Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

The Great American Outdoor Show will take place from February 3rd to 11th this year in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This iconic outdoor show has been taking place for decades, and every year, outdoorsmen from across the Midwest and East Coast head to the show to buy new gear, book hunting trips, and listen to seminar speakers share hunting tips.

One well-known outdoor brand that will have a booth at the show this year is Redneck Blinds. One of their top dealers, Esh’s Storage Barns out of Chambersburg Pennsylvania will be representing Redneck Blinds at the show. Redneck Blinds will be at booth number 933.

A Totally Different Perspective-

Buying a new blind can be overwhelming. A new deer blind is expensive and knowing what blind to choose can be a daunting task. There are deer blinds with just horizontal windows, some with horizontal and vertical. Some blinds are insulated; some are not. The goal of Esh’s storage barns is to help hunters choose the perfect blind for them. “We love talking to potential customers about what type of deer blind fits their needs,” said Bill Barling, Manager of Esh’s Storage Barns. “We have almost every model of Redneck Blind in stock. We bring a wide variety of them to the Harrisburg Show so hunters can see the different options.”

Probably one of the best reasons to purchase a new Redneck Blind at the show is because Esh’s offers a lot of show specials. Customers will receive $200 off any Redneck Blind they buy at the show plus free accessories. “The specials we offer at the show are really good and often the best deal of the year!” Barling noted.

If you are in the market for a new deer blind this year, stop by booth 933 at the Great American Outdoor Show and check out all the specials on Redneck Blinds. Learn more at www.eshhuntingblinds.com

Just because the firearm seasons are over, and there may be fewer Bucks available and ones that are, maybe, warier, is no reason to pass on what may be some of the best hunting of the year. Sure, the tactics you have used earlier in the year may no longer be as productive. Still, by changing your strategies to take advantage of changing Whitetail movements, you may turn those unfilled tags into wall mounts and/or venison for the freezer. So, let’s discuss some new tactics that will make it worthwhile to leave that warm couch and pursue our passion!

Benefits of Blinds

Earlier Season may have been all about hunting from the several tree stands you had strategically placed throughout your hunting areas; the late season may dictate a change in this method of bowhunting. Trees are bare now and no longer hide your silhouette and add the fact that wary deer now tend to look up more often, these same productive stands give way to better options. I like to utilize hub type blinds during the late season for several reasons. No need to worry about icy tree steps or ladders, and they serve to get us out of cold north winds that can shorten our stay on stand. A blind in the right place with a comfortable blind chair can be pretty cozy and deadly productive.

Late Season Strategies

During severe cold weather, Whitetails tend to be more active during the warmer temperatures of midday and spend more time feeding during this warmer time of day. They are more likely to spend the much colder morning and late evening hours conserving calories by bedding and being less active. The photo above shows a young buck searching for snow buried acorns during a midday foray. I like to set up closer to feeding areas this time of year, as the deer are focused on food sources in order to survive winter challenges. This is true also of rut weary bucks that need to replenish lose weight for the cold months ahead.

Take Advantage of Natural Cover

In the big woods where I love to hunt, I like to search oak flats and any fresh deer sign showing feeding trends. Heavy trails in the snow and dug up snow is evidence of feeding activity and turn into prime locations to set up. A felled tree or natural brush along one of these trails can be a productive blind for unsuspecting deer focused on traveling to chosen food sources.

“Exciting,” “Adventurous,” “Thrilling,” “Inspiring,” “Educational,” are just a few of the words attributed to the annual outdoor pilgrimage to Harrisburg Pennsylvania.  It’s like the opening day of the next hunting season, where every game animal in the world can be seen, and the details worked out.  I’ve been attending the show in Harrisburg for 40 years because it’s informative and downright fun.

Forget Online, Talk to the Experts in Person

Joey Lane killed this great Canadian black bear on a hunt he booked at GAOS.  Instead of looking at pictures and “references” online, you can ask questions directly of outfitters, look at their photos, and compare options in real time.  Often, I have to stand in line to talk to a guide or outfitter and learn from the conversations others are having.

Book a Combination Trip

How about an Alaskan halibut and black bear combination?  Above, I stand with Frank Stelmach, owner of Island Point Lodge that is advertising a spring or fall bear hunt that can be done from his lodge.  I have hunted and fished at Island Point Lodge several times and it’s a great experience. The advantage of talking with outfitters in person is the ability to ask about combination game or secondary animals.

Unique Species

The sika deer of Maryland and Virginia, technically the Asian elk, is one of the least expensive exotic animals to hunt.  For the price of a whitetail deer hunt with most outfitters, you can challenge this monarch of the marsh.  Access is easy, unlike the challenge.  These creatures rut in mid-October, make a whistling bugle, and are known for outstanding table fare.

Shoot the Latest Gear

You can not only see and purchase the latest archery and hunting products but use them as well.  Several manufacturers have shooting lanes set aside with staff members to walk you through the features of the latest bows and crossbows.  It’s one thing to see a bow online, but a whole different experience to handle and shoot it.

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Western public land hunting is dramatically different than the East.  Once you draw a coveted elk tag, you will find uncrowded hunting conditions if you are willing to walk or drive to remote locations.  Last year, while hunting in the same drainage where I killed the 6X6 bull shown above, Assistant Bowhunting. Com Editor Zachary Willems took this mature cow on the second day of the hunt.

Second Day Success

“I spotted elk the first morning of the hunt and headed up the mountain,” said the 17-year-old Idaho resident.  “My breather and I chased after the herd but couldn’t catch up.  I saw a bull cross the canyon and tried to get in front of it. Suddenly, a large cow came walking by and I was so excited that I ranged it, drew and released without an arrow on the string.  Hunting elk is just so exciting!  Luckily, my bow was OK, but the peep sight flew off and I spent the afternoon getting it fixed.”

First, Find the Elk

In early season, elk often feed at or above timberline and Willems used a spotting scope to locate a distant herd and then planned his approach.  State wildlife agencies keep detailed records of elk populations and a call or a visit to their website can reveal which areas have the most elk along with harvest records to finalize your decision.

The Compass Cart is perfect for deer hunting and many other uses.  It operates like a standard deer carrier that attaches to the trailer hitch on an SUV or pickup truck, but it carries more, has wheels for getting that big buck out of the woods, and a handle.  As you will see in the video, it slides onto the mounted receiver so that one person can load a deer.

Multiple Uses

“Each time I’m at a show, someone comes up to me to tell me of a new use for the cart,” said the owner.  “It can be pulled behind a bicycle, as shown or used to carry beach chairs and towels for a day at the ocean.  Parents and coaches love it for getting all their sports gear to the sidelines, and it keeps things organized.  When finished, everything goes in the cart.”

Zombie deer are sweeping the nation! No, they’re not. Well, not like you have been led to believe. By now you’ve seen videos of so-called zombie deer. The videos are nearly always the same: person observes a deer walking in circles, stumbling about, and showing little to no fear of humans. And, you have probably […]

Bowstrings and cables are the Achilles heel of any compound, recurve, or crossbow.  If an object vibrates against a string or cable, it can quickly cause failure.  Whether in the back of your truck or the cargo hold of an airplane, a hunt can be ruined without proper caution.  MTM Case-Gard specializes in protective gear and introduced two new storage and protective products at the 2024 ATA Show.

Bow Case and Suitcase Combined

The MTM Traveler is built to store and protect.  It has room enough to store you bow with the quiver installed or your arrow holder can attach to the inside top of the box. Its size fits bows up to 44 inches and meets airline specifications so you will have room for your hunting gear inside the case.  I often pack boots and heavier clothing inside a bow case which can save the cost of checking an extra bag on a round trip flight.

Safe and Secure

The bow case locks with sturdy latches and has holes drilled for padlocks for extra security.  I always fly my binoculars, rangefinder, and release in my carry-on luggage so that they can’t be stolen or repacked by TSA in a vulnerable position.  Make sure that all strings and cables are cushioned by soft clothing and no sharp or metal edges can vibrate against them.

The Mule- The Ultimate Storage Box with Wheels

“I know I have that, but where?” Hunting is gear-prolific and it’s easy to accumulate numerous hunting objects and products, but then forget where you stored them.  This great product from MTM figuratively “packs like a mule.”  It can be used for long, large objects, smaller gear like all of your scent elimination products, broadheads, or game calls.  It’s great for clothing.  Fold all of your face masks, gloves, and smaller items in one box, use the second for base layers and put insulating vests and jackets in the next.  Plus, it has wheels.

About MTM Case-Guard

I’ve seen and used their products for many years.  They specialize in secure storage and allow you to organize, store, and transport a multitude of items without becoming overwhelmed.  They also make shooting rests that double as bow holders that fit crossbows well.  Check out their website for a host of inexpensive, yet protective gear.  www.MTMCase-Gard.com