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How to Hunt Rabbits without a Hunting Dog
Hunting rabbits has been an all-time favorite sport of mine, as with many other hunters that I know. Every hunter has his own reason for hunting the little critters. If you’re a seasoned hunter like me, then you’ll know that hunting rabbits is as fun as it is a profitable hobby.
How to Hunt Quail Like a Pro? Follow These Tips
Hunting may seem like an out-dated hobby to many, but for those with experience on a hunt of any variety, it is an unrivaled recreational activity which offers participants a chance to exercise, commune with natural habitats, and occasionally, dine on the fruits of their labor. If you are interested in hunting but have little experience, we suggest you begin by learning how to hunt quail, a ubiquitous and delicious species found across the United States and the World.
To hunt quail successfully, you must know the most common varieties of quail, their appearance, their habitat, and what to do with the appropriate equipment once you have located a covey, a group of quail, in the wild. As we will describe below, the properly equipped hunter can locate and bait quail according to their preferred method and safely operate a shotgun loaded with the appropriately sized ammunition. Then, with a touch of luck, you may watch a delicious dinner flutter to the ground.
The Types Of Quail
In the United States alone, there are many varieties of quail you may encounter depending on which region of the country you are planning your hunt in. We have briefly described the most common types of quail along with some helpful information regarding their appearance and habitats below.
The Bobwhite Quail
This is by far the most common type of quail in the United States. Its population is concentrated in the Midwestern states but it can also be found throughout the American South and in Mexico. The bobwhite quail is easy to identify as its brownish body is topped off by a telltale white streak along the length of their heads. They can be found in sparsely wooded areas with easy access to grassy fields in which they feed across the country.
The Button Quail
Button quail are native to Asia, Australia, and sub-Sharan Africa, but they are being bred more often in North America in the 21st century. Button quail prefer a sandy habitat with access to wooded areas as opposed to the grassy terrain preferred by the bobwhite quail. Their appearance varies by region but generally includes brown and black tones perforated by yellowish spots.
The California Quail
As the name implies, the California quail is concentrated in the Western United States with some populations extending over the Rocky Mountains into the Midwestern states. It prefers a habitat similar to that of the bobwhite quail and can be distinguished primarily by the bluish tint found on its stomach.
The Japanese Quail
Like the button quail, the Japanese quail is not native to the United States, but it is being bred in North America at this point. Japanese quail look very similar to button quail but they have a rounder body and a whitish stomach.
How To Hunt Quail: Where And When
Unfortunately, quail populations have been on the decline in recent decades as the species' habitat has become more and more sparse. This situation makes opportunities to hunt quail less abundant and hence more valuable. If you look carefully, you will still have the opportunity to learn where and how to hunt quail most effectively.
Quail Habitat
When to Hunt Quail
Tactics
Your Gear
No hunt is successful without the necessary preparations. Before you set out to hunt, especially if you are new to the sport and just learning how to hunt quail, ensure you have checked the weather report, researched the terrain in which you will hunt, and brought enough provisions to perform in the field comfortably.
Safety
Firearms
Avoid Rifles and Bows
Protective Clothing
Miscellaneous
Conclusion
If you are eager to learn how to hunt quail, you are taking the first steps toward a thrilling recreational journey which often morphs into an obsession. To ensure your first experiences are rewarding and successful, you must know to look for quail in their unique habitat: areas that feature grassy fields and wooded hiding spots. Once you know where to look, you must be prepared with the proper clothing, equipment, and firearms. If you internalize the advice above, then you now know how to hunt quail.
Featured Image: Image by Sean Echelbarger from Pixabay
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What Does it Mean When Coyotes Howl Alone or Together?
Have you ever heard a coyotes howl? It’s a sound unlike any other, especially if you are unfamiliar with the animal or its calls. Whether alone or in a group, the howl of a coyote is one of the most compelling sounds that can be heard in the wild.
Nowadays, even urban dwellers might wake up in the middle of the night to the sound of a coyote howling, barking, yipping or making another of the many sounds these perseverant canines make. The coyote is not called the song dog for no reason! But what do the coyote’s vocalizations mean?
Chances are good that if you have heard one coyote call out then you have most likely heard others respond. A pack of coyotes gives the night a chorus unlike any other animal. So this brings us to the question:
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The Fundamentals of Catching Coyotes | 5 Useful and Effective Tips
First thing’s first, what are coyotes and why do you want to get rid of them? Coyotes are canids native to North America that are very much like wolves and are considered predatory. Why do you want to trap them? Although it can happen, coyotes rarely attack people. However, coyotes can be a problem for livestock and domestic pets, especially if you own a farm with animals. In this article, I will be talking about how to trap a coyote in the most efficient way possible.
A Guide For Choosing The Best Hunting GPS
When you leave home to head out on the hunt, you tap into a set of primal skills. You don’t have to rely on human ingenuity and skill to be a successful hunter, though. With a hunting GPS system, you have better odds of locating game. You also decrease your chances of getting lost far from civilization. Regardless of your hunting goals, investing in a GPS is an excellent idea.
As you likely know, there are dozens of hunting GPS devices on the market today. Not all are a good use of your hunting funds, however. How do you know the difference between an exceptional GPS and an inferior one? That’s where we come in.
In this article, we provide some general information about how to choose the best hunting GPS for your needs. We also review of few excellent devices. Continue reading to see which systems made our rankings.
Hunting GPS FAQs
Our goal is to provide you with honest, reliable and useful information. Before identifying the best hunting GPS, you should know a few things about these systems. Here are answers to five of the questions we hear most frequently.
1. What Is a Hunting GPS?
A global positioning system uses satellites, a receiver and a mathematical algorithm to determine location and speed. When used for hunting, these systems offer detailed location, navigation, tracking, mapping and timing information to the sporting enthusiast. The data delivered by a hunting GPS can also help emergency responders locate hunters during crisis situations.
2. How Does a Hunting GPS Work?
Earth has hundreds of satellites circling it. Some of these satellites send signals to a GPS receiver located on the planet’s surface. These receivers can be in vehicles, hand-held devices or other places. For the GPS receiver to display accurate information, it must receive a signal from at least four satellites. As satellites orbit the planet, they relay information to the device. The device uses an algorithm to process data from multiple satellites and deliver accurate geospatial information to the GPS user.
3. Why Do Hunters Use GPS Devices?
Hunters often venture far from civilization in search of the perfect game. Because wilderness areas can be vast, maze-like places, hunters need assistance navigating them. They also use technology to track game. Moreover, if hunters get lost during their outdoor adventure, they use GPS information to notify emergency services of their locations. While old-fashioned paper maps are useful, they often fall short of the effectiveness of modern GPS devices.
4. Where Can You Buy a Hunting GPS?
Hunting GPS devices are available for purchase in a variety of places. Most sporting goods stores sell these systems. Likewise, virtually all big-box stores have some hunting GPS equipment for sale. If you prefer to shop online, you can likely purchase your GPS directly through the manufacturer’s website. Alternatively, you may choose to browse for a hunting GPS on a third-party site, such as Amazon or eBay. If you do, be sure you only order from a reliable seller.
5. How Much Does a Hunting GPS Cost?
GPS devices vary in cost considerably. Not all systems are appropriate for hunting enthusiasts, though. Even among hunting GPS devices, price tags range from as low as $100 to more than $500. To help you budget effectively for your next device, we discuss overall pricing in greater detail later in this article.
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How We Reviewed Hunting GPS Devices
For hunters to succeed, they must have the right equipment. In the modern era, a hunting GPS device is essential equipment. We understand there are dozens of devices on the market. Since not every device is worthy of your time or money, we developed a ranking of the best hunting GPS devices. We want to give you useful information, so we didn’t only look at published materials and marketing information for the hunting GPS units on our list. Instead, we read through dozens of professional and amateur reviews. Whether an actual user of a device loves or hates it, we tell you about it.
For a hunting GPS to be good, it must work in remote areas. Still, connectivity isn’t the only criteria we considered when developing our rankings. To earn a spot on our list of the best hunting GPS devices, each unit must excel in the following areas:
- Being easy to use is important, as hunters must keep their attention focused on safety and accuracy.
- Having good satellite reception is necessary for devices to deliver reliable, accurate information to hunters.
- Delivering fast information is critical for helping hunters find trails and locate game.
- Having updated mapping software is vital for keeping hunters on the right track.
- Featuring a variety of maps is essential for hunters to venture into areas that are off the beaten path.
- Providing additional accessories is advantageous for hunters to get the most out of their GPS devices.
- Costing a reasonable price and including a decent warranty is important for allowing hunters to have the right gear for meeting their hunting goals.
Our list ranks the best hunting GPS devices. To give you even more information, we have assigned each device with a ranking on a five-point scale. You can use these ratings to see how closely we think a device is to the one before and after it on our list.
Overall Price Range of Hunting GPS Devices
We mentioned in our FAQ section above that hunting GPS devices vary wildly in cost. As you may suspect, the more a device costs, generally the more features it has. If you fork over hundreds of dollars for a GPS unit, you can likely expect it to have the following options:
- Large screen
- Water-resistant case
- Modern mapping software
- Detail mapping information
- Linking capabilities
- Additional accessories
- Impressive warranty
While you can spend nearly $1,000 for a hunting GPS, you don’t have to invest a small fortune in a good one. Most of the devices we reviewed cost between $150 and $400. To get the most bang for your buck, you must think about your GPS needs. You likely don’t need a military-grade unit. Instead, you should probably choose a device that is good at mapping the areas you go to most frequently.
In our rankings, we give you a pricing estimate for each device. Remember, though, you should only use our pricing to get a general idea of how much each GPS costs to buy. Since pricing changes frequently, plan to check with a device seller for accurate, real-time pricing information.
The Top 5 Best Hunting GPS Devices: Rankings, Ratings and Reviews
To avoid overloading you with information, we have limited our list to five hunting GPS devices. While our list is comprehensive, it is far from exhaustive. As such, you may decide to purchase a GPS that didn’t make our rankings. That’s fine. Our goal is to provide you with accurate information you can use to make a smart purchase.
Here are the five best hunting GPS devices in our opinion.
Garmin Oregon 600 3-Inch Worldwide Handheld GPS
- 3-Inch sunlight-readable, touchscreen display with multi-touch capability
- Dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite positioning
- Sensors (3-axis compass, accelerometer, barometric altimeter)
The clear standout hunting GPS is the Garmin Oregon 600. This system has a 3-inch touchscreen display. This makes it both readable and useful. Still, the device isn’t so large that it is difficult to carry. Instead, it comes in a compact, weather-resistant casing that easily packs alongside your existing hunting gear.
Technologically speaking, the Garmin Oregon 600 is formidable. This system uses dual-band GPS/GLONASS satellite position to help you quickly locate your position regardless of where you are. The GPS’s three sensors and ANT or Bluetooth connectivity make it ideal for hunters who want to pair the system with other devices.
When you buy the Garmin Oregon 600, you get a worldwide base map. You can, however, download dozens of other area-specific maps. The Oregon 600 runs on regular batteries, making it easy to keep the system charged. If you want, though, you can purchase a chargeable battery to power the device.
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Garmin GPSMAP 64s Worldwide with High-Sensitivity GPS and GLONASS...
- Sunlight Readable 2.6 inch color display; Expanded Internal Memory 4GB
- Display type is transflective, 65k color tft; Display resolution is 160 x 240 pixels
- DUAL BATTERY SYSTEM Use with 2 traditional AA batteries, or the optional rechargeable NiMH battery pack that can be...
The second hunting GPS on our list could easily have been the first. The Garmin GPSMAP 64s high-sensitivity system is a good device. Interestingly, the device comes in different levels. You can buy the base model for a bare-bones GPS device or opt for a fully-loaded alternative.
We ranked the Garmin GPSMAP below the Oregon 600 due to a lack of touchscreen. We think nowadays most users expect devices to have touchscreens. Still, this device has some features that the Oregon 600 lacks. For example, you can share tracking information with other Garmin users with just the touch of a button.
The Garmin GPSMAP is compatible with most smartphones. It also runs on regular AA batteries, which are easy to replace. If you want, though, you can upgrade the power system to an NiMH pack. This pack charges when connected to a power outlet, computer or other devices.
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Magellan eXplorist 310 Fishing Hot Spots Bundle
- The World Edition includes detailed road network, water features, urban and rural land use
- Brilliant, Sunlight Readable Color Screen.A vibrant 2.2" color transflective screen provides the best readability in...
- Topographic map of 9 US Regions
The Magellan Explorist 310 is a basic hunting GPS. That’s what makes it so cool. You don’t have to worry about toggling through several screens or different features with this device. Instead, you get accurate mapping information that is simple to understand and analyze.
The Explorist 310 has a color LCD screen that delivers good contrast. It does not, however, have a touchscreen. If you prefer to navigate by touching the surface of your GPS, this isn’t the system for you. If, however, you want a waterproof, accurate, heavy-duty GPS at an affordable price, you will likely love the Magellan Explorist 310.
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Garmin eTrex 30x, Handheld GPS Navigator with 3-axis Compass, Enhanced...
- UPGRADED DISPLAY Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320...
- LOAD MORE MAPS Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO...
- PRELOADED BASEMAP Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief
The fourth hunting GPS on our list is another Garmin device. That makes sense, as Garmin has long been a leader in manufacturing top-notch tracking equipment. The company’s eTrex 30X gives you a basic map and decent functionality. Before you head out hunting, though, you must download a map upgrade, as the included map misses many wilderness trails.
We like this device for its three-axis tilt compass. This helps track your position precisely. Even better, the eTrex 30X has a microSD slot that allows you to input maps and other information without connecting the device to a computer.
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Garmin eTrex 20x, Handheld GPS Navigator, Enhanced Memory and...
- UPGRADED DISPLAY - Features a 2.2” 65K color sunglight readable display offering increased resolution (240 x 320...
- LOAD MORE MAPS - Large 3.7 GB of internal memory and microSD card slot lets you load a variety of maps, including TOPO...
- PRELOADED BASEMAP - Includes a worldwide basemap with shaded relief. Display size:1.4 x 1.7 inches
When you head out on a hunting trip, you take a significant amount of gear with you. When you are trying to find location information, you may not want to hold a device in your hands. The fifth hunting GPS on our list is the first one that straps onto your wrist. As such, the Garmin Foretrex 401 keeps your hands free to perform other tasks.
This device is both rugged and waterproof. It also has an industrial look to it. Therefore, you can’t expect a fancy colored touchscreen. Instead, you get the mapping information you need by looking at a readable yet black-and-white screen. In addition to the wrist strap, this GPS system shines with its precision and usability. Once you learn how to read it, you are virtually certain to navigate like a pro.
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The Verdict: There Are Some Excellent Hunting GPS Devices On The Market Today
In our opinion, the Garmin Oregon 600 is the best hunting GPS available for purchase. Still, we honestly don’t think you can go wrong by choosing any of the devices on our survey. Each GPS unit we reviewed has some clear advantages. To choose the right one for you, you must think about your hunting style and navigational goals.
Again, while our list of the best hunting GPS devices is comprehensive, we wanted it to be brief enough to be useful. Therefore, whether you decide to invest in a GPS that made our rankings or a different unit, we hope you use the information in this article to make a confident purchase.
7 Must-Haves You Cannot Forget on Your Next Hunting Excursion
If you’re looking for the things that will take your hunting to the next level, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve found the 7 must-haves you cannot forget on your next hunting excursion.
How We Chose Our Gadgets
We won’t take too much of your time explaining how we found the gear we’re reviewing. Just know that we did a lot of research and took the advice of experienced hunters who had used the items extensively in the field. Without further ado, here are the 7 must-haves you cannot forget on your next hunting excursion.
Tactical RUSH72 Backpack
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The RUSH72 is more than just a backpack. It was designed to hold at least 72 hours-worth of supplies and equipment, with pouches and compartments created with hunters and campers in mind.
The front compartment is fleece-lined to protect your valuable documents, as well as your phone or other electronic devices. The main body of the bag has mesh storage compartments with zipper and elastic closures, allowing you to keep your supplies organized and easy to reach.
Between the front compartment and the main body of the bag is an expandable compartment that’s big enough to stow a jacket, blanket, or helmet. A rear hydration compartment features hose ports and routing so you can stay hydrated on the go.
The Tactical RUSH72 backpack is the highest-rated hunting pack on Amazon. Hunters, campers, and outdoorsmen rave about the size and durability of the pack, and the comfort of the shoulder and waist straps. The backpack has made it through baggage handlers, survival training, cross-country motorcycle trips, and more.
RUSH makes other sizes of tactical backpacks as well if you need something smaller. The RUSH24 has the same features, but with the capacity for shorter trips. If you’re a serious hunter, though, the RUSH72 is the perfect pack for you.
Garmin Xero A1
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The Xero A1 is an auto-ranging, digital, laser bow sight from Garmin. A quiet, single-button trigger allows you to range targets at rest or full draw. The laser rangefinder automatically measures the distance to a target, adjusting for the angle. The sight then projects a virtual LED pin over the target that’s only visible to you.
The LED pin adjusts its brightness depending on the ambient lighting. You can customize the settings to allow multiple pins to be placed at a time, or to place the pins yourself manually. The size of the pins is adjustable as well.
The version we reviewed is for right-handed hunters, but there are lefty and ambidextrous versions as well. The laser sight mounts directly to your bow, so you don’t have to mess around with your rangefinder one-handed. It uses two lithium AAA batteries, which aren’t included, and has a battery life of one year.
Some states or parks have restrictions on using automatic rangefinders while bowhunting, so you should check the regulations in the state in which you’re planning to hunt.
Xplat Reloading and Ballistic App
Xplat developed an app for Android phones that gives you all the ballistics information you could possibly need at a very low price. The app is designed to work with hand-loading ammunition, providing an archived data bank that can determine the velocity, sectional density, ballistic co-efficiency, and trajectory of your cartridges.
Using the powder charge, bullet weight, and other details about your ammo, the Xplat app can tell you the maximum range limits on specific animals based on their size and can help you hit your target by knowing the drop and wind drift.
You can buy single-purpose handheld devices or books that give you the same information, but they’ll cost you ten times as much as this app, plus you’ll need to pack an extra device. With the Xplat app on your phone, you don’t need to worry about carrying the extra weight.
There is both a lite version and a pro version of the app. The pro version comes pre-loaded with the data entered by other users, making it even easier for you to find the exact information you’re looking for.
ThermaCELL Portable Mosquito Repeller
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Mosquitos and other biting insects are the banes of any outdoor excursion. ThermaCELL’s lightweight, portable mosquito repeller keeps the insects at bay without alerting your game to your presence with telltale smells of something unnatural in the field.
Odorless butane gas cartridges heat a repellent pad, which is available in scentless and natural earth scented varieties. The device creates a 15-foot protection zone around you or your blind. Each fuel cartridge lasts for 12 hours, and the scent pads each last four.
When you buy the ThermaCELL, you’ll receive three free scentless repellent pad refills in addition to the fuel cartridge. You can purchase refill packs at extremely reasonable prices.
The device can be mounted to a tree or blind, or clipped on to your pack or jacket. They’re available in a variety of colors and patterns to match your camo or environment.
The ThermaCELL device is one of the most highly-rated mosquito repellers on Amazon. Customers confirm that the repellent pads don’t spook deer or other animals, while still keeping the area mosquito-free. It works very quickly, and though it does heat up a bit, it wasn’t enough to cause discomfort. Many customers described it as the best invention ever.
Burris Eliminator
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The Burris Eliminator is a professional-grade rifle laser scope by one of the most trusted names in the business. It takes all of the guesswork out of aiming and ballistics.
The scope has a rangefinder and ballistic calculator built-in. You can preprogram it with the information for your rifle and ammunition to get precise information. The targeting information compensates for wind speed and direction for the highest level of accuracy possible.
The lightweight design of the scope won’t add any bulk to your rifle at only 1.8 pounds. One press of the button projects a virtual red dot within the scope. All you have to do is move the dot over the target and squeeze the trigger—the scope has already made all the necessary adjustments.
Customers rave about how easy the Eliminator is to set up and use. Even an ex-Special Forces Sniper Instructor was pleased with the accuracy and found it much more convenient and precise than anything he’d used before.
Firefly Wind Detector
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The Firefly is the most advanced and accurate hand-held wind detector, which is why so many hunters know the brand name.
This handy little device can detect air movements so slight they’re undetectable by human senses, down to one inch per second. It’s capable of sampling over 512 readings per second and will report its findings in three seconds. The Firefly weighs less than three ounces, even with batteries, and is only four inches tall.
Despite the small size, the Firefly is durable enough to operate in temperatures between -35 degrees and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s worth the investment. The batteries will last up to 500 uses.
The model we reviewed came in a camo pattern that will keep it from drawing attention, no matter how close your game is. You can activate the Firefly with just a single button-press, minimizing your movements. Happy customers reported that the Firefly works great and couldn’t be any easier to use.
Ozonics Scent Eliminator
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Last but certainly not least, the Ozonics Scent Eliminator is one of the most essential gadgets this hunting season.
This little machine converts oxygen molecules to ozone and then projects those molecules downwind. When they bind with scent molecules, they completely erase any smell you put off to the surrounding animals.
The Ozonics comes with a mount, so you can attach it to the tree or roof of your blind, or set it on the ground. It only weighs 1.6 ounces, so it won’t weigh down your pack or destabilize your blind. Both the switches and the machine itself are virtually silent, and the 12-volt rechargeable battery can last up to five hours.
Customers were shocked by how well the Ozonics machine works. There were many anecdotes about deer and other game coming within a few feet of the hunter without detecting his scent. There were even pictures of victorious hunters with their trophies to prove it!
Conclusion
While some hunters still prefer to do things the old-fashioned way, there’s no reason not to take advantage of these gadgets. All of the gear we reviewed was designed for hunters, by hunters. Giving yourself an extra edge over your prey is well worth the cost.
While we only reviewed one specific model of each gadget on our list, most of them come in multiple styles at different price points. You can choose the version that fits your needs and budget.
Now that you know the 7 must-haves you cannot forget on your next hunting excursion, there’s nothing stopping you from having a successful hunt!
5 Tips to Maximize Your Success This Hunting Season – Learn From The Expert
Whether you’re a newbie hunter, or you’re just looking to brush up on your skills, we’ve got everything you need in our 5 tips to maximize your success this hunting season.
Bring the Right Gear.
The gear you need to bring with you will be dependent on the type of game you’re hunting, and the location and time of year. Packing the right kit is essential to maximize your success this hunting season.
Standard Gear
There are some items you should bring with you regardless of when, where, or what you’re hunting.
- A safety orange hunting vest to keep you from being accidentally shot by another hunter.
- A headlamp allows you to stay out into the evening, and some versions use dim lights to avoid being noticed by animals.
- Even if you only plan to be out a couple of hours, you should pack food and water. A reusable water bottle is both environmentally friendly and quieter than cheap disposable plastic bottles. Power bars make a great, portable snack that will give you enough energy to make it through the hunt.
- A battery pack that can charge your GPS, cell phone, and car battery should be another standard piece of kit you bring on hunting trips.
- A good set of binoculars will help you spot hidden game from further away, reducing the chance of them seeing you first.
- If you’re going to field-dress the animal, you’ll need a rope and at least one knife (though many veteran hunters recommend bringing two).
Deer/Autumn/Winter Hunting Gear
For cold-weather hunting, you’ll need gear that will keep you from freezing to death.
- Warm camouflage clothing and thick warm socks will be your best defense against the cold.
- High-quality waterproof boots are mandatory, even if you don’t plan on walking through water. You never know when the weather might change and you get caught in a rainstorm.
- A facemask and gloves will protect you from the cold, and you can get them in camouflage patterns to help you stay hidden.
- Scent elimination spray will help you mask your smell from scaring off the deer. Experienced hunters recommend spraying yourself and your blind every couple of hours.
Spring/Summer Hunting
If your region has game hunting seasons in the spring or summer, your gear list will be a little different.
- Sunscreen is a must, even if you don’t typically get sunburns.
- A lightweight poncho or rain jacket will protect you from sporadic spring rains, and there are many versions designed to compress into a tiny pouch for easy packing.
- An ample supply of insect repellant is the only way you’ll stay sane in the woods, especially if you’re out past dark or overnight.
Physically and Mentally Prepare Yourself.
Hunting involves much more than standing in one place and firing a gun. Hunters often hike for miles through the woods while tracking an animal or finding a good blind spot. Before you go out on your hunt, work on your walking endurance by taking hikes or running on a treadmill. If you can hike in the same area you’ll be hunting in, that will build your endurance and get you used to the terrain.
Physical Preparations
If you’re hunting medium or large game like deer or elk, you have to prepare to carry that animal out of the woods and back to your vehicle. Lifting weights are one way to increase your carrying strength, or you can do bodyweight exercises like pushups.
If you’re traveling into the wilderness to hunt, you’ll need to do a lot more to prepare yourself. For instance, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game recommends that you begin a physical conditioning program at least four to six months before your hunt.
Hunting in a place like Alaska typically requires you to be able to carry a pack weighing ¼ of your body weight, plus the weight of your kill. You’ll need to be able to carry this stuff up and down mountains, through extremely rough terrain, and possibly even through streams or rivers. It could storm or snow, areas could flood, or sections of the trail could be washed out.
Mental Preparations
In addition to the physical demands of hunting, you need to prepare for the psychological strain you could face out on your hunt. Even if you’re only traveling a couple of miles from your home, if you’ve never hunted or killed before, you can’t be sure how you’ll react.
You’ll also need to prepare for the possibility that you’ll miss your shots—a lot. How will you react if you’ve spent several days tracking an animal, then when you finally have it in your sights, your bullet or arrow misses the mark? A successful hunter will shrug off the disappointment and keep going.
The mental fortitude needed to survive a wilderness hunt, particularly in rough weather, can’t be overstated. What will you do if you’re trapped in your tent for several days by a blizzard or torrential downpour? Do you have the willpower to keep going after walking for miles and miles in cold temperatures and driving winds?
Choose Your Weapon Wisely.
It’s crucial that you choose the right weapon and ammunition for the type of game you’re hunting. If you’re going out with more experienced hunters, follow their lead and use whatever arms they suggest. If you’re hunting alone or with fellow newbies, do some research to find out what works best for the hunt you’re going on.
Game Size and Type
A smaller game requires smaller ammo, for the most part. The speed and habitat of the animal will also affect the type of weapon you should use. A .22-gauge rifle or even a powerful air gun can be used on small game, and won’t destroy the meat by filling it with lead or blowing it to pieces.
Hunting Style
If you’re hunting from a blind or tree stand, you might want to choose a weapon that allows you to hit your target from far away. You’ll also need something that packs a big enough punch to take the animal down in one shot, so you don’t have to climb down and chase after it. A medium to large caliber rifle should do the trick.
If you’re hunting from close range or firing into shrubs or trees, you’ll want a short-range weapon or one that shoots in a spread like a shotgun.
Skill Level
Bowhunting is popular with outdoorsmen and hunting enthusiasts, but it requires a lot of skill. If you’re a first-time hunter, you probably won’t want to use a bow unless you’ve trained in archery before.
There are also hunting handguns, which are more powerful than self-defense handguns. They require a lot of practice and skill to use accurately, though.
Overall Best Choice
If you want something versatile, that you can use for multiple types of the game without spending a ton of time training on it, a hunting rifle is your best bet. Bolt-action rifles are great for beginners, and you can find ammo and accessories for them in any hunting or sporting goods store.
Be Quiet.
You’ll never catch anything if you scare the animals away by crashing through the woods. There are specific techniques for walking quietly through different types of terrain without alerting game to your presence.
Practice standing absolutely still for long periods of time—at least five minutes. If you accidentally make a loud noise during your hunt, you’ll want to stop everything and wait several minutes while standing as still as possible. A lot of game has poor eyesight, so even if your noise alerts them, they may not be able to see if you if you stand still.
Take short, light steps when you’re walking through dead leaves or thick underbrush. If you’re in a hurry, such as when you’re chasing down an animal, sprint for 10-20 yards at a time, taking those light steps, and pause for a few seconds in between sprints.
Use Your Tracking Skills.
Scouting can make all the difference. If you’re able to scope out the area ahead of time, it could provide useful information about where the animals gather. If you can’t spend time scouting, you should at least research the location and look for scouting tips from other hunters who have been there.
If you’re planning on stalking your game, rather than using a blind or stand, some simple tracking skills will serve you well. Learn how to determine how fresh an animal’s tracks are, and what other signs to look for.
When you find fresh tracks, move cautiously. Animals are always aware of their back trail, so they’ll be looking, smelling, and listening to what’s behind them. Move slowly, with frequent pauses so that they won’t see or hear you, and stay downwind.
Whether you’re stalking, driving, or hunting from a blind, you need to watch the animal for as long as possible before taking your shot. Learn how the animal moves and try to anticipate where and how fast it’ll be moving. Don’t just shoot where the animal currently is; shoot where it will be.
We hope our 5 tips to maximize your success this hunting season help you get out there and start hunting!
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Survival Shelters: 10 Best Designs and How to Build Them?
Hunting in the wild, it is not impossible for us to lose our way or be caught in a situation where we need to stay in the forest longer than we planned. Sometimes, we even plan to camp in the wilderness for a longer game stakeout. Whichever of these situations you might be in, knowing how to build a survival shelter is a very helpful thing. Shelter is very important especially if you are facing mother nature’s unpredictable behavior. We may not have put much thought to it but having a shelter especially in emergency situations makes a big difference on your survival. A shelter can protect you from the rain, snow, heat of the sun, hot and cold temperatures, wind, and even from insects or wild animals. Being able to build an effective one is a very important outdoor skill.
Now that we know how important survival shelters are, then let’s go and learn how to build them. Here are 10 best designs of survival shelters and how to build them.
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How to Make a Knife: DIY on 3 Different Types of Knives
There are many different types of knives, each, with their own specific purposes. There are chef knives, utility knives, boning knives, hunting knives, and many more. In hunting three types of knives that can be very convenient and useful to bring are tactical knife, survival knife, and hunting knife. As a hunter, being able to make our own knives which we can use for our future hunting activities is not only a very rewarding task but it is also a very productive way to use our spare time. Think about having a very enjoying and rewarding recreational time for yourself while having a product that is customized for you that you can use for a long time – exciting right? Then let’s put that excitement into work. In this article, I will discuss how to make a knife: DIY on 3 different types of knives. We will use the three types of hunting knives that I have mentioned above. Before we proceed, let us first have some knowledge about these three knives and the materials that we are going to use to make them.
Interesting Ways to Know How Long Do Wild Turkeys Live?
Being a favored food of the Native Americans for as early as the 1500’s, wild turkeys are one of the games that hunters sought after the most. Wild turkeys symbolize abundance and is often served as the main course representing successful harvest in the North America. As turkey hunters, it is important that we know some facts about our game. It does not only give us advantage in hunting but it also ignites our interest on our prey. In this article, I will discuss some fascinating facts about wild turkeys and provide information on how long do wild turkeys live.
