Hunting Tips

Hunting Basics

Binoculars Are an Investment
Don’t be cheap when it comes to buying binoculars. While pocket sized binoculars can be cute and convenient,  full-sized binoculars with large objective lenses will allow you to see better in dim lighting situations, such as dusk and dawn, when game is the most active. Buy the best you can possibly afford. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

Don’t be a Bore
Don't rely on bore-sighting for rifle accuracy. Gunsmiths often use a device called a ‘collimator’ to approximately align a scope’s crosshairs with the rifle bore, but this is generally only accurate enough to hit a target at 25 yards.

Deer Hunting

Hunt Where They Feed
Deer move to food sources after a period of stormy weather ends. Immediately after bad weather, hunt wherever trails lead to feeding areas. Does and fawns will want to feed and bucks will not be far behind.

Don’t Over-Rattle
Deer often joust for short periods of time, so try to mimic the real effect with shorter bursts of rattling. Rattling for too long will seem unnatural and actually spook the deer.

Set Up Early
It is best to set up blinds, hang tree stands and cut shooting lanes at least a full month before you plan to hunt. After a month, big bucks will be accustomed to the changes you made and will return to their old turf. Also, a week before the hunt make sure that feeders, water, and other hot spots are checked for good sight which allows a good shot.

Big Game Hunting

Wind Management
Scent control is a must when hunting elk. But the most important thing that hunters should learn about controlling their scent is not masking their scent or blocking their scent — it’s wind management. If the wind is blowing from the elk to you, they will not smell you. Be mindful of the wind, always.

Game Bird Hunting

Load for Doves
When dove hunting, the proper load of your shells should be 71/2 to 9 which are smaller shot sizes. It only takes a few pellets to bring down a dove and there are more pellets per load with these smaller shot sizes.

Grouse Like Routine
Ruffed grouse like routine, so you can easily predict their behavior. They typically get up late and fly into a feeding area or along a road to pick gravel. They won’t be active in the afternoon, but they then will go back to feeding in the evening, and roost in the same area.

Predator & Varmint Hunting

Importance of Position
When first setting up, look for an elevated area with cover such as rocks, brush, etc. Leave open areas in front and downwind of your stand. Ideally, you want the animal to cross one of these open areas when they respond to your call. Also, be wary for nearby draws, as predators will come up the draw without being seen.

Turkey Hunting

Be an Early Bird
Don’t sleep late. While it’s true that turkeys move during all hours of the day, dawn is the most often the time that yields the best results. Early to bed and early to rise can certainly get you the turkey.

Gundogs

Make Time for Play
Raising and training a young gundog is fun and rewarding, but remember that it's not all work. One of the best ways to build a strong bond between you and your new puppy is through play. Too many new dog owners start immediately with intense training but a young bird dog has the best chance of success when they are confident and comfortable in the field. So take time to do fun things like running or exploring outside and you will increase your chances of having an excellent gun dog.

Waterfowl

Spread Out Decoys
Set goose decoys about 10 feet apart and face them in random directions. This creates a more natural look, and it also offers lots of room for incoming birds to land within the spread. You’ll also need fewer decoys for better results.

Refresh Your Camo
Whether you have a coffin blind, layout boat, or pit, make sure it is camouflaged adequately throughout the season (not just at the beginning of the season). Regularly place fresh, natural brush on your blind and pay attention to details so nothing shiny or ‘unnatural’ is apparent.

Archery

Reality Check
Give your bow a reality check. Practice pulling your bow and holding it steady for 30 seconds to simulate waiting for a deer to step clear of a bush. Many bowhunters may find that their bow poundage is set too high

Dealing with Cold Weather
Layer your clothing. The first layer should keep moisture away from your skin, while the next layer (or layers, depending on the temperature) should be lightweight wool sweater. Your outer layer should be a quiet, free-moving camo material that blocks the wind and is also water resistant.

Don’t Leave Home Without Them
Always take your pruners and folding saw when you are in the woods. A few minutes spent trimming shooting lanes can make the difference between a successful hunt or a missed opportunity.

Reloading & Gun Maintenance

Starting in Handloading
When you want to get started in handloading your own ammunition, your first purchase should be reloading manuals (plural). Buy more than one instructional manual because each will include common guidelines on safety, equipment lists, etc. But each will also include unique ideas and instruction.