Hunting and Fishing News & Blog Articles

First, Rattle Now

It works best just before the chasing stage.  The bucks are on the prowl, and they are looking for a hot doe.  Like kids on a playground, they can’t resist watching a fight, especially if mating is the prize.  Be persistent.  I’ve rattled thousands of times in my life.  It rarely works, yet the biggest buck I’ve killed and the biggest I’ve missed came directly to the “horns.”

Pig Out on Stand

I rarely hunt without a grunt tube from the first day of the season until the last.  It’s particularly useful during the rut.  If a buck is passing out of range, I grunt to lure it closer.  On a stand, I cold-grunt every 15 minutes in case a deer is cruising just out of sight.  If a doe smells me and snorts, I grunt which usually calms her down.

Roam with a Tripod

For years I wondered why I saw so many bucks while hunting fall turkeys.  Duh!!! It was because I wasn’t sitting in a stand.  Sneaking up on a bedded or feeding buck is very difficult, yet if you move slowly, grunt and rattle occasionally, a buck may cruise right toward you.  Lock your crossbow into a tripod and you can keep both hands free and make accurate shots at longer ranges.  Works on turkeys too.

Lay a Scent Trail

Estrus Scent can stop a buck in a specific ambush spot as well as lead it to you.  Make sure your boots are clean and walk across as many deer trails as you can on the way to your stand.  Spray or pour estrous scent on several leaves and then wipe the soles of your boots on them.  As you approach your stand or blind, circle it at a comfortable shooting distance so the deer does not walk right to you.

Maximize your Time

If you wear out waking up to hunt at dawn, change your schedule.  During the rut bucks will move throughout the day and mid-day may be your best bet.  So many of the rut tricks we read about work best in the pre-rut, but you must be in the woods.  Make hunting the rut a marathon instead of a spring you will have more fun, see more deer, and increase your odds for success.

When Luke Brewster got into bowhunting Whitetails it was a simple pursuit to put venison in the family freezer as well as a chance to spend time in the Illinois woods.

A Marine Corps veteran who served two tours of duty in Afghanistan, the Virginian enjoyed being in the outdoors. “My dad (Jim) black-powder hunted for whitetails and I went fishing with him a lot over the years,” said Brewster, who lived in Bristow, VA with his wife and daughter.

After his military discharge from the Marines , Brewster went deer hunting with a friend. He didn’t fill a tag on that hunt but he was excited to see does and wanted to hunt more.

When one of those friends invited him to go hunting with him at his mom’s property, Luke borrowed his Dad’s rifle and went deer hunting. He fell in love “with how peaceful and quiet it all was.”

Soon after he purchased a compound bow and learned to shoot. In 2015 Luke drove to his father’s land in Illinois which was a good area for Whitetails. He met Brent Cearlock, Justin Cearlock, and Ron Waggoner, friends of his family, and they quickly became Brewster’s deer-hunting mentors as he continued his bowhunting journey.

Ever wonder about soaking your wild game in salt water, milk or vinegar? Chef Paul puts the ideas of this practice to rest! www.wildcookin.com

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Robert Hoague Field Notes, Photos and Blog. I began doing this on the original Bowhunting.net Website back in the 1996. When we recently changed to the current Magazine and News format the software didn’t have a format for it. So I cooked one up. CLICK HERE.

October 27th, 2022 Morning Hunt
The morning didn’t start off like I would have liked. As I’m putting my outer layers of camo on at the back of my truck, in the dark, I realized I forgot to clean my clothes off after my last hunt. I had gotten down early to scout a small piece of property where I had recent trail camera pictures of 2 good bucks.

So, I ended up walking through a bunch of stick tights and there must have been a thousand of them stuck to my pants and coat.  Every step I took on the way to my stand sounded like I was pulling two pieces of velcro appart. Once at the stand I decide to put some EverCalm on a couple of nearby trees.  I forgot that I had already tied my pull up rope to my bow and I ended up wrapping about 20′ of it around multiple trees.

I got the rope untangled, climbed up the tree and and as I’m finished my prepwork in the treestand I nock my arrow, but I pushed it too hard onto the string and activated the lighted nock.  By now all I can do is shake my head.

Hard to believe I’ve been doing this for 30 years!

I spend the next 20 minutes of dark and the first 30 minutes of daylight cleaning the stick tights off my clothes as quietly as possible. The first deer I see is a doe. As I turn to see her on the other side of the tree she spots me moving. She starts to stomp and blow at me.

Three of my best-scoring whitetail deer were taken with a crossbow during a firearms season.  In deer camps where every hunter had a 200-500 yard rifle, how can a crossbow compete?  First, state regulation can be “picky” about crossbows, yet most reduce or eliminate restrictions when everyone else is carrying a rifle.  Secondly, the archery tag allowed me to take a second deer.  Archery success may sound nearly impossible, yet here’s how to succeed.

Think Thick

The above 8-point was taken in the last hour of daylight on the last day in camp.  While my rifle-toting buddies searched for vast visibility and long-range shooting, I searched for thick cover, the kinds of places bucks seek when pressured.  This buck passed by at 20 yards, searching for a doe and an arrow through the boiler room anchored it.

First Success

Deer drives are used frequently in firearm seasons.  Our gang often pushed deer into thick cover where they seemed to vanish.  I chose to hide in the middle of a dense cedar bottom and tackle these “ghost bucks” at close range.  First try, first success. The buck attempted to sneak away, and at such close quarters, the suspense was heart-pounding.  It entered a tiny opening and saw my figure sitting against a small tree, but the arrow caught it before it could whirl and run.  Since then, I have taken three bucks in four days of hunting in firearms season.

Prepare for the Cold

Patience is a prerequisite for crossbow hunting in firearms seasons.  Many rifle hunters use box blinds or protected stands where they maximize visibility in search of moving deer and are partially protected from the elements.  Crossbow hunters want just the opposite.  You want deer moving naturally where they move cautiously and respond to grunts and rattling.  Make sure you have a warm cushion to sit on and a backpack filled with extra insulation and hot coffee, whatever you need to stay put and engaged.

Think Creatively

As the pumpkin army invades the deer woods, wily bucks head for small patches of thick cover, often in areas where rifle hunting is not allowed.  Ironically, look for “Deer Crossing” signs in urban and suburban areas which indicate abundant deer numbers.  Even small tracts of land with “No Hunting” signs have potential.  Many residents with small properties don’t want guns cracking near their homes, yet welcome a means of reducing deer damage.  Look for these out-of-the-way places and you may have a honey-hole for life.

Typicals Whitetail Bucks are the clean, symmetrical headgear that comes to mind when most bowhunters think of truly giant deer. A world record ‘Typical’ Whitetail buck flirts with the 200-inch mark.

The Pope and Young Club’s latest 200-class entry into the top 10 all-time typical whitetail list made the book in 2003. The previous entry was 1965. Likewise, the last 200-class buck to break into Boone and Crocket Club’s list, which includes gun-hunted deer, was also killed in 2003, and 2000 before that.

Compared to the non-typical whitetail records — where four of the top five Pope and Young records were killed since 2000 — it’s easy to see why many consider world record typical whitetail the pinnacle of all hunting trophies: the rarest of the rare.

The P&Y’s minimum score for a typical whitetail is 125 inches. For a Whitetail buck to break into the top five listed here, and possibly become a world record typical whitetail, a mind-bending 197 inches-and-change is needed.

By Matt Smythe

Back in the 90’s I met Mel Johnson on a Caribou hunt in Quebec. I recognized his name instaitly and introduced myself. We had an enjoyable conversation about his bowhunting experiences in his home state of Illinois. And eventually the conversation turned to his World Record P&Y Whitetail Buck. Mel was a very cool guy. Back in 1965 Mel saw a buck that was, as he described him, “larger than usual” and Mel was hunting for him near a soybean field after work, and …

Heck, Nobody can tell Mel’s story like Mel can. Click on the video below and hear from him directly!  Enjoy.

In terms of wild game cuisine, Squirrel is the other white meat. Squirrel meat is tender and lean with a mild flavor, and it’s a first-rate wild game alternative to pork, chicken and wild turkey. Plus, it can be prepared using the same techniques and recipes you already know. While squirrels can be cooked in an infinite number of ways, for me, nothing beats the simple, classic fried squirrel.

Additionally, fried squirrel is perfect for introducing people to cooking and eating wild game. It’s familiar enough in appearance that even picky eaters are acceptable to try it out. And it’s easy to cook, practically anyone can do it.

Plus, the results are delicious enough to turn even staunch skeptics. I once brought a tray of fried squirrel to a local bar and handed it out to the regulars, city slickers, who ate every last piece with gusto.

But, like fried chicken, not all fried squirrels are created equal. If not prepared properly, it can be chewy and underwhelming. The trick to A-OK fried squirrel is paying attention to the details and following a few simple steps.

First, marinate the squirrel in buttermilk or a lightly salted brine. Then, give the meat a thorough and layered dredging in flour. Finally, finish the squirrel in a hot oven after it’s been fried in oil to crispy perfection.

Ben Rising of The Deer Society has his sights set on a huge Illinois Whitetail Buck named “Scissors”. This buck had eluded hunters for years, but Ben Rising took a different approach to hunting this big mature buck. What happens next is what whitetail bowhunters dreams are made of.

  The Deer Society

Nothing improves accuracy like a solid rest.  You can have a gun or bow that shoots dime-size groups at 1,000 yards, but if you lack a steady base, accuracy suffers.  I bought a Final Rest Grip-N-Rip for an African safari and the Professional Hunter loved it so much, he would not let it return.  I quickly ordered another and have nothing but praise for the unit that functions like five tools in one.

Stand-Up Shooting–

Off-hand shooting is the least accurate position, yet in thick cover, it may be the only option.  African hunters have used a tripod of wooden “sticks” for generations and American hunters are learning how effective they can be.  Carry the Final Rest fully extended at optimal moments and a shot that was normally too far can become dead solid. It transfers from 17.5 inches of steadiness up to 58 inches.

Solid, Smooth Sliding

“You can tell the caliber of a photographer by the quality of his tripod” a saying goes because a solid, quality tripod yields sharp images at long range.  The same is true for hunting rests.  Legs lock solidly, are easily adjustable for uneven terrain, and operate with ease.  Cheap tripods quickly fill with dirt and debris causing them to jam, but even the “light” version of the Final Rest Grip-N-Rip tripod operates easily and quietly.

Large Mouth Grip

You can practically kick a field goal through the locking jaws of the Final Rest.  Large adjustment knobs make altering the width quick and easy.  They will accommodate most rifles and crossbows giving the shooter a rock-solid rest.  Because the rest locks onto the stock, the tripod not only eliminates up-and-down movement but side-to-side as well.  Slide the stock into the jaws of this vice on a tripod and you have both hands free to work a call, use binoculars, or catch a breather.

Most hunters only dream of taking a 400-inch-plus bull Elk, but if you happen to live and hunt in the right area, those dreams might come true more than once.

Although he’s only 16-years-old, Cody Vine of Greenhaven, Ariz., already has a monster bull to his credit, having tagged an 9×8 that scored 448 while hunting his state’s late rifle season a few years ago. The next step? Take a trophy-caliber elk with his bow.

After 5 years of applying, Vine drew a coveted Unit 9 archery Elk tag, a permit that many times takes much longer to pull.

“That particular archery tag takes residents usually 16 to 20 years to draw,” he said. “I just got lucky.”

Prior to the hunt, which took place in the Kaibab National Forest, Vine set a goal of harvesting a bull in the 375-inch range. Fortunately, his hunting partner would be his dad, James, one of the partners in and a guide for Shadow Valley Outfitters, an Arizona-based guiding service known for leading hunters to big bull Elk.

According to a newly released LSU AgCenter estimate.  Louisiana’s growing population of feral hogs causes $91.1 million in damage to agricultural and timber lands each year.

Based on responses to a 2021 survey, the study found that hog damage costs landowners $66.2 million in crop losses and $24.9 million in other expenses annually. More than 950 people completed the survey, representing nearly 660,000 acres of crop fields, pastures and woods.

The wild hogs cause a myriad of problems to Louisiana agriculture, an industry worth $12 billion annually. The hogs root up, wallow in and trample crops, tree seedlings and wildlife food plots. They also are known to wreak havoc on pastures, drains, levees, fences and waterways.

“Feral swine continue to be a growing problem to farmers, ranchers, foresters and landowners in many areas of the U.S. and are considered to be one of the most damaging invasive species in existence,” wrote study authors Michael Salassi, associate vice president and program leader for plant and animal sciences; Melissa Cater, director of the Northeast Region; and Glen Gentry, director of the Doyle Chambers Central Research Station and the Bob R. Jones-Idlewild Research Station.

Feral hogs have been part of the American landscape since the 1500s, when early explorers and settlers imported swine as a food source. Free-range livestock management practices and escapes from enclosures led to the first feral hog populations taking hold.

In my opinion, ‘The Hunting Public’ understands how to bowhunt, even if it’s under tough conditions. Uphill and rugged, no problem. Dense cover, bring it on. Gotta walk a long, long way, heck yea. And they always watch their hunting buddies backs; all while enjoying what they’re doing and having some straight up FUN. By Robert Hoague

 The Hunting Public

Sydney Wells of Barstool Outdoors gets ready for the 2022 deer season opening weekend at the Wells Family on their farm. Sydney definitely knows how to make a fun, enjoyable video. Opening day of this year’s  bow season went good for her too.

Sika deer are Asian elk and duplicate many behaviors of their cousins in the West.  The rut is in Mid-October and the swamps of the Eastern Shore ring with Sika’s whistling bugles. Normally, nearly nocturnal, these water-loving creatures roam the swamps searching for females where savvy archers wait in ambush.  Andrew Kaetzel and Josh Lashley set out for a weekend’s adventure and each had success taking one stag and two hines (females).

Small Animal- Huge Challenge

Sika hunting is very popular and Kaetzel and Lashley used a canoe to get deep into a public hunting area where few hunters could penetrate.  “This is one of the most physical hunts I’ve ever been on,” said Kaetzel.  We had to wear chest waders and fight our way through dense swamps and fields of phragmites, plants that grow six-to-ten feet high and are as thick as dog hair.  They wore bug suits because mosquitoes were prolific.

Archery or Muzzleloader

The duo chose to hunt the week prior to Maryland’s muzzleloading season which opens the third week of October.  Using Ravin and TenPoint crossbows, they hoped to make the most of any archery opportunities.  They used climbing tree stands that overlooked swamps and phragmites patches.  Sika deer weigh between 40 and 75 pounds so they become swallowed up in tall vegetation making shots very difficult.

I just truly enjoy managing deer and observing their behavior and feel like I’ve had some success lately. For those of you who enjoy creating and maintaining scrapes, I started this set of scrapes in 2019.

The last 2 years the deer have used the above licking branch year round. In the last week I had over 2000 pictures. In that time there were 10 different bucks using it; at least 3 bucks were 5 years or older, and lots were of does and fawns.

I really hope to add a horizontal rub next year just for the photo and video opportunities. The 11 point typical is no more than 4 years old, I actually thought he might only be 2 last year, but this year’s pictures make me think he’s 4.

With the pressure we’ve received lately and the amount of ground he covered last year, I don’t expect him to make it through the season and wouldn’t blame anyone for shooting him, but if he can somehow make it one more year, he should be a net B&C next year.

I can’t say enough about Buck Fever Synthetics scents. I’ve never received a thing from this company, but I’m telling you it works! I put their forehead scent on the branches everytime I’m there. I also use their Pre/Post and Full Rut scent in the scrape.

Katlin Maus continues her bowhunting pursuits for her Youtube.com channel Katlin Maus Outdoors. Katlin’s self-filming skills are accomplished and her bowhunting abilities are clearly up to speed.

Katlin is all about the hunt and self-operating and it shows as she evaluates her trail camera pictures and locates an area to intercept the Big Buck ‘Swoops.’. Through her self-filming process Katlin takes us along with her as she selects the best places for her treestands — and puts her bow to good use. All while videoing her own hunts. And all while we hang out with her.

Her sincerity, know-how and genuine excitement make her videos special. Enjoy!

 Kaitlyn Maus Outdoors