Hunting and Fishing News Blog Articles

TenPoint has just introduced the new Venom X, which weighs less than seven pounds, costs just over $1,000, and is designed to handle any North American game.  The experience-proven ACUslide cocking system allows a hunter to cock and decock the bow with the turn of a crank, which nests into the handle of the bow, ensuring it stays in place.

Out of the Box

I’m conducting a crossbow seminar for the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association and asked to borrow a TenPoint crossbow for the event so that the assembled press can have a hands-on experience.  When the box arrived, I noticed it was bulging from one end and wondered how such a trim machine could be bulging.  Opening the box, I found the bow in a TenPoint soft case, completely assembled and including arrows and rail lube.

Multi-Functional Case

This TenPoint case is worth mentioning because it allows a person to ship a crossbow safely without the need for elaborate and expensive packaging.  It features two side pockets that can hold a dozen arrows each, and the inside padding helps protect the bow and keeps the rail centered in the middle of the case.  The case features a handy soft handle on one end and two pack straps, allowing you to carry the bow on your back in the backcountry or through a brushy tree stand access without worrying about tweaking a string or losing arrows.

Strut Your Stuff

The strut, a brace between the stock and the Picatinny rail, can save your hunt.  I once took several crossbows to Africa for a plains game safari, and while sighting in one of them, I leaned it against a post in my host’s yard.  While we retrieved arrows, the bow tipped over in soft grass, a seemingly innocent bump in the road.  However, my next shot was two feet high.  Because the Picatinny rail was not reinforced, the scope was bumped significantly off its zero position.

Easy-Peasy Cocking

The crank cocking system developed by TenPoint has been the industry standard for a decade.  Although they have tweaked the ACUslide system over the years, it remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to cock and decock a crossbow.  If I have a quality target in camp, I like to return after a day of hunting and shoot my bow to ensure everything is spot on, even if I have to do so in the headlights of a vehicle.  Firing an arrow into the ground unloads the bow, but it can be dangerous and expensive.  Quality arrows don’t come cheap, and you may crack or damage an arrow without knowing it, which can be a serious situation.  The ACUslide system allows you to cock and decock your bow safely and with little effort, assuring your bow is ready for the next hunt.

In Pennsylvania, it is challenging for bucks to reach maturity due to a large hunting population, an extended deer season, and a high incidence of deer-vehicle collisions. Fortunately, some hunters in PA are beginning to pass on younger bucks, allowing more of them to reach older age classes. During the 2024 Pennsylvania archery season, I decided to pass on several younger bucks in the hopes of harvesting a mature buck I named Houdini. One of the younger bucks I passed was named Sole Survivor, and it was a difficult choice to make. I hope it pays off in 2025!

Sole Survivor earned his name in early 2024 after I captured a SpyPoint video of him in January. I chose this name because he was the only surviving mature buck out of the fifteen that frequented my property. I developed a plan to establish a new food plot to provide additional food for the deer and encourage them to stay on my property. My goal was to give Sole Survivor a reason to visit during the archery season. I dedicated the spring to putting this plan into action.

The new food plot was thriving in late July when I first spotted Sole Survivor. I recognized him by the distinct shape of the left side of his antlers, which were still in velvet. I was confident that he would continue to grow larger as the summer progressed. Sole Survivor consistently visited my food plots and waterholes throughout the season, and I eagerly anticipated seeing what he would look like once he shed his velvet.

Sole Survivor shed his velvet and continued to frequent my property. He enjoyed the lush clover and the cool water in the waterhole. For a 4.5-year-old deer, he looked fantastic. I set up a few more SpyPoint cameras to determine his travel patterns to the food plots. It didn’t take long to figure out that he was bedding at the back of my property, near the swamp, and using a specific trail to reach the plots for feeding. I decided to set up a Vanish Evolution XOP treestand near Sole Survivor’s bedding area to hunt him early in the season while he followed his travel pattern.

If you spend time on any social media platform, you’ll notice hunters often arguing over minor issues. However, in recent weeks, they have set those disagreements aside to unite against the selling of Western land. Senator Mike Lee (R) from Utah proposed selling this land to developers, but, understandably, the situation did not unfold as he had hoped.

On June 16th, news surfaced about a provision in the “Big Beautiful Bill” that would permit the sale of millions of acres of land in eleven western states. As awareness of this troubling development grew, leaders within hunting communities began to voice their concerns about the importance of coming together to advocate against the sale of this land to private contractors. Hunting influencers like Cameron Hanes and Steven Rinella used their social media platform to urge hunters to come together and reach out to their representatives.

Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming were the eleven states included in Lee’s proposal. Many of these states are popular destinations for elk hunters from around the globe. Each of these states offers public land where hunters can pursue a variety of big game species, including moose, bears, deer, mountain sheep, mule deer, mountain lions, and more. The potential economic impact on these states could have been devastating.

Hunters began contacting their state representatives to express their concerns about Lee’s land sale. The united front was evident through the numerous phone calls, emails, and texts sent to these representatives. Five Republican senators—Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Rep. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR), and Rep. David Valadao (R-CA)—joined forces to oppose the inclusion of public land in the bill, each stating they would vote “No” on the legislation. Senators from both parties also started to advocate for the removal of public land sales from the bill.

The practice of managing land to cultivate high-quality whitetail deer is becoming increasingly popular across the United States. Hunters are clearing land, creating food plots, planting screening cover, and using elevated blinds. I enjoy exploring the various types of elevated blinds at the outdoor expos and shows I attend.

One company that really stands out to me is NXT GEN Hunting Blinds. What immediately caught my attention were the unique features that differentiate these blinds from others. Made in Stoneboro, Pennsylvania, they are designed to be scent-tight and remarkably quiet, thanks to their carpeted interior. This distinctive selling point intrigued me, and I was fortunate enough to speak with Jalin, a sales manager at the company, who kindly invited me to tour their shop.

Jalin graciously took me on a tour of the NXT GEN Hunting Blinds manufacturing center. I observed the careful assembly of the blinds, which included creating double-pane tinted windows and constructing bases for 5-foot blinds. Each part of the blind was made and assembled into kits ready for shipping. Jalin mentioned that the blinds are scent-tight and extremely quiet due to their carpeted interiors, which spoke volumes about the quality of their manufacturing process. This left me feeling reassured and confident in the product.

Jalin and I left the shop, and he took me to view a few completed demo models. He explained that NXT GEN manufactures two series of blinds tailored for hunters: the NXT GEN Classic Series and the NXT GEN Deluxe Series. Both series come in various sizes, including a 5-foot base with eight sides, a 6-foot base with ten sides, and a 7-foot base with twelve sides. Other standard features include:

14.5″ x 26″, quiet, vertical slide, tinted windows in every panel.

Fully carpeted interior.

Full 7′ ceiling.

Insulated ceiling covered in a Durable PVC commercial roof membrane

Available Features                            Classic                                    Deluxe

Side Entry (6′ and 7′ Models)                  X                                            X

Bottom Entry                                           X                                            X

Single Pane Windows                              X                                           NO

Double Pane Windows                           NO                                          X

Insulated Panels                                      NO                                         X

Smart Siding                                            X                                            X

As I inspected the finished blinds, I couldn’t help but admire their impressive features. The whisper-quiet window track system was a significant improvement, showcasing the innovative design of the blinds. The effortless movement of the windows, which slide up and down silently, was truly remarkable and a feature that would undoubtedly enhance the hunting experience. For archery hunting from the blind, the double-pane tinted windows are ideal, offering both visibility and concealment.

The four-year quest to take down a giant Pennsylvania buck comes to an unexpected end!

What Happened?

“Abby, here comes a buck. Get ready!” I watched my daughter aim her crossbow as the 8-point stopped at the mock scrape. The sound of the crossbow going off caught me off guard. I watched the red-lighted nock skip off the top of the deer’s back. The buck bolted for cover and never looked back.

The buck Abby missed was a beautiful 8-point that was 2.5 years old. I had plenty of trail camera pictures and videos of the buck. I hoped the buck would give Abby another opportunity later in the season. Unfortunately, the buck disappeared and never returned.

Welcome Back

“Abby, you have to see this trail camera picture!” I heard Abby open her bedroom door and run down the hall. Abby looked over my shoulder at the SpyPoint trail camera picture. “Is that the buck I missed last year?” she asked. I shook my head and stared at the picture. The buck was shedding his velvet, and he looked impressive. I knew it was the buck she missed because he was following the same pattern from the previous year.

“Dad, are you sure that is the same buck?” Abby asked. I showed Abby the picture again, and she had more questions. “Dad, did the buck have a kicker off his left G2 last year?” “Nope. He said that for the first time this year!” I replied. Abby looked at the picture longer and finally agreed it was the same deer. “I want redemption on that deer! Dad, can we hunt him again this year?” I promised Abby we would go after him during the rut.

Abracadabra

The hope of getting a picture of the vanishing buck weighed heavily on my mind. What was the chance he would come back to the sixty-acre farm? In August, my prayers were answered, and the buck showed up. I showed Abby the picture of him in velvet, and she said, ” He Is Huge!” Abby and I thought about a name for the buck. Abby suggested Magic Man. I laughed, knowing she was referencing the movie Talladega Nights. Suddenly, a name popped into my head, and I said, “Houdini!” Abby grinned and said, “I like it!”

I spent countless hours in the stand hunting Houdini. This 4.5-year-old buck, known for his elusive nature, had me in knots. I hunted all season without ever seeing him from the stand. He vanished again!

Groundhog Day

Houdini showed up again the following August in the same spot! I felt like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day. The buck once again had an enormous frame with a kicker on his left G2 and matching G4 points. I couldn’t believe how massive his body was. The 5.5-year-old buck was going to be a challenge to hunt.

Houdini stayed longer on the farm, but he was nocturnal. I was happy seeing all the pictures and waited patiently for the rut to arrive. Houdini left the farm before the rut kicked in, and I never saw him again that fall.

Strings are essential for traditional bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Have you ever wondered what goes into the process of making strings? What materials are they made out of? What drives someone to become a string maker? I have always wanted to know, so I asked Randy Duren from Apollo Strings about the process.

Who is Randy Duren?

Randy lives in Glen Rose, Texas, about 45 miles south of Fort Worth. He works as a Maintenance Training Instructor at the nuclear power plant to pay for his archery career. He’s been bow hunting nearly all his life, but Randy didn’t get into 3D archery until about halfway through the 2016 season. His oldest son started shooting local ASA state qualifiers, and since Randy was taking him to the shoots, he started getting into the sport. It quickly became an addiction to make it into the pro ranks and be competitive there.

What Made Randy Become a String Maker?

Randy aspired to make a living in archery, but crafting strings was not his first choice. When he had the chance to learn how to make bowstrings, he eagerly accepted the opportunity. Since then, he has developed a passion for creating strings for all types of bows.

Materials

Randy primarily uses Bloodline Brave 99 materials to create Apollo Bowstrings. These materials are chosen for their exceptional qualities, which include abrasion resistance, minimal stretching, and a long lifespan. They significantly enhance the string’s performance and durability. Although Randy is open to using standard BCY materials upon request, he strongly recommends the Bloodline materials because of their superior quality and the benefits they provide to archers.

What Makes Apollo Strings Stand Out?

Randy believes that the feedback from bow shops and many of his customers highlights their admiration for the precise construction of Apollo Strings. Most of the time, immediately upon installation, the bow is in perfect time and specification. Randy points out, “Bow shops especially appreciate not having to press the bow multiple times to get the cables twisted just right. The precision, ease of installation, and high-quality materials make Apollo Strings stand out in the market.” He is committed to ensuring that each component is as close to the perfect length as possible, making the installation of their strings extremely easy, even for those who prefer a DIY approach.

Deer season is open 365 days a year… with a camera.  If you are like most archers, you enjoy the anticipation and preparation of the off-season ALMOST as much as a cold October morning on stand.  Perhaps you have mineral sites in operation and do your best to enhance deer nutrition, plant a food plot with pricy seeds that benefit wildlife year-round, or keep all of your trail cameras in place so that you know what’s happening in your favorite deer locations.

Monitoring Predators

A newly created mineral site is getting daily attention in front of my Stealth Cam Revolver 360.  Unfortunately, I have seen four bears and a bobcat in the same area during the past two weeks, which is a very concerning situation. Pennsylvania Game Commission research has shown black bears to be significant predators of fawns, and a mature bobcat can easily take down a fawn during its first few months of development.

Revolver 360

I posted this Stealth Cam camera for the first time last year and am very pleased with the results. Often, animals pass to the left or right of my main camera focus, and the lenses’ 360-degree nature ensures no animals are missed. Since I attached the camera to a tree, it captures a 180-degree area, yet this still triples the number of images of a standard camera. The following article lists six reasons to keep your camera clicking during the summer and is very well written.

Great Camera Tips from Stealthcam

For six reasons for running summer cameras, click here.

Dads are often frugal and don’t want to spend money on themselves.  Here is a group of products bound to excite any archery dad.  Most can be ordered online, or pick out your favorite and visit a local sporting goods store.  Happy Father’s Day!

Morrell High Roller-

Every archer needs a foam target to ensure their broadheads impact like target points, and this flashy target has a multitude of dots to increase accuracy.  Aim small, miss small is a common phrase, and the small white circles maximize this principle.  The High Roller is ultra-portable, and some instinctive archers like to pitch it and shoot where it lands.  In elk camp, it also makes a great camp stool. www.morrelltargets.com 

Grim Reaper Whitetail Specials

My West Virginia buck went less than 20 yards after a shoulder hit with this ultra-lethal broadhead with two-inch blades.  Whether you prefer expandable or fixed braodheads, the Grim Reaper brand has a full line for compounds and crossbows to “watch ’em drop.”  www.grimreaperbroadheads.com

Help Dad Get Lucky with Lucky Buck

Does and bucks need minerals at this time of year.  Female deer are nursing young and need all the minerals they can find, while bucks are growing antlers, and the better nourished their bodies, the healthier their racks.  Lucky Buck comes ready to use- just pour it on the ground.  www.Lucky-Buck.com

Bear Alaskan XT

Our Assistant Editor searched the 2025 ATA show for a new bow.  After shooting and examining quite a few, he chose the Bear Alaskan XT.  This mid-price bow launches arrows up to 335 fps and can be ordered as a complete package with rest, stabilizer, quiver, D-loop, and peep sight installed.  This bow is literally ready to hunt out of the box.  www.Beararchery.com 

Zachary, an assistant editor, booked an African safari for the summer of 2025 and roamed the halls of the Archery Trade Association Show last January looking for the perfect bow. Price was a concern, yet sacrificing quality is a huge mistake, especially on an African safari. After considering and shooting various brands, he chose the Bear Alaskan XT, which arrived last week amid great anticipation.

Go for the Package

Whenever a person buys a new bow, the question is, “Should I go for the package or install the accessories from my old bow?”  On one hand, you get to use the sight, rest, etc, you are familiar with.  On the other hand, many bows come with gear designed to perform specifically for a bow.  The Alaskan XT is the latter, with an Integrated Picatinny sight and the Integrated Mounting  Rest System® machined into the riser. This compound bow package is also deadened by strategically placed in-riser dampeners and upgraded with a roller cable slide. All that packed into a forgiving 6.25” brace height and 33” axle-to-axle package.

Ultra Adjustable

The adjustability of the Alaskan XT is a considerable benefit.  Zachary has three target animals: a black wildebeest, a waterbuck, and a warthog.  The XT is adjustable from 45 to 60 pounds or 55-70 pounds.  Both are suitable for African plains game, yet he also has an Idaho elk hunt planned for fall, and cranking up the poundage to a full 70 pounds will be advantageous.  The bow can launch at 335 fps with a reduced draw weight let-off of 80 percent.

Out of the Box, Almost

Zachary sighted in the new bow the day before and was anxious to show his proficiency on my back deck.  His plan is to hunt by spot-and-stalk methods, yet if that doesn’t work out, he could end up in an elevated blind, which made the back-deck practice very realistic.  The sighting system of the Alaskan XT is a large peep sight attached to a cable by a rubber tube and sighted through a Trophy Ridge 4-pin sight with a round housing.  When I could shoot a compound bow, this was my go-to formula that put a circle within a circle and a pin in the target, a very accurate formula.

Containment Rest

The rest on the Alaskan XT is a containment, whisker-style rest, especially important for a mobile, spot-and-stalk hunter.  An archer in a tree stand will be stationary, and an arrow rarely falls from a rest.  However, the stalking hunter must move with the arrow nocked and in place, and it’s easy for an arrow to pop off the rest or not align properly.

Seeing an adult doe with twin fawns used to be the rule but increasingly seems to be the exception. Most herds are still healthy but recruitment rates seem to be declining nationwide. Fortunately, there are ways to improve the situation.

Predator Control

As we discuss harvesting crops, let’s start with the low-hanging fruit. It seems almost intuitive that predator control will improve fawn production. It sounds good in theory, but often falls short in practice. For the most part, we’re talking about coyotes, and widespread efforts to eradicate them have failed time and time again. That doesn’t mean they can’t be controlled.

Concentrated trapping and eradication programs have had some success in small, localized areas. However, such efforts are only a short-term (annual) remedy,  and can be quite expensive – between $200 and $300 a day. And it has to be done right. Coyotes are resilient and adaptable, and some research suggests that when conducted casually or improperly, control programs can actually have an effect opposite of what was intended. In summary, we can reduce predator numbers over the short term, but we can’t really control them. Besides, there are better ways to boost fawn production.

Herd Management

One is to control the prey. The deer’s natural defense against predation is an adaptation called predator swamping. They produce a glut of potential prey by dropping fawns in a relatively short, synchronous time period. Predators can only take so many, leaving the others time to get their feet under them literally. Maintaining a healthy doe population ensures a sufficient number to do the job.

Most deer management is directed toward females as they represent the reproductive potential of the herd. The goal is to have enough does that they can withstand predation, but not so many that habitat and herd health suffer. Every situation is different, and it takes time and effort to determine the proper population level for any given property. For better or worse, it’s very hard to over-harvest deer. Removing some deer means there are fewer out there, and they wise up quickly. Even on intensively managed properties, results often fall short of objectives.

Excalibur, the most trusted name in recurve-style crossbows, has gone hybrid by adding the increased power stroke of cams and compound technology.  I have had a Micro 360 Excalibur Crossbow for nearly 10 years, and it shoots as well as the day I received it.  It’s never been re-strung or relaxed and keeps launching accurate arrows from a simple recurve frame.  Now add compound features, and the speed goes from fast to supersonic.

Features

Drawing a longbow on a wily gobbler may seem impossible, yet it can be done with the right gear.  You will need a pop-up hunting blind that is tall enough to allow you to draw and shoot without a limb striking material.  Next, you will want decoys, probably a jake and a hen in the breeding position.  Post the decoys no more than 10 yards from your blind so the shot is close.

Practice Realistically

Instinctive shooters draw, aim, and release in a single motion like winding up and throwing a baseball.  Even if you become nearly perfect on a foam target, instinctive shooters must decide exactly where they will aim.  A spring gobbler is nearly two-thirds feathers, and the kill zone is tiny when strutting.  An ideal practice situation is shooting from your blind at a 3-D gobbler target in various positions.

Maximum Patience Required

I’ve been hunting turkeys from blinds for about 10 years, and few situations in hunting require more patience than turkey hunting using this tactic.  You may have toms gobbling in all directions or hear gunshots at birds on your property, yet your odds are greatest for taking a tom by biding your time.  The same is true once a gobbler spots your decoys and casually approaches.  As you will see in this video, the archer exercised great patience before shooting, selected an exact impact spot, drew, and released.

Watch this Missouri Tom Go Down

Saddle hunting or box blind?  Ironically, sometimes polar opposite approaches can reach the same result.  Here’s the case for an enclosed, elevated blind.  Once a tactic only popular in the South, the “shooting house” concept has become commonplace thanks to commercial offerings such as The Shadow Hunter shown in the image above.  Hunters post these enclosed blinds near food, water, or travel corridors and rely on the blinds’ “permanence” to have deer ignore their presence.  Several years ago, I had one built in a remote section of our hunt club, and it has served my family well.

Wake Up, Hunter!

My grandchildren live in Idaho, so when they visit, they must adjust a West Coast sleep schedule to a much earlier East Coast wake-up call.  As a result, they rarely stay in my enclosed blind for more than an hour until they doze off.  Last fall, I used a Primos Can caller as my youngest slept in his shooting chair.  Suddenly, I heard a noise outside the blind and spotted a buck just a few feet away.  Immediately, I rousted the 12-year-old from his nap and pointed to the deer.  Despite the quick wake-up, the lad made a perfect 30-yard shot with his Excalibur crossbow.

Ideal for Families

Another grandson has severe respiratory problems that are greatly compounded in cold weather.  Because the blind is contained, I can use a heater inside to keep temperatures in a moderate range.  Also, the whitetail rut can be cold and blustery, and having a weatherproof shelter to hunt from keeps us in the hunt longer.  The concealment of the blind is perfect for youngsters who have difficulty holding still, and in a box blind, they don’t have to.  Coaching is much easier because sound is suppressed, and family conversation keeps things light as long as it’s in a soft voice.

Inside and Out

The Shadow Hunter blind is an example of intelligent design.  The elevated platform allows a deer to see under the blind and helps avoid scent detection, especially in warm temperatures when thermals will rise.  Secondly, the “porch” enables the ability to hunt outside the enclosure, and I often choose to sit on my porch where I have increased hearing and enjoy the ambiance of a fall day.  Finally, blinds should be built to accommodate archers and firearm hunters with windows that open and shut quietly and allow shots in multiple directions.

For the Shadow Blind website and a brief product video, click here.

What if you built a ground blind that matched its surroundings perfectly and included images of live game animals?  Is that not the perfect hunting scenario? GhostBlind took this concept and developed two models that reflect what a deer, turkey, or coyote sees, a reflection of its environment, while you sit behind a screen at full draw of safety-off, ready for action.

Like “Fanning”

The best time to hunt turkeys or deer is during the mating season when males are motivated to breed and actively seek to confront rivals.  Turkey hunters often use a gobbler replica to entice dominant gobblers into point-blank range, and what could be more realistic than a turkey seeing an image of itself?  No decoy is needed, and the reflection shows all of the elements of an aggressive turkey.  Hens also become territorial during breeding, often approaching another hen’s image to assert dominance.

The Specs from the Manufacturer

GhostBlind Phantom offers a unique hunting experience, making you virtually invisible in any terrain and bringing the game closer than ever. With durable, shatterproof, and waterproof fluted polypropylene panels, it’s built to last season after season. Plus, lightning-fast setup and teardown means you’re always ready to adapt, ensuring every hunt is your best.

The 6-panel Phantom model is 35” tall and 102” wide. Optional height extenders can add 6” to the top of the blind.

CONSTRUCTION

Sometimes the best hunting advice has no words, and this is undoubtedly one of them.  As a bowhunter, you will see gobblers up close and it’s important to recognize “tells” about their behavior.  The more excited a gobbler becomes, the more its head changes color.  A tom about to breed will have a snow white head and its snood (that long, slender piece of flesh dropping from its head will get longer.

Red Isn’t Dead

If a gobbler approaches at close range and his head suddenly changes from white to red, the gobbler suspects danger.  Either it sensed you moving, a coyote sneaked in, or some other danger.  When feeling threatened, the snood will also get shorter.  If either or both of these changes occur, be ready to take the first high-percentage shot.

Where to Aim

I bagged two toms this spring with a Barnett crossbow, one taken with a Grim Reaper Crossbow head just above the beard and the other in “the shiny spot,” an area at the top of a gobbler’s legs.  This brief video offers a range of benefits for shooting and hunting, and it’s enjoyable to watch repeatedly.  Light it up, tom!

Here’s the Gobble

The days of lugging heavy lock-on stands and long ladder segments are over. Treestand manufacturers utilize high-quality materials, such as ultralight aluminum, to produce superior products. Lightweight lock-on stands and climbing sticks have changed the game for serious hunters who like to be mobile.

Vantage Evolution

A few years ago, I purchased two lightweight treestands from XOP. I chose the Vantage Evolution model because the stand platform was small, the seat cushion was thick, and the stand weighed 10.9 pounds. Along with the stands, I also purchased the Quick Connect system. The Quick Connect system makes hanging and leveling the stand a breeze. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting in that stand. Later in the archery season, I harvested a beautiful 8-point from that stand.

YouTube Hunt Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11Nf1V49tSw&list=PLv3FZ6P9KVadeiqejbNd9s_U5QRD7O4f4&index=18

Climbing Sticks

XOP makes a set of climbing sticks called the X2. The sticks are unbelievably light, weighing 26 ounces. They come in a pack of 4 and feature a side-lock system for easy stacking, an extra-large standoff distance of 5 inches, and they are aider-ready, allowing you to space them further apart. Each XOP stick is approximately 18 inches long, and its aggressive teeth provide a tight grip on the tree. The four sticks together weigh slightly over 6 pounds!

Aiders are a Huge Help.

I never used climbing sticks before, but I wanted to try them. After getting my XOP sticks, I purchased aiders from Rich Witner to space my steps out further. After my aiders arrived, I headed to the farm with my XOP stand and X2 sticks to see where to hang them. I was amazed at how easily I could carry the stand and the sticks into the woods. I honestly felt like I wasn’t carrying anything. After locating a study maple tree near the bean field, I set up the sticks and hung the stand in under 10 minutes. It was so easy!

More secrets of the morel mushroom remain hidden than all the treasure on earth.  Mushrooms emerge as a relationship between tree roots and a fungus, the reason that “patches” of morels appear in the same place year after year, AND the reason why those locations remain top secret.  Even if a batch of tasty morels isn’t your primary goal, learning where these tasty yummies grow and how to find them can turn a silent turkey hunt into a culinary celebration.

A Shroomer Shares his Tactics

Spring mock scrapes are an excellent way to inventory new deer entering your property. After the hunting season, bucks filter into new areas vacated by harvested bucks. A well-placed mock scrape allows new deer to introduce themselves through their glandular communication, and it helps them learn about the deer already on the property.

The first place to make mock scrapes is outside of a bedding area. Locate the bedding area’s primary entrance and exit routes, and place a mock scrape at each location. Almost every deer entering or leaving the bedding area will stop to hit the scrape. Hang a trail camera or cellular camera and keep a close eye on the activity that will take place.

Natural funnels make an excellent place for a spring mock scrape. Again, I like to put a mock scrape at both ends of the funnel. I want deer to communicate as they enter and leave the funnel. Each time a deer stops at one of the scrapes, my trail cameras have the opportunity to catch it in action.

Brian Kightlinger will continue this post tomorrow.  Mock scrapes can be magical, and he is the master.

When I got to the roost, the late-season boss gobbler was on the ground.  It was on a small flat just over a rise, and I dared not crest the hill for worry of being seen.  Gripping my crossbow in my left hand, I settled against a small oak trunk and began scratching in the leaves with my right hand, hoping to catch the tom as it crested the horizon at point-blank range.  I scratched again, and the tom gobbled, seemingly a little closer.  A minute or more of silence prompted me to glance down and scratch the leaves, but as I looked up, the tom was clearly in view.  Busted!!!

Wait Them Out

That gobbler that out-foxed me had been hunted many times and was very call-shy.  The spring was arid, and I knew rustling leaves could be heard a long way.  The gobbler above was equally elusive, but I knew where it strutted each morning.  Instead of trying to call it as in the previous day, I sneaked to that spot well before dawn and waited.  Sitting and waiting as the tom gobbled on the roost was difficult, but an ambush seemed the only way to succeed.  Peeking over a rise, I saw the gobbler approaching with its hens and bided my time.  When the bird closed to 25 yards and went to full strut, my arrow pierced its vitals.

Quality Calling Works

The more realistically you can produce turkey sounds, the more successful you will be, especially with a bow and arrow, which requires getting turkey gobblers into very close range.  Box and slate-and-peg callers are easy to operate and may cause a gobbler to come looking for you.  Becoming proficient with a diaphragm caller is a huge benefit because you can make an alluring sound without using your hands.  The two previous paragraphs were created to show that sometimes you can call or ambush a gobbler by making no call.

Identifying turkey sounds and what they mean is critical to turkey-hunting success. The following video explains this well, and I urge you to take a few minutes to brush up on gobbler vocabulary.

Can You Duplicate These Sounds?

What day is this?