Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

“I have several mineral licks scattered on this mountain and get great images of deer that often aren’t seen,” said the experienced hunter.  “I find an old stump in a good hunting spot, use an electric drill to make holes in the stump, and then cover it with minerals.  Over the next year or two, deer will eat the stump and the minerals.”  This hack will provide a long-term attractant and allow deer to fulfill their mineral needs continually.  Place a camera near the lick to monitor the size of deer visiting the lick.

Lucky Buck

Providing wild deer with minerals is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to help the deer in your area. Deer minerals like Lucky Buck contain minerals that deer need but don’t often eat regularly. During the spring and summer, deer crave minerals. If you provide the minerals, the deer won’t need to travel to someone else’s property to get them.  Lucky Buck

Big Tine Nitro Block

All the great antler-building components in Big Tine’s Nitro Mineral are pressed into a convenient and ready-to-use block. When hunters want to supplement but face issues like not living near their hunting property or having the time to recharge mineral sites regularly, the Nitro Mineral Brick fills that void. Deer can consume the block and continue using the site long after the block is gone due to the nutrients leached into the soil.  I’ve used these block with great success and have deer visit them continually.  Also, bucks seem to visit them more in daylight than food products.  Big Tine

Trophy Rock

DUAL-THREAT

Liquid Trophy Rock is a versatile weapon in your hunting arsenal. Use it to create an instant new deer mineral site or quickly activate an existing one.

Feeding deer in winter may seem like a “no-brainer,” yet deer digestion in winter is much different than early and late fall.  This biological fact was made evident when Colorado’s burgeoning mule deer population was hit with a brutal winter.  Fish & Game dropped hay for the deer to eat, yet they still starved to death because their digestion required woody stems and browse, and the rich alfalfa hay could not be digested.  Motivated by this deer disaster, winter food in pelletized form was developed so that deer could digest it.

Birds, Bucks, and Turkeys

Whether you feed your birds in the backyard or game species like deer and wild turkeys, winter feeding requires commitment.  Winter feed is expensive, so be sure you can afford the project before committing to feeding continually.  Feeding wildlife forces them to depend on that food source, which will concentrate their numbers in a specific location, which may over-browse an area or quickly deplete natural food sources.  If you suddenly stop feeding, animals may starve because their area is overpopulated.  Additionally, concentrated populations are more vulnerable to predation.

Bob Humphrey, Certified Deer Biologist and Maine Guide

Bob Humphrey is a biologist who has written about conservation topics for decades.  This short video provides important points to anyone considering wildlife feeding.

For two consecutive years, I shot offhand Robin Hoods using Excalibur crossbows at the ATA Show.  Trying for a three-pete, I aimed the new Excalibur Rev X and squeezed off three shots.  As you can see by the image below, the Rev X is accurate and easy to shoot. The nocks touched, but not the perfect impact I sought.

Customer 5-Star Review

Ditching the Wheels

I’ve been shooting Excalibur crossbows for 10 years and have introduced my three grandsons to deer hunting with them.  I’ve hunted in Africa, where the Excalibur accounted for wildebeest, kudu, warthog, and other plains game.  One bow has made three trips with multiple users and hasn’t needed a string change.  Recurve-style crossbows have no wheels or cams and shoot arrows with flat nocks.  Orienting a traditional nock incorrectly in a moment of excitement can easily cut a bowstring and ruin a hunt.  If you are a fan of the motto, “Simpler is Better,” you will like this brand.

Easy Cock and Un-Cock

The Rev X unleashes an 18-inch bolt at 400 fps, so this bow is suitable for any North American game animal.  It features a crank that turns with just 17 pounds of pressure making the bow easy to cock.  The crank can be reversed without an out-of-control spin, and the bow can be uncocked without shooting.  Additionally, the crank handle nests into the stock so you won’t forget or lose it.  The stock is skeletonized such that weight is minimized and a loaded arrow does not extend beyond the cocking stirrup.  This allows the bow to be rested vertically or swung horizontally without impacting the arrow and broadhead.  MSRP for the Rev X is around $1700, which is midprice.  For more details, visit ExcalbiurCrossbow.com

Jeff Harrison found this pair of sheds in a suburban neighborhood near Washington, DC, and returned the following year to take one of his 10 P&Y bucks from the Maryland suburbs.  This week, the US will be hit with a Polar vortex, resulting in some of the winter’s coldest temperatures.  Will this cause deer to lose their antlers early?

Same Time Each Year

The 8-point buck shown above lost its antlers each year on the first day of spring.  Since that date changes, the biological change is evidence that just as light triggers when velvet stops growing on a deer’s antlers, it may also cause the pedicle to release the antler, causing a shed.   The deer was contained, which allowed the farmer to make this observation.

Other Shed Factors

A crossbow scope is a tremendous hunting tool and allows today’s speedy horizontal platforms to deliver consistent accuracy at longer ranges.  Unfortunately, hunters and shooters cannot zoom traditional scopes without changing the arrow’s impact.  Variable speed scopes use magnification to adjust for the point-of-impact for arrows heavier than the manufacturer’s recommendation.  Hawk has changed the game for crossbow users so that they can zoom their optics from two to eight power, just like a rifle scope.

Meet the XB30 Zoom FFP (2-8X36)

The ability to adjust the magnification of a scope is an enormous advantage to crossbow hunters.  Not only can you greatly enlarge the magnification of the deer or elk you are stalking, but the reticle’s aiming point also enlarges.  The Hawke XB30 operates on the first focal plane, like rifle scopes, and will enhance the object without affecting the point of impact.  Here are additional elements of the new XB30.

21-layer fully multi-coated lenses

3 models for speeds from 385-420, 425-465, and 470-510 fps.

Capped low-profile turrets

First and last light is prime time for deer hunters, and this new light-enhancing scope, The Cycloptic-X, maximizes those capabilities, plus recording every detail of the shot on video.  Here’s a quick rundown:

25 mm objective lens

Manual focus lens that’s easy to adjust

1-5X zoom

Fully Adjustable red/green/blue/black crosshairs

1.39-inch HD viewfinder

Water and dust-resistant

Record your hunt with a micro SD shot for storage

Requires on3e CR123 lithium battery

For the complete story about this amazing scope visit BukOps.com

Cycloptic-X on YouTube

New archery products are frequently linked to the “ATA Show,” but what is it, and why is it important?   The acronym ATA stands for Archery Trade Association, which is an organization designed to benefit the archery industry.  Many years ago, archery manufacturers introduced their products at SHOT, The Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show. That segment grew until the archery formed its association- The ATA.  Archery is like other major industries and holds an annual gathering of small businesses and the press to announce new products, much like the auto and tech industries do.

Why It Matters

The Archery Trade Association hosts the annual gathering the second week of January, inviting manufacturers to display their products for bow shops nationwide to see, review, and order products.  The owner of your local archery retailer likely attended the show to see the latest products for you to purchase.  The ATA presents special awards to new products and displays them in a central location to promote innovation.  Additionally, the ATA conducts business and technical training at the shows to keep show owners on top of the latest developments.  ATA is a strong lobby group for archery and the hunting industry.  A primary concern is closing the loophole that allows products directly imported from China and other countries to avoid paying the 11% conservation tax that has been the backbone of the North American Conservation model.  ATA has significantly emphasized and successfully promoted the National Archery in the Schools Program.  For more information about ATA, visit: ArcheryTrade.org

Imagine a 400+ fps crossbow package, including a rangefinding scope, for under $1,000.  Or how about a scope that enhances low-light situations and records video with the touch of a button?  Barnett offers their top-of-the-line crossbows with each of these options.  The Raptor BCX with the X-Factor scope will provide the range of an animal or object in the scope, eliminating the need for a separate ranging device and saving precious aiming seconds when they are most critical.  The X-Factor features a built-in angle-compensating laser rangefinder to get the perfect distance reading for tree stands or other elevated shots.  Holding the range button puts the scope into scan mode, allowing it to read the distances of moving objects.  Finally, the X-Factor features a speed dial, compensating for heavier arrows and lower arrow speeds.

Cycloptic-X Option

If a multi-feature rangefinding scope isn’t your top priority, consider the Cycloptic-X scope, which significantly increases ambient light to allow full use of every second of legal shooting light from the crack of dawn to deep dusk.  Moreover, the light is enhanced in color and can capture video of your sighting and shot.  Many hunters pass up the last critical minutes of shooting light because they can’t see correctly, and the Cycloptic-X eliminates this concern.  Additionally, you can review the shot in real-time to make the best trailing options.  Each of these scopes can be found at BukOps.com

Barnett Raptor BCX Features

With a lightweight composite riser and measuring just over seven inches axle-to-axle when cocked, the crossbow provides excellent maneuverability in tight-quartered hunting applications. Its pivoting limb pockets put less weight on the front of the crossbow while making a more durable shooting platform with reduced recoil and vibration. With its compact and energy-efficient design, the Raptor BCX sends small-diameter HyperFlite arrows down-range with incredible speed – up to 425 feet per second and 142 ft. lbs. of energy for maximum bone-crushing penetration.  For complete details, visit BarnettCrossbows.com

As modern crossbows become faster and more sophisticated, traveling with them becomes challenging.  Traditional compound cases don’t work well because top-end crossbows do not disassemble, and the bumps and knocks of travel using a soft case or suitcase usually have the scope out of whack upon arrival.  If that happens, you need the first morning of the hunt to re-sight your scope, assuming your destination has a target suitable for a high-speed bow.

Ultra Adaptable

TenPoint’s new hard case fits multiple crossbow platforms from traditional to reverse limb.  The foam liner is compartmentalized so that pieces of protective foam can be moved around for a snug fit and configuration.  Additionally, the foam padding has cutouts designed for a quiver, rangefinder, and other gear.  The case has five locking stations and wheels for easy transport and complete security.

AXIS XL Carbon Tripod

North American hunters are increasingly seeking a solid rest to ensure their arrows create the best accuracy possible, and the AXIS XL allows a crossbow hunter to take a solid, resting shot from a sitting to a standing position.  The woven carbon material creates strength and light weight for complete portability.  The AXIS XL has a smaller footprint than its competition so that you can stand the rest in a smaller space.

Big Mouth, Tight Grip

Multipurpose tripods are often designed for rifles, which have a forend that is narrower than that of crossbows.  Since the AXIS XL is designed for crossbows, it has a wide adjustment range to fit any crossbow.  The clamping action of the tripod will support the crossbow unassisted so that it can be oriented toward the most likely shooting position and allow the hunter to work game calls, rattling antlers, and other gear hands-free.  This tripod also makes an excellent “shooting bench” that’s very transportable and ideal for checking a scope’s zero before or after a hunt.  For complete details about the TenPoint hard case and AXIS XL tripod, visit www.TenPointCrossbows.com

Joe Rogan is a leading podcaster, and you’ll love his interview with Michael Waddell on YouTube:

Alps Mountaineering Introduces the Vibe Series Mummy Sleeping Bags

New Haven, Mo. – ALPS Mountaineering, a manufacturer of performance gear for wilderness adventures, exploration, and family camping, presents a new series of backpacking sleeping bags for 2025. Developed for maximum heat retention and minimal weight, the new Vibe series bags fit the needs of dedicated backpackers and “go-light” campers.

ALPS Mountaineering’s Vibe bags are based on the ergonomic and optimally comfortable mummy profile and come in three temperature ratings to meet the broadest range of camping environments. These include the Vibe 0° for winter and higher-altitude camping, the Vibe +20° for comfortable spring and fall camping, and the Vibe +40° for ideal performance in warmer climates.

To achieve that delicate balance of lightweight and premium thermal efficiency, the ALPS Mountaineering designers chose synthetic TechLoft Micro insulation, consisting of multiple denier staple-length fibers with a siliconized finish for maximum insulation, loft, and compactness. Combined with two-layer offset quilt construction to eliminate cold spots and insulated chest and zipper baffles to prevent drafts, the Vibe mummy bags ensure a warm and comfortable night’s sleep wherever your journeys take you.

The Vibe bags are also built to withstand the challenges of wilderness adventure courtesy of their rugged polyester ripstop outer shell and soft polyester liner. A tough #8 zipper delivers smooth operation and durability.

In addition to the three available temperature ratings, each bag is offered in regular and long sizes for a comfortable fit for all body types, and each comes with a compression stuff sack.

Cold and snow can change deer behaviors, so adapt your strategies to take advantage of more predictable movement.

Coyotes have expanded their populations throughout the United States, and Eastern species have mated with feral dogs, creating a subspecies that can grow to 50 pounds.  As a primary deer predator, anything a hunter can do to reduce their numbers benefits the deer population, and most states have no restrictions on how they can be taken or how many.

Cell Phone Caller

Using your cell phone, you can increase the odds of arrowing a coyote.  Google “Rabit in Distress,” and you will get a 20-minute series of dying rabbit squeals.  If you are hunting from the ground, place the caller about 15 yards from your spot, turn it on, and return to your shooting spot.  Coyotes move quickly so sit with an arrow knocked and be ready to draw or raise your crossbow.  This is a great way to end a hunting day since you can engage your caller at the end of legal shooting light when you can probably see enough to shoot for another 10-15 minutes.

A Quick Coyote Video Hunt

Ravin introduced their newest crossbow model for 2025, the LR (Long Range).  This new bow provides several upgrades and innovations to make you a better shot and hunter.  First, the bow is evenly balanced and is ideal for shooting from a tripod from a ground blind or elevated stand. Secondly, it allows for length-of-pull adjustments so that the bow will easily shoulder and be tailored to your physical characteristics.  At 450 fps and 122 ft.lbs of kinetic energy, this beast will match up against any roaming beast and come out on top.  This four-minute video shows all the bells and whistles.

See For Yourself

To see a test run at 130 yards click HERE.

The Fastest Compact Crossbow in the World, Meet the 26.5” Short, 460 FPS TRX 26.

Building upon the overwhelming success of their TRX 515 and TX 440 crossbows, industry leader TenPoint Crossbows recently launched their lightest and narrowest reverse-draw crossbow ever – the NEW TRX 26. Designed with a micro-footprint and low profile at 26.5” short and 5.75” narrow, the TRX 26 shoots 460 FPS and features Twin-Riser Technology (TRT), a custom TriggerTech Trigger, a ZERO-Trac Barrel, and a RangeMaster® 100 Scope.

“When we launched our Twin-Riser crossbows last year, we knew it would change the industry, and that’s exactly what they did,” said Phil Bednar, CEO. “For 2025, we challenged our engineers to deliver this technology in an ultra-compact hunting system,m and they delivered. At 26.5” short and 6” narrow, the NEW TRX 26 will change the way you hunt– giving you the freedom and mobility to go further while packing a stand or the gear you need to be successful and giving you more shooting coverage by reducing the chance for cam or limb contact in the treestand or ground blind.”

The foundation for lethal accuracy is TenPoint’s Twin-Riser Technology. 41% lighter and 2x stiffer than traditional risers, Twin-Riser Technology is designed with symmetrical top and bottom plates that reduce riser flex by 70% to generate the most consistent arrow flight path for greater down-range accuracy.

Every facet of the TRX 26 is designed to extract every millimeter of accuracy from the crossbow, including a newly developed, custom hand-built TriggerTech Trigger. Using TriggerTech’s patented Zero-Creep Technology, this 3lb. trigger features a clean, crisp “breaks like glass” feel to help improve accuracy and precision. In addition, the trigger’s Dry-Fire-Preventor (DFP) functions as a second safety – blocking the trigger from firing unless the nock is properly inserted.

Joe Rogan is one of the world’s most popular podcast hosts and a passionate bowhunter.  He hunts and does so successfully, as described in his back-to-back elk success stories.

Everyone at Bowhunting.Net wishes you a most prosperous New Year.  Here are antlers to stimulate your resolution for 2025.  Best of Luck!

Saddle hunting is revolutionizing hunting from a tree.  Hunters can move more and take advantage of inviting deer sign immediately.  If you find a fresh feeding area, hot scrape, sap-dripping rub line, or other deer hot spot, you can immediately climb a tree and be ready to hunt within 10 minutes.  The beauty of saddle hunting is the ability to capitalize on a given circumstance and optimize your chances at a great deer.  This tactic is ideal for public land where traditional tree stands damage trees and are illegal.  Saddle hunting allows you to walk deep into virgin territory and hunt an unpressured spot from an elevated stand.  The following video from Vance is one of the best I’ve seen.  It explicitly explains how to set up a saddle and the gear you need.  If you are thinking about saddle hunting in 2025, this video will help immensely.

Saddle Hunting 101

You may wonder what to buy if you received Christmas cash or gift cards.  Here are three great products you’ll use for 2025 and beyond.

Morrell High Roller Foam Target

This great target with the easy-to-carry handle is excellent for realistic practice with field points or broadheads.  It weighs about 15 pounds, light enough for easy transport yet hefty enough to absorb the fastest crossbow arrows.  A fun activity with this target is to literally “let it roll.”  Throw the target and shoot when it stops without ranging with a laser device.  This will quickly build confidence and hone your rangefinding skills.   Additionally, as you would find on a pair of dice, the target has small white dots,  ideal for “aiming small to miss small” practice.  www.Morrelltargets.com

Moultry Edge II Trail Camera and Universal Solar Power Pack

How about a digital camera system that is “Hang it and forget it?”  I have posted two Moultrie cameras and am very pleased with the results, especially when attached to a Universal Solar Power Pack.  As the name implies, this screen generates power from sunlight and stores it in its internal battery.  A downside of a cellular camera with a built-in solar screen is the placement direction.  Normally, it is best not to have a camera facing east or west because the sun’s rays will distort or cause false triggers.  However, if you want the highest performance from the solar panel, it should be facing east or west.  The Universal Solar Power Pack attaches independently of the camera allowing for optimal placement of both.  www.MoultrieProducts.com

Final Rest Rip-N-Grip Shooting Tripod

As a pre-teenage shooter, I learned the importance of a shooting rest and embraced the Final Rest Rip-N-Grip tripod for several reasons.  First, it does precisely what a shooting rest is supposed to do- hold the crossbow steady.  The Final Rest is a clasping rest that allows a person to lock the crossbow onto the rest, which frees both hands to operate rattling horns, turkey calls, or binoculars.  When hunting from a blind, a hunter can set the bow up for a particular shot and make minimal movement when game shows up at close range.  At other times, I keep the clasping jaws open so that the bow will rest in place yet be moved easily. The Final Rest is ideal for sighting in a crossbow or testing for point-of-aim.  It sets up quickly and provides a solid base for accuracy with a single shot.  The adjustable tripod legs allow a rest shot from a sitting through a standing position, and uneven terrain is easily accommodated. www.final-rest.com