Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

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Bonus Points or Preference Points: Which are Better?

Big game licenses are in high demand, and knowing the point system can help you get one.  Some states offer “preference points” while others offer “bonus points” to applicants not accepted for a license.  Knowing the difference is important and should guide your application process.  Here’s a look at each one.

What is a Preference Point?

I took this nice muley buck in the Medicine Bow region of Wyoming using an over-the-counter tag.  In Wyoming and across the West, big game tags are increasingly given by lottery, due to high demand.  In states with a preference point (PP) system, a hunter who is not drawn for a specific animal is given a PP as a consolation.  If that person applies again, his PP will put him ahead of all first-time applicants in the lottery.  Each year the applicant is not drawn, a PP is awarded increasing the chance of a positive draw because he is chosen ahead of those with fewer PPs.

Disadvantages of PP

This system was established to provide some certainty of drawing a license.  I had four preference points for my last elk hunt in Wyoming and everyone with four or more PP drew a license.  I’ll have five in 2025 and hope to draw a license, yet demand is so high that I may still not be successful.  For species such as moose, sheep, mountain goat, and select deer and elk regions, a person may never have enough preference points to draw a license because so few tags are allocated.

The Bonus Point Option

The bonus point option allows any person to draw a license at any time.  Although some see this as a fairer system, it also means that a person cannot plan a hunt with any certainty.  Many outfitters book hunters a year or two in advance and clients must count on luck to get a tag.  Unsuccessful applicants receive a “bonus point” (BP) each time they apply, and their name is not drawn.  The second year of an application, the person has his/her name in the “hat” twice, then three times, and so forth.  This system relies on probability and the more BP a person has, the greater the probability, yet that small advantage many make little difference among thousands of people.

Buying a Percentage

Sometimes, paying more for an application can boost the probability of drawing a license.  Wyoming offers a dual price structure.  A regular elk license for 2024 costs $692, however, a “Special elk” license is available for $1268 and both categories have their own license pool.  The theory is that fewer hunters will pay the extra cash and therefore a person can compete with fewer applicants in the lottery by paying more.




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Crazy??? A Gun that Shoots Arrows

Traditions Firearms sells the Crackshot XBR (Crossbow Rifle) that fires an arrow up to 385 feet per second with 94 ft-lbs of kinetic energy at 30 yards, making it very competitive with today’s modern crossbows.  The gun is a basic .22 caliber rifle with the barrel section specifically modified to launch 2216 Firebolt Arrows.

How it Works

An arrow would wobble in an open rifle barrel and the fletching would be destroyed by the compression.  The XBR solves this problem with a narrow tube that fits inside the 2016 arrow and the larger outer barrel allows for fletch clearance.  To load the arrow, the shaft fits over the inner tube and slides down the barrel.

A Bow with a Bang

Once the arrow fully encases the inner tube, the rifle is primed with a .27 caliber Powerload as shown above.  To fire, the shooter switches the safety to “off,” cocks the rifle by pulling back the hammer, and squeezes the trigger.  I examined the rifle at the Great American Outdoor Show so I could not fire it inside.

Is It a Bow?

At a price of $599, the Crackshot is comparable to mid-priced crossbows and delivers arrow performance in that range.  With a stock, forend, scope, and trigger it has many crossbow components, yet it uses a percussion launch system which sets it apart.  It’s marketed to “adults, youth, and anyone who may be disabled.”  Generally, “bows” don’t go “bang,” but I’ll let you decide.  www.traditionsfirearms.com



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Shore Bet for Big Whitetail Bucks

“Maryland’s Eastern Shore whitetail hunts are a bargain,” I said to my poker buddy as he complained about the high cost of Mid-Western deer hunts.  “Instead of $3,000 and up, a quality hunt with a good chance for a P&Y buck is half that price.”  I used to write for Mid-Atlantic Game and Fish Magazine, where my job was to write about the big deer taken in Maryland.  Continually, those “best-of-the-year-deer came from the Eastern Shore.

Maryland is Super Hunter Friendly

A Whitetail deer tag in the Mid-West can cost $300-$500 and one of the areas I hunt in South Dakota, tags go for $1,000.  Those are just tags, plus you must buy a general hunting license, conservation stamp, archery, tag, etc.  The price of a Maryland Nonresident Hunting License is $160.00. For those aged 65 and above, Maryland offers a Nonresident Senior Hunting License at a cost of $65.00. This is available for purchase in the year a nonresident hunter turns 65. For younger enthusiasts under 16, a Nonresident Junior Hunting License is available at $80.00.  This is a full year’s license and includes up to four bucks, 10 does, two wild turkeys and small game. Such a deal!

Why Shore Bucks are Big.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore is blessed with rich, fertile soil that grows excellent crops that are bordered by dense pine growth, swamps, and an impenetrable plant called phragmites.  This weed grows prolifically on the Shore, is 8-10 feet tall and as thick as dog hair.  Additionally, this region is known for waterfowl hunting and many farms are leased specifically for waterfowl.  As a result, these landowners don’t welcome deer hunters because they compete for lucrative leases, making them sanctuaries for excellent age structure.

Pick Your Season

Jeff Harrison took this big Maryland buck on September 15th, the usual opening day.  Recently, Maryland has moved their season to the first week of September giving you the chance for a velvet buck.  Lush croplands are visited regularly in early season, but hunters must prepare for mosquitoes and warm weather.  November 15th is the typical rut peak, and the two weeks prior are dynamite for rut-style hunting.  Maryland’s archery season closes on January 31, giving archers great late-season opportunities.  Crossbows, recurves, and compounds are legal in all regular archery seasons.

What’s it Like

I hunted with George Hopkins a few years ago and visit each February at the Great American Outdoor Show to catch up.  He and his son operate in Kent and Queen Anne’s Counties, known for big deer, and spread their clients over a series of farms in a huge area.  They plant corn, soybeans, clover and sunflowers to entice deer and baiting is allowed.  They offer archery, muzzleloading, and shotgun hunt from 3-6 days, ranging from three to six days costing $1200 to $2,000.  The Eastern Shore is known for hospitality and it’s easy to combine a hunting trip/family vacation in the area.  Known as “The Land of Pleasant Living,” great restaurants abound.  A web search will turn up numerous outfitters on the Shore or to contact Hopkins Deer Hunting, click here.  Good Luck!




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Tim Well and an “Impossible” Desert Ram

“I got lucky, said Tim Wells, demonstrating that noting is out of reach.  “My first desert bighorn ram thousands of feet above the Sea of Cortez.  It’s been a test.  I was having a grueling week trying to close the distance on what seemed an impossibility.  Suddenly, things turned in my favor.  Beneath a baking son I glassed a mature ram on a distant ridge where it guarded a small group of ewes.

Wells and Grim Reaper “Got This.”

Sneaking on the big ram, Wells and a camera operator climbed to an elevated point within range of the sheep where “The Slock Master” sent a Grim Reaper through the magnificent beast.  “I’m thankful for such and experience and hope you enjoy the video soon to come.  And yes, there will be a Go Fund Me page to help pay for the trip.”

 

A Grim Reaper Fan

I met Tim Wells at the 2024 ATA Show in St. Louis, and he was gracious enough to share a photograph.  If you have not seen Wells in action, his shooting skills are magical, as in ducks and geese on the wing.  He shoots Grim Reaper Broadheads exclusively and is equally successful with a spear and blowgun.  Tim Wells has a host of videos on YouTube, often under “Relentless Pursuit.”  Despite today’s advanced hunting technologies, Wells hunts with an Oneida Eagle recurve.  Follow us for more Tim Wells adventures and videos.

 


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Scent Thief- A New Concept in Scent Control

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Snag a Snakehead

Deer season is over; we lament the long wait until opening day, so why not plan a spring bow fishing trip to put great eats in the freezer and provide a new celebration of spring? I spoke with the Working Class Outdoorsmen at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show and was surprised to learn about the variety of fish archers can “catch.”

Monster Catfish

Blue and Flathead catfish are invasive species in many areas that have wildlife officials concerned.  These predators of the deep are like moving vacuum cleaners capable of consuming all but the largest sportfish.  In Maryland, Fish & Wildlife Official ask that anglers not put these fish back in the water to reduce their impact.  Imagine the fight needed to land these monsters.

Action Aplenty

Bowfishing is not like sitting in a cold tree stand waiting for a deer to walk by.  Often, bowfishing is non-stop action; you don’t have to be quiet, and you can do it with friends.  The Working Class Outdoorsmen crew will clean your fish at the end of the evening so that you can take them home, sell them, or donate the harvest.

No Equipment Needed

Like most charter boats, you can bring your gear or use theirs.  For beginners, boat tackle eliminates the need for up-front expenses and assures that the gear you use works for the species you seek.  Shooting at fish underwater takes a bit of practice, but you’ll get plenty of that and quickly become proficient.  To email the Working Class Sportsmen, click here.

Here’s the Scoop



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Saddle Hunting: Is it For You?

Saddle hunting has taken the bowhunting world by storm.  At the recent NRA Great American Outdoor Show, there were numerous demonstrations going on throughout the day.  These vendors were so busy, I couldn’t interview them.  Instead, I took pictures and want to give you a sample of what’s involved.

Why Do It?

The above picture tells it all.  Every hunter’s goal is to get above an unexpecting whitetail buck and get this perfect quartering away shot.  The beauty of saddle hunting is mobility.  A hunter needs only a tiny platform, like the one shown, several climbing sticks, a saddle which supports the body, and a series of support ropes and straps to keep in the tree.

Thanks to this Volunteer.

As you can see, hunting by this method is a little like playing Spider Man.  The saddle supports the seat and allows for motion around the tree even when not standing on the base.  Most hunters use a screw-in device to hang their bow allowing both hands free to maneuver into position for an oncoming deer.  Because you can hunt from almost any tree, you need not worry about overhunting a stand because you can move to the freshest deer sign in the area.  As deer move, you can move with them.

What Does it Cost-

For comparison, a good ladder stand cost $200 or less.  Saddle hunting isn’t cheap, and you don’t want to skimp on materials that will support you 15-20 feet above the ground.  The Harrisburg Farm Show Building was completely enclosed, yet vendors had posts anchored to the ground and prospective customers hanging from them throughout the day.

Saddle Hunting Magazine

Tree Saddle Hunter is dedicated to this new approach to hunting, an indication of its popularity and success.  The editor of the magazine was among the many visitors to the archery arena and professes a love for the tactic.  The gear shown above can be found from Tethrd.  For their website and to join the Tethrd Nation, click here.  Good luck and be safe up there.




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Compass Carts- A Deer Device Your Wife Will Love

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.”

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Don’t Miss the NRA Great American Outdoor Show

“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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Redneck Blinds on Display at The Great American Outdoor Show

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



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Donald Trump Will Attend the NRA Great American Outdoor Show on Friday

I killed a bull elk in Idaho six weeks before the 2020 election, and my grandson volunteered to pack out the 100 pounds of meat and antlers you see on his back.  Several of those who helped quarter the elk had Donald Trump signs and used the antlers as appropriate flagstaff to show their support.  I didn’t publish the photo then because I thought mixing politics with the outdoors was unethical.

Make Your Own Decision

Former President Trump will speak at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show on Friday, February 9th.  Here’s the information from the GAOS website: Join President Donald J. Trump and other leading Second Amendment supporters for the NRA Presidential Forum on Friday, February 9 at the Great American Outdoor Show. Free admission with the purchase of a Great American Outdoor Show ticket. Event starts at 5:00pm – Doors Open at 3:00pm. You may not line up until 2:00pm.

 

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Insane Alaskan Bear Hunt

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show displays some of the best hunting options in the world, but none is crazier than the bear hunt offered by Tony Marchini and his Hidden Alaska hunting operation.  “We hunt a predator area, where the state wants to reduce the bear population and we have lots of them,” said Marchini.

Multiple Tactics for Brown Bears

Stalking a 1,000 pounds of teeth and claws in alders so thick you can barely see your broadhead is heart-pounding action, while some would say suicide.  The Hidden Alaska crew offers float trips through bear county in the fall.  You can catch salmon and Dolly Varden until your arms ache while drifting silently on huge bears that roam the shoreline in search of salmon.

Baiting for Brown Bear is Legal

Hunting a black bear over bait will challenge your nerves, especially as evening falls and you know that a 400-pound meat-eater is roaming nearby.  How about half a ton of brown bear cruising under your stand?  This type of hunting is much safer than stalking and allows the hunter to be selective about the harvest.  Even though bear numbers are high, selecting a large boar is the quest of most archers.

Multiple License Hunts

Traveling to Alaska and getting into the bush is a significant portion of the cost of the hunt.  The beauty of this quest is the ability to take two or up to five black bears on a single trip.  In addition, you can make it a combo with a brown/black bear combination.  I interviewed Tony Marchini at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show.  In the following video he explains the details of this incredible hunting opportunity.



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Lancaster Archery’s Top 3 Products at GAOS

Lancaster Archery is one of the leading archery vendors in the country, and when I noticed PJ Reilly at the GAOS booth, I had to ask.  “What are your top three products?”  “That’s easy,” he said, reaching for the bow rack.  “Number one on the list is the Mathews Lift:”

TenPoint Crossbow-

“We knew that TenPoint was discontinuing this model, so we bought a lot of them and are offering this great crossbow at a special price.  They are only available at the GAOS, so if you want one, you must buy it here,” said Reilly.

HyperLite Ultra-Light Saddle Hunting System

Imagine a climbing system and platform that weighs just 6.5 pounds and can get you 15-20 feet above the ground.

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A Velvet Whitetail Buck- The Trophy of a Lifetime

A huge whitetail buck in full velvet is a special trophy that many hunters seek for a host of reasons.  In central and northern regions of the US, whitetail deer usually shed their velvet by mid-September, some even sooner.  Instead of waiting for the rut, a hunter can begin his scouting in earnest in mid-summer and actually hunt the first week of September.  The weather is mild, and days are long, making for a very comfortable sit.  Joe Guthrie from Alabama took this huge velvet buck in Montana while hunting with Eric Albus in the Milk River region of Montana.

Look a Lot, Pick a Spot

Bucks in early September can be patterned, especially if they feed on alfalfa, the prominent feed in the Milk River area.  I had the privilege of hunting this region 20 years ago at the invitation of Bill Jordan.  For the first two days, we watched hayfields morning and afternoon from distant vantage points until we could predict the travel of several great bucks.  I had never taken such a patient approach to deer hunting, but the wisdom of this approach soon panned out. My first evening in a stand, I missed the first buck that came buy but connected on a larger one an hour later. It was not quite the size of Stan Pott’s deer, shown above, but a 140-class animal.

 September 7, 2024

Montana opens its archery season on September 7 this fall which means that Leap Year give hunters a shorter window of opportunity.  The key to succeeding is pre-scouting knowledge.  The first evening of my Milk River hunt I watched a bachelor group of seven bucks walk through an open gate instead of passing near an established tree stand.  I remember lamenting this travel route when the owner of the ranch suggested, “Why don’t you close the gate?”  Duh!  We did and the string filed by my tree stand the next evening.

Montana Licensing

Aside from “Big Sky” beauty, a deer hunt in Montana can offer the whitetail hunter a trophy of another kind- mule deer.  Whitetail deer in Montana thrive in thick river and creek bottoms, just like in the East, while mule deer prefer open country where their eyesight keeps them safe from predators.  Both species love alfalfa.  A general deer license is good for a whitetail or mule deer.  Bill Jordan and the Realtree Team have hunted with Milk River Outfitters for over 15 years hosting many celebrities, pro-athletes, outdoor writers, and hundreds of hard-working hunters from across the U.S.

 




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Idaho Elk and Mule Deer with Guaranteed License

Walking the halls of the Great American Outdoor Show presents a cascade of mounted big game heads; however, one phrase caught my attention among the giant deer and elk antlers: Guaranteed License.  “If you book the hunt, we’ll get the license,” said owner and outfitter Inga Cabral.  “We hunt the rugged part of Idaho where most hunters won’t go, which suits us just fine.”

Benefits of Idaho Licensing

I’ve drawn one elk license in Idaho in the past five years and may never draw another due to the lottery system.  Outfitters are allocated permits so that clients need not count on lady luck.  An elk tag in Idaho costs $650, one of the cheapest for non-residents in the West.  A deer tag is $351.75 but can be used for a bear, whitetail deer, or mountain lion.  I once encountered a large chocolate boar in the Seven Devils Mountains, but hadn’t purchased a deer tag, making for a difficult pass.  Guaranteed licenses allow you and your friends to plan ahead, maybe a year or two out, and know that your dream hunt will become a reality.

Lions, Bears, and Wolves

Idaho doesn’t get nearly as much elk hunting press as Colorado, Wyoming, and Southwestern states, yet hunting in its majestic mountains will soon become a passion.  Humans are the apex predator in Idaho, and the state does its best to protect deer and elk populations.  Wolf tags are just $35; hunters are encouraged to buy several and fill them completely.  Idaho has a fall and spring bear season with two tags available in some units.  Mountain lions are abundant, and you may see one on an archery hunt with the ability to take this giant predator on a deer tag.

 

 



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GAOS Adventure: Hunt GREEN..land.

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show is the perfect arena to explore adventure hunting.  You will find outfitters from Africa, South America, and, to my surprise, Greenland.  Muskox is the premier species, yet they offer hunts for caribou as well, making this one of the most unique hunting destinations in the world.  Caribou populations have plummeted worldwide, and having a huntable population is a testament to the vast expanse of wilderness land.

 

Muskox without Ice

Traditional muskox hunts occur in the Arctic in brutal conditions.  If you have watched Jim Shockey and other hunters challenge the North, you can visualize how difficult this hunt can be for you and your gear.  Plus, taking a non-hunting family member along is nearly impossible. Greenland offers combination hunts for caribou and muskox in August and September when the land is green, and you can enjoy this spectacular land.  You can explore and enjoy the wilderness, rather than surviving it.

Inuit Outfitters is exhibiting at the NRA Great American Outdoor Show all this week.  If you are interested in this adventure hunt, stop by and visit with them.  To reach their website, click here.

 


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Bowhunting in Africa is Easier and Cheaper than Ever, Even for Dangerous Game

I met Clive Perkins in 1994 on my first African safari.  He was just 21 at the time and was a new Professional Hunter.  Today, Perkins has his own concession on the border of South Africa and Botswana and offers various bowhunting options.  His 18-year-old son is also a certified Professional Hunter and accompanies many of Clive’s clients.  Their 30 years in business is a testament to their company’s client satisfaction and a great place to take your first or dangerous game safari.

Compound or Crossbow

Bowhunters can hunt from ground and elevated blinds with shooting ranges of 20 to 30 yards or spot and stalk.  Perkins offers a variety of package hunts beginning with the Plains Game Special which includes 5 days of all-inclusive hunting and a blue wildebeest, impala, and a warthog for $2450 for a minimum of two hunters.  Other packages have more animals from seven to ten days with the ability to customize you hunt to meet your hunting goals.  Even the elusive Cape Buffalo is $9,500 for you and a buddy.  Booking a safari for five or six animals is less than half the price of a guided elk hunt out West and you will be hunting in areas of high game concentrations with virtually no competitive hunting pressure.

Rifle Hunting Too

Much of the fun derived from an African safari comes from sharing the adventure with friends and I have many who would rather rifle hunt than use a bow.  By choosing a safari company that offers both methods, you don’t limit friends who choose to hunt differently.  Or, if stalking a Cape buffalo with bow and arrow is a bridge-too-far, you can bow hunt plains game and challenge black death with a powerful rifle and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Great Accommodations

Despite the wilderness location, safari companies go to great lengths to make sure that guests are comfortable and well fed.  You can expect hearty American-style breakfasts, nutritious lunches, and festive evening meals with meats, including wild game, seared over native wood coals.  Every African campfire is a source of celebration and a fitting end to a spectacular hunting day.  Pack light because your clothes will be washed and ironed each day.  Mornings in June, July and August are chilly, but the day warms quickly.

Meet the Professional Hunter- www.sportsmanssafaris.co.za



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3 Hacks to Maximize the Great American Outdoor Show

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show lasts for nine days with so much to see, you can spend the full day and not get done what you intended.  I’ve been a regular at this event for 40 years and have learned a few tricks to maximize my success.  First, decide what is most important to you.  Just seeing all the cool new bows, fishing gear, and great adventures is entertaining, yet are there specific things you’d like to buy or do?

Terrific Website

First, go the www.GreatAmericanOutdoorShow.org website for all the details about the show.  You can buy tickets, learn about parking and other logistics.  On the website, begin with “Explore the Show” or click here.  Your first thought when you see 986 exhibits, may be “Holy Cow, there are a lot of exhibits,” and you’d be correct.  Let’s say you want to visit Alaska.  On the opening page you will find several Alaskan hunting and fishing guides and David Lazer who specializes in guided Alaska travel.  He’s an Alaska native, big game guide, and very knowledgeable of the nuances of Alaska.  He provides a “boots on the ground” tour that cruise ships can’t.  Mark the booth number of the people you’d like to talk with and visit them first.

Get the Big Picture

The “2024 Event Floor Plan” tab will give you the big picture of the show and allow you to concentrate on the areas you like most.  If you are searching for a new shotgun, you want the firearms hall and using the list in number one, find the booth number for your favorite brands.  Likewise, if archery is your passion, and we hope it is, head for the Archery section upon arrival.  Generally, the longer the show last, the busier it gets.

Afternoons and Evenings are Less Crowded

What if you wanted to book a crossbow hunting safari in Africa? You will have 25 outfitters to choose from and you will have numerous questions.  Crowds at the show lessen in afternoon and especially in the evening.  Since the show is open until 7 pm on weekdays, planning to visit the last several hours of the show will give you more time with the vendors you seek.  Instead of taking a full day from work, you may be able to accomplish your goals by taking a half day.  Most booths are manned by owners and operators, so you will get to “speak with the boss” until the show closes.  If you are making a significant hunt purchase, you may want to discuss your plans one day and return a few days later once you and your friends have made a decision.

The NRA Great American Outdoor Show is the largest fishing and hunting show in the world, and I hope that these three tips help make it more successful for you.  BHN wishes you safe travels and a productive visit.



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Stop the Slaughter

 

 

 

Wolves are a hot-button issue with me.  If I could snap my finger and erase every wolf on earth, you’d think popcorn was exploding.  They are horrendous killers that eat their prey alive.  The picture above shows no mark on the young fawn’s neck.  That’s because wild dogs eat flesh until the sheer pain of the carnage overwhelms the victim’s system, and the animal expires.

Drastic Impact

Listing the grey wolf on the Endangered Species List was originally intended to bring the population into balance.  Once achieved, wolves would be managed by the states like all other wild game.  Unfortunately, the same lunacy that brings us open borders and wants to castrate your son or daughter, hates hunting prevents wolf control through the courts and legislation.  In Yellowstone National Park, wolf populations have grown from 14 in the mid 1990’s to 120 today, a 750% rise.  Elk, what leftists like to call prey species, have plummeted from 20,000 to 5,000 in the same time period, a 75% drop.  Moose populations have dropped from 1,000 to 200, an 80% population decrease.

Support Hunt Nation- https://hunternation.org/delist-the-gray-wolf/ 

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The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

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