interesting stuff to see if you tag out early or just get tired of hunting. Albuquerque, New Mexico New Mexico’s scattered peaks are notorious for growing monster bulls. A retirement plan for elk lovers? You bet. Two hours from Albuquerque, hunters can find elk, bears, bighorn sheep, mule deer, wild turkeys, quail, ducks, geese and pheasants. And most are accessible on public land. Geographically, Albuquerque offers a little bit of everything. Because it sits at the southern end of the Rockies, there’s an unusual interplay between native mountain species and desert game. There’s no shortage of public land, either, and the quail population rocks. Nearby Public Land: There are several to choose from. Cibola National Forest Santa Fe National Forest San Juan National Forest Rio Grande National Forest Historical Note: Albuquerque claims three ethnicities: Anglo, Hispanic and American Indian. After dark, restaurants and bars bathe the area in neon. On Central Avenue, the old strip of Route 66 offers vintage establishments like the Stardust Inn and the Standard Diner. The road eventually passes by the University of New Mexico and several blocks of cheap eats. Recreation: If you tag out early, take a hike or ski, mountain bike and/or rock climb. Fave Eats: Gardunos (in an adobe community in the North Valley) / Frontier Restaurant (try the huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos) Crosset, Arkansas The cypress sloughs in Arkansas set the stage for a forget-me-not waterfowl hunt. Crossett is 9 miles north of the Arkansas/Louisiana border — population 6,097 — and its old mill town is 7 miles from Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, the largest green-tree reservoir in the world. Two primary river channels form several shallow lakes full of cypress. Hunters go after gators, bears, wild turkeys and ducks. Lots of ducks. “It’s typical Southern hunting country with a hardcore Southern hunting culture,” said James Powell of Plum Creek Timber, a company that manages timber and hunting land in the area. “You can hop in a boat or canoe and easily get lost out here.” Nearby Public Land: Near Crossett, you'll find Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge, a 65,000-acre area where all sorts of animals live. It's also a popular hunting and fishing destination. Because the refuge lies within the Mississippi Flyway, ducks are the main attraction. They begin arriving in September with blue-winged teal, mallards, black ducks, gadwall and ring-necks that winter here. Wood ducks are a year-round resident. Felsenthal also is home to the largest population of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers in the state and some of the region's richest cultural attractions, with more than 200 known archeological sites. Historical Note: The town’s history is reflected in one of the three-room "mill houses" Crossett Lumber constructed for its employees that now sits in the 110-acre Crossett City Park. Built prior to 1910, the gray wooden structure features an interior that appears as it would have in the 1930s. Call (870) 364-6591 to schedule a tour. Fave Eats: Abe’s Old Feed House (classic buffet and typical Southern fare, including fried chicken) Baker City, Oregon Any outdoor enthusiasts who lives to cast a fly or chase game through luscious landscapes should consider Oregon an option to call Home. Baker City sits at the base of the rugged Elkhorn Mountains on the old Oregon Trail. Established by emigrants traveling west during the 19th century, Baker City is best known for the role it played during the Oregon gold rush of the 1860s. The discovery of gold at nearby Powder River in 1861 transformed the small pioneer town into a seat of commerce overnight. Nowadays, Baker City gleans as much fame from its proximity to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area — an oasis of wildlife and wildflowers — and surrounding national parks. Cradled between two sections of the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and surrounded by numerous natural sights, Baker City offers an almost unlimited list of recreational opportunities. At the top of that list is the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Everything about the river is big. Big waves, big views, big cliffs. The canyon is the deepest gorge in North America, several thousand feet deeper than the Grand Canyon. Oregon also offers prime real estate to big game hunters who favor elk, deer, bighorn sheep and antelope. Pheasant, chucker, quail and grouse keep upland bird hunters busy, and because Oregon sits on the Pacific Flyway, there are ducks and geese galore. But the turkey hunting isn’t bad, either. In recent years, Oregon has become a sleeper turkey state. Hunting them has grown ten-fold since the first spring season opened in 1987, and with good reason. Over-the-counter archery elk tags for either sex are available for about $300, and pronghorns — we’re talking world-records — play here, too. Nearby Public Land: Options are certainly plentiful. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest Umatilla National Forest Ochocho National Forest Hells Canyon National Recreation Area Cold Spring National Wildlife Refuge Nez Perce National Forest Fave Eats: Baker City is hardly a classic tourist town, and that's its greatest appeal. There aren’t trendy restaurants; even the Geiser Grand Hotel’s acclaimed dining room serves mainly meat-and-potatoes fare (though the place is packed for special culinary events, which include lobster weekends featuring fresh seafood flown in from Maine). St. Joseph, Missouri Turkeys. Whitetails. Ducks. The Show-Me State will definitely show you the lore of its hunting paradise. Pun intended. The latest estimates lift Missouri’s white-tailed deer population to more than 1 million. Translation: Hunters enjoy a killer success rate. But the fishing is pretty hot, too. So hot that Field & Stream magazine proclaimed it one of the best fishing spots in the Midwest, especially for heavyweight flatheads. Along with the opening of the modern firearms deer season, the spring turkey opener is one of the most eagerly anticipated days in the state, and not just among hunters, but also among the owners of gas stations, cafés and sporting goods stores that keep those hunters going. All this excitement is well warranted, too, because Missouri is one of America's top turkey hunting states with a wealth of public ground to boot. “You could spend a lifetime hunting different spots throughout Missouri, and every outing would be the trip of a lifetime,” said outdoor writer Bryan Hendricks. In Northwest Missouri it’s not unusual to hear 20 to 30 different gobblers on a clear spring morning. Scattered timber mixed with farm fields and plenty of Conservation Reserve Program land provides the perfect habitat for Missouri’s large Eastern turkey population. Recreation: Missouri is best known for its backyard river, the mighty Mississippi, granddaddy of them all. But that's just a drop in a bucket considering the many opportunities for outdoor fun. The plains and hills of Missouri overflow with some of the clearest waters in the heartland. Just a short drive away from the St. Louis metro area are many natural springs, rivers and state parks to splash in. Whether you're waiting for a trout to bite or huffing as you hike the local trails, you'll meander alongside some of the Midwest's most picturesque waterways. In Missouri, outdoor fun happens year-round. Although the northwestern region state is mostly rural, Kansas City and surrounding suburbs offer big-city fun with numerous first-class tourist attractions, big-league sports teams, and museums and historic sites of national importance. North of Kansas City is the Missouri River Valley, a major flyway for waterfowl, bald eagles and songbirds. Nearby Public Land: The Mark Twain National Forest is one of the most popular haunts for chasing turkeys, this public land hot spot should be a must on the lifetime to-do list. Historical Note: April 3, 1860, marked the beginning of St. Joseph's most romantic adventure. That day the city became embedded in history books when the Pony Express sent its first daring horseback rider to Sacramento, Calif., carrying mail to the Western frontier. Although the Pony Express operated for only 18 months, preservation of the stables and headquarters has kept the legend alive. St. Joseph is also the town where outlaw Jesse James met his demise. The small-frame home where a gang member shot him in 1882 still stands to mark the end of the notorious bank and train robber. Pittsfield, Illinois Few deer hunting counties register in the minds of bowhunters across the nation like Pike County. It just so happens that this Illinois county makes them drool. Bowhunters arrive in mass to Pittsfield and Pike County every year. They know the odds of taking a trophy whitetail are better here than almost anywhere in the United States. It doesn’t get much better than hunting in the N0. 2 county in the country for monster bucks that grace the pages of the Boone and Crockett and Pope & Young record books. But the fun doesn’t end there. Pike County has a long tradition of hunting native bobwhite quail and working with bird dogs. And the duck hunting is literally out of this world. Hunt diver ducks along the great Mississippi River, or mallards, wood ducks and teal in flooded bean, corn and millet fields. Nearby Public Land: Nearby Great River National Wildlife Refuge takes credit for much of Pittsfield’s attraction, just a short distance to the town’s west. Great River is the central refuge within the Mark Twain National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which stretches 350 miles along the Mississippi River through Iowa, Illinois and Missouri. The Great River NWR manages approximately 15,000 acres across 100 river miles and lies within the Mississippi Flyway, and you know what that means. The refuge provides several public-use opportunities including hunting, fishing and hiking (not all activities are allowed on all divisions). Historical Note: Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas spoke in a Pike County courtyard during the 1858 senatorial campaign. Lincoln's private secretaries, who accompanied him to the White House, were from Pittsfield. Fave Eats: The Red Dome Inn and Lounge. If you go, get the Prime Rib. It’s their specialty.

Post: 18 August 20:22

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)

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 years before switching his focus to wildlife photography and taking his sons, Austin and Mason, hunting around the West. To prepare for the October hunt, they spent time scouting the Virginia elk herds, locating a monster that was about 450”, but they didn’t see him again when it was time to hunt. However, Austin didn’t have his sights set on a monster despite his dad’s preference. “I just wanted to shoot any bull,” said Austin. Well, he did – and he made history with his successful harvest. But will his record remain? Chris Croy, RMEF’s regional director of Virginia and the Carolinas with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, doesn’t think so. “That 413 bull was the best advertising the state of Virginia ever had.” In fact, when the application period for the 2023 season opened on Feb. 1, the state made $100,000 on the first day, according to B&C. And there’s still plenty of time to apply – the deadline is March 30. You can apply here. As for what hunters can expect for the 2023 season? Possibly, an even bigger bull. “[The elk] live in a day spa,” said Croy. “And I can tell you, the next Boone and Crockett World’s Record elk will come from the East.”

Post: 20 February 10:44

8 Things to Know About Drought and Western Big Game Hunting With extreme drought conditions in place throughout the West, hunters may be in for a challenging season — but

8 Things to Know About Drought and Western Big Game Hunting With extreme drought conditions in place throughout the West, hunters may be in for a challenging season — but there’s still hope of filling tags Hunters across the West are welcoming archery season with smokey skies and above-average temperatures. Many states had blazing hot streaks and little to no rain for most of the summer. This created devastating drought conditions and widespread fires. More than 95% of the West was in a drought in August. Extreme drought conditions can be found in 14 states, stretching from Minnesota to Washington and down through New Mexico. If you’re planning to hunt out West this year, it’s important to understand how drought affects wildlife and their patterns, and how you can use the conditions to your advantage.

Post: 29 October 19:34

How to Stalk a Black Bear It was a lazy October day, remarkable only in that I was outside and away from my desk with the forest an utter cornucopia of hunting possibilit

How to Stalk a Black Bear It was a lazy October day, remarkable only in that I was outside and away from my desk with the forest an utter cornucopia of hunting possibilities. I was bowhunting tassel-eared squirrels with my good friends Dave Faiello and Pat Keith in New Mexico’s northern Gila National Forest. Essentially, it was an excuse to sit around campfires in the evenings with good company while also hunting something during daylight hours. And while western squirrel hunting doesn’t approach the allure of more glamorous big-game, it’s always an action-packed, enjoyable endeavor and nothing to get snooty about. It was nearly lunchtime, and I was just a couple bushytails away from a limit. I was slipping along a ridgeline with a recurve bow holding a quiver full of small-game heads, looking for the telltale flicker of a puffy tail in the pines or a bouncing rodent atop the acorn-laden understory. In the back of my mind, there was also the long shot of something else. That something else suddenly began to appear less abstract after discovering hand’s-width bear tracks in a dusty trail, distinct as a signature on a bank document. The little voice in my head told me to retreat (to retrieve some broadhead-tipped arrows), but I continued, captivated by the possibilities. Farther along the trail I poked at a wet-fresh pile of bear droppings, but still I pushed on, looking for chattering squirrels. A ghosting movement stopped me. The bear was simply there, no more than 50 yards away; a gorgeously-furred chocolate boar ambling down a shaded bottom, pausing occasionally to nose through leaf litter and vacuum up the golden Gambel oak acorns hidden beneath. Now I did retreat, stalking away cautiously at first then, when out of sight, breaking into a desperate jog toward my truck a couple miles away. I arrived sweaty and wheezing, ripping small-game arrows from my quiver and digging through an arrow case to reload with lethal, broadhead-tipped shafts. After taking the time to gulp down a warm sports drink, I impatiently labored back up the ridge. Loaded for Bear It doesn’t matter where or what I’m hunting in the West, I seldom venture into early-fall woods without a bear tag along for the ride (when legally possible). From southern New Mexico to northern Idaho, most Rocky Mountain states hosting an early-fall big-game season offer black bear on the bill of fare. This approach has proved sound insurance against several surprise trophies through the years — some in addition to target game, others as singular consolation. You just never know when a deer or elk (or squirrel) hunt will suddenly transform into a hunt for bruins. You may argue my point of spot-and-stalk bear as a “high-odds proposition” (relative to deer and elk in the same habitat), but concentrating your efforts smartly can certainly make this the case — especially in the West. Hunting smartly means following the food most of all. Fall bears are voracious eaters, gobbling anything offered against the long winter of hibernation awaiting them. Putting on a heavy layer of fat is the only way they’ll meet spring in good health. Find obvious concentrations of food in suitable habitat, and there you will also find concentrations of bears. Don't Miss: Top 10 States for Boone & Crockett Black Bear Hunting Location, Location, Location Systematically covering a good deal of likely habitat in the quest for fresh bear droppings is the first step in determining where this week’s hotspot might be located. Undigested acorn shells, piñon nut husks or masticated juniper berries (southwestern states), berry “jam” (northern Rocky Mountains), and compacted grass or skunk cabbage, as examples, all give you quick clues to black bear hotspots. In the desert regions of southwestern New Mexico and southern Arizona, don’t discount novel foodstuffs such as prickly-pear cactus fruit, which bears seek as a cure for a sweet tooth. This makes the ability to identify bear food, and more importantly, having a good idea where to locate such fodder, highly important. If you’ve no idea where to start, get a guide book of local flora and spend some time chatting with an area game biologist. During reconnaissance missions, keep a keen eye toward other forms of conspicuous bear sign — aside from droppings — including twisted limbs on food-bearing trees and bushes (limbs bent to reach more nuts or fruit), flipped rocks and rolled logs, or diggings for skunk cabbage roots or in rockslides in the pursuit of rodents. Also check water sources for fresh tracks — especially in drier regions of the Southwest — which also allows you to gain insight into trophy potential in your chosen hunting area. Don't Miss: The Chronicles: Bowhunting Black Bears from the Ground The Chase Back on my own oak ridge, I put my binoculars to work, carefully picking apart the thick vegetation, lingering on shadowed places in an attempt to separate dark bear from dark shadow. That’s another aspect of bear hunting that often proves highly appealing. In areas where human disturbance is minimal, bears might be found feeding during any portion of the day — even at high noon. This is easy enough to explain; fall bears are trying to beat the clock (beat the calendar, actually). As mornings begin to turn frosty, a bear’s No. 1 priority is to put away as many calories as possible before real winter sets in and forces them into a long sleep. These calories are all-important stores against three to four months of compulsory starvation. This is why fresh sign — and food concentrations — are so important to spot-and-stalk success on fall bears. When bears discover a food-source mother-load (unless disturbed), they’ll most often gorge until temporarily getting their fill and then lay up nearby to guard that source or at least keep it handy. They might retreat to a shaded cliff edge a half mile away, or fall into a grassy hammock where a full belly finds them. When hunger overtakes them once more they simply stretch and began anew. Finding a commanding vantage overlooking concentrated sign and putting in your time behind the glass is paramount to success. A combination of fresh sign and abundant food means your bear will appear given time. Of course, “fresh” is relative and you must be careful to assess when sign was realistically left behind and the remaining availability of attracting food. Bears are like locusts, moving on after ravaging a food source. And with time “my” bear would show, given a couple hours of diligent observation marked against my wristwatch. Don't Miss: Bear Hunting: The Hunt for a Kodiak Island Brown Bear The Hours Though it was nearly 1:30 on an unseasonably warm afternoon, the chocolate boar materialized from shadows and began ambling through the thick stand of oaks. Now the most difficult portion of my hunt was accomplished. I’d discovered a desirable target. I say finding a bear is the most difficult portion of the hunt because bear are at the relative apex of the food chain, seldom as abundant as deer or elk in the same piece of habitat. Too, while no pushovers, bears are markedly less difficult to approach than more neurotic deer or elk. There are several obvious grounds for this statement. Bears simply have few natural enemies (aside from man), and while their noses are the best in the West, they hear no better than you or I. Plus, their eyesight could be termed “dim” relative to most prey species. Your top priority if you wish to close the distance on a black bear on the ground is to keep careful tabs on the wind. This isn’t to say you can thereafter mosey right up to a feeding bear (though this does happen), but you’re not in for the stalking challenge presented by a cougar-wary deer or hunter-educated elk. Bears will take heed of a snapping twig, grinding gravel or course material brushed against stiff vegetation, and they are quite adept at picking up movement. But step quietly, move slowly and use shadows to your best advantage — keep the wind in your face most of all — and stalking within bow range can happen for you more often than not. Moving quickly yet silently is a skill developed while “dogging” bugling elk. The quicker you get on the scene, the less opportunity your prize has to wander over a ridge or fall into a dark canyon and out of sight. I’d lost my bear to the thick oaks, but I sensed it was close. The wind was doing crazy dances, swirling back on itself in the tight bottom. The situation was looking dicey, to put it mildly. I had an arrow on the string of my Bear recurve, moving from shadow to shadow, straining my eyes for any movement or a small patch of chocolate fur. A dark bear in deep shadow is nearly immune to the human eye. You really have to concentrate on sharp edges instead of patches of color, and movement (however slight). This is the phase of the stalk when you want to slow to a snail’s pace. Take a few steps, and then pause to soak in your surroundings like a sponge. Engage all the senses. Be patient above all else. It’s always amazing to find you have been staring at a bear at 30 paces all along, revealed only after he detaches from shadow to become suddenly obvious. Which is exactly what my bear did; abruptly exiting a shadow and entering a patch of sunlight, it materialized only 25 yards away. Its body language exuded nervousness, moving tense and jerkily. I tightened my grip on the bowstring serving, frantically seeking an elusive shooting hole, knowing the situation was seconds from exploding in my face, the boar ambling slowly, paused, looking to confirm a whiff of something caught on an errant breeze. The shooting hole was just big enough, and I eased the string to anchor. The cut-on-contact-tipped arrow threaded the needle to find its mark, and I felt an overwhelmingly deep sense of accomplishment that would’ve been tough to muster sitting over a barrel of bait or even chasing tongue-lolling hounds over hill and dale. I’d taken a trophy bear on its own terms, face-to-face the hard way. And this season, you can too.

Post: 19 April 17:47

Aoudad Hunting: The Poor Man’s Sheep Like countless other big game hunters across the U.S., I dream of one day roasting tenderloins in a high-altitude camp as the flicker

Aoudad Hunting: The Poor Man’s Sheep Like countless other big game hunters across the U.S., I dream of one day roasting tenderloins in a high-altitude camp as the flickering firelight casts its glow on a set of wild sheep horns strapped to my backpack. Be it a fully curled Rocky Mountain bighorn, Dall, Stone or Desert, I don’t care — I just want to be a sheep hunter, the kind that the legendary Jack O’Connor was as he roamed the withering heights with his .270 in hand. Unfortunately, being a sheep hunter is my dream, not my reality thanks to staggeringly high hunting costs and precious few tags available through state draws. But there is hope for a wannabe sheep hunter like myself, hope that comes in the form of a beautiful nomadic animal with sweeping horns that have found their way to American shores. Those sheep are the imported aoudad sheep, or Barbary sheep. Native to the rocky, desert mountains of North Africa, the sheep have made themselves quite at home in the similarly dry and rugged mountainous terrain found in portions of Texas and New Mexico where they were released many years ago. Today, huntable populations of free-ranging, wild aoudad sheep can be found roaming the Texas Panhandle’s Palo Duro Canyon, the mountains of southwestern Texas, and the nearby craggy peaks of southern New Mexico. With a beautiful sandy-brown coat, shaggy chaps and golden, semi-circle horns, the aoudad offers a supreme hunting challenge and a price tag in the range of a Midwestern whitetail bowhunt. Call an aoudad adventure a poor man’s sheep hunt if you will, but the aches and pains that a trek into the rugged outback of Texas or New Mexico are real and the photos and memories from such a hunt are priceless. If chasing aoudad sheep in the rugged mountains of Texas and New Mexico interests you, consider these recommendations: Hire the Right Guide: North Texas big game hunter Doug Rodgers says that since these animals are hunted on private land — primarily during the more temperate fall, winter, and spring months — finding an experienced outfitter with access to good mountainous property is a must. Use Top-End Equipment: “If you’re rifle hunting like I was, you’ll need a good flat-shooting and lightweight rifle,” Rodgers said. “You’ll also need some very good boots and top-end optics.” The hunter’s optics package included 10x42 binoculars, a spotting scope and a 3x10 scope. Be in Top-Flight Shape: “This is a physically demanding and mentally challenging hunt,” Rodgers said. “This type of hunting involves plenty of mind over matter when you find yourself climbing in spots where you are six-inches from falling off a 200-foot cliff.” So says Doug Rodgers, a big game hunter from Whitesboro, Texas, a small town just north of Dallas/Fort Worth. Hunting with guide Bubba Glosson of Southwest Trophy Hunts, Rodgers lived out his sheep-hunting dream in the rugged Chinati Mountain range between Presidio and Marfa, Texas.“This is a really good introduction to sheep hunting,” Rodgers said. “Bubba knew that I had a dream to hunt sheep and this is relatively inexpensive when compared to other sheep hunts. I’d highly recommend it for that reason. There are no special permits and you can go every year if you want.” After hunting hard and climbing through steep, prickly countryside at some 7,000 feet, Rodgers and his guides were finally able to spot a 31-inch aoudad with their optics. When the crosshairs settled into place, the hunter touched off the shot with his .300 rifle and the ram was his. “This was pure hunting in big country,” Rodgers said. “As with any other sheep hunting, you basically hunt with your eyes and anything that you’ll use is carried in on your back.” While he still yearns to hunt Rockies, Deserts, Dall or Stone sheep one day, Rodgers says there was nothing subpar about his first wild sheep hunting experience. “I think it’s as authentic an experience as you’ll ever have,” said the mule deer hunting fanatic with a couple of Booners to his credit. “I’ve been in some of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico’s sheep country, and this is the same kind of country (and experience).” The North American Hunting Club’s Bill Miller found that to be true on his aoudad hunting experience a few years back, again in southwestern Texas. “The Davis Mountains are mountains like an outsider would never expect in Texas,” the Minnesota resident said. “They are very steep and the elevation is surprising for Texas. It’s the perfect environment for those sheep.” Maybe so, but the NAHC man notes that it is certainly not the perfect environment for filming a hunt with heavy and expensive cameras being toted around. “The climbing, some of it is straight up and down,” Miller said. “While some of these cliffs are only 40 to 50 feet tall instead of 400 to 500 feet, I still think it would hurt quite a bit to fall off. We definitely went to places that I’ve never taken our good cameras before.” With superb eyesight, smell and hearing to go with their inhospitable home turf, Miller found out that these sheep are certainly no pushovers for hunters. Surprisingly stout, mature rams can weigh as much as 300 pounds on the hoof and can be difficult to bring down. In fact, Miller recommends that hunters bring big-caliber rifles from a 30.06 on up or a .50 caliber muzzleloader. For those looking for the ultimate sheep hunting challenge, bowhunting aoudads might be it. Bowhunting aoudad sheep is a tough proposition admitted Miller’s guide, Steve Jones of Backcountry Hunts in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Challenging for sure, but not impossible. “It is a tough hunt for a bowhunter,” said Jones, who like Glosson, has been guiding hunters since the mid-80s. “We had a bowhunter (a few years ago) who was the first truly dedicated bowhunter who came only with his bow. He came and got his sheep with a bow, and got a pretty nice one, too.” While aoudads typically go through the rut during the month of October, for the most part, Jones said that hunters see aoudads as an off-season diversion. He also said that veteran sheep hunters who have chased more famous sheep species in rugged mountain ranges much farther to the north and west will find that searching the Davis Mountains for a trophy aoudad is the real deal. “I’ve personally hunted Dall sheep and I’ve found aoudads to be every bit as difficult to hunt,” Jones said. “It’s amazing how they’ve adapted to this desert country out here. They look like they belong out here, be it Texas or New Mexico.” Rodgers fully agrees, noting that he is already looking to make a second aoudad hunt a reality. “There is nothing poor about an aoudad sheep — it’s a beautiful trophy that lives in challenging terrain where everything you touch is jagged and sticks to you,” he said. “This is a trophy that you earn by your boot leather and by plenty of muscle aches.” Just like Jack O’Connor did.

Post: 15 July 09:21

New state-issued park permit limits hunting opportunities at New York nature preserve New York State has issued a new use permit for a nature preserve in Saratoga County

New state-issued park permit limits hunting opportunities at New York nature preserve New York State has issued a new use permit for a nature preserve in Saratoga County that is popular with waterfowl hunters, leaving in place a one-week duck hunting season and prompting proponents of hunting on the property to ponder their next move to seek more hunting opportunities. The new permit for Vischer Ferry Nature Preserve in the Town of Clifton Park comes on the heels of a change to town law that further restricts the possession of firearms on the property after hunters indicated they planned to hunt navigable waters on the preserve as federal law allows, and not abide by the one-week season set by the town.

Post: 29 November 18:04

Xoloitzcuintli Hunting Dog: The Mexican Hairless Breed for Small Game Pursuits The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and most

Xoloitzcuintli Hunting Dog: The Mexican Hairless Breed for Small Game Pursuits The Xoloitzcuintli, also known as the Mexican Hairless Dog, is one of the oldest and most culturally revered breeds in the Americas. While often recognized for its unique appearance and ancient lineage, the Xolo also possesses a natural prey drive, making it a capable companion for small game hunting. This article explores the breed’s hunting potential, training techniques, care requirements, and regional use — all from the perspective of a seasoned hunter. 🎯 Hunting Capabilities: What Game Can Xoloitzcuintli Pursue? Despite its modest size and hairless appearance, the Xoloitzcuintli is a keen hunter with strong instincts. Historically, indigenous tribes in Mexico used Xolos to hunt small game, including: • 🐇 Rabbits • 🐿️ Squirrels • 🐦 Ground birds (quail, partridge) • 🦎 Reptiles in arid regions • 🐁 Rodents and vermin Their agility, sharp senses, and silent movement make them ideal for stalking and flushing out prey in dense brush or rocky terrain. 🌍 Where Are Xoloitzcuintlis Used for Hunting? While the breed is rare globally, Xoloitzcuintlis are still used for hunting in select regions: • 🇲🇽 Mexico: Especially in rural and indigenous communities, where the breed originated • 🇺🇸 Southwestern United States: Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas — often among enthusiasts of primitive breeds • 🇬🇹 Guatemala and Honduras: In traditional settings for small game and pest control • 🇪🇸 Spain: Occasionally seen among collectors of rare breeds with hunting backgrounds In colder climates, their use is limited due to their lack of coat and sensitivity to low temperatures. 🧬 Ancient Origins and Cultural Significance • The Xoloitzcuintli is one of the oldest dog breeds in the Americas, dating back over 3,000 years. • Named after the Aztec god Xolotl, they were believed to guide souls to the afterlife and ward off evil spirits • Archaeological remains of Xolos have been found in Mayan, Toltec, and Aztec tombs, often buried alongside humans. 🐕 Breed Characteristics and Care for Hunting Dogs Temperament: • Loyal and emotionally bonded to one handler • Intelligent and observant • Naturally quiet and reserved — ideal for stealth Physical Traits: • Sizes: Toy (10–15 lbs), Miniature (15–30 lbs), Standard (30–55 lbs) • Agile and lean with strong legs • Hairless skin (some coated variants exist) Care Requirements: • 🧴 Skin care: Regular moisturizing and sunscreen for outdoor exposure • 🛁 Bathing: Weekly with non-soap cleansers to prevent acne and dryness • 🦷 Dental hygiene: Hairless variants often lack full dentition — brush regularly • 🧥 Protection: Use lightweight vests or jackets in cold or brush-heavy terrain 🐾 Xoloitzcuintli Breed Varieties and Sizes • Xolos come in three sizes: Toy (10–14”), Miniature (14–18”), and Standard (18–23”). • There are two coat types: Hairless (most common) and Coated (short, sleek fur) — both can appear in the same litter 🧠 How to Train a Xoloitzcuintli for Hunting Training a Xolo requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Their intelligence and independence mean they respond best to reward-based methods. Steps to Begin Hunting Training: 1. Bonding Phase: Establish trust through daily interaction and basic obedience 2. Scent Work: Introduce scent trails using rabbit or bird feathers 3. Recall Training: Reinforce reliable return commands — essential in the field 4. Exposure to Game: Gradually introduce live quarry in controlled settings 5. Silent Stalking: Encourage quiet movement and tracking without barking Avoid harsh corrections — Xolos are sensitive and may shut down under pressure. 🏃‍♂️ Conditioning and Field Exercises To prepare your Xolo for hunting, incorporate daily physical and mental stimulation: • Tracking Drills: Lay scent trails with treats or game feathers • Fetch with Retrieval Commands: Use soft toys to simulate prey • Obstacle Navigation: Simulate terrain with logs, rocks, and brush • Endurance Walks: 30–45 minutes daily to build stamina • Pack Walks: Socialize with other dogs to reduce distraction in the field Always monitor for overheating or sunburn, especially in warmer climates. 🦴 Unique Hunting Traits of the Xoloitzcuintli • Silent Movement: Unlike many breeds, Xolos rarely bark during pursuit • Heat Emission: Their warm skin was historically used for healing — also helps in cold morning hunts • Primitive Instincts: Retains natural prey drive from thousands of years of evolution • Compact Size: Ideal for navigating tight brush and rocky terrain Their emotional sensitivity means they bond deeply with their handler — a trait that enhances responsiveness in the field. 📌 Conclusion The Xoloitzcuintli may not be the first breed that comes to mind for hunting, but its ancient instincts, agility, and loyal temperament make it a formidable partner for small game pursuits. With proper training, care, and conditioning, this Mexican Hairless Dog proves that tradition and utility can go hand in hand. Whether you’re hunting rabbits in the chaparral or tracking squirrels in the woods, the Xolo offers a unique blend of stealth, intelligence, and heritage — a true hunter’s companion.

Post: 21 July 06:08

Hunting Seasons in the USA, Texas Hill Country: Timing, Regulations, Permits and Tips, License and Permits How Hunting Seasons Are Regulated in Texas Hill Country Texas

Hunting Seasons in the USA, Texas Hill Country: Timing, Regulations, Permits and Tips, License and Permits How Hunting Seasons Are Regulated in Texas Hill Country Texas Hill Country is a diverse region with rolling hills, open prairies, and river valleys that influence animal behavior and hunting schedules. Hunting seasons are managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), which updates regulations annually based on population data, migration patterns, and public input. The main hunting periods include: Autumn (September–November) — prime season for white-tailed deer, turkeys, and waterfowl. Winter (December–February) — continuation of deer season and hunting of predators like coyotes and mountain lions. Spring (March–May) — ideal for quail, prairie chickens, and turkey. Due to the mild climate, many species can be hunted year-round but under strict rules. Season start dates may vary across the region due to differences in terrain and temperature. Compared to neighboring states like New Mexico or Louisiana, Texas has more flexible hunting options, especially for exotic game on private land. Over the years, TPWD has extended some hunting seasons, particularly for non-native species such as blackbuck and axis deer, to help manage their growing populations. Seasonal Activity of Game and Optimal Hunting Periods Hunting in Texas Hill Country follows a clear seasonal rhythm based on animal behavior. White-tailed deer become active in mid-autumn through early winter (October–January), with peak movement during the rut in November. Axis deer are typically hunted from December to January. Exotic species like oryx and gemsbok are available all year on private ranches with proper permits. Quail season runs from November to February, with best results in December. Turkeys are hunted during spring mating season (April–May). Waterfowl hunting depends on migration, usually from October to January. Animals are most active early in the morning and at dusk, especially in colder months. These times offer the best chances for successful hunts. Annual events such as the Texas Turkey Festival and Whitetail Classic attract hunters from around the country, offering education, competition, and networking opportunities. Restrictions and Prohibitions on Hunting in the Region Texas Hill Country enforces strict rules to protect wildlife and maintain ecological balance. Hunters must follow restrictions based on sex and age of animals. For example, shooting does with fawns is not allowed, and baiting is banned in several counties. Protected species such as black bears and Mexican jaguars cannot be hunted at any time. Federal law also protects endangered birds, making them off-limits. Hunting is prohibited during breeding periods: Deer — June through August. Turkeys — March through early April. These measures help sustain healthy populations and prevent overhunting. How to Obtain a Hunting License and Permit in Texas Hill Country To hunt legally in Texas Hill Country, you need a valid hunting license issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife. A standard Resident Hunting License costs about $25. Additional permits may be required for specific species: Migratory Bird Stamp — $7. Turkey Permit — $6. Minors can obtain a discounted or free Junior Hunting License. Many hunters access land through leases or paid hunts on private ranches, especially for exotic species. Always confirm permissions with landowners before hunting. Joining local clubs like Texas Bighorn Society or Texas Safari Club offers access to expert advice, hunting grounds, and conservation programs. Penalties for Violating Hunting Rules Violations of hunting laws in Texas carry serious consequences. Hunting out of season can result in fines between $500 and $4,000, plus possible suspension of your hunting license for up to three years. Shooting protected species can lead to criminal charges, fines up to $10,000, and even jail time. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including permanent loss of hunting privileges. Enforcement includes patrols, surveillance, and community reporting. Respecting hunting laws helps preserve wildlife and ensures legal access for future generations. Tips for Choosing the Right Time, Location, and Tactics by Season Choosing the right timing, location, and strategy improves success in Texas Hill Country. In autumn , focus on field edges and feeding zones where deer are most active. Use grain-based bait and pay attention to wind direction. In winter , look for warm slopes and water sources. Long-range rifles and cold-weather gear are essential. During spring , use turkey calls and camouflage when hunting gobblers in early mornings. Top hunting areas include: Balcones Canyonlands NWR — great for quail and prairie chicken. Kerr County Ranches — top spots for deer and exotics. Llano River Basin — excellent for waterfowl. Use GPS, thermal optics, and detailed maps to plan your hunt. Study animal movement and weather conditions in advance for better results.

Post: 28 August 11:37

How to Hunt Africa on a Budget Chances Are You Can Do It Cheaper Than a Premium Elk Hunt My palms hurt and my knees were bloody from crawling over rocks. My legs ached. M

How to Hunt Africa on a Budget Chances Are You Can Do It Cheaper Than a Premium Elk Hunt My palms hurt and my knees were bloody from crawling over rocks. My legs ached. My lungs were threatening to quit on me if I had to climb one more mountain chasing a herd that was skittish to the point of paranoia. The guide and I had pursued them up and over so many mountains and glassed them from so many hidden vantage points that I had no idea how much territory we had covered or how we’d ever find our way back to the truck. When the shot opportunity finally came, it was a long one — 320 yards from our spot on a hill to where the bull was feeding on the opposite ridge. “Hold a foot high,” the guide said, and that turned out to be dead accurate. The cows scattered in a panic at the blast, and not long afterward we were standing over a mature bull I had worked harder for than any animal I’ve taken before or since. Sounds like a fairly typical elk hunt, right? Except it wasn’t an elk and I wasn’t in Colorado or New Mexico. It was a red hartebeest, and I was in South Africa. Afford a Dream Hunt That’s because an African safari is much less expensive than most people realize. In fact, it’s a good bit cheaper than a typical outfitted elk hunt. Don’t believe me? Look at the numbers. I hunted with Tollie’s African Safaris and booked the hunt through SHE Expeditions, a full-service booking agent. Over the course of five days, I shot that red hartebeest, a springbuck and a beautiful impala ram. Tollie’s outfit is no bargain-basement backwoods lodge — it’s a top-rate place with excellent food, comfortable accommodations and luxuries such as a spa and a first-class taxidermist on-site. It’s also almost entirely free range; an extraordinarily rare find in South Africa. Total cost for the trip breaks down like this: Lodging, food, and all necessary hunting services for five days: $2,250 Springbuck trophy fee: $400 Impala trophy fee: $520 Hartebeest (or kudu, gemsbok, duiker or wildebeest) trophy fee: $1,200 That’s $4,370. Add in airfare and a few odds and ends such as immunizations, tips and gun permit fees and you’re coming in around $7,500 for the whole deal. It’s not cheap, but compare it to a stateside elk hunt at a comparable lodge. SHE Expeditions recommends a New Mexico lodge that runs in the average price range for an outfitted elk hunt. Total cost for this trip: Lodging, food and five days of hunting: $10,000 Hunting license: $550 Meat processing not included Tack on tips and the cost of getting there and you could be pushing $12,500 or more. And you can shoot one animal as opposed to the three (or more) you could have shot in Africa. Additional Costs My mounts were done in Africa by Tollie’s taxidermy service and the cost was about what my local Alabama taxidermist would charge. On top of that, I had airfreight and customs broker fees of about $1,300 for three wall pedestal mounts. Other potential costs for a South Africa trip are firearm permits fees (around $100); immunizations you might need; additional airline baggage fees and the cost of any extra services or day trips you’d like to tack on. I recommend the hot-stone massage at Tollie’s spa and a day on the beach in Jeffreys Bay. Don't Miss: Hunting Eland in South Africa Know Before You Go The services of a booking agent are highly recommended. I booked through SHE Expeditions, which caters to hunters with a focus on female- and family-friendly locations. They handled every detail of the hunt, and believe me, there are dozens of little, but very important, details that you will overlook without such a service. It does not cost you anything to use their booking services, and they are absolutely invaluable, especially if this is your first hunting trip abroad. Whatever booking agent you use, make sure the agent has personally hunted at the lodge you plan to go to. The Johannesburg airport is not a safe or secure place and corruption among the employees (and police) is a problem. There are “safe house” services you will want to use if you must stay in the area overnight; ask your booking agent if they don’t mention it. We used the Afton Guest House, and its representatives met us at the Johannesburg airport and escorted us through the process of collecting our firearms and gave us safe lodging for the night until our connecting flight the next day. Don’t ask me how I know this, but its services are absolutely essential to keeping you out of jail should the slightest thing go wrong with your firearms permits — and there are many, many things that can go wrong. For that reason:

Post: 2 August 21:58

How to Stalk a Pronghorn Antelope The heat of the merciless sun pounded the back of my neck as I glassed through the small gap of the lone cedar bush I was crouched behin

How to Stalk a Pronghorn Antelope The heat of the merciless sun pounded the back of my neck as I glassed through the small gap of the lone cedar bush I was crouched behind. His handsomely colored face and long curved black horns seemed to fill the viewfinder as I studied every inch of him. He was a dandy goat, and there was nothing more I wanted to do at that moment than wrap my hands around his black, 16-inch horns. This ground-crawling, torturous stalk began some two hours ago, and needless to say my body ached from the countless gouges, pokes and prods from the seemingly endless supply of needle-sharp plants that inhabit this semi-arid landscape. Although I had whittled the mile down to a mere 110 yards, I could go no farther. It wasn’t because of my lack of sheer will, there was just no cover between me and my bedded prize. I could easily have reached out and touched him with the help of modern ballistics, but I receive no satisfaction from that fact. I wanted to get archery-close, and that meant somehow closing the gap at least another 60 yards before I would consider a solid broadside shot. I had been watching him on and off for the past couple of days, and he was finally in a position that offered me this sneaky opportunity. He had been lugging around with a few other bucks, but now they were no where to be found. Living the bachelor’s life seemed to suit him for the moment, so I took full advantage of it. It also didn’t hurt that his two buddies had found greener pastures elsewhere. All I could do was wait him out and hope when he got up from his midday nap he would wonder my way. Keeping my fingers crossed, I nocked an arrow and waited. And before I could get comfortable on the jagged ground, he abruptly stood up. I tightened the grip on my bow anticipating a possible shot opportunity. He stood stiff-legged for several minutes scanning the parched landscape. It was as if he was peeling away every ounce of cover looking for a hint of danger. Suddenly he turned and started hot-footing it in my direction, and before I could wipe the sweat racing down my forehead, the 110-yard gulf that was once between us had vanished—50, 40, 30, 20, 18, 17, 16 flashed my rangefinder—and this Pope and Young candidate was still coming. With only a quartering-to shot I rose to both knees and pressed my Hoyt into service. His eyes almost popped out of his head when he caught my movement, and in one fluid motion he jerked back, turned and darted away running in a semi-circle. Not completely trusting his eyes, he skidded to a stop and looked back at the moving cedar bush to confirm what his eyes had suspected. Estimating the distance at 45 yards, I released, only to see my arrow harmlessly skip into the dirt under his belly. With a wheezing snort he turned and his hooves never seemed to hit the ground as he jetted away toward safer pastures, leaving me shaking my head and wondering what could have been. That was my third stalk of the day, and although I didn’t get to hang his handsome head in my trophy room, it was a great experience to file away. It wasn’t until the third day and stalk number nine that I claimed my high-desert New Mexico prize, making this pronghorn experience one of my most action-packed and memorable bowhunts to date. Pronghorns have picked up many nicknames over the years to include speed goats, prairie racers, sage rockets and the common antelope just to name a few. Although these names depict the sure-footed, 55-plus miles-per-hour speed they possess, it’s the pronghorns stark reddish tan and white coat, black muzzles, and ink-black curved horns that make them the most colorful and exotic North American big game animal. Not only is their African-like appearance and cheetah-like speed unique, but they are only found in the high desert West and flat grassy regions of the eastern plains, making this American original a prime target for any stick and string trophy hunter. Because of the flat, relatively open and arid regions they inhabit, matching wits with these high desert kings can be challenging, but consistent success can be found by matching the right hunting tactics to the given situation. The three main methods most seasoned pronghorn hunters utilize are ground-crawling stalks, deceptive decoying and laying in wait at a well-used water hole. There’s no question that ambushing one at the watering-hole beneath the August heat is the most successful method, but decoying at the right time makes for some heart-pounding excitement and breaking into their comfort zone with a clean stalk adds a thrill all its own. All methods will put you archery-close and should be considered if you’re dreaming of hanging a tag on these American originals. Just Add Water No question about it, hunting over water is the most effective way to put a trophy pronghorn on the wall, as well as put some excellent protein on the table. Given the arid high desert and blazing-hot prairie climate these American icons call home, water is a daily necessity, and it’s usually only a matter of time before an unsuspecting buck that deserves your tag wonders in. As easy as this may sound, there is usually a catch, and typically that catch is measured in time, and lots of it. Just a couple of seasons ago, I sat under the blazing Nevada sun in my Ameristep blind for six, fourteen hour days, waiting on the right buck to show up. Needless to say, I was more than eager to release an arrow on the morning of the seventh day, hour 87 no less, on a fine Silver State goat. Although this may sound like a no-fun, no-brain style of hunt, it isn’t. Not only does the water draw in every critter in the area for all-day waterhole entertainment but also the long hours can instill and develop a mental toughness few hunts can. As good as popping up a portable blind on a liquid oasis can be for antelope, if the opportunity exists, the elevation of a wrought iron tree, aka windmill, can be an exceptional option. Not only does the elevation give you a bird’s-eye view of the country but it also gives you an opportunity to size up your buck before he makes it to the drink. In fact, I killed my first P&Y antelope from a New Mexico windmill, and I watched him for over 20 minutes before I finally sent an arrow his way. I would not have had that opportunity if I had been on the ground. Another benefit of a windmill is the constant motion, clangs and groans it put out. Naturally these sharp-eyed residents are used to it so I was able to get away with more movement. Double Take For heart-pumping, fast-paced, all-day action, it’s hard to beat the use of a decoy. When the time is right, usually around late August to mid September, nothing can beat the shot opportunities a decoy provides or the sheer excitement when you add one to the antelope experience. One of the first times I used a decoy was on a worn-out Colorado buck during the September rut. From a distance I watched him diligently protecting his harem of does from two smaller bucks. From each side they grazed innocently closer, attempting not to arouse the suspicions of the herd buck. When the herd buck focused on one, the other would come closer. With patience lost, this high-desert bad boy exploded, tearing off in pursuit of his closest foe. With a sense of urgency the smaller buck scrambled across the dusty flat hoping to elude the bulkier herd buck. However, by the time he finished chasing one off, the other would be closer than ever to his does, and he would make a mad dash again, repeating the process. This was the perfect opportunity to slip in with a decoy, so in I hustled in their direction. After sneaking to within 150 yards of the panting buck, I popped up my Montana Decoy antelope buck decoy, and in an instant he caught a glimpse and headed my way. At first his trot was slow, but in mere seconds dust was billowing in a stream behind him. He was coming fast — too fast to put it bluntly — and I barely had enough time to draw my bow. When he hit the 42 yard mark, he skidded to a stop facing me no less. For nearly a minute he stared my decoy down without ever offering a shot, and as quickly as he came, he sped away when he knew the gig was up. The key to success with a decoy is slipping close enough to the right buck, and although that distance varies to the buck’s temperament and situation, usually it’s around 100 yards. Sometimes getting this close can be tough, but if you do just pop up that decoy and you might have an angry goat in your lap. The Sneak Without question, trying to get the job done on a critter with 8X eyes, that lives in relatively open terrain, with the natural limitations archery equipment offers, makes stalking antelope one of bowhunting’s ultimate challenges. Although it’s one of the toughest ways to hunt these speed demons, with enough stalks — and a little luck — it can be done with some success. Throughout the years, I’ve been fortunate to sneak close enough to a handful of bucks that deserved my arrow. And although most have ended with me watching the buck’s dust trail billow across the county, I’ve been able to bury a few arrows into the shoulder of some unsuspecting goats. One aspect that has been consistent in all of my successful stalks is the broken and uneven terrain I chose to hunt in. It’s true, most antelope live in relatively open country where grassy flats are king and are just not conducive for stalking. However, badlands-type rugged terrain, cactus flats and rolling sagebrush hills of the West hold their share of bucks, and it’s this broken landscape that will give the willing bowhunter a solid shot at arrowing a buck. Although this type of country usually only offers shallow ground-crawling, knee-busting attempts, and can take hours to complete in some cases, the reward is the satisfaction of knowing that you got close enough, despite the outcome. Another aspect to consistent success is choosing loner or gypsy bucks to zero in on. It goes without saying one set of eyes is easier to sneak in on than two or more sets, so picking that unsociable outsider can be key to punching your tag. Don’t forget to keep the wind right and always approach from behind if you can. Because pronghorns have eyes that protrude from the sides of their heads, they have nearly 300 degrees of move-catching eyesight, and it’s the rare occasion that you will fool them. Regardless of how you decide to chase these sage rockets, all offer their own uniqueness and challenges, and it’s the consistent bowhunter who seems to get it done.

Post: 12 July 10:48

Who Is Melissa Bachman? Biography and Career in the Hunting Industry Melissa Bachman Bearshield is a renowned American hunter, blogger, producer, and TV host. Born on Ju

Who Is Melissa Bachman? Biography and Career in the Hunting Industry Melissa Bachman Bearshield is a renowned American hunter, blogger, producer, and TV host. Born on July 17, 1984, in Paynesville, Minnesota, she has been involved in hunting since childhood. Today, she is widely recognized for her show Winchester Deadly Passion, aired on the Sportsman Channel, Wild TV, and Pursuit Channel. Thanks to her professionalism and charisma, Melissa has become one of the most recognizable faces among hunting influencers in the U.S. Melissa Bachman's Hunting Style: How She Prefers to Hunt Melissa is an advocate for ethical and traditional hunting methods. Her favorite approach is bowhunting, which requires maximum focus, patience, and physical endurance. She often engages in DIY-style hunts, navigating challenging terrain alone or with a cameraman—on foot, by kayak, or even by helicopter. What Types of Hunting Does Melissa Prefer? Melissa hunts a wide variety of game, including whitetail deer, mule deer, black bears, wild turkeys, alligators, and red stag. She chooses diverse regions and challenging conditions—from the dense forests of Minnesota to the snowy mountains of Alberta and the swamps of Florida. Where Does Melissa Bachman Hunt? USA: Minnesota, South Dakota, Colorado, Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico Canada: Alberta International Destinations: New Zealand (red stag), South Africa (big game) She often focuses on public land hunting and relies heavily on technology—trail cameras, mapping apps, and HuntStand. Melissa Bachman's Most Popular Hunting Trophies Whitetail deer scoring over 202 inches (Pope & Young) Mule deer scoring 176+ inches in Colorado World-record red stag in New Zealand Trophy black bears and alligators These achievements have solidified her reputation as a top-tier trophy hunter. Weapons and Gear Used by Melissa Bachman Melissa trusts high-quality and field-tested equipment: Bow: Mathews Avail / Chill SDX (settings: 64 lbs draw weight, 25.5" draw length) Arrows: Easton Injexion with Rage Hypodermic broadheads Rifle: Winchester XPR .300 Win Mag with Swarovski Z6i optics Other gear: Cold Steel Click N Cut knives, Alaska Game Bags, trail cameras, decoys, and game calls Why Melissa Bachman Is a Key Figure Among Hunting Influencers Hosts and produces her own show Winchester Deadly Passion Shares firsthand experience and expertise via Instagram, YouTube, and her blog Participates in seminars, expos, and hunting conventions as an ethical hunting ambassador Serves as a role model for women and young people in the outdoors, promoting sustainable and respectful hunting practices Final Thoughts: Follow Melissa Bachman’s Hunting Adventures Melissa Bachman Bearshield is more than just a blogger — she’s a dedicated professional who showcases elite hunting skills, deep respect for wildlife, and a passion for educating the community. From trophy bucks to family life, from solo hunts to international travel, she combines fieldwork with media excellence. Follow her adventures on Instagram and at melissabachman.com to stay updated on some of the wildest and most inspiring stories in modern hunting. Melissa Bachman's Instagram (102k followers): @melissa_bachman

Post: 8 July 13:26

Casey LaVere: hunter, blogger, and inspiration Hushin — hunting style, trophies, and the philosophy of the wild Casey LaVere is a name familiar to thousands of hunting a

Casey LaVere: hunter, blogger, and inspiration Hushin — hunting style, trophies, and the philosophy of the wild Casey LaVere is a name familiar to thousands of hunting and nature enthusiasts. His Instagram profile brings together passionate hunters, anglers, and anyone who appreciates the power of the wild. Casey is not just a blogger. He is the voice of a new generation of hunters, combining a passion for adventure with respect for the world around him. The beginning of the journey and the creation of Hushin Casey LaVere began his journey in the media in 2009, inspired by family tradition and the support of his brother. But he really made a name for himself in 2011 when he founded the Hushin project with his friends Eric Chesser and Brian Macelry. It's not just a brand — it's a community that talks about modern hunting as an art, a tradition, and a way to be closer to nature. Since its inception, Hushin has become a real platform for sharing experiences, learning, and inspiration. In 2016, the project released a full-length film, #HUSHLIFE, a documentary about travel, hunting, camping, and real life in the wild. How Casey LaVere hunts: bow, rifle, and an honest approach Casey's hunting style can be described as ethical, thoughtful, and technically sound. He prefers: Hunting with a bow — for its accuracy, silence, and high level of skill; Hunting with a rifle — for long-range and difficult shots, especially in the mountains; An accurate, environmentally friendly approach — without ostentatious aggression, with respect for the animal and the terrain. For him, hunting is not just about the kill, but a way to learn about the wild and pass on his experience to others. Where he hunts and what trophies he collects The main locations where Casey prefers to hunt are: Utah — his home state with picturesque mountains and forests; Idaho — for hunting moose and mountain antelope; New Mexico — semi-desert plains with rich fauna. Among his most impressive trophies are large-horned moose, antelope, and wild boar. All of them were obtained in fair combat and captured in his videos and publications. Hunting equipment and training Casey often appears on camera with a hunting bow, modern rifles, and other high-tech equipment. He emphasizes safety, training, and proper equipment, repeatedly showing how to properly prepare for hunting season, choose locations, and track targets. His content is extremely useful for those who want to hunt competently and effectively. Entrepreneurship and philosophy In addition to hunting, Casey is actively developing a line of clothing and equipment under the HUSH brand. He promotes a lifestyle based on respect for nature, responsibility, and family values. His philosophy is simple: live in the present, appreciate the simple things, and share your knowledge with others. Conclusion: why you should follow Casey LaVere If you are looking for content about hunting that is not just entertaining, but also inspiring and useful, Casey LaVere will give you just that. His posts feature real-life practices, impressive trophies, hunting tactics, and natural aesthetics. He shows hunting not as a sport, but as a lifestyle. Casey LaVere Instagram (272k followers): @caseylavere

Post: 12 June 12:01

BLM Land Hunting Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Go: Know more about Traditions, Laws, Clubs and Community The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 245 milli

BLM Land Hunting Rules: What You Need to Know Before You Go: Know more about Traditions, Laws, Clubs and Community The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 245 million acres across 12 western states, offering hunters unparalleled access to diverse hunting opportunities. These lands, spanning Nevada, Alaska, Utah, and Wyoming, feature varied terrain from deserts to mountains, creating unique ecosystems that support abundant wildlife. Geographical Diversity and Hunting Advantages BLM lands showcase remarkable geographical diversity, with elevations ranging from below sea level in Death Valley to over 13,000 feet in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. This variation creates distinct microclimates supporting diverse wildlife species. The remote nature of many areas ensures minimal hunting pressure compared to other public lands. Ancient forests, sagebrush steppe, and alpine meadows provide ideal habitats for various game species, while limited human development preserves native ecosystems. Demographics and Economic Impact Approximately 2.2 million licensed hunters participate annually across BLM-managed states, representing 35% of the U.S. hunting population. Traditional rural communities form the core, but urban-based hunters from cities like Denver and Salt Lake City increasingly utilize these lands. The economic impact exceeds $1.8 billion annually, supporting local economies through equipment purchases and guide services. Female participation has grown by 38% in the past decade, while membership in hunting clubs grows at 12-15% annually. Unique Hunting Characteristics Hunting on BLM lands requires self-reliance and extensive preparation. The vast territories demand excellent navigation skills, long-range shooting abilities, and backcountry camping expertise. Access often requires high-clearance vehicles or extensive hiking, while water sources may be seasonal. The natural animal movement patterns and shared-use nature of these lands create both challenges and opportunities for hunters. Game Species and Hunting Categories Big game hunting dominates, with mule deer being the most pursued species (200,000-300,000 population). Elk hunting thrives in Colorado and New Mexico, while pronghorn antelope offer exciting spot-and-stalk opportunities. Small game includes cottontail rabbits and jackrabbits, while upland bird hunting targets chukar partridge and grouse species. Waterfowl hunting occurs along managed wetlands, and predator hunting focuses on coyotes and mountain lions. Seasonal Framework and Regional Variations Archery seasons typically start in early September, followed by rifle seasons from mid-October through November. Spring turkey seasons run from April to May, while small game seasons extend from September through February. Regional variations significantly impact season structures, with higher elevation areas having shorter windows due to weather conditions. Trapping seasons for furbearers generally operate from November through March. Regulatory System and Compliance Federal regulations establish baseline requirements, while state wildlife agencies manage specific areas. All hunters need valid state licenses and appropriate tags, obtained through drawings or special permits. Firearms regulations vary, but modern rifles chambered in .243 caliber or larger are generally allowed. Mandatory hunter orange requirements exist in most states, and non-resident hunters face additional restrictions and higher fees. Organizations and Community Networks The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and Mule Deer Foundation lead conservation efforts, completing thousands of projects since 1984. Local sportsmen's groups maintain access roads and install water developments. Backcountry Hunters & Anglers advocate for wilderness hunting opportunities, while regional organizations conduct targeted conservation programs. Informal networks and mentorship programs help new hunters navigate regulations and access. Cultural Heritage and Traditions Hunting traditions on BLM lands reflect Native American practices and pioneer heritage. Ancient migration routes and traditional hunting grounds overlap with modern hunting areas. Annual hunting camps continue frontier traditions, serving as informal classrooms for passing down knowledge. Unique customs include pre-dawn coffee gatherings and ceremonial weapon blessings before opening day. Notable Facts and Statistics Nevada's BLM lands hold the highest density of trophy-class mule deer, with success rates nearly double those of neighboring National Forest lands. The smallest hunting unit measures 40 acres in Oregon, while the largest spans over 1.2 million acres in Alaska. Despite 90% of BLM lands being accessible via maintained roads, less than 30% of hunters venture more than two miles from access points, leaving vast areas relatively untouched during hunting seasons. These elements combine to make BLM lands a unique and valuable resource for hunters, offering diverse opportunities while maintaining strong conservation ethics and cultural traditions. The combination of challenging conditions, abundant wildlife, and rich heritage creates an exceptional hunting experience that continues to attract sportsmen from across the nation.

Post: 26 May 19:48

How to Plan Your First Antelope Hunt Pronghorns are the gateway species for Western big-game hunters, and there’s a long season full of opportunity. Here’s when to go I w

How to Plan Your First Antelope Hunt Pronghorns are the gateway species for Western big-game hunters, and there’s a long season full of opportunity. Here’s when to go I wouldn’t go so far as to say a dead antelope buck smells good, but I don’t mind their odor a bit. There’s a hint of petting zoo goat — not necessarily repulsive in itself — mixed with dry Western air and sage and musk. All combined, somehow, the smell is sweet, and for me it always triggers good memories of hunting adventures far from home. Just about every Easterner ever to buy a deer tag has at some point dreamed of hunting out West. I talk to eager prospects every year, and many of them want to come out swinging, with designs on an elk hunt in the mountains. I love elk hunting, especially in September. But I always temper any encouragement I give with this reality: If you’re not going guided, you’re probably not going to kill an elk. Not your first year. If you’re prepared to pony up for a guided elk hunt, go for it. But for the price of even a cheap elk hunt, you can book two top-end antelope hunts. And if you have the gumption for a DIY trip, success comes much easier on a pronghorn hunt. We can talk about experiences and beautiful sunrises and all that … but I’ve always found the trip home to be better with a cooler of meat in tow. First Western hunt or not, a pronghorn is a critter that I can’t praise enough. They’re abundant and accessible. Their behavior is fascinating, and the country where they live is plenty wild — but also not likely to kill you. Their reputation as table fare is mixed, but there’s no call for that. I’ve never had one that wasn’t fine eating. Just don’t expect the bland flavor of corn-fed whitetail. My buddy Miles Fedinec, who’s been a Colorado guide and outfitter his entire adult life, agrees. He’s an antelope nut, having guided a few clients to some of the state’s all-time largest bucks. “Antelope are the most underrated, overlooked opportunity we have,” he says. “You can come out here, see the West, hunt when the weather is nice, and in all likelihood, go home with a trophy animal that’s great to eat. What’s not to love about that?” I love it so much that I’m headed to Colorado again this fall, on my seventh pronghorn hunt. I’ve chased them on public land and private, all over Colorado and Wyoming, with bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, and centerfire rifles. I’ve had a ball at it every single time, and have always gotten a buck, too. Antelope season has phases just like any other season. I’ve hunted them all, but what you’re after from the experience dictates the timing of your hunt. If you’re looking at a calendar, here’s what to know. Early Archery Mid-August to Early September Pros: With the right conditions and a good setup, bowhunters can expect to see numerous animals, with high-odds shot opportunities. Archery seasons typically open mid-August (Aug. 15 in both Colorado and Wyoming), and the most productive way to hunt antelope at the time is from a ground blind over a water hole. Outfitters will have scouted options and set blinds ahead of time. If you’re hunting on your own, plan to spend a couple of days on the front end, scouting water sources with optics and trail cameras, to figure out where to place your hide. Good thing is, pop-up ground blinds don’t seem to bother the animals much. Go early, because the hotter and drier the weather, the better the action will be. Bring a small cooler with lunch and plenty of drinks, a full charge on your phone, and more than a couple of good books. I once read the biography of an undercover agent who infiltrated an outlaw biker gang, cover to cover, in an antelope blind. I’d no more than closed it when I looked up and saw a buck coming. If the conditions are good, you can expect to see plenty of animals, and to get a close-range shot. The action typically is at its best midmorning, but I’ve seen antelope walk in for a drink at all hours of the day. This style of hunting isn’t especially difficult, but it is effective, and a whole lot of fun if the conditions are favorable. If getting an antelope with a bow is your main goal, try to plan your hunt before Sept. 1. Much later than that, and you run a risk of cool Western mornings and autumn rains spoiling the action. The Rut Mid-September to Early October Pros: This is the rut, and it’s action packed. It’s also overlooked, since everyone else is elk hunting at the time. Cons: It’s tougher to fill a tag now with archery gear, since water-hole hunting is typically less productive and movement is less predictable. As much fun as hunting over a water hole can be, the rut is my favorite time to hunt antelope. Antelope are aggressive critters that fight and chase all over creation when love is in the air. Hunting from a blind can still work. It doesn’t hurt to have a water hole close by, but a fence gap between two pastures can really help seal the deal. One of the West’s great mysteries is that antelope hate jumping fences, even though they’re perfectly capable. I’ve watched them pace back and forth, for an hour and a mile, alongside a woven-wire fence. But a slight gap in the fence that they can squeeze through or under creates the equivalent of a whitetail hunter’s perfect pinch point. “You can come out here, see the West, hunt when the weather is nice, and in all likelihood, go home with a trophy animal that’s great to eat. What’s not to love about that?” — Miles Fedinec One morning a few years ago in Wyoming, I was in a blind 25 yards from just such a gap, waiting with a crossbow. I had a little buck on my side of the fence that had been farting around most of the morning. On the other side, well over a mile away, I could see a loose herd with a couple of good bucks chasing does, beating the snot out of each other, and generally acting like amorous antelope. I watched them for hours until finally, one of the bucks broke and began heading my way, presumably to find something else to chase or fight. I could tell he was headed toward the fence gap. The little buck in front of me saw him, too, and stood at full alert. The big buck noticed him and set into a trot, and then a gallop, at that fence gap to run the little buck off. I shot him just as he slowed to cross the wire. You can have a lot of fun by spot-and-stalk and decoy hunting this time of year, too. Keep eyes on doe groups with a good buck tending them. Don’t get discouraged if he runs off after a doe or smaller buck, because he will come back. Use dips in terrain to work in as close as you dare. If you’re archery hunting, try showing him a decoy, most of which are made to look like subordinate bucks. It’s a lot like reaping a gobbler behind a fan, and if it happens, it usually happens fast. Late Season Mid-October to the End Pros: Rifle seasons are typically open, and bucks are sometimes gathered in bachelor groups. Though there are some earlier opportunities, if you book a rifle hunt, odds are it’ll happen in early October. The rut’s waning by this point in the season, and animals are beginning to gather in larger herds, where they’ll remain through the winter. Still, it’s common to see a dominant buck with a large harem of does, especially early in the month. By midmonth, you’re liable to see all sorts of combos, but bachelor groups of bucks start hanging around together, too. I had a heck of a good time last year in late October in northeast Wyoming, where the bucks were grouped up. It was spitting snow and cold at daybreak, but it warmed up by midmorning, when we got on a group of about a dozen bucks, including two solid shooters. After two failed stalks, we finally crawled up to within 80 yards of them early that afternoon, for an easy shot. Many people think of rifle hunting antelope as a long-range game, and if that’s your thing, the chance is there. But a careful stalk through pretty country is the fun part of it. If you have hills to work with and a little patience, it’s easy enough to slip to within 200 yards of them. A blown stalk doesn’t always mean the end of the hunt, either. Give the animals time to settle down, and if you can locate them again, try them. TOP STOPS So where should you go? There are antelope all over the West (as far east as western Nebraska), but you can’t go wrong with these tried-and-true destinations. Wyoming It’s often said that Wyoming has more pronghorns than people, and after multiple trips there, I don’t doubt it. For pure opportunity, it’s the place to be. Success rates statewide exceed 85%. Outfitters are numerous, or can try your hand at the draw system. There are 115 different hunting areas, and as you might expect, some areas are more difficult to draw than others. The north-central part of the state, near Gillette, is where I’ve hunted most. It has a crazy number of animals but more limited public access. Colorado Archery hunters can buy over-the-counter tags and hunt many units in eastern Colorado. Public land is a little tough to come by there, but there are plenty of animals and outfitters available. It’s wide open and flat, making spot-and-stalk hunting especially challenging. Northwest Colorado is better known as a trophy destination. It’s hillier country, and an easier place to sneak in close. Getting a tag to hunt public land might take a few preference points, but it’s worth the wait. Outfitters in the area frequently have landowner vouchers available for securing a license. You just have to book before they’re all used up. New MexicoThe world-record buck — a 96 4/8 monster shot by Mike Gallo in 2013 — was killed in Socorro County. New Mexico has a reputation for producing big critters, and antelope are no exception. Public draw hunts are available (apply in March), and outfitted hunts on private land are surprisingly affordable.

Post: 16 September 11:09

Find a Deadhead Buck? Keep it Legal To you thousands of COVID-19 newbies that have joined our ranks to hunt deer in the fall and shed antlers in the spring, here is somet

Find a Deadhead Buck? Keep it Legal To you thousands of COVID-19 newbies that have joined our ranks to hunt deer in the fall and shed antlers in the spring, here is something you’ll find interesting. A “deadhead” is the commonly used term for a buck deer carcass that you might stumble across in the woods, with antlers still attached to the skull. Generally, such a buck has been dead for several months or even a year or two, and the carcass has been ravaged by time, weather, and predators. All that might remain are a grisly skull with antlers, a portion of the spine, and maybe some rib bones wrapped tautly with pieces of hide as black as used motor oil. If the skull has been lying on the ground for more than a few months, you might see teeth marks on the antlers where squirrels and mice have gnawed them. Rodents are attracted to the minerals in antlers, and they also chew them to wear down their ever-growing teeth. The longer a deadhead rots on the ground, the more squirrels will carve the antlers down, often removing inches of beams and tines. A deadhead might have died of any number of causes: hit by a car, ran off and died; shot and lost by a bowhunter the previous season; winterkill; or victim to a bluetongue disease. You see and hear a lot about deadheads this time of year as antler hunters find the macabre souvenirs and post pictures of them, especially the big ones, on social media. Most of the deadheads people find have small to medium racks, but some skulls with 150-, 180-, and even 200-inch monster racks are picked up each spring. Get Permission or a Salvage Permit To all newbies and those of you who have been hunting sheds for years, here’s something you need to know. No matter where you live and hunt, if you find a deadhead, no matter the size, chances are you need a salvage permit or at least permission from a state official before you can legally pick it up and take it home. In most states a deadhead is treated like a roadkill buck and subject to the same possession laws. These laws do not apply to loose shed antlers you pick up. Go online to your department of natural resources website and search for “roadkill possession” or “salvage tag.” Rules vary widely by state and are often vague, so you might have to dig around the site for a while to find the information. In some states, calling a game warden and telling them you found a skull with antlers and plan to take it home is all you need to do. Technically, a warden might want to come and check the skull and rack, but that is rarely the case. Make sure you keep a record of the call, and make note of a voicemail if you leave one. States where I can confirm you need a salvage permit, which is usually free and available online, include Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. There are likely others. In a few states, one being New Jersey, it is illegal to pick up and possess a deer skull with antlers at any time. If you’re out shed hunting and find a deadhead, you’re supposed to leave it. This makes no sense to me, but the authorities say the law is designed to cut down on poaching. Possession laws might seem trivial, but make the call for permission or get a salvage tag, whichever your state requires. The last thing you need is to find a skull with huge antlers, post a picture of it on Facebook, and get a visit from a game warden asking if you have the proper documentation.

Post: 9 June 09:24

Hunting Seasons in Arizona for Coues Deer: Dates, Licenses, Rules, and Tactics, Seasonal Features, Penalties for Violating Hunting Coues Deer Hunting Season in Arizona,

Hunting Seasons in Arizona for Coues Deer: Dates, Licenses, Rules, and Tactics, Seasonal Features, Penalties for Violating Hunting Coues Deer Hunting Season in Arizona, Regulation and Influencing Factors In Arizona, hunting Coues deer (Odocoileus virginianus couesi ) is strictly regulated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD). The annual schedule considers population health, environmental conditions, and regional climate. The main seasons include: Archery season , usually starting in early September. Rifle season , typically in late November to early December. Muzzleloader or primitive weapon season , often held in late December through January. Season dates may vary slightly each year. For example, in 2024, archery season ran from September 1–30, rifle season from November 23 – December 2, and muzzleloader season from December 26 – January 5. Arizona’s terrain and weather influence hunting schedules. Coues deer inhabit rugged, arid mountainous regions, where seasonal changes affect their movement and visibility. Compared to neighboring states like New Mexico and California, Arizona's seasons are tailored to local breeding cycles and habitat conditions. Recent years have seen adjustments to youth hunter rules and increased tag availability in areas with growing deer populations. Seasonal Features of Coues Deer Hunting in Arizona Arizona divides its hunting year into clearly defined periods: Archery season — Favored by patient hunters; aligns with pre-rut behavior when bucks become more active. Rifle season — Most popular; takes place in late fall when deer gather near water sources. Primitive weapons season — Winter-based, allows traditional firearms and calling. While Coues deer are the main target, some hunters combine trips with coyote or Gambel’s quail hunts, though these have separate regulations. The best times to hunt are late September to October (pre-rut) and December (peak rut), when deer are most active and vulnerable. Hunting festivals such as the "Arizona Bowhunters Festival" offer opportunities to network and improve skills. Restrictions and Prohibitions on Hunting in Arizona To protect wildlife, Arizona enforces strict limits on deer harvests. Harvest restrictions often limit the take of does and fawns to preserve herd stability. Spike bucks (with unbranched antlers) are off-limits in many zones. Some species, like ocelots and black bears, are fully protected. Breeding seasons (February–April) bring temporary bans to reduce disturbance during calving. Hunting is completely prohibited in national parks, refuges, and parts of Native American lands due to federal or tribal law. These measures help maintain healthy wildlife populations while allowing sustainable hunting opportunities. How to Obtain a Hunting License in Arizona To legally hunt Coues deer, you must obtain a license via the Arizona Game and Fish Department website. Resident licenses cost $37; non-resident licenses are $170. Additional fees apply for stamps and special permits. A key step is applying for a Coues deer tag through AZGFD’s annual draw system: Register online before April 1. Choose your preferred unit and weapon type. Results are announced in June. Purchase your tag and prepare documents. Many hunters work with clubs like the Arizona Antelope Foundation or Arizona Bow Hunters Association for guidance, gear advice, and access to organized hunts. Penalties for Violating Hunting Regulations in Arizona Violating Arizona hunting laws can result in serious consequences. Fines range from $300 to $10,000 depending on the offense. Repeat violations may lead to criminal charges, long-term license revocation, and equipment confiscation. Wildlife officers conduct regular patrols, especially in remote areas where illegal hunting is more common. Offenders may also be blacklisted from future license draws. Respecting the rules ensures fair access to hunting resources and protects wildlife populations for future generations. Choosing Time, Location, and Gear for Coues Deer Hunting Timing and location are crucial for successful Coues deer hunts. Early morning and late evening are peak activity hours. In September, focus on high elevations; by winter, move to lower valleys where deer congregate. Top hunting areas include the Santa Rita Mountains, Huachuca Mountains, and surrounding desert ranges. Essential gear includes: Lightweight camouflage clothing, Compact rifle (.270 Win or .30-06 Springfield recommended), Quality binoculars (10x magnification), Water, food, and navigation tools. Tactics vary by season: use stealth and ambush during archery, stalk trails during rifle season, and call during muzzleloader season when bucks are actively seeking mates.

Post: 25 August 07:38

Tyler Jordan – Hunting Influencer, Realtree Star, and Whitetail Trophy Expert Explore the hunting career of Tyler Jordan, a leading Realtree ambassador, whitetail deer h

Tyler Jordan – Hunting Influencer, Realtree Star, and Whitetail Trophy Expert Explore the hunting career of Tyler Jordan, a leading Realtree ambassador, whitetail deer hunter, and outdoor influencer known for ethical hunting practices and top-tier trophy harvests across Georgia and Louisiana. Who is Tyler Jordan? Tyler Jordan is a renowned American hunting influencer, television personality, and conservationist. Born on March 6, 1992, he is the son of Bill Jordan, founder of the legendary Realtree camouflage brand. Tyler has built a reputation in the outdoor community through his involvement with hunting media, conservation initiatives, and his leadership role at Jordan Outdoor Enterprises as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. Tyler Jordan's Social Media and Influence As a key figure in the hunting industry, Tyler Jordan maintains a strong digital presence, especially through his Instagram profile. There, he shares high-quality content including deer harvests, behind-the-scenes moments from Realtree productions, and educational clips about ethical hunting and land management. His influence extends through platforms like Realtree 365 and shows such as Realtree Road Trips, where he highlights hunting strategies and showcases North America’s top game habitats. Preferred Hunting Style Tyler Jordan is known for his methodical and strategic approach to hunting. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, understanding deer behavior, and optimal weather conditions. He often hunts from ground blinds or tree stands, waiting patiently for ideal shot opportunities. Tyler favors both archery and rifle hunting, depending on the region and game. What Kind of Hunting Does Tyler Jordan Prefer? Jordan primarily targets whitetail deer, but he also has experience hunting elk, turkey, and waterfowl. His passion lies in trophy buck hunting, particularly in the South. He’s known for practicing responsible wildlife management and promoting age-structured harvests. Where Does Tyler Jordan Hunt? Realtree Farms, Harris County, Georgia – A private property managed by the Jordan family, used for advanced deer herd management. Honey Brake Lodge, Louisiana – A 20,000-acre sportsman’s paradise where Tyler has harvested multiple record-class bucks. New Mexico – Known for his early archery elk hunts. These locations are carefully selected and managed, emphasizing conservation and herd health. Trophy Bucks and Notable Hunts Tyler Jordan has taken several high-profile bucks that gained national attention: "Stomper Jr." (2024) – A massive 203-inch Louisiana whitetail taken with a .308 rifle at Honey Brake Lodge. "Stomper" (2020) – 190 4/8-inch buck from the same property. "Hayblower" (2022) – A mature Georgia buck taken with a Hoyt bow after years of tracking and management. "Georgia Giant" (2021) – 186-inch typical whitetail from Realtree Farms, harvested with archery equipment. These hunts are featured in detail on Realtree.com and demonstrate Tyler’s dedication to ethical hunting and long-term land stewardship. What Weapons Does Tyler Jordan Use? Tyler utilizes a range of modern hunting gear, including: Hoyt RX-7 and Ventum bows – for his archery pursuits. Franchi .308 rifle – favored for his long-range rifle hunts, including his 2024 Stomper Jr. harvest. His equipment choices reflect a balance between technology, reliability, and precision. Personal Background and Family Life Tyler resides in Columbus, Georgia, in Muscogee County. He lives with his wife Grace Wilson Jordan and their daughter Catherine Lane. He comes from a hunting legacy and continues to advance the traditions of outdoor sportsmanship and wildlife preservation. Alongside his family, Tyler contributes to the direction of Realtree’s brand and content strategy. Tyler Jordan’s Impact on the Hunting Community Tyler Jordan represents the next generation of ethical hunting and conservation. Through his influential social media presence, television content, and deep roots in the Realtree legacy, he promotes sustainable hunting practices, land management, and outdoor traditions. His commitment to high-integrity storytelling and trophy-class whitetail pursuits makes him a trusted voice in the American hunting community. Tyler Jordan's Instagram (92,2k followers): @tylerjordan

Post: 18 July 14:25

Shed Hunting with Ben Dettamanti: How "Shedcrazy" Turned Antlers into a Career Ben Dettamanti, better known in the hunting world as Shedcrazy, is one of the most relatab

Shed Hunting with Ben Dettamanti: How "Shedcrazy" Turned Antlers into a Career Ben Dettamanti, better known in the hunting world as Shedcrazy, is one of the most relatable and entertaining hunting influencers on social media today. From humble beginnings as a janitor to a full-time content creator, Ben has redefined the landscape of shed hunting with humor, authenticity, and a deep love for the outdoors. Who Is Shedcrazy? Ben's journey from school custodian to viral shed hunting sensation is as inspiring as it is unique. Choosing to follow his passion, he quit his day job and began documenting his adventures searching for shed antlers across the United States. His down-to-earth humor and honest approach to hunting earned him a loyal fan base on Instagram (@shedcrazy) and YouTube. Unlike many hunting creators who focus on extreme fitness or dramatic content, Shedcrazy shows that hunting can be fun, light-hearted, and accessible to everyone. His videos often mix parody with real shed hunting tips, making them both entertaining and informative. Preferred Hunting Style: What Makes Shedcrazy Unique? Ben specializes in shed hunting, the art of finding naturally shed antlers from deer, elk, and moose. He prefers hiking through the rugged terrain of western states, searching public lands and remote areas for trophy-quality sheds. Shedcrazy approaches hunting with a minimalist and humorous style—no fancy gear, no dramatic edits—just real, raw exploration. His vehicle of choice? An old van. His attitude? "Don’t take yourself too seriously." Favorite Types of Hunts While shed hunting is his main focus, Ben also participates in: Whitetail deer hunting Elk hunting Antelope hunts His content often combines these hunts with behind-the-scenes humor and candid commentary that resonate with both seasoned hunters and newcomers. Where Does Shedcrazy Hunt? Ben primarily hunts in the Western United States, including: Wyoming Utah New Mexico South Dakota He’s also on a mission to find antlers in all 50 states, as part of his ambitious “United Sheds of America” project, which showcases the diverse hunting landscapes across the country. Trophy Sheds and Big Finds Some of Ben’s most impressive finds include: Massive elk sheds weighing over 7 pounds Multi-tined mule deer antlers Rare and unusual antlers with unique characteristics His shed collection has both monetary and sentimental value, often featuring in educational posts about shed seasons, scoring antlers, and public land ethics. What Gear and Weapons Does He Use? Shedcrazy isn’t about showcasing the latest high-end hunting rifles or expensive optics. For his shed hunting trips, he uses: Basic hiking gear Durable outdoor clothing (often partnered with brands like Vortex and First Lite) Simple GPS tools and mapping apps When participating in actual game hunts, he may use bows or rifles, but weapons are not the main focus of his content. Why Shedcrazy Matters in the Hunting Community Ben Dettamanti is a refreshing voice in the hunting industry. His influence is built not on bravado or elite gear, but on authentic passion, humor, and a genuine connection to nature. By promoting ethical shed hunting, responsible land use, and light-hearted outdoor adventure, he inspires thousands to get outside and enjoy the hunt—for antlers or otherwise. Whether you're a seasoned shed hunter or someone looking to explore the outdoors for the first time, Shedcrazy offers a relatable and inspiring perspective that proves hunting isn't just about trophies—it's about the joy of the chase and the stories along the way. Ben Dettamanti's Instagram (94,6k followers): @shedcrazy

Post: 17 July 09:02

Elk Hunting on Your Own Most attempts at DIY bulls fail miserably, but these experts are here to help Nearly every big game hunter dreams of elk hunting out West, but mos

Elk Hunting on Your Own Most attempts at DIY bulls fail miserably, but these experts are here to help Nearly every big game hunter dreams of elk hunting out West, but most of the time, that dream is not a reality. Most first-time, out-of-state elk hunters go in unprepared, and then go home without an elk. That’s why we polled these three DIY elk hunting experts for their advice. Think of Yourself Bill Vanderheyden of Iron Will Broadheads, knows the elk woods well. The first thing the out-of-stater thinks about when planning for an elk hunt is being in physical shape, and that’s important. But if you live near sea level, nothing can prepare your body for the change in elevation except for time. Vanderheyden sees it every year. “The altitude can really take it away from you at first. It can reduce your ability for critical thinking and physically drain you for the first few days,” he says. “I’ve seen people come out here and have to turn around and leave because they felt so bad. If you can spend the first day or two of your trip getting acclimated, that will help.” Stay hydrated in the mountains, too, and carry plenty of water. The last thing you want miles from camp is a cramp. Plus, if you get lost, you can make it for a while without food, but without water, you’re toast. What you wear, and carry in your pack, is also important. Temperatures in the mountains can fluctuate like crazy. It can be in the 30s in the morning and in the 70s in the afternoon. Even if it’s mild out when you start, pack a heavier jacket. Lastly, buy quality boots, and break them in before you go. Sore or blistered feet are a deal-breaker. Plan Ahead Jace Bauserman, noted outdoor writer and elk hunter, certainly understands the game. “My biggest tip is to do your homework ahead of time,” Bauserman says. “Pay your subscription to the onX Hunt App and start prospecting your hunting area. Don’t pick a single basin to explore and call it good. Pick multiple spots. I like to find at least three, off-the-beaten path areas that are a mile walk or more from the trailhead. But I also like to locate three, close-to-the-road spots that I can pop into and out of quickly. The “go-deep” drum has been beaten hard. I’ve had some great elk hunting right off a main roadway. Mark your spots on your map and be sure to save your maps offline. This way if you don’t have cell service, you still have access to your maps.” Basically, focus on elk basic needs. And they only need three things to survive, but you need to understand four things to hunt them: Prime forage. I’m not talking about grass. In September, you need to be looking on north-facing slopes, not the south-facing ones where the summer grass will be burned out. Cover. Not just a place to hide, but thermal cover for keeping cool during the early season, and warm during the late season. Cedar thickets are a prime example. Water. That can be the limiting factor, especially in places like New Mexico because of the heat and relative lack of it. Pick Your Spots After looking at those three things, consider pressure. That’s a limiting factor in Colorado and in Idaho, but in two different ways. In Colorado, there is a ton of human hunting pressure. In Idaho, the pressure is from wolves. You need to find where they are not pressured. Figure out which of these four things is the limiting factor, and your success at finding elk will go up. Get at least a mile or more away from roads and you’ll escape much of that pressure. Then, get high and use the binos to find elk. Use OnX to identify quality glassing points. Don’t expend all of your energy walking. Glass to find elk, and then burn some calories getting ahead of the herd. If you can’t glass them up, look for fresh sign. Vanderheyden has a lot of elk hunting experience as well, and he says their nomadic tendencies can make them tough for traveling deer hunters to pin down. “Elk move around a lot. The typical Eastern or Midwestern whitetail hunter can find some good sign and sit there and probably see deer,” he says. “Deer typically have a small range of a mile or two, so sitting tight in a good spot can be productive. Not so with elk. They cover a lot more ground. I suggest putting some miles on to find them. I keep moving around until I either see elk or find extremely fresh sign, made within the last 24 hours. But actually seeing an elk is best.” Don’t be so intimidated by your dream of a western elk hunt that you put it off. But don’t go unprepared. Follow this advice, and your hunt will be a lot more memorable — and probably more successful, too.

Post: 29 August 18:08

7 Reasons Why OTC Elk Tags Beat Draw Tags If you want to spend more time in the elk woods and have more chances to succeed, then over-the-counter elk tags are the way to

7 Reasons Why OTC Elk Tags Beat Draw Tags If you want to spend more time in the elk woods and have more chances to succeed, then over-the-counter elk tags are the way to go At least four different bulls bugled practically nonstop all morning long as I flanked a herd swarmed by satellite bulls. One beautiful 6x6 with a lovesick bugle grew attached to my cow calling around midmorning, but when he got to 60 yards — no shot opportunity — and didn’t see a cow, his interest fizzled. He rejoined the ensemble of bugling bulls. I continued chasing bugles, and at around noon, I came eye to eye with a massive old 6x6 at 14 yards. A well-placed arrow into the front of his chest quickly took effect, and my first bull ever was down within 100 yards. That hunt wasn’t guided, or in a unit that took me years to draw. It was instead on an over-the-counter tag on U.S. Forest Service lands. We’re often told that OTC hunting looks nothing like the hunts seen on outdoor television. While the hunt I had isn’t the norm, I have nonetheless had plenty of awesome hunting, with bulls going nuts, in OTC units. Fact is, DIY hunters kill great bulls in places like that every year. Applying for limited entry tags is never a bad idea, but in the meantime, you might as well hunt somewhere. Playing the Draw Like many guys and gals who are serious about western hunting, I annually apply for elk points in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Plus, I’ve tested the measly sub-1-percent odds by applying for premium elk tags in Arizona and New Mexico. Despite the time I’ve spent keeping tabs on all of the draws and the money I’ve spent on points, I have yet to draw a limited elk tag. Sure, I could draw an OK unit with the points I have, but I’m waiting to cash my points in on premium units. But that doesn’t keep me out of the elk woods. On the contrary, I’ve hunted elk nine times on OTC tags. If I only did draw hunts, I probably wouldn’t have hunted elk yet. All of the time I’ve invested into hunting elk has led me to believe that OTC tags are actually better than draw tags for several reasons. Here they are. 1. You Get to Hunt Every Year If you want to become a good elk hunter, you need experience. Draw tags in good to great units aren’t an annual or bi-annual deal. OTC tags, on the other hand, put you in the mountains every fall, if your finances and schedule allow. I’d much rather hunt elk annually than twiddle my thumbs for 10-15 years waiting on a great tag — I love it too much to wait that long between hunts. Draw tags in premium units can be awesome, and Lord willing, I’ll draw some within the next five to 10 years. When I do, I’ll be glad that I already have experience. OTC tags are like training camp for the big tags you can one day draw. You’ll be able to make the most of those tags because you’ll have a ton of experience under your belt when you hunt OTC elk every year or at least every other year. 2. You Stay in Shape I keep myself in pretty good physical shape, but elk hunting has forced me to take fitness more seriously. I learned during my very first hunt that to keep up with elk and have the stamina to keep going day in and day out, I must be in mountain shape. In other words, big biceps and a Michelin-man chest don’t cut it. It takes a mix of lifting, maneuvers, and endurance-based training to truly be ready for all that the elk woods can dish up. What do OTC elk tags in particular have to do with fitness? Well, when you hunt elk annually or bi-annually, there is less time between hunts, and so there is more motivation to stay in good shape all of the time, not just once every 10 years. When you do annual elk hunts, fitness becomes a lifestyle, not a pre-hunt-prep measure. 3. You’re More Effective at Finding Elk Finding elk takes a learning curve. I was fortunate enough to have a relative show me the ropes during my first elk hunt, and that helped me to an extent. However, when I ventured away from his spots, I didn’t really know what I was looking for, and finding elk wasn’t always easy. But the more time I spent looking, the better I understood what habitat and terrain elk like and why. Now, I can find elk quite fast and put myself in the game to hunt them, because I’ve spent tons of days in the elk woods and know what to look for. Through nine elk hunts, I’ve also realized the importance of having back-up spots. There are so many variables that can turn your OTC elk hunt upside down, and you have to keep a good attitude and move on to plan B when unforeseen challenges arise. I have OTC hunts to thank for hammering home that concept. 4. You Hone Your Calling Skills I bugled in a magnificent bull during my first elk hunt that ultimately ducked my arrow, but I didn’t really know much about calling elk during my first few elk hunts. In fact, I’m still learning today. Elk in OTC units are the elite at evading hunters and becoming educated toward calling, so spend a ton of time hunting OTC elk and find your groove with calling them in. Also, much can be learned about calling elk — realistic sounds and frequencies — by listening to them. Many times I’ve been within earshot of elk and heard cows and calves chirping and mewing. I’ve also heard every bull vocalization, from grunts to whines to round-up bugles to glunking. Frequent OTC hunts give you more time in the woods and more opportunities to hear elk talk. 5. You Observe More Elk For years, elk intimidated me. Their size compared to a whitetail is astounding, and when a bull bugles at 100 yards or less, the intimidation factors only increases. But I’ve found that the more I’m around elk, the more comfortable I am and the better I’ve become at not falling apart when I get a chance to draw my bow. By observing elk annually, it becomes clear that they’re just animals, like whitetails, and that we’re still above them on the food chain, regardless of how big and noisy they are. OTC tags give you more opportunities to observe elk, and that’ll make you more comfortable during encounters. 6. You Fill More Tags Success odds in many OTC units are around 10 percent, give or take. During your very first elk hunt, I’d say your personal odds are right there if you’re a decent hunter and pay attention to the details. But, if you pick a unit and hunt it as often as you can, you’ll begin to learn so much about the elk there. As you connect the dots, I believe your personal odds will increase. Naturally, this means that you’ll have more opportunities to fill tags. Draw tags make you wait on the bench for a number of years. OTC tags let you play the game. You can’t win if you don’t play. 7. You Eat More Elk! I know of no one who wouldn’t love a freezer full of elk meat. From mature bulls to immature bulls and cows, I haven’t had a bad meal of elk. My wife and I even have a friend who demands elk stir-fry whenever we invite her over for dinner and ask her what she’d like to eat. It’s that good. If you hunt premium draw tags only, at best, you’ll be filling your freezer with elk once every 8 to 10 years. Although you can’t expect every elk hunt to be successful, I believe that a good elk hunter can realistically expect to kill an elk every two to three years on OTC hunts. Finish Line Obviously, I’ve made a case for OTC elk tags being better than draw tags for several valid reasons. But understand, I’m not knocking draw tags. If you want to someday hunt a unit with next to no pressure and with big-bull potential, by all means, play the draw. I do. But don’t overlook OTC tags while you wait. If you want to become an experienced elk hunter and have opportunities to pack your freezer with delicious elk meat, OTC hunting is your ticket to the show.

Post: 29 August 10:25

Enormous Sinkhole With Ancient Forest Inside Discovered in China An enormous sinkhole with an ancient forest inside has been discovered by cave explorers in China. The

Enormous Sinkhole With Ancient Forest Inside Discovered in China An enormous sinkhole with an ancient forest inside has been discovered by cave explorers in China. The sinkhole in Leye County, in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is 630 feet deep and home to primitive trees that are growing as tall as 131 feet, the Xinhua news agency reported. The hole appears to be a paradise for an abundant array of fauna. Zhang Yuanhai, senior engineer at the Institute of Karst Geology of China Geological Survey, told the news agency that there are also three caves within the hole, which are likely clues into the sinkhole's early evolution. The enormous sinkhole's interior is about 1,004 feet long and 492 feet wide, Xinhua reported. Some of the plants growing in the forest can reach a person's shoulders, leader of the expedition team Chen Lixin told Xinhua. The hole could even be home to species that science has not recorded yet. Chen told Live Science that he "wouldn't be surprised" to discover new species within the hole. Cave researchers abseiled all the way to the bottom of the hole during the expedition and returned on May 6. It brings the number of recorded sinkholes in the region to 30. Sinkholes in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region are particularly common. The rock below the surface of the land is prone to becoming naturally dissolved by acid rain. Over time, it causes a chasm within the earth and eventually causes the surface to fall through, creating the sinkhole. While sinkholes can form in all areas with karst topography—a type of landscape where sinkholes commonly form—this area of China is known for its sinkholes that reach enormous depths, with gigantic entrances. In other parts of the world, sinkholes may be smaller and unnoticeable. Many sinkholes also act as aquifers and sources of water, LiveScience reported. For 700 million people, sinkhole aquifers provide a primary water source, cave expert George Veni told the news outlet. "In China you have this incredibly visually spectacular karst with enormous sinkholes and giant cave entrances and so forth," Veni told LiveScience. "In other parts of the world you walk out on the karst and you really don't notice anything." The most common areas for large sinkholes are China, Mexico and Papua New Guinea, according to Xinhua. The same researchers have discovered other enormous sinkholes in the area. In 2019, they discovered a cluster of 19 sinkholes located in the same region, China Daily reported. The sinkholes were all connected by an unground cave system and river, the news outlet reported. It was one of the largest sinkhole clusters ever found in this region.

Post: 14 May 12:31

Mossberg Maverick 88 Review for Hunters and Sport Shooters. Modifications, Pros and Cons, Price. The Mossberg Maverick 88 has long been a favorite among shotgun enthusia

Mossberg Maverick 88 Review for Hunters and Sport Shooters. Modifications, Pros and Cons, Price. The Mossberg Maverick 88 has long been a favorite among shotgun enthusiasts, and after extensive field testing, I can confidently say it’s one of the most reliable and versatile pump-action shotguns in its price range. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a sport shooter, or someone looking for a dependable home-defense firearm, the Maverick 88 deserves serious consideration. 🔧 Overview and Build Quality Mossberg Maverick 88 Manufactured by O.F. Mossberg & Sons, the Maverick 88 is often referred to as the budget sibling of the Mossberg 500. While some components are produced outside the U.S. (primarily in Mexico), final assembly takes place in Eagle Pass, Texas, ensuring quality control remains high. • Action Type: Pump-action • Receiver: Aluminum alloy, anodized black • Stock: Black synthetic (standard), with optional camo finishes • Safety: Cross-bolt safety located in front of the trigger guard • Weight: ~6.5 to 7 lbs depending on model • Finish: Blued steel barrel and receiver Despite its affordability, the Maverick 88 features dual extractors, twin action bars, and a steel-to-steel lockup, all of which contribute to its smooth cycling and durability. Available Models and Modifications The Maverick 88 comes in several configurations tailored to different shooting needs: • All-Purpose: 12 or 20 gauge, 26–28” barrel, ideal for hunting and sport shooting • Security: 18.5–20” barrel, designed for home defense • Slug: 24” rifled barrel with adjustable sights, optimized for slug shooting • Top-Folding Stock: Tactical variant with pistol grip and folding stock • Combo: Includes both field and security barrels for versatility • Youth/Bantam: Shorter length of pull and barrel for younger or smaller shooters Most models are compatible with Mossberg 500 barrels, stocks, and Accu-Choke tubes, allowing for extensive customization. Popular upgrades include: • Fiber optic sights • Tactical stocks and pistol grips • Side saddles and shell holders • Picatinny rails for optics • Extended magazine tubes (with gunsmithing) 📐 Specifications and Calibers Mossberg Maverick 88 • Gauge Options: 12 and 20 gauge • Chamber: 2¾” and 3” shells • Barrel Lengths: 18.5”, 20”, 22”, 24”, 26”, 28” • Magazine Capacity: 5+1 or 7+1 (depending on barrel length and shell size) • Choke System: Fixed cylinder bore or interchangeable Accu-Choke tubes The Maverick 88 is proofed for steel shot, making it suitable for waterfowl hunting. 🎯 Effective Range and Hunting Applications With the right ammunition and choke, the Maverick 88 performs admirably across various hunting scenarios: • Bird Hunting: With a modified or full choke, effective up to 40 yards • Waterfowl: Steel shot loads with extended chokes, 30–45 yards • Deer Hunting: Slug models with rifled barrels are accurate up to 75–100 yards • Small Game: Cylinder or improved cylinder choke, 20–30 yards Its versatility makes it a solid choice for upland game, turkey, ducks, and even predator control. 💬 User Reviews: Pros and Cons ✅ Pros • Affordability: Often priced between $225–$275, making it one of the best-value shotguns on the market • Reliability: Proven pump-action design with minimal malfunctions • Customizability: Compatible with Mossberg 500 parts and accessories • Durability: Handles harsh weather and rough use well • Ease of Use: Simple controls and intuitive operation ❌ Cons • Finish Quality: Basic bluing is prone to surface rust if not maintained • No Drilled Receiver: Cannot mount optics without modification • Plastic Trigger Guard: Feels less premium than aluminum alternatives • Limited Magazine Extensions: Requires barrel and tube matching for upgrades 💵 Price and Value As of 2025, the Maverick 88 retails for: • New: ~$250–$275 depending on model and retailer • Used: ~$140–$180, with some models as low as $90 in fair condition Given its performance and reliability, the Maverick 88 offers exceptional value for hunters and sport shooters alike. 🏹 Why Hunters and Shooters Choose the Maverick 88 • Beginner-Friendly: Ideal for new shooters due to its simplicity and low recoil • Multi-Purpose: Suitable for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense • Low Maintenance: Easy to clean and maintain • Wide Availability: Parts and accessories are abundant and affordable 📚 Notable Facts About the Mossberg Maverick 88 • Launched in 1988, the Maverick 88 was designed as a cost-effective alternative to the Mossberg 500 during an economic downturn. • It’s assembled in Eagle Pass, Texas, using components manufactured in Mexico, which helps keep costs low without sacrificing reliability. • The Maverick 88 shares 80–90% of its components with the Mossberg 500, making it highly customizable. • It features dual action bars, steel-to-steel lockup, and an anti-jam elevator, all of which contribute to its smooth cycling. • The trigger group is not interchangeable with the Mossberg 500, but barrels, stocks, and magazine tubes are. • It’s one of the top-selling pump-action shotguns in the U.S., with over 400,000 units sold annually. • The Maverick 88 is often referred to as the “working man’s shotgun” due to its ruggedness and affordability. • It’s compatible with Accu-Choke tubes on hunting models, allowing for versatile shot patterns. • The shotgun is “all-weather ready”, with synthetic furniture and corrosion-resistant finishes. • It’s widely used by law enforcement, private security, and civilian shooters for defense, sport, and hunting. 🧠 Final Thoughts The Mossberg Maverick 88 may not have the polish of high-end shotguns, but it delivers where it counts: reliability, versatility, and affordability. For hunters seeking a dependable field gun or sport shooters looking for a rugged pump-action, the Maverick 88 is a smart investment.

Post: 25 December 09:26

The 3 Most Expensive Hunts in North America If you’re saving up money for a once-in-a-lifetime dream adventure, why not shoot for the moon? If you had all the money in th

The 3 Most Expensive Hunts in North America If you’re saving up money for a once-in-a-lifetime dream adventure, why not shoot for the moon? If you had all the money in the world, what would you buy first? Most of us think for a few moments before answering. Some might go for a sports car. Others might tour Europe. How about a beachfront mansion with an elevator, movie theatre, pool, and private chef? But others might spend the money on hunting. Where would you go and what would you hunt for if cost were no obstacle? African elephant? New Zealand red stag? Spanish Ibex? Or, would you stick to North America, where we have more than two dozen big-game hunting opportunities? Some are very affordable and DIY friendly, but others require hunting with a guide and could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Yes, you read that correctly. Since we’re dreaming here, let’s look at the details. Miranda's Take I’ve been fortunate enough to hunt several different species across 16 states, but none of my trips have been all that expensive. That’s why I enlisted some input from one of the world’s most traveled hunters and longtime Realtree pro-staffer, Tom Miranda. Not only has Miranda taken the North American Super Slam — by the way, he’s still the only bowhunter to do it entirely on video — but he’s also traveled the globe from Alaska to Australia. Miranda’s story is inspirational, too. Despite the hundreds of thousands of dollars spent on hunting, he wasn’t born into millions. Instead, he worked hard from modest beginnings. “One may think that a hunter must be rich or win the lottery to do any of these hunts,” Miranda said. “The fact is, I came from a middle-class family, started my career as a trapper, and was fortunate to build a TV adventure series that was eventually picked up by mega-network ESPN. In my quest to do adventurous hunts, my goal was to hunt new and different animals in each episode. This is what eventually turned into my bowhunting Super Slam quest. I was able to finesse the costs of these adventures by saving for several years for the most expensive ones. I justified the expenses as an investment to my TV series and future revenues, as my goal was to make a DVD and write a book about the experiences. If fact, my investment paid off as I made many times the cost of these hunts with the marketing of my endorsements and DVD and book sales.” Knowing that Miranda wasn’t born into millions, he’s an excellent resource for this discussion. Here’s what he said about North America’s most expensive hunts. 1. Desert Bighorn Sheep “Desert bighorn sheep are the most expensive,” Miranda said. “They can be taken in Mexico, the southwestern U.S., or up in Nevada. Most desert bighorn tags must be drawn, and they’re very difficult to get. There are also governor’s tags, and they’re very expensive.” Miranda shared some details regarding his desert bighorn sheep hunting experience. “I hunted desert bighorn sheep on Carmen Island in Mexico,” he told. “I paid $58,000 for the hunt. When I killed my ram, he completed my Super Slam and my Grand Slam of wild sheep. The desert bighorn is considered to be the easiest sheep subspecies to harvest of the four that make up the Grand Slam. Interestingly, it was the most difficult for me. It took me four hunts to get my ram — I did two hunts on Carmen Island and two hunts on the mainland of the Baja. I slept 19 days in a tent on my first hunt and never drew my bow. “As the name ‘desert bighorn’ suggests,” Miranda continued, “you’re hunting in desert country. Even in the winter, it can be very hot and dry. You must have a lot of water and be in sheep shape so you can climb. A good guide obviously helps, too. In most areas, a ram must have a full curl in order to be legal. A knowledgeable guide can help you make that call.” Personally, I have points building in Nevada for desert bighorn, but I’m not holding my breath. I’ll be incredibly lucky if I draw a tag in my lifetime. So, if I get the itch to hunt one, I’ll have to gather up about $60,000. 2. Stone Sheep The stone sheep, primarily found in northern British Columbia and in southern Yukon, are next on the list. Miranda said that it’s considered to be the premier sheep of the Wild Sheep Grand Slam. “Stone sheep have become very, very expensive to hunt,” Miranda said. “I think I paid in the upper $20,000 range when I did my hunt, but now stone sheep hunts go for about $45,000 and up.” Stone sheep are difficult to spot, and the terrain they inhabit is very difficult to traverse. “Their name reflects their coloration,” Miranda shared. “They blend in very well against the cliff faces. It’s a mental game when you’re spending hours behind glass. It’s even more of a mental game when you’re bowhunting because you must get close. Stalks can take up to four to five hours due to terrain and distance.” While stone sheep are considered to be the most difficult sheep in the Grand Slam to harvest, Miranda arrowed his ram on the first day of the hunt. “I was hunting in northern British Columbia with Chad ‘Savage’ Lenz with Gundahoo River Outfitters near Muncho Lake,” he said. “We rode in on horseback four days before the opener. We got our camp set up and then began scouting. We found the ram we wanted with about half a dozen ewes. They were on a face about half a day’s walk from our camp. We watched that ram for three days. “On opening day, we hiked up the ridge above our camp, then looped around the backside to where the sheep were,” Miranda told. “We planned to come over the ridge above them. During our hike, we bumped some sheep, and two rams ran out ahead of us. They climbed a bluff and then bedded down. We sat down and glassed them. One had very nice curls.” After killing some time and drinking some water, Miranda and Lenz inched toward the two rams. “We eased up and started slipping toward them,” he said. “The rams saw us, but we’d move only a few yards and then hunker down. Eventually, we reached 35 yards. I nocked an arrow and got ready. We waited some time for the larger ram to stand up, and when he did, I shot him.” Should you embark on your own stone sheep hunt, block off a good portion of your calendar. Hunts are usually about 14 days, though Miranda said that some of those days are used for travel, riding on horseback to camp, setting up camp, and scouting. He said that you can expect about 10 full days of hunting. 3. Polar Bear With sheep out of the way, we turn to the ice dwellers up in the Arctic Circle. Not the docile, Coke-drinking, snuggly characters you’ve seen on TV and in magazine ads, polar bears are huge and very dangerous. “Alaskan brown bear and polar bear hunts are similar in cost, but flights make the polar bear more expensive,” Miranda said. “It takes six flights to reach Resolute Bay to hunt polar bears. Flights alone could run $7,000-8,000 today.” When you hunt polar bears, you get paired with some of the best Inuit hunters. “Inuit culture revolves around hunting and fishing,” Miranda said. “The companies that sell polar bear, walrus, arctic grizzly, and muskox hunts work with some of the best hunters in the Inuit world. Most of the guides speak pretty good English. In my experience, even the ones who don’t still find ways to communicate well.” Miranda’s polar bear hunt was in May 2007. “In May, the sun never set,” he said. “Hunting is legal around the clock as long as you can shoot without the aid of artificial light. I spent two nights in a hotel in Resolute Bay waiting for my guide. He advised me to get used to sleeping during the day and staying up at night. I ended up shooting my polar bear at around 4 a.m. “Polar bears don’t live on Islands like muskoxen,” Miranda continued. “They live on the sea ice and eat seals. Our sled dogs pulled us across the ice. We were constantly mushing, looking for tracks and scanning the horizon for bears.” During the first few days of Miranda’s hunt, the team had no luck. “My guide said not to worry and to be patient,” Miranda said. “He assured me there were a lot of places to keep looking and plenty of bears. Then, by the appearance of the sky, he knew a storm was coming in. He got on the radio and called back to town, and those on the other end confirmed his suspicions. We set up camp, and then we were stuck in a tent for two days. The winds blew at up to 80 mph, and the temperatures dipped to -70°F. We actually lost one of the sled dogs; it had frozen to death. “Once the storm subsided,” Miranda continued, “we located a bear track, and then we found the bear. The time-tested Inuit way to get within bow range of a polar bear is to turn the lead dog loose. The bear will run for some distance, but eventually it will stop to face the dog. Other dogs are also turned loose. When the bear stops, it usually does so by an ice jam. That allows the hunter to get close and positioned to shoot. That’s how I got my polar bear.” In case you didn’t know, the downside to a polar bear hunt is that you aren’t allowed to import your trophy back into the U.S. “Because you can’t bring polar bears into the U.S., most guys won’t go and hunt them,” Miranda explained. “In ways, it’s wrecking Inuit culture. Most of the $30,000 USD that’s spent on a polar bear hunt stays in the Inuit village. With fewer folks doing the hunt, it definitely impacts the Inuit people. Start Saving Most hunters will never traverse steep sheep country or mush across the Arctic ice. Reaching these places is a feat in itself, and then when you add up the costs to hunt sheep or polar bears, you’ll find that each hunt costs more than a really nice vehicle. But your God-given life only lasts so long. If you’re somewhat young and start stashing cash now, you could eventually have enough to pull off one of these hunts.

Post: 1 September 11:05

Hunting License FAQ: How to Get a Hunting License in the USA Whether you’re gearing up for your first deer season or planning a cross-country elk hunt, getting a hunting license is step one. But the process isn’t always straightforward—especially with different rules in every state. This guide answers the most common questions hunters ask online, with no fluff and no guesswork. --- ❓ Do I need a hunting license to hunt in the U.S.? Yes. In nearly every state, you must have a valid hunting license to legally hunt game animals. The license is issued by the wildlife agency of the state where you plan to hunt—not necessarily where you live. Some states also require additional permits or tags for specific species like deer, elk, turkey, or waterfowl A. --- 🧭 Where do I get a hunting license? You can buy a hunting license: • Online through your state’s wildlife agency website • At sporting goods stores (Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Walmart, etc.) • At state wildlife offices or designated vendors Most states now offer digital licenses that can be stored on your phone ю. --- 📅 When can I buy a hunting license? You can buy a license anytime, but it’s best to do it before the season opens. Some states have deadlines for special draw hunts or limited-entry tags. Regular licenses are usually available year-round. --- 🧒 What’s the minimum age to get a hunting license? Most states require hunters to be at least 12–14 years old to hunt alone. Youth under that age can often hunt with adult supervision. Some states allow kids as young as 10 to hunt small game with a licensed adult. Always check your state’s youth hunting rules. --- 🎓 Do I need a hunter education certificate? Yes—unless you’re exempt. Most states require first-time hunters to complete a hunter safety course. These courses cover firearm safety, wildlife laws, and ethical hunting practices. You’ll receive a Hunter Education Certificate, which is valid in all 50 states, Canada, and Mexico. You can take the course: • Online (self-paced, video-based) • In person (classroom + field day) • Hybrid (online + in-person test) Exemptions may apply for military veterans or hunters born before a certain year (varies by state). --- 💵 How much does a hunting license cost? License costs vary by state, residency, and species. Here’s a general breakdown: • Resident licenses: $10–$50 • Non-resident licenses: $80–$350+ • Big game tags (elk, bear, moose): $50–$700+ • Lifetime licenses: $380–$1,500 depending on age and state Example: • Texas resident license: $25 • Texas non-resident license: $315 • Colorado elk tag (non-resident): $700+ Always check your state’s wildlife agency for current pricing. --- 🦃 What animals require a license to hunt? Most game animals require a license, including: • Whitetail deer • Elk • Turkey • Bear • Waterfowl • Upland birds • Small game (rabbits, squirrels) Some states allow hunting of certain species (like bullfrogs or coyotes) without a license, but only under specific conditions. --- 🗺️ Can I use my hunting license in another state? No. Hunting licenses are state-specific. If you plan to hunt in multiple states, you’ll need a separate license for each. Some states offer short-term or trip licenses for non-residents. --- 🏞️ Do I need a license to hunt on private land? Usually, yes. Most states require a license even if you’re hunting on your own property. However, some states (like Alabama) exempt landowners from needing a license to hunt on their own land. --- 🧾 What documents do I need to apply? • State-issued ID or driver’s license • Social Security number (required in most states) • Hunter education certificate (if applicable) • Proof of residency (for resident license pricing) --- 🚫 Can a felon get a hunting license? Yes, but with restrictions. Felons can get a hunting license in most states, but they cannot legally possess firearms. That means they’re limited to archery or muzzleloader hunting unless state law says otherwise. --- 🧑‍🦽 Are there licenses for disabled hunters? Yes. Many states offer discounted or special-access licenses for disabled veterans and hunters with physical disabilities. These may include mobility accommodations, crossbow permits, or designated hunting zones. --- 🧠 Final Tips Before You Apply • Always check your state’s wildlife agency for the latest rules • Apply early for limited-entry hunts or lottery tags • Keep your hunter safety card in a safe place • Know your season dates, bag limits, and legal hunting methods • Don’t forget federal stamps for waterfowl (e.g., duck stamp) 🧭 How do I find my state’s hunting license website? Each U.S. state has its own wildlife or natural resources agency that manages hunting licenses. Here are a few examples: • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department – tpwd.texas.gov • Colorado Parks and Wildlife – cpw.state.co.us • New York Department of Environmental Conservation – dec.ny.gov • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission – myfwc.com • California Department of Fish and Wildlife – wildlife.ca.gov You can also search “[Your State] hunting license” in Google, and the official site is usually the first result. Be cautious of third-party sites that charge extra fees. --- 🦆 Do I need a federal duck stamp? Yes, if you plan to hunt migratory waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.), you must purchase a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp—commonly called the “duck stamp.” It costs $25 and is required in addition to your state hunting license and waterfowl permit. You can buy it: • Online at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website • At U.S. post offices • Through many state license portals --- 🧭 What’s the difference between a hunting license and a tag? A hunting license gives you the legal right to hunt in a state. A tag is species-specific and often required for big game like deer, elk, bear, or moose. Tags may be limited in number and issued through a lottery or draw system.

Post: 15 August 22:05

Red-Tailed Hawk: The Ideal Bird for Beginner Falconers Among the many raptors used in falconry, the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) stands out as the most accessible

Red-Tailed Hawk: The Ideal Bird for Beginner Falconers Among the many raptors used in falconry, the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) stands out as the most accessible and forgiving bird for newcomers. With its calm temperament, broad hunting capabilities, and adaptability to diverse environments, this North American native has earned its reputation as the go-to hawk for apprentice falconers. --- 📍 Why Red-Tailed Hawks Are Perfect for Beginners 1. Temperament and Trainability Red-tailed hawks are known for their docile nature, especially when compared to more temperamental species like goshawks or peregrines. They’re less prone to panic, easier to handle, and respond well to positive reinforcement. Their intelligence allows them to quickly associate cues with rewards, making them ideal for structured training. 2. Availability and Legal Access In the United States, red-tailed hawks are abundant and legally permitted for use by apprentice falconers under federal and state regulations. This accessibility simplifies the process of acquiring and working with one, especially during the two-year apprenticeship required by law. --- 🌎 Habitat and Distribution Red-tailed hawks are widely distributed across North America, from Alaska to Panama. They thrive in: • Forests • Deserts • Grasslands • Urban areas Their adaptability means they can hunt effectively in almost any terrain, making them suitable for falconers in both rural and suburban settings. --- 🧬 Physical Characteristics Red-Tailed Hawk • Size: 18–26 inches in length • Wingspan: 43–57 inches • Weight: 2–4 pounds • Tail: Distinctive reddish-brown, especially in adults • Vision: Up to 8x sharper than human eyesight Their broad wings and powerful build allow for soaring flight and perch-and-wait hunting, both ideal for falconry scenarios. --- 🥩 Diet and Hunting Behavior Red-tailed hawks are generalist predators, with a diet that includes: • Rabbits • Squirrels • Mice and voles • Snakes and lizards • Small birds They use two primary hunting techniques: • Glide-and-dive: Soaring high, then diving with precision • Perch-and-ambush: Waiting silently on a high vantage point before striking These methods make them effective in open fields, woodlands, and even agricultural zones. --- 🛠️ Falconry Training Techniques Red-Tailed Hawk Training a red-tailed hawk involves several key stages: 1. Manning This is the process of acclimating the bird to human presence. It involves: • Keeping the hawk hooded initially • Handling it daily on the glove • Gradually exposing it to new sights and sounds 2. Lure Training Red-Tailed Hawk Using a lure (often made to resemble prey), the hawk learns to associate it with food. This builds recall and hunting behavior. 3. Weight Management Maintaining the hawk’s optimal flying weight is crucial. Too heavy, and it won’t hunt; too light, and it may become stressed or unhealthy. 4. Flight Conditioning Daily flights build stamina and muscle. These are done in controlled environments using creance lines or telemetry for safety. 5. Simulated Hunts Using dummy prey or live quarry in a controlled setting helps the hawk develop real-world hunting instincts. --- 🏠 Housing and Care Red-Tailed Hawk Mews Setup A proper mews (raptor enclosure) should include: • Space for full wing extension • Perches of varying sizes • Good ventilation and security Daily Care • Feeding: Fresh meat (quail, mice, or rats) • Health Checks: Monitor for parasites, bumblefoot, and weight fluctuations • Enrichment: Puzzle feeders, varied perches, and flying exercises to prevent boredom. --- 🧠 Behavioral Traits in the Field Red-tailed hawks exhibit several traits that make them ideal for falconry: • Strong prey drive: They’re eager hunters with natural instincts • Calm demeanor: Less likely to bolt or panic • Vocalization: Their iconic raspy scream is often used in films to represent raptors • Longevity: Can live up to 20 years in captivity, offering a long-term partnership . --- ⚖️ Pros and Cons for Falconers ✅ Advantages • Easy to train • Adaptable to various environments • Versatile diet and hunting style • Legal for apprentices in many regions • Forgiving of beginner mistakes ❌ Limitations • Slower flight compared to falcons • Less agile in aerial pursuits • Can be easily distracted • Requires patience and consistency Despite these drawbacks, their reliability and resilience make them the best starting point for aspiring falconers. 🧠 Additional Verified Facts About Red-Tailed Hawks • Exceptional Eyesight: Red-tailed hawks can spot prey from over a mile away thanks to their highly developed vision. • Thermal Soaring: They use rising columns of warm air (thermals) to soar effortlessly while scanning for prey. • Monogamous Mating: These hawks typically mate for life and return to the same nesting site annually. • Nest Construction: Nests are built high in trees or on cliff ledges using sticks and twigs. Pairs often reuse and renovate the same nest year after year. • Cultural Symbolism: In Native American traditions, the red-tailed hawk symbolizes strength, courage, and wisdom. Its feathers are considered sacred. • Legal Protection: In the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, red-tailed hawks are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. • Longevity: They can live up to 20 years in the wild and even longer in captivity. The oldest recorded red-tailed hawk lived over 30 years. • Vocalization: Their iconic raspy scream is frequently used in movies and TV to represent raptors. --- 🏹 Final Thoughts З For those entering the world of falconry, the Red-tailed Hawk offers a balance of power, patience, and practicality. Its forgiving nature, broad hunting capabilities, and widespread availability make it the ideal bird for beginner falconers. With proper care, training, and respect, this majestic raptor becomes not just a hunting partner, but a lifelong companion in the field.

Post: 8 August 21:52

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